Kawasaki ZX-14 $13,399
Engine L-C 16V 1352 Inline-Four
Seat HT. 31.5 IN.
Wheelbase 57.5 IN.
Kawasaki's hyperbike returns basically unchanged from last year, but we're not complaining. The ZX-14's ability to combine serious top-end power and comfort in a bike that eats quarter-mile or 1000-mile chunks of pavement with equal aplomb is still unmatched. Add $300 for a special version in Metallic Titanium/Metallic Spark Black paint.
Kawasaki Z1000 $10,499
Engine L-C 16V 1043 Inline-Four
Seat HT. 32.1 IN.
Wheelbase 56.7 IN.
Kawasaki's liter-class street bruiser returns in an all-new design for '10, with a new bigger displacement (1043cc) engine that will offer a much stronger low- and midrange powerband. The new all-aluminum chassis uses a horizontally mounted shock to keep seat height low, and the 41mm inverted fork gains compression damping adjustability.
Kawasaki Concours 14 /ABS 14,599/$15,299
Engine L-C 16V 1352 Inline-Four
Seat HT. 32.1 IN.
Wheelbase 59.8 IN.
The winner of our '08 sport-touring shootout, the big Connie gets a host of upgrades for '10. These include traction control, revised bodywork, larger windscreen, improved mirrors, heated grips, an "economy assistance" engine mode, tank bag hooks, and new suspension settings with redesigned Bridgestone BT-021 tires for improved handling and wear.
Kawasaki ZX-10R $12,999
Engine L-C 16V 998 Inline-Four
Seat HT. 32.7 IN.
Wheelbase 55.7 IN.
The ZX-10R garnered SR's literbike crown two years running with its solid combination of user-friendly chassis/suspension and engine that was once again the beast of the class, with an upper-midrange/top-end charge that will peel your eyelids off. Thankfully, the braking package is up to the task. Special edition All-Japan Superbike paint is $200 extra.
Kawasaki ZX-6R $10,499
Engine L-C 16V 599 Inline-Four
Seat HT. 32.1 IN.
Wheelbase 55.1 IN.
Radically revised for '09, the ZX-6R basically steamrolled the middleweight class, so Kawasaki wisely left everything intact this year. The 6R's beefy engine will put the hurt on any of its competition, and its "Big Piston" Showa fork-equipped chassis offers confidence-inspiring handling that allows you to exploit that power.
Kawasaki Versys $7599
Engine L-C 8V 649 Inline-Twin
Seat HT. 33.1 IN.
Wheelbase 55.7 IN.
A portmanteau of "versatile system", the Versys certainly fits the bill. Utilizing the 649cc vertical twin engine in a taller and more comfortable chassis than the Ninja 650R, the Versys also has upgraded suspension that allows it to fill more roles. A more upright riding position and adjustable windscreen are just part of the Versys' amenities.
Kawasaki ER-6n $6699
Engine L-C 8V 649 Inline-Twin|Seat HT. 28.7 IN.|Wheelbase 55.3 IN.
Originally a European model that debuted in '07, the ER-6n returns for a second year Stateside. Basically taking the Ninja 650R and stripping off the bodywork for a more mechanical, urban look, the naked-styled ER-6n retains the 650R's peppy performance and fuel-sipping practicality in an easy-to-ride package that costs $400 less.
Kawasaki Ninja 250R $4299
Engine L-C 8V 249 Inline-Twin
Seat HT. 30.5 IN.
Wheelbase 55.1 IN.
You might be hard-pressed to find a Ninja 250R at the dealership. The long-running Ninjette was substantially upgraded two years ago, and with its small size but surprising performance combined with a low sticker price and gas-sipping engine appealing to many buyers, Kawasaki is having a hard time meeting demand.
Kawasaki Ninja 650R $7099
Engine L-C 8V 649 Inline-Twin
Seat HT. 31.1 IN.
Wheelbase 55.5 IN.
The original application for Kawasaki's new 649cc vertical twin, the superb Ninja 650R is one of those motorcycles that appeals to both the novice and expert rider. It received more than 40 updates last year, including revised suspension and fuel injection settings, and sportier bodywork, so Kawasaki left the '10 version well enough alone.
Kawasaki KLX250SF $5599
Engine L-C 4V 249 SINGLE
Seat HT. 33.9 IN.
Wheelbase 56.3 IN.
Introduced last year, the KLX250SF puts more of a street-oriented, supermoto-spin on the company's popular KLX250 models, with 17-inch wheels, fatter tires, lowered suspension, and a bigger front disc brake. With its electric-start, liquid-cooled, four-valve engine (descended from the KX250F motocross model), zippy yet frugal fun is assured.