With its ZX-10RR and its flagship rider Jonathan Rea, Kawasaki has managed to make WSBK its preserve for several years now. However, the competition has worked over the seasons to titillate the Ninja and the Northern Irishman perfectly matched to the green color. In 2021, the men at the Akashi factory swear that with the latest approved model, a new lead will be taken over adversaries who must already be worrying...
At Kawasaki, we are generally discreet but before this season of WSBK starts, we seem to decide to take the risk of showing off. At least that's the state of mind that seems animated Guim Roda, the official team director of the brand engaged in the category. On the site WorldSBK.com, he indeed declares: “ with this model, Kawasaki adapts series production to the rules of the World Championship. The new bike has more potential ". And he adds: “ I would be worried if I were one of the competing drivers ».
It must be said that the person in charge can boast a certain assurance after the Barcelona tests which actually showed drivers Kawasaki well armed. The best time was acquired at the end of the two days of testing. The new Ninja has received completely revised aerodynamics. The area around the headlights and the airbox inlet have been modified to optimize the arrival of fresh air. There are also updates to the engine and changes to the chassis, weight distribution and swingarm.
Guim Roda: “a big step forward”
On the engine side, a titanium camshaft and lighter pistons specially developed by Pankl in Austria have been assigned to the in-line four-cylinder which now takes 14 rpm. “ These five or six changes combined can make a big step forward »Assures Stem.
« We have a new bike and we need to find the best balance between the different configurations », also explains Stem about working on essays. “ We try to find the best compromise during testing so that we can take the next step with the new components. From what the pilots have said so far, we have greater potential than last year ».
In addition to the visibly satisfactory hardware, there is a pair of top-notch drivers. “ Our boys are so focused and train very hard. Although Johnny Rea has already won so many world titles, he is stronger and better than ever this year. He understands his body and knows how to improve every year ". His teammate alex lowes would not be left out coming back from a shoulder injury he suffered during motocross training: “ Alex has a good reference as a teammate. We have good competition in the team ».
Everything is going well in the best of all possible worlds at Kawasaki. An optimism which also puts a certain pressure, because defeat is, in such a context, unthinkable.
