Page 11 of Kawasaki Motorcycles by Kawasaki USA

Chassis: Track Tuned Dimensions for Expert Performance In automobile racing the rule is simple get it low and cornering is improved. Motorcycles are much more dynamic. Motorcycles do not simply tilt at the tire patch they roll on their center of gravity to turn into and out of corners. The closer the motorcycles mass is placed to this roll center, the lighter and quicker it handles. For 2006 the ZX-10Rs engine has been repositioned to locate the crankshaft higher, which, together with the frame modifications, results in a higher CG that is closer to the ideal roll center and improved mass centralization. Placing more of the motorcycles mass closer to the roll center reduces the mass inertia thus reducing the effort required to roll (lean) into and out of corners. This is particularly noticeable when flipping the bike from side to side through a series of high-speed esses, or when returning the bike to vertical on corner exit. The new CG along with the comprehensive package of chassis upgrades makes the ZX- 10R a track tool of unsurpassed potential. Likewise, it offers supersport enthusiasts the brilliant handling performance for track or street that they demand. To enter a turn, the lower half of a motorcycles mass must rotate to the outside of the corner while the upper half must rotate to the inside of the corner. The closer you place the mass along the longitudinal center of gravity, the quicker, sharper, and lighter handling the bike will be.

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