PROJECT BENJI 2013 ZX-10R ABS
We tested many standard superbikes, but now we came up with a great idea to start a i-Moto Feature called Project Test Rides. Most of the bikerswe know when they buy a certain bike, there are sure to customize some parts. Usually with a slip-on or some after market accessories. So we start our latest feature on a Kawasaki ZX-10R which is owned by Benji. We will title it Project Benji ZX-10R to give the owner credits of the effort they put in to customise their loved machine and allowing us to review for a couple of days.
Reviewing bikes is our job, but as standard practise we will need some time to get comfortable with the bikes we review, as we get accustomed with the bike, it does allow us to do a better review of these bikes. We normally will ride the bike to 90% of the bike’s ability, big and small cc. Instead of riding a stock standard ZX-10R from Kawasaki Malaysia, we choose Project Benji ZX-10R, so here our review.
The starting point we looked at rigidity, rake/trail, power output, power delivery, suspension action, etc. are what make the sole of a motorcycle and its ability to talk to the rider and its owner. We will try to describe even small upgrade , but just as important aspects are ergonomics, handling and power and performance. We ride as it is. with no tweak to suit us.
When I first sat on Benji’s ZX-10R, it felt good…good as in natural. I sat on the bike, where my hands naturally went to the controls, where I sat. Scorpion slip on with a Yoshimura mid system roared the neighbourhood at the push of the electric start button. Benji whom is also a track junkie so you will see the ZX-10R are fitted with Pirelli SuperCorsa SC2 front 120/70 ZR17 and a bigger rear 200/55 ZR 17 tyre, standard size is 190/55 ZR17 Bridgestones BT606 . 
Starlane Quickshifter was added with reverse gearing so full throttle on 1st gear and shifting to second and the front wheel goes up, even on L (Low mode). I set the mode to mode F (Full) after an hour or so after riding it and the advanced Sport-Kawasaki Traction Control (S-KTRC) I set it to 1 immediately. I off the ABS or KIBS on a few occasions. Just to try on non assisted traction. 
Adding to the list of up grades are BMC filter which is made of a multi-layered cotton gauze soaked with low viscosity oil covered with an epoxy coated alloy mesh to ensure protection from petrol fumes and oxidization due to air humidity, especially in Malaysian weather thus increase 1-2 hp and improve acceleration at low rpm. Once I got Benji’s toy, I spend the whole day riding and review it and visited the Sg Buloh Bike Fest, rode to Nilai to meet a client, and the next morning 6.30am, I was off to ride the ZX-10R to our famous Sunday bikers Ulu Yam high speed corners and the twisty short corners of Kuala Kubu Baru to Frazer’s Hills. I was with a former racer named Lee Ching Hooi who now runs a superbike riding course know as Progressive Track Day and some of his students and friends. Took a short break at the foot of Frazer hill and down we went to Bentong and back to Karak. Topspeed we took was 260km/h but Benji has taken his bike to 301km/h with a little bit down hill.
I ridden the Kawasaki Ninja 1000 (called 1000SX in Europe) through the same route, through its more smooth compare to this nimble but more powerful ZX-10R, the standard ZX-10R which cranks at 197 hp at 11500 rpm but Project Benji’s ZX-10R should have 5-8 additional horsepower under the faring as he did some customized port and polished.
External outlook Benji wanted to design the ZX-10R to look like a WSBK race bike. ARP Racing rearset, single seater cover, Zero Gravity smoked windshield, R&G crash protectors, Tech Spec tank grip, AKON Racing rear hugger and Brembo RCS19 master brake pump for better front braking feel fitted with DP Racing brake pad. 
520 DID Chain.
The toughest part if this job is when we get use to the review bike, its usually time to return the bike back to the rightful owner or the manufacturer.
Standard 2013 Kawasaki ZX-10R ABS
The Kawasaki ZX-10R ABS comes standard with Ohlins damper with potent 16-valve, DOHC, Liquid-cooled inline-four displacing 998cc engine. Big Piston Fork (BPF) helps maintain composure under braking. Sport-Kawasaki Traction Control (S-KTRC) continuously monitors wheel speed, throttle position, engine rpm and a host of other data to help ensure the optimal amount of traction with Advanced Kawasaki Intelligent Anti-lock Braking System monitors a wide range of data, and allows optimum wheelspin while enhancing rider control.
Project Benji Kawasaki ZX-10R
Exhaust System : Scorpion slip on with a Yoshimura mid system
Tyres Front: Pirelli SuperCorsa SC2 120/70 ZR17
Tyres Rear: Pirelli SuperCorsa SC2 200/55 ZR 17
Rear set : ARP Racing rearset
Zero Gravity smoked windshield
R&G crash protectors
Tech Spec tank grip
AKON Racing rear hugger
Brembo RCS19 master brake pump DP Racing brake pad.
520 DID Chain
Single seater cover
About: Benjamin Khiong (Benji) is a business man. Benji also owns a Suzuki Belang 150cc, besides his Kawasaki ZX-10R is a certified Malaysian Motorcycle Marshall who loves MotoGP and Valentino Rossi. Love speed and enjoys his weekend riding and at the track.
