First Look - 2013 Early Release Kawasakis

Kawasaki just released information on a few of its 2013 models including the ZX-10R ABS/ZX-10R, new Ninja 650 ABS, Ninja 650, KLR650 and KLX250S. Not much has changed on these models, but a couple of key updates are worth mentioning.

Ninja 650 ABS/Ninja 650

The popular Ninja 650 ($7599), which was just freshened up last year, gets anti-lock brakes as a $500 option for 2013. The ABS works on the same pair of 300mm petal-shaped rotors pinched by twin-piston calipers up front and a 220mm disc/single-piston caliper out back. Beyond the ABS option, however, the 649cc parallel-Twin-powered middleweight sportbike is identical to the 2012 model. Available colors include Pearl Stardust White, Candy Thunder Blue and Metallic Flat Spark Black.

Ninja ZX-10R ABS/Ninja ZX-10R

Kawasaki was the first of the Japanese Big Four to embrace the electronic rider-aid revolution with its S-KTRC traction-control system on the ZX-10R in 2011, so it's no surprise that the company has further enhanced its flagship superbike with additional electronic features. For 2013, the 10R is fitted with an Öhlins electronic steering damper controlled by a dedicated ECU. This electronic control unit reacts to the rate of acceleration, deceleration and rear-wheel speed to alter damping force in the twin-tube unit, providing light steering response at low speeds and well-damped stability at high speeds. As before, the 10R is available with ABS ($15,299) or without (for $1000 less) in either Lime Green/Metallic Spark Black or the new Pearl Flat White/Metallic Spark Black paint schemes.

Also returning for ’13 are the KLR650 ($6499) and KLX250S ($5099) dual-purpose machines, both of which remain unchanged.