Kawasaki has thoroughly revised the engine and chassis of its ZX-10R for 2008. The 998cc Inline Four has been retuned for increased high-rpm performance with the addition of oval-shaped 43mm throttle bodies, a second set of fuel injectors, a larger air box and a host of internal engine changes. The additional power is kept in line by a new ignition system that features “torque management,”a.k.a. traction control, which monitors throttle position, gear position and rate of RPM change and adjusts the ignition timing to tame “sudden unwanted RPM spikes.” The Ninja’s twin-spar aluminum frame and swingarm have been revised to enhance rigidity and feedback. A new subframe and seat provide a new riding position and better rider feel. The aluminum alloy wheels have been made lighter and stronger, and front brake rotors have grown to 310mm. Redesigned bodywork and mirrors with integrated turn signals complete the $11,549 package. Kawasaki has given its Ninja 250R a fresh makeover for 2008. The liquid-cooled, DOHC, eight-valve, 249cc parallel twin has been retuned for better low-end and midrange performance via some internal revisions and a new, two-into-one exhaust system. In the chassis department, the fork legs are now thicker (37 vs. 36mm) and the single front brake rotor has grown to 290mm. New full fairings with dual headlights and upgraded 17-inch wheels give the $3499 machine a strong family resemblance to its bigger brother Ninjas. Kawasaki claims it has unleashed more horsepower across the rev range of the 2008 ZX-14 while still meeting strict EURO III emissions restrictions. The 14’s liquid-cooled, DOHC, dual-counter-balanced, 1352cc Inline Four gets new intake porting and new fine-atomizing fuel injectors, while reductions in the mechanical noise of the engine and revisions to the emissions system (including the addition of a third catalyzer) have allowed the new exhaust system to remain relatively free-flowing and horsepower-friendly. The $11,699 ZX-14’s aluminum monocoque frame is now die-cast instead of gravity-cast to save weight. For more details and photos of the new 2008 Kawasaki sportbikes look in the November 2007 issue of Roadracing World magazine.