Ninja theory: Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R

In Japanese history, the ninja was synonymous with stealth attacks. However, it is hard to imagine the cloaked assassins' namesake, the 2010 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R, sneaking up on anyone. With its trademark lime-green paintwork and screaming, snarling engine, the Ninja grabs your attention, both visually and aurally.

In pictures: Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R

Earlier versions of the ZX-10R bore some comparisons to the ruthlessly efficient, black-clad warriors of Japanese history, regarded as somewhat raw, unforgiving and extremely powerful sportsbikes better suited to the track than the road. Producing a claimed 200bhp at the crankshaft, the 2010 Ninja has retained the power and excitement of earlier models, but with added refinement to curb the raw edge.

Once I press the starter button, I'm rewarded with a barking rumble from the side-mounted exhaust. This hints at just how much power the 2010 Ninja possesses, but it doesn't hit you all at once.

Under hard acceleration, the front wheel stays firmly planted, and though I feel a rush as I rapidly build up speed, my arms don't feel like they're being pulled out of their sockets.Stepping up through the gears, I also notice how smooth the transmission is, without the notchy ‘clunk' you feel on some bikes. Kawasaki has renewed the ZX-10R's shifting mechanism, similar to the gearbox alterations on the 2009 ZX-6R, resulting in very fluid, positive gear shifts.

Making my way into the mid-morning traffic on Shaikh Zayed Road under reasonably hard acceleration, I heard a deep roar from the airbox and exhaust.

Sneaking a glance at the dash display, I was surprised to find I had already passed 100kph, despite staying in fifth gear from around 4,000rpm. This gives some indication of just how much torque the new ZX-10R produces.

The easy handling of the ZX-10R is also somewhat surprising, with the litre-bike feeling almost as flickable as a 600cc bike. This is due in part to the Ninja's weight of just 208kg, just 17kg heavier than the ZX-6R. Only when shifting the position of the bike while stationary did I notice the additional weight.

Making my way over the Garhoud Bridge and past International City, I had more opportunity to test the handling on the back roads of Al Khawaneej.

The Ninja drops into sharp turns easily, and changes direction just as readily, as I found after making a full circuit of a deserted roundabout before spearing off down an exit road.

It also pulls up quickly thanks to the four-spot, twin-disc Tokico brake callipers radial-mounted front and rear. One thing that is slightly puzzling about the ZX-10R is the front suspension, though it's fully-adjustable USD Kayaba forks perform brilliantly and can't be faulted. But why Kawasaki decided to pioneer the Showa Big Piston Forks on the 2009 ZX-6R, without fitting them to the 2010 ZX-10R, is a mystery.

Personally, I prefer the feedback of those on the current ZX-10, but I wouldn't be surprised if the Big Piston Forks show up on a subsequent model.

Aesthetically, the ZX-10R has received some improvements too. Its looks won't cater to everyone's taste, but the Ninja has always favoured interesting and slightly unconventional styling — hence the trademark lime-green colour of the special edition I rode.

The headlights have been reshaped in a pointier look, as has the nose. The side- and centre-fairings have been trimmed down, and inner covers added for aerodynamic effect and visual appeal. Fortunately, the side-mounted, silver trumpet-like exhaust of the previous model has also been replaced, with a more compact, metallic-grey muffler now in its place.

The Ninja has been Kawasaki's flagship motorcycle since it was first introduced 25 years ago. Despite the long history, or perhaps because of it, the 2010 Kawasaki ZX-10R shows the Ninja is still very much alive, and kicking hard.

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