October 25, 2008

Akrapovic Optional Link Pipe for ZX10R 2008

From the Akrapovic catalog :
"Measurements of the Akrapovic SLIP-ON OPEN +optional link pipe system on the Kawasaki ZX 10R (without noise damper):
Power & Torque: The Akrapovic SLIP-ON system will deliver a big power and torque increase from a simple modification. Power output is smoother over the entire rpm range. We measured a max. power of 171.6 HP at 12350 rpm on back wheel and max. power increase of 10.3 HP at 12400 rpm. The torque is increased over the entire rpm range, which is exceptionally useful for more comfortable and smooth riding. With our SLIP-ON systems you will also save 3.48 kg in comparison with the stock muffler."


I didn't blog when I install the slip-on. I've always been a fan to Akrapovic. The finishing and performance are excellent. I ordered my slip-on with the optional link pipe because the full system is too damn expensive. Attaching a slip-on is mainly for the sound. Akra is unique for me, the noise is well kept on the low rev and it'll sing high note on high rev. Just great when getting home late at night from TTS without waking up the neighbours.

I ordered mine from Mok Motor. Who else for me? Hehe... the link pipe has been misordered. So that day I just installed the slip-on. I want to test my bike for a few months first before modding the exhaust. So I can appreciate how the Akra feels. It was great in torque, but I sacrifice the top-end. On Sepang straight in standard, it could reach up to 280km/h at the end, but on the Akra I could only manage 265km/h. No PCIII is installed, but that must be it. It's still runs on the standard ECU programming.

After close to three months, Mok gave me a call, jus like Ah Meng, "Wei... itu link pipe sudah sampai liau...". Hehehe... another music to my ears.


The link pipe. It's made from a stainless steel. But it'll stain anyway.
Hollow.. nothing is inside.


Goodies that comes together with it. Nothing much, no manuals. The manuals are shipped with the slip-on.


This one have to go. Hehe... Akra claims it save me 3.48kg, but I just gain weight 5kg.
Every action has an opposite and equal reaction. That's why I'm playing futsal!


Ah Wah is fitting it. He only use the hammer.
Nahh.... I'm just kidding.


Easy as 1, 2, 3. Perfect fit.


I managed to get a MotoGP voice out of this bike for a while. And I was thinking on holding to this config. Hmm... Bad idea.


The looks after finish isn't noticeable. Just like a standard.
...and I'm loving it.

Overall, the RPM increase much more better, smoother. Since it's is direct now, the sound are much more excellent too. How does it performs? Gonna wait for tomorrow.

15.11.08 22:02 : Update :



I've tried the slip on with the link pipe for about three weeks now. Previously I use the stock for 3 months, and just the slip-on for another 3. I love it! There is no backfire, and I didn't even do any mapping or install a PCIII yet. I've ask few riders behind me and they confirmed there was never a back fire from this setup. This must means that the mixture of air and fuel are well. But a PCIII of course will make sure it went well from all the RPM range. The torque improvement is very noticeable, it has been notice since the slip-on was installed. But with link pipe, it is much more smoother throughout the RPM, you'll love the low and mid. Top range is not that good. RPM ranging from 10k-13k is a little disappointment, but acceptable for the performance gain. Sounds great too, especially on the high range.

My next step is the BMC air filter, still in dilemma over race and street version, then probably the PCIII.

Related links :
http://300kmj.blogspot.com/2008/12/akrapovic-optional-link-pipe-for-zx10r.html

October 20, 2008

Kawasaki Ninja 250R for India : changes being made


We told you about the Kawasaki Ninja 250R for the Indian market here.
The news is very much confirmed. Infact, after Yamaha launched a baby R1, named the YZF-R15 for around USD $2400, Bajaj (the company who wants to get the Ninja 250R to India), is now working on localizing some of the components to reduce the cost of the Ninja 250R to around Rs 1.6 lakh or USd $ 3500.
It will be interested to see if this can happen!

Worth reading:
Yamaha's naked 160cc for India
India gets GP edition 150cc from Honda
TVS, an Indian manufacturer launches FI 160cc bike

October 17, 2008

Kawasaki Ninja 250R for the Interstate / highway?

Lot of prospective owners / current owners of the little Kawasaki Ninja 250R have this question - can the bike be good on the interstate or highways?

Well, i came across this forum where a guy wanted to know if it was ok to ride his Ninja 250R on the interstate which had a limit of 65mph / 104km/h.

The little Ninja can surely do around 90mph or 144km/h (true speed) any day. I reckon, this bike can easily keep up with the traffic and stay at 65-70mph easily.

Read the forum for more.

In the meantime, have a look at the 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250R and the performance figures for the Ninja 250R

October 15, 2008

2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250R



Here is the official picture of the 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250R. Nothing much has changed, but the new color combination looks quite good.

Pricing as per the website remains between USD $3999 - USD $4099.

Colors are now: Metallic Diablo Black, Sunbeam Red, Candy Thunder Blue, Special Edition Lime Green / Metallic Diablo Black

There is a special edition version ( Lime Green / Metallic Diablo Black) Which also looks to get wheel stripes.

Also read

Get 5 more bhp from the 250R
Performance figures for the 250R
Tyre upgrades for the Ninja 250R
Ninja 250R first ride report