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2009 Kawasaki ZX-10R

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2009 Kawasaki ZX-10R
2009 Kawasaki Zx10r Measuring Fender

2009 Kawasaki ZX-10R

Longterm Test

By Dave Sonsky
Photography by Dave Sonsky

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Miles Ridden: 3200
Modifications: Fender eliminator kit, oil and filter change

Though I'm not a father, I've discovered some of my nurturing qualities bubbling up recently. OK, so changing diapers or waking up for wee-hour feedings is about as far from fun as I can fathom, but there's another bit of caretaking that scratches my certain spot just right. But we ain't talkin' about babies-not humans anyways.

That's right-the ZX-10R is my girl. Naw, I'm not gonna give up a kidney to save her or anything like that, and I'd sacrifice her to a gravel trap at the local track without losing too much sleep. But, keeping her clean and in good health are at the top of my priority list.

At 2500 miles I arranged for delivery of a new oil filter and some semi- synthetic oil, and 500 miles later she was fresh and feeling livelier than before with all that previously scorched sludge out of her veins. An OE replacement filter from Kawi and four quarts of Spectro's 10W-40 Golden semi-synthetic did the trick.

With healthier insides the Ninja clearly needed some attention on the outside-particularly on the posterior. A Competition Werkes fender eliminator kit came into my clutches, but to be honest I neglected the installation because these things can sometimes cause a bit of grief with all the wire splicing and undertray hacking that can be asked. Thankfully, this one was quick and easy, and even an electrical ignoramus like me was able to get the blinkers, err... blinking.

From start to finish, the fender eliminator installation was done and dusted in under an hour-pretty good considering how nice the end result is. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this as a DIY job for even the most novice wrenchers either.

A much tighter tail makes the Ninja a lot easier on the eyes, and paired with the V&H pipe, the once repellent appearance is starting to really come around.

Competition Werkes Fender Eliminator
$129.95
www.competitionwerkes.com

Spectro 10W-40 Golden Oil
$9.99/liter
www.spectro-oils.com

Coming Next Month: RSD windscreen and anything else that comes my way.

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