Sykes overjoyed with ZX-10R progress
In his third year with Kawasaki in World Superbike, Tom Sykes has already obtained a series of positive results in the early part of the season. In just two rounds he has scored three podiums (one second and two thirds) and a fourth place. The performance of the Kawasaki ZX-10R ha salso made a major step forward especially over race distance, even though a drop-off in the second half is something that still remains to be resolved before the Akashi manufacturer's bike can be up at the front with the Vee engines on a permanent basis.
"The "V" configuration engines have always been more easier on the tyre life" declared Sykes, "but Kawasaki have done a great job and we have definitely closed the gap to our competitors. General set up of our bike has helped a lot with the tyre life. I'm sure we can keep working in this area and it is something we aim to improve."
The excellent job done over the winter by the Kawasaki Racing Team together with the Japanese manufacturer's base is turning Sykes and the bike into constantly impressive performers, quite a change from previous seasons. Every aspect of the bike has been improved and it is now performing well on circuits with different characteristics.
"I would say I can get it stopped well and out of the corner well but this is also something that I do on most bikes. The ZX10R is definitely good in these areas but we need to make some small improvements to other areas, such as front feeling/traction. Overall I would say we now have a good base setting with the Kawasaki."
One aspect not to be overlooked is the feeling reached by ‘The Grinner' with the bike, especially the front end. This allows him to take it the limit all the time, and puts him in a position to push hard without running the risk of crashing.
"We have made improvements in just about every area of the bike...especially the general balance. All of these small changes have made a big improvement and it has enabled me to have a better feeling so I can be stronger over race distance so I can ride on the limit more safely."
