Sport bikes often use large-bore throttle bodies to generate high levels of power. However, with large diameter throttles, when a rider suddenly opens the throttle, the unrestricted torque response can be strong. Dual throttle valve technology was designed to tame engine response while contributing to performance.

On models with dual throttle valves, there are two throttle valves per cylinder: in addition to the main valves, which are physically linked to the throttle grip and controlled by the rider, a second set of valves, opened and closed by the ECU, precisely regulates intake airflow to ensure a natural, linear response. With the air passing through the throttle bodies becoming smoother, combustion efficiency in improved and power is increased.

Using high-precision electronic control for engine management, Kawasaki models can achieve a high level of fuel efficiency. However, fuel consumption is greatly affected by throttle use, gear selection, and other elements under the rider's control. The Economical Riding Indicator is a function that indicates when current riding conditions are consuming a low amount of fuel. The system continuously monitors fuel consumption, regardless of vehicle speed, engine speed, throttle position and other riding conditions. When fuel consumption is low for a given speed (i.e. fuel efficiency is high), an "ECO" mark appears on the instrument panel. By riding so that the "ECO" mark remains on, fuel consumption can be reduced.

While effective vehicle speed and engine speed may vary by model, paying attention to conditions that cause the "ECO" mark to appear can help riders improve their fuel efficiency – a handy way to increase cruising range. Further, keeping fuel consumption low also helps minimise negative impact on the environment.

KTRC, Kawasaki's advanced traction control system provides both enhanced sport riding performance and the confidence to negotiate low-traction surfaces. Multiple rider-selectable modes (the number of modes varies by model) offer progressively greater levels of intrusion to suit the riding situation and rider preference.

Less intrusive modes maintain optimum traction during cornering. Designed with sport riding in mind, they facilitate acceleration out of corners by maximising forward drive from the rear wheel. And because Kawasaki’s sophisticated software bases its dynamic analysis on the chassis’ orientation relative to the track surface (rather than relative to a horizontal plane), it is able to take into account corner camber, gradient, etc, and adapt accordingly.

In the more intrusive modes (and for some models, in any mode), when excessive wheel spin is detected, engine output is reduced to allow grip to be regained, effectively enabling riders to negotiate both short, challenging patches (train tracks or manhole covers) and extended stretches of low-traction conditions (wet pavement, cobblestone, gravel) with confidence.

Some models equipped with IMU incorporate chassis-orientation feedback to offer even more precise management.

For off-road models, KTRC facilitates acceleration out of corners by mitigating excessive rear wheel spin in low-traction conditions. Multiple modes allow riders to set the level of traction control to suit preference or course conditions.

Originally offered on Kawasaki’s on-road motorcycles, clever technology enables riders to connect to their motorcycle wirelessly. Using the smartphone application “RIDEOLOGY THE APP MOTORCYCLE,” a number of instrument functions can be accessed, contributing to an enhanced motorcycling experience. Vehicle information (such as the odometer, fuel gauge, maintenance schedule, etc) can be viewed on the smartphone. Riding logs (varies by model, but may include GPS route, gear position, rpm, and other information) can be viewed on the smartphone and shared with other app users. When connected, telephone (call, mail) notices are displayed on the instrument panel. Riders can also make changes to their motorcycle’s instrument display settings (preferred units, clock and date setting, etc) via the smartphone. On select models, features like Navigation and Voice Command are also supported. And on certain models, it is even possible to check and adjust vehicle settings (such as Rider Mode, electronic rider support features, and payload settings) using the smartphone.

On KX competition motorcycles with smartphone connectivity, riders can use the application “RIDEOLOGY THE APP KX” to adjust their bike’s engine maps. Real-time Engine Monitoring, and Maintenance and Setup Logs are also available. For KX models equipped with GPS, “RIDEOLOGY THE APP KX2” offers additional functions like Trip Logs that riders can use to create track maps and analyse their performance. Traction Control Selection and Launch Control Selection allow riders to set and fine-tune these functions from the smartphone.

For side x sides, all-terrain vehicles and personal watercraft, “RIDEOLOGY THE APP POWERSPORTS” contributes to an enhanced off-roading or on-water experience. In addition to Trip Log recording and sharing, and vehicle management and maintenance support functions similar to those offered for on-road motorcycles, functions unique to off-road four-wheelers and personal watercraft are also available. Group Ride enables group members to view each other’s locations on an in-app map on the smartphone. Geofence functionality alerts app users of no-entry and other zones. For select personal watercraft, RIDEOLOGY THE APP POWERSPORTS can also share person-overboard information with nearby app users.

Feature availability and functionality vary by model and application. For more information, please refer to the Kawasaki Connect web site.

RIDEOLOGY THE APP MOTORCYCLE:

https://www.global-kawasaki-motors.com/kawasaki_connect/en/mc.html

RIDEOLOGY THE APP KX:

https://www.global-kawasaki-motors.com/kawasaki_connect/en/kx.html

RIDEOLOGY THE APP POWERSPORTS:

https://www.global-kawasaki-motors.com/kawasaki_connect/en/ps.html

Kawasaki ABS systems use front and rear wheel sensors to constantly monitor wheel speed. Should information from either of the sensors indicate that wheel lock has occurred, the ABS ECU directs the pump in the ABS unit to modulate brake fluid pressure (releasing and reapplying pressure so that traction can be regained) until normal operation resumes. On models with front-wheel ABS, the same principles apply.