Hungarian F1 Grand Prix 2011: Race Preview Feature - The V8 Centenary (MGP)

The 2011 Hungarian Grand Prix will be a race of anniversaries, including 100 Grands Prix for MERCEDES GP PETRONAS driver Nico Rosberg and 200 for the Mercedes-powered 2009 World Champion Jenson Button. But it will also mark a technological milestone for the sport, as the 2.4 litre V8 engine, competes in its 100th race. Here’s a summary of what the engine has achieved since its very first appearance at the 2006 Bahrain Grand Prix…


What has been the history of the 2.4 litre V8 engine since it was introduced in 2006?
Although the engine architecture and capacity has remained the same for the past five and a half seasons, the V8 engine has been operated under a wide variety of regulations. In 2006, development was free, although the engine had to last for two race weekends. For 2007, the engine was homologated (the start of the ‘frozen’ era) and had to last for two race weekends only including Saturday and Sunday - teams were free to use a different engine on Friday, to encourage them to run during practice, and ran to a maximum rev limit of 19,000 rpm. These rules remained in force for the 2008 season. Since the start of 2009, each driver has been able to call on a pool of eight engines for the entire season, and the maximum engine speed has been fixed at 18,000 rpm. In both the 2009 and 2011 seasons, the engine was also adapted to incorporate the KERS hybrid system.

What are the basic specifications of the engine?
The 2011 engine is codenamed FO108Y and is designed and developed by Mercedes-Benz HighPerformanceEngines in Brixworth, UK. It has a maximum capacity of 2.4 litres, while its architecture is fixed at eight cylinders in a ‘V’ configuration, with a bank angle of 90 degrees. The engine’s minimum weight is fixed by regulation at 95 kg, and it develops over 750 bhp.

How much mileage does the V8 engine now do?
Since the start of the 2006 season, the Mercedes-Benz V8 engine has completed a total of 102,427 race kilometres – 89% of the possible total. Under the 2006 rules, each individual engine had a life of around 1,000 km, while each engine now completes approximately 2,000 km.

How many wins has the Mercedes-Benz V8 engine taken?
The most successful season for the engine was in 2009, when it took a total of 10 race wins (59% of the season total), 10 pole positions and five fastest laps – as well as both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships. The least successful season was in 2006, when the engine won no races. Since the engine was homologated for the start of the 2007 season, it has taken a total of 32 wins from 81 races - a winning percentage of 40%.

What other statistics has the engine accumulated?
In its 99 races so far, the engine has achieved 30 pole positions, 25 fastest laps and a total of 94 podium finishes with four teams - MERCEDES GP PETRONAS, McLaren-Mercedes, Brawn GP and Force India.

Has the engine achieved any particular milestones?
The Mercedes-Benz V8 was the first engine to score three race wins with one engine: in 2009, Jenson Button used engine FW049-01 to win races in Bahrain, Spain and Monaco. The unit went on to be used for Friday practice in Germany and Hungary, accumulating a total of 2,016 km. It also scored two pole positions (Spain and Monaco) and spent 72% of its racing laps in the lead. In the same season, engine FW058-01, used by Lewis Hamilton, also became the first hybrid-equipped engine in Formula One history to win a race, at the Hungarian Grand Prix.










* Official photos and details courtesy of MERCEDES GP PETRONAS *

Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

Canadian F1 Grand Prix 2011: Race Preview Feature - Brakes in Canada

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

Stuttgart/Brackley, Germany/United Kingdom, Jun 07, 2011

It may sound counter-intuitive but being quick in Formula One isn’t just about going fast - stopping well is also a major part of the equation. Montreal’s Circuit Gilles Villeneuve features seven braking events in all, of which six are considered to be ‘heavy’ and four involve braking from over 295 kph. It amounts to one of the toughest circuits of the year for the brakes. Getting the braking system right for Montreal involves fitting revised air ducts to optimise the cooling, and using different materials to ensure consistent performance for each one of the race’s 70 laps. It’s no small challenge…


How severe a test is Montreal for the brakes?
The energy input to the brakes is roughly double that measured in Spa. At both circuits, the drivers spend around 15 seconds of the total lap time braking; in Montreal this accounts for 20% of the lap spent on the brakes, while in Spa it only represents 14%.

Where is the heaviest braking event on the circuit?
The biggest single braking event comes at Turn 10, where the cars must slow from 295 kph to just 60 kph for the corner apex. The cars shed 235 kph in a distance of just 140m. When deceleration is at its greatest, the drivers are subjected to peak forces of some 5.5G.

How hard are the drivers working in the cockpit under braking?
The force the drivers exert on the pedal is approximately 2000 newtons – that’s equivalent to lifting 200 kg. The theoretical stopping distance of a Formula One car from 300 kph to zero is approximately 135 metres in a straight line, but varies according to drag levels and tyre grip.

What temperatures do the brakes reach?
Peak temperatures during a braking event don’t occur when maximum force is applied, but later during the braking phase owing to heat transfer rates. The discs can reach up to 1000°C while caliper temperatures stabilise at around 200°C.

What parts of the braking system are altered for a heavy braking circuit like Montreal?
The thickness and diameter of the brake discs is limited by the regulations to 28mm and 278mm respectively. The brake material – the type of carbon disc and pad – is changed between high and low severity circuits to provide the necessary durability. Large brake ducts are used in order to achieve adequate cooling; these large ducts cost around 0.2s compared to the smallest versions run during the year.

What is a typical brake balance at Montreal?
A typical figure is a front to rear brake force distribution of approximately 55% front/45% rear. However, this changes with KERS, which provides significant torque to the rear axle under braking. This means the drivers must run the brake balance even further forward to prevent the rear tyres from locking.

How will the DRS zones, and the resultant higher straightline speeds, affect the braking demands?
Braking energy inputs will be slightly increased when the DRS is activated. However, this will be highly dependent on how often it is activated during the race, and with what fuel load. Its impact will be greater on higher fuel loads.

* Official photo and report courtesy of MERCEDES GP PETRONAS *

Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

Monaco F1 Grand Prix 2011: Race Preview Feature - Working the wheel in Monaco

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

Stuttgart/Brackley, Germany/United Kingdom, May 24, 2011

In times past, Formula One drivers negotiated the Circuit de Monaco practically one-handed, their right palms rubbed raw by the thousands of gear changes required during up to 100 laps of the tortuous track in the Principality. Today’s drivers may have a slightly easier time of it, in that they can at least keep both hands on the wheel, but those hands are also significantly busier in 2011. The modern Formula One steering wheel also fulfils the function of dashboard, gear lever and clutch pedal, and the drivers have up to 32 individual controls that can be adjusted. With the increased in-cockpit workload for 2011 generated by KERS and the DRS, Monaco will present an even greater challenge for the drivers aiming to extract every last ounce of performance.


We are used to seeing the drivers’ hands as a blur in Monaco as they make constant corrections to the car. How many steering inputs are made per lap?
The steering wheel is in almost constant motion in Monaco – from major steering inputs for tight corners to the tiny corrections that they are making all the time. At the hairpin, for example, the wheel is turned through more than 180 degrees, and special front suspension is needed to generate the required turning circle. The circuit comprises 19 numbered corners but the drivers make a significant change to the steering angle approximately 130 times per lap.

How much of the lap is spent with no steering input?
The wheel is relatively centred for around ten seconds per lap – which equates to 13.5 per cent of last year’s pole time.

How has the pole position speed evolved over the past decades?
In 1980, Didier Pironi’s pole lap was set at an average speed of 140.582 kph; last year, Mark Webber did so in 162.869 kph. Pironi’s lap was 14 per cent slower than Webber’s, while even Mika Häkkinen’s 2000 pole speed of 152.651 kph was over six per cent slower.

How many controls are there on the steering wheel?
Including the rotary switches, buttons and paddles, there are approximately 32 individual controls on the wheel – although this can vary from driver to driver according to how certain switch positions are configured. The MERCEDES GP PETRONAS drivers control DRS activation with a foot pedal, rather than from the wheel. In terms of the dashboard display, the team has approximately ten options for displays which include parameters such as car speed, KERS boost or split times. The drivers generally display the available KERS boost to precisely time its deployment, and split times relative to their best lap so far.

Which controls are used most frequently?
By far the most frequently used are the gear change paddles. At Monaco, the average number of gear changes per lap is 55 – which equates to over 4,300 changes over the 78-lap race distance. Next most used is the DRS foot pedal, then the KERS button. The rotary wheels to tune the differential are also in frequent use, but not every lap.

How has the workload in the cockpit changed in 2011 compared to 2010?
On their Monaco qualifying laps in 2010, the drivers made approximately 50 control inputs on the steering wheel. The systems for 2011 have added around 20 inputs per lap, between DRS activation (with the foot) and precisely timed KERS boosts. That represents an increase of up to 40 per cent in the driver’s workload. Similarly, on in- and out-laps, the drivers also have up to ten additional operations to perform including setting engine torque and mixture modes, charging the KERS battery and talking to the engineers on the radio.

For 2011, what will a qualifying lap be like in the cockpit for the drivers?
When one calculates the total number of inputs the driver is likely to have to make, the total is impressive. 130 significant changes of steering direction; 55 gear changes; and up to 20 further inputs for DRS, KERS and any other adjustments. That gives the driver a predicted workload of over 200 different inputs per lap – and that’s before we even consider the balletic dance on the throttle and brake pedals.

* Official photo and report courtesy of MERCEDES GP PETRONAS *

Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

2010 - Yamaha FJR1300A SuperSport Tourer

Key Features:

• A light-and-rigid aluminum frame, sportbike running gear and standard hard sidebags go beautifully together.
• Pushbutton adjustable windscreen and a thick comfy seat for two are perfect for comfortable, long-distance riding.
• The world’s first supersport touring bike boasts standard ABS and adjustable ergonomics—that widen the gap between it and common sport tourers to a gaping chasm.
• Advanced air management system and adjustable bodywork keep the FJR rider looking and feeling cool.
• Instrument panel contains an electronic analog speedometer and tachometer; LCD digital odometer, dual tripmeters, gear position indicator, fuel, coolant and air temperature gauges, and clock; lights for neutral, high beam, turn signals, low oil and engine warnings—as well as real-time mileage, average mileage and air temperature.
  
  

Engine:

• Compact, lightweight 1298cc, DOHC, 16-valve, liquid-cooled inline four-cylinder engine delivers power and torque for an unequaled spread of muscle over a wide rpm range.
• Engine is a fully stressed chassis member, allowing for a lightweight frame design.
• Curved radiator with custom ducting and twin-ring cooling fans help keep engine and cockpit cool.
• Slant-block engine design uses stacked, tri-axis gearbox shafts that help minimize powerplant size while optimizing chassis geometry for balanced weight distribution and great handling.
• Lightweight forged pistons with carburized connecting rods provide superb strength and reduced reciprocating mass for outstanding high-rpm durability and performance.
• Patented electroplated ceramic composite cylinder bores ensure greater heat dissipation and thus reduced frictional power loss.
• Advanced fuel injection system is ideal for long-distance supersport-touring, delivering crisp, seamless throttle response in a variety of altitude/weather conditions.
• earshift shaft features a needle-roller bearing to reduce friction for silky-smooth shifting.
• Shaft final drive system is super-durable and virtually maintenance-free.
• Low-vibration crankshaft with two gear-driven secondary counterbalancers help deliver a glass-smooth ride with reduced rider/passenger fatigue.
• Constant-mesh 5-speed transmission utilizes wide ratios to deliver relaxed long-distance touring performance combined with seamless power and acceleration.
• Four-into-one-into-two stainless-steel exhaust optimizes engine performance across the powerband.
• Wet-sump oil system uses an easy-access cartridge-type oil filter mounted on the engine’s left side.
  

Chassis/Suspension:

• Sharp-looking bodywork and air-management system keep the bike and rider cooler; a central vent beneath the instrument panel cools the rider and reduces negative pressure for less buffeting, and fairing side panels with 1.2-inch adjustability let the rider direct airflow.
• Adjustable ergonomics: the seat can be adjusted up or down by nearly an inch, and handlebar pullback angle is three-position adjustable over a half-inch range.
• Long swingarm provides even better ride and handling characteristics, and rear spring preload adjustment is a snap.
• Standard equipment Unified Braking System w/ABS: The front brake lever activates six of the eight front braking pistons; the rear brake pedal activates two rear pistons and the other two front pistons—provides balanced anti-lock braking in all conditions.
• Ergonomically shaped, large-capacity, 6.6-gallon fuel tank offers excellent comfort and range and is constructed of steel allowing for the use of magnetic tankbags.
• Rear frame with integrated grab handle makes lifting the bike onto the centerstand a snap.
• An additional catalyst and a heated oxygen sensor are located in the exhaust for increased fuel injection control range and low emissions.
  

Additional Features:

• Subframe-fitted quick-release luggage mounts provide easy use of the standard accessory hard sidecases†, which are conveniently matched to the ignition key.
• Slim profile even with bags in place for excellent in-town maneuverability.
• Long dual seat features two-part construction using different foam densities for the front and rear sections, ensuring plush comfort for both rider and passenger.
• Big windscreen adjusts over a wide range for improved wind protection with little negative pressure.
• Sleek, cat-eye dual 12V 60/55-watt multi-reflector headlights throws an extremely broad beam for superb visibility and feature easy-access adjustment knobs; mirrors are easy to adjust and retract horizontally.
• Powerful dual-bulb taillight features integrated turn signals for a slick, one-piece look that’s aerodynamic and conspicuous.
• Integrated front turn signals with clear lenses add to the FJR1300A’s cutting-edge aerodynamic bodywork.
• Glove box contains a 12V outlet for phones, GPS units, electric vests, etc.
• Standard toolkit located in convenient storage compartment under passenger seat.

source : http://www.yamaha-motor.com/sport/products/modelhome/180/0/home.aspx

Dunlop Roadsmart Sport Touring Front Tire

Dunlop proudly introduces the Roadsmart™, an advanced sport-touring radial tire that elevates the class standard with remarkable wet-weather performance, exceptional mileage and sportbike handling.

Features:

• The best wet-weather performance of any Dunlop road tire, with long-lasting mileage to match
• MT-Multi-Tread compound rear tire incorporates a long-wearing compound in the center of the tire tread and a lateral-grip compound on each shoulder to maximize cornering performance and provide class-leading grip and feel
• Micro-sized carbon particles improve dry grip under acceleration, and wet grip is improved with a special silica additive.
• Cosecant-curve tread design with deep and long grooves to evacuate the maximum amount of water in both straight-line and cornering conditions.
  

source : http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/1/28/396/13123/ITEM/Dunlop-Roadsmart-Sport-Touring-Front-Tire.aspx?SiteID=CJ_396&WT.mc_ID=54006&WT.MC_ID=54006&SiteId=10557879-3358343-

Ducati 1198 BASE

Performance
Horsepower (bhp): 170 bhp
Torque (Ft Lbs): 97 lbs
Redline RPM: N/A RPM

Exterior
Body Material: Plastic
Frame: Steel
Hand Grip Material: Rubber

Transmission
Number Of Speeds: 6
Transmission Brands: N/A
Transmission Types: Manual

Instrumentation
Speedometer: Standard
Tachometer: Standard
Fuel Level Warning: Standard

Wheels
Rear Wheel Diameter: 17
Front Wheel Width (in): 3.5
Rear Wheel Width (in): 6

Bags & Storage
Tank Bag: Not Available
Saddle Bag(s): Not Available
Lockable Storage: Not Available

Tires
Front Tire Speed Rating: Z
Rear Tire Speed Rating: Z
Tire Brand: N/A

Fuel Economy
US MPG (City): N/A
US MPG (Combined): N/A
US MPG (Hwy): N/A

Brakes
Front Caliper Pistons: 4
Rear Caliper Pistons: 2
Rear Brake Rotor Width (mm): N/A

Suspension & Steering
Front Suspension Brand: Showa
Front Suspension Type: Inverted Fork
Rear Suspension Type: Single Sided Swing Arm

Seats
Seat Height (mm): 820
Seat Material: N/A
Seat Type: Two-Piece

Other Specs
Fuel Capacity (gal): 4.1
Number Of Speakers: N/A


source : http://sportmotorcycle.blogspot.com/2009/07/ducati-1198-2009.html

APRILIA RS 125

Technical Specifications

Engine: Liquid cooled, single cylinder two stroke. Aluminium cylinder with Nikasil coated liner. Read valve intake. Separate lubrication. 32.5 hp.

Fuel: Dell’Orto VHST 28

Bore x Stroke: 54 x 54,5 mm

Total displacement: 124,8 cc

Compression ratio: 12,5 ± 0,5:1

Fuel system: Dell’Orto VHST 28.

Ignition: Electronic CDI ignition.

Starting: Electric

Generator: 12V - 180 W

Lubrication: Separate mixing with variable displacement, volumetric pump.

Gear box: 6 speed. 1st 10/30 (0.33) 2nd 14/29 (0.48) 3rd 17/27 (0.63) 4th 19/25 (0.76) 5th 21/24 (0.87) 6th 22/23 (0.67)

Clutch: Multi-plate in oil bath.

Primary drive: Gearbox: 63/19 (3.31).

Final drive: Chain: 17/40 (2.35).

Frame: Sloping twin-spar frame in thin wall box section cast aluminium, with reinforcement cross-ribbing.

Front suspension: Upside down hydraulic fork, Ø 40 mm. Wheel travel 120 mm.

Rear suspension: Swingarm with asymmetric members in thin wall box section cast aluminium. Hydraulic monoshock with adjustable spring preload. Wheel travel 120 mm.

Brakes: Front: Floating Ø 320 mm disc. Radial caliper with four differential diameter pistons, Ø 32 mm – Ø 27 mm. Rear: Single Ø 220 mm disc. Caliper with two Ø 30 mm pistons.

Wheels: Aluminium alloy. Front 3.00 x 17”; rear 4,00 x 17”.

Tyres: Tubeless radial. Front 110/70 17”; rear 150/60 17”.

Dimensions: Overall length 76.9 inches. Overall width (at handlebars) 28.3 inches. Overall height (at windshield) 43.3 inches. Seat height 31.6 inches. Wheelbase 52.9 inches.

Dry Weight: 280lbs.
Fuel tank capacity: 3.7 gallons (.92 gallon reserve).

2009 - Yamaha FZ6R

Key Features:

• A rider in the market for an entry level or commuter 600cc bike doesn’t have to compromise performance or style to get value. The FZ6R is a great combination of performance, handling, and exciting sport bike style, but also with a low seat height that’s both adjustable to fit a wider variety of riders and also narrower where it counts to make it even easier to put both feet on the ground.
• The engine delivers smooth power just the way today’s rider needs it, brisk acceleration with plenty of torque that makes it a pleasure to get around town, with lots in reserve for when you want more. This is certainly not a “no frills” motor. It’s derived from the FZ6 motor, fuel injected and tuned for outstanding low to mid engine performance.
• Even if your primary goal is commuting to school or work, you want to be able to get out and have fun riding some twisty back roads.
  The FZ6R is ready to put a grin on your face! The diamond-shaped frame, made of high-tensile steel pipes using the engine as a structural member of the chassis, becomes the foundation for handling performance. It’s designed to provide the right rigidity balance to contribute to smooth cornering performance.
• When it comes to putting power to the pavement, the new FZ6R uses nothing less than quality radial tires, 120/70R 17-inch front and 160/60R 17-inch rear. And this bike’s excellent stopping performance is due to dual 298mm front discs and a 245mm rear disc, both with comfortable to use controls.
  

Engine:

• The fuel-injected engine in the FZ6R has been designed to meet the demands of today’s motorcyclist. This engine optimizes the entire flow from the intake of the fuel-air mixture to combustion and exhaust. Even though it shares both bore and stroke dimensions with the FZ6, the cylinder head, crankcase, intake and exhaust system, as well as the clutch and shifter, were completely redesigned for the FZ6R, creating a power unit with an entirely different character.
• The 600cc liquid-cooled 4-stroke in-line 4-cylinder engine is ready to respond with smooth, linear performance when the rider twists the throttle. Maximum output is achieved at a spirited 10,000 rpm and maximum torque is obtained at 9000 rpm. Bottom line: Its outstanding “torquey” low to mid rpm engine performance is just right for someone who enjoys commuting to work or school or riding the canyons on the weekends.
• Lightweight forged aluminum pistons are used. Because the aluminum alloy is heated and formed under pressure without having to melt it completely as in conventional casting techniques, the strength of the original metallurgic matrix of the aluminum is maintained. As a result, a forged piston is stronger than a cast one and can thus be designed for lighter weight, which contributes to a reduction in vibration. In fact, many riders will be surprised at how smooth this motor is.
• The 32-bit ECU controls the four-hole, two-direction, high-dynamic-range type fuel injectors for superior injection control. By delivering the precise fuel-air mixture needed for conditions, the engine can deliver great power and fuel economy.
• Much like many of today’s high end sport bikes, the FZ6R has a 4-into-2-into-1 midship exhaust. Not only does it provide a throaty, yet comfortably quiet exhaust note, the system also includes 3-way catalytic converter technology to reduce exhaust emissions.
  

Chassis/Suspension:

• With its exciting sport bike looks, onlookers will know this isn’t just another middleweight bike. There’s no mistaking Yamaha’s high-performance heritage in the FZ6R.
• The seat has separate front and rear sections, and the rider’s seat features an innovative height adjustment mechanism. The seat can be set 20mm – just over 3/4 of an inch – higher for taller riders, a change that can make a big difference on an all-day ride.
• The handlebar position can be adjusted 20mm forward by rotating the handlebar clamps to fine-tune rider comfort.
• The overall chassis rigidity has been designed to provide both excellent handling and all-day comfort. In order to further enhance the smoothness and comfort of the ride, the front-end dimensions a have been optimized, including a caster angle of 26° and trail of 103.5mm, contributing a bike that has great steering feeling, making the bike even more of a pleasure to ride.
• The front suspension has sturdy 41mm inner tubes, matched to a die-cast aluminum upper triple clamp and forged-steel under bracket, providing superior cushioning performance and good front-end feel. Wheel travel is a generous 5.1 inches to help soak up those bumps in the road.
• The rear suspension is lightweight and contributes to the mass centralization, and the mono-cross suspension provides excellent wheel travel, a full 5.1 inches. Superior road hugging performance has been achieved with optimally designed damping-force valves and oil channels.
• This bike boasts hydraulic disc brakes front and rear. The 298mm diameter front discs are lightweight for reduced unsprung weight, while the single rear disc is 245mm, and the brakes feature semi-metallic pads. The brakes have been designed to offer great feel and superb braking ability.
• FZ6R mounts tubeless radial tires on cast aluminum wheels. While their lightweight construction helps centralize mass, they also help contribute to agile handling.
  

Additional Features:

• he meter panel gives the rider plenty of feedback, including a digital display speedometer, analog tachometer, odometer/ tripmeter, fuel gauge, and water coolant gauge.

source : http://www.yamaha-motor.com

Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6RR picture and feature

Features and Benefits:

Four-Cylinder 599cc Engine

• Reshaped combustion chambers and redesigned piston crowns help produce more power
• Molybdenum coating added to piston skirts to reduce friction and mechanical loss, contributing to the ZX-6RR’s high-revving nature
• Intake and exhaust valves are larger for better breathing at all rpm
• Camshaft profile has higher lift for more performance
• Gear ratios for the oil pump changed to reduce mechanical loss
• Cut-outs added to the cylinder skirts to reduce pumping loss
  

Crankcase

Crankcase is light and rigid, allowing piston oil jets to be positioned closer to pistons

Optimal Intake

• Short intake and exhaust valves reduce weight and improve high-rpm performance
• Larger intake valves help increase performance
• Single springs of oval-shape are lighter providing improved intake valve control at high rpm
• Stepped spring seats replace previous plain type to better stabilize the valve springs
  

Fuel Injection System

• Large-bore 38mm throttle bodies produce high engine output and low emissions
• Sub-throttle bodies ensure smooth, linear power characteristics
• New twin injectors improve cylinder filling for more power
  

Six-Speed Transmission w/Clutch Back-Torque Limiter

• Closer gear ratios for 2004 provide for more aggressive, competition-style performance
• Clutch back-torque limiter helps prevent wheel hop during quick deceleration
  

Digital Ignition

• 32-bit high-speed microprocessor-controlled timing is ultra-responsive

Lightweight Exhaust System

• Light exhaust system contributes to engine performance
• Stainless muffler housing improves catalyzer performance and reduces emissions
  

KLEEN™ (Kawasaki Low Exhaust Emission) System

• Helps keep exhaust emissions environmentally friendly
• KCA (Kawasaki Clean Air) system routes fresh air to the exhaust ports for reduced exhaust emissions
  

Ram Air Intake

• Centrally located ram-air duct reduces number of parts and weight to improve intake efficiency
• Greater resistance to wind side-drafts
  

Pressed Aluminum Perimeter Frame

• Rigid aluminum frame delivers crisp and stable handling
• Centrally mounted Ram Air duct is integrated with steering head to reduce weight and improve Ram Air efficiency
• Lightweight aluminum sub-frame facilitates maintenance
• Adjustable swingarm pivot for fine-tuning handling
• Steering head bearings use ball bearing type for light, responsive steering
• Threaded steering damper mount incorporated into left frame spar
  

Aerodynamic Cowling

• Race-inspired fairing and bodywork give the machine a distinctively racy look
• Fairing offers an exceptionally low drag coefficient for slippery aerodynamics
• Central Ram Air duct gives the front of the bike an aggressive identity
• Lightweight and powerful dual multi-reflector headlights provides exceptional visibility
  

41mm Inverted Kayaba Fork

• Fully adjustable fork runs stiff tubes for high fork rigidity and superior steering feedback
• Top-out springs and adjustable spring preload are fitted for stable performance throughout the stroke range
• Super-hard DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) coating added to inner fork tubes to reduce friction
• Revised damping for improved action
  

Bottom-Link UNI-TRAK® Rear Suspension

• Nitrogen-gas charged Kayaba shock with piggyback reservoir is fully adjustable for rebound and compression damping
• Shock utilizes a threaded collar spring preload adjuster
• A top-out spring on the rear shock improves shock action
• Stepless damping adjuster with check valve instead of needle valve for improved damping
• Adjustable ride height with 1mm shims

Stopping Power

• Radial-mounted, four-piston, four-pad front brake calipers
• Four independent brake pads are used in each caliper for more even wear and improved heat resistance
• Semi-floating 280mm steel front disc rotors are 6mm thick for high heat capacity and mount on flat disc carriers without offset for reduced weight
• Brake lever is five-way adjustable
• Small diameter rear brake disc measures 220mm in diameter without offset for low unsprung weight
• Front brake hose routing eliminates interference with radiator
  

Instrument Cluster

• Instrument cluster features a bar-type LCD tachometer, digital LCD speedometer, programmable shift indicator light and stopwatch-style 99 lap timer
• Cluster also includes digital temp gauge, clock, tripmeter and comprehensive range of indicator lamps
  

Details

• Handlebar, seat and footpeg location enhance a track oriented riding position
• One-piece forged aluminum handlebars
• Ergonomically shaped seat and tank allow rider to mold to bike
• LED taillight is very light, highly compact, very durable and looks exceptionally cool
• Tamper resistant ignition switch
• Quick-detach rear seat allows easy mounting of standard aerodynamic single-seat cover
• Extruded aluminum swingarm with internal ribbing offers strong, torsional rigidity and low weight
• Friction-reducing sealant on the front brake caliper pistons improves brake feel
• Lime green coating added to side plates of X-ring drive chain for cool, racy look

source : http://www.motorsports-network.com/kawasaki/04street/zx6rr.htm