Hey everyone, today I want to share my experience with the 2005 ZX-10R. You know, the one they call the “Widow Maker”? Yeah, that beast. I remember hearing all the stories about how insane this bike was, so naturally, I had to check it out.
First off, finding one of these things in decent shape took some time. It’s an older model now, but I finally located one at a local dealership. The guy there told me it’s been sitting for a while, and he warned me it’s not for the faint of heart, which of course made me want it even more.
I did a bunch of reading online before I even saw the bike in person. Lots of good reviews about its power and handling, but also a lot of warnings about that brutal midrange. They were not kidding. This thing has a 998cc engine, which I learned is just a little bigger than the ZX-9R, but it’s a whole different animal. It’s got this fuel injection system and computer controls, which was pretty advanced for back in 2005. Also, the engine is an inline four-cylinder, liquid-cooled, and puts out something like 175 horsepower at around 11,700 rpm. Torque is about 115 Nm at 9,500 rpm. Crazy numbers.
Anyway, I scheduled a test ride. The day came, and there it was, in all its green glory. The dealer helped me to get it started, and the sound alone gave me chills. I hopped on, took a deep breath, and headed out.
First gear was a bit of a learning curve. I read online that you should set the Max RPM just above the redline to keep it under control. It took me a few tries to get a smooth launch, but once I did, holy smokes! I slowly rolled on the throttle, and the power just kept coming. It’s like nothing I’ve ever felt before. I held it to redline before shifting into second, and the acceleration was unreal. It’s got this Showa suspension that people talked about online, and it really handled the bumps well. I didn’t push it too hard on the test ride, but I could tell this thing was a track monster.
Here’s what I found out during my test ride and research:
- Engine: 998cc, liquid-cooled, four-cylinder. It’s a beast.
- Power: 175 hp at 11,700 rpm. Enough said.
- Torque: 115 Nm at 9,500 rpm. Pulls like a freight train.
- Suspension: Showa, developed in WSBK. Super responsive.
- Brakes: Brembo, race-spec. Stops on a dime.
- Fuel tank: 17 liters. Decent size for a sportbike.
So, after that test ride, I was hooked. I ended up buying the bike, and I’ve been slowly getting to know it better. It’s definitely not a beginner bike, but if you respect its power, it’s an absolute thrill to ride. I’ve been practicing my launches and getting a feel for the handling. It’s a learning process, but I’m loving every minute of it.
I’ll keep you guys updated as I spend more time with the “Widow Maker.” It’s been an adventure so far, and I’m excited to see what else this bike can do.
