New Kawasaki tests in Australia

From motogp.com

Kawasaki has debuted the new Ninja ZX-RR in a private test at the Australian circuit of Eastern Creek.

Kawasaki factory test riders Olivier Jacque and Tamaki Serizawa are carrying out a two-day private test for the Japanese manufacturer at the former World Championship circuit.

Although Kawasaki have announced the withdrawal of their factory team from this year´s World Championship, the 2009 Ninja ZX-RR will be available for use by a private team with relevant negotiations still being undertaken.

Former MotoGP competitor Jacque and the experienced Serizawa are working with European and Japanese staff to evaluate the progress that has been made with the Ninja ZX-RR over recent months.

Jacque warmed up by re-acquainting himself with the track - where he achieved a podium in 1996 in the 250cc class - by undertaking several laps on a 2008 ZX-RR, before later trying out the updated 2009 model which differs significantly from last year´s bike. Serizawa also undertook laps on the new bike, to check on any possible teething problems.

Jacque noted after his first few laps on the new model, "I only had a quick first run but the first impression with the bike is quite positive. Overall it seems lighter and more agile, so the work done over the winter has definitely been positive. Now we have to rack up some miles to have a better idea of the bike´s potential."

The updated ZX-RR contrasts from last year´s prototype in terms of a narrower design, featuring an updated chassis, a new swingarm and a new engine for 2009. This was the first time the bike had been tested on track as conditions were previously too cold to run it at Kawasaki´s designated Japanese test venue of Autopolis.