Now with traction control.

Big news for Kawasaki's "transcontinental supersport" is the addition of traction control on the ABS model.

Called KTRC (Kawasaki Traction Control), and the firm's first endeavour into true rear-wheel slip control (not the same system as last year's ZX-10R), the system is claimed to reduce engine output when rear wheel spin is detected.

A rider can now activate a "Fuel Economy Assist Mode" to provide a leaner fuel map for optimum fuel consumption, though the rider must keep the engine below 6,000 rpm using less than 30% throttle below 160 km/h. Of course, riding near the speed limit will surely improve economy further and may help with keeping yer licence to boot.

"What d'ya mean this is the only ride I'm getting today?"

New linked ABS now senses pressure at the front lever and rear pedal, as well as speed of initial brake application to electronically control braking pressure at the front and rear wheels.

The new ABS control unit is 25 percent smaller and 30 percent lighter than the previous version. Oh, and there's some bodywork tweaks and hooks to enable tank bags to fit securely.

Base and ABS models are available in candy blue with flat black trim, the base model retails for $18,899 and the ABS goes for an additional $1,300 at $20,199.

More info on the Concours standard and ABS on the Kawasaki website.

Z1000 gets agressive.

After a year's absence from the line-up, Kawasaki brings back the Z1000. This radically styled naked litre-bike sports a new, longer-stroke, 1,043 cc engine that boasts a "wild engine character" with more torque and a stronger top end.

To add further to the hooligan element, a cool air system also places the intake ducts closer to the rider to provide an "intoxicating intake howl".

A new aluminum frame, which is similar in design to the ZX-10R, is narrower in the midsection and more rigid, and has an additional engine mount, now totalling four, one of which is rubber to help reduce vibes.

The linkage type single rear shock is now placed horizontally, and is adjustable for rebound damping and spring preload. A 41 mm inverted fork is fully adjustable.

The handlebar is wider, fatter and farther forward, while the seat height has been lowered 5 mm.

The new funky upswept, four-outlet exhaust uses a pre-chamber located under the bike and includes a catalytic converter.

Available in two-tone metallic black/silver for $13,199.

Versys gets light touch-up.

The venerable Versys gets refreshed aesthetics including a new fairing with at taller, three-position windscreen.

Passenger accommodations are revised for improved comfort, and new rubber rear engine mounts and rubber-covered footpegs help to reduce vibration.

For 2010 the Versys is only available in metallic black. A price of $8,999 provides additional appeal for this all-rounder.