Jointly developed with Showa, KECS adds electronically controlled damping to the high-spec Balance Free Front Fork and BFRC lite (Balance Free Rear Cushion) rear shock equipped on the Ninja ZX-10R. The semiactive system adapts to road and riding conditions in real time, providing the ideal amount of damping called for. Combining advanced, race-developed mechanical components with the latest electronic control technology, KECS offers both the suppleness to handle a wide range of street riding situations, and the firm damping needed for circuit riding. The tyres feel planted, delivering confidence when cornering.

Control is via a solenoid valve with direct (single-stage) actuation. This results in extremely quick reaction time: 1 millisecond – much quicker than systems that rely on step-motors, or those that use pilot valves (two-stage actuation), which slow the system’s responsiveness. The quick reaction time makes KECS ideal for supersport applications, where natural feeling is crucial to feeling at one with the bike.

Built-in stroke sensors on both the fork and rear shock – a feature unique to the Ninja ZX-10R SE – provide real-time stroke speed and compression information. The sensor coils provide input to the KECS ECU every 1 ms. This is complemented by information provided by the IMU (acceleration/deceleration) every 10 ms, and the FI ECU (vehicle speed) every 10 ms. The KECS ECU then directs current to the solenoids to adjust damping as required by the situation.

Riders can choose from three modes: Road, Track, and Manual. Road and Track modes provide softer or firmer base settings to suit streetriding or circuit riding, respectively. Manual mode allows riders to tailor the rebound and compression damping base settings to suit preference and/or riding style. The manual settings (15 levels each) are selected electronically via the instrument panel. In all three modes, KECS adjusts damping for vehicle speed, stroke speed and deceleration.

7-spoke multi- directional forged aluminium wheels jointly developed with Marchesini contribute to lighter handling – especially when changing direction.