[10] The top speed is electronically limited to 186 mph (299 km/h) as a result of an agreement between the major Japanese and European motorcycle manufacturers.

Motorcycle USA road tested the bike in its October 10, 2006 issue and posted the following stock results:[2] 2008 saw a minor update.

[11] This included a displacement increase to produce more horsepower along with two variable power modes, Kawasaki traction control, and an ignition-management system that was lifted from the ZX-10R.

It received cosmetic updates, incremental chassis upgrades, suspension revised internals and a slipper clutch added for the first time.

Motorcyclist recorded Rickey Gadson's quarter mile time of 9.64 seconds at 149.83 mph from a bone-stock bike, on a 50-degree morning, at an altitude of 2100 feet.