Kawasaki BCperformance’s Bryan Staring has sampled the new 2019 ZX-10RR at Wakefield Park in New South Wales for the first time today, drawing inspiration from a fresh selection of new Dunlop tyres tested at the venue.

The up-spec model features a host of engine upgrades and weight reduction compared to the ZX-10R that Staring piloted in the 2018 Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK), with the changes being immediately welcomed on-track by the Western Australian.

“We had a couple of different tyres to test from Dunlop, and we also had the new ZX-10RR – so we essentially had new a motorbike with a new engine and different wheels,” Staring explained to CycleOnline.com.au. “There were a few interesting tyres – it was a good day.

“On the circuit, the bike revs up much smoother and much faster – it’s a real pleasure to ride. At the moment it’s basically standard, we were doing some base miles before the guys do their final tune. It was really a shakedown of the engine, but it’s already a step above the old one.”

Since his return to the Australian circuit in 2017, Staring has entered both campaigns aboard unfamiliar machinery, although 2019 marks his first season on the same motorcycle and team, which is the biggest positive the number 67 is drawing as the new championship looms.

“I have a lot of anticipation for this season already,” he added. “It’s good for me to be staying with the same team for the second year in a row with the same motorbike while also being with Dunlop again. There are a lot of positives there for me and some continuity. The biggest inspiration I’m taking is from Dunlop’s input and their motivation towards this season.”

The opening round of the Australian Superbike Championship is scheduled for 21-24 February at Phillip Island in Victoria, running in conjunction with the Motul FIM Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK) opener.