How Does Kawasaki Cornering Management Function-KCMF Work

• Monitors engine and chassis behaviour through corners
• Offers smoother intervention when the bike is leaned over

Kawasaki Cornering Management Function- KCMF is a tech genius working in the background monitoring engine and chassis parameters as a rider attacks a corner from entry to apex to exit. This system is able to modulate brake force and engine power to help create a smoother transition between braking and acceleration while assisting you in tracing the correct line. At least for our roads where we often ride on mixed surfaces, changing grip levels and unpredictable traffic conditions, is where the rider requires smoothness from the electronic nanny the most.

For its functioning, KCMF oversees the coordination between KTRC traction control, KIBS braking control and Kawasaki Engine Brake Control. So instead of letting each rider aid react on its own in a disconnected way, it helps manage how those systems respond while the motorcycle is leaned over and transitioning through a corner. On motorcycles that utilise an inertial measurement unit- IMU, the chassis orientation picture becomes even more precise improving control at the limit.

Umm be aware that the system itself is not making the bike go faster. What you experience is that a powerful machine feel calmer and more predictable when you roll off the throttle, dab the brakes, start picking the bike up and riding out of a bend. A performance machine will hence feel less abrupt in a corner with the system blending braking and power delivery more smoothly to reduce the chance of unsettling at the wrong moment.

There are some obvious limitations. KCMF assists riders in tracing their intended line, does guarantee grip, or corrects every bad input, or overrules basic physics. If the rider enters too fast, grabs too much brake, uses poor tyres or rides on a badly compromised surface, KCMF cannot rewrite the situation. So your skill set always matters, KCMF is not magic.

There’s a splattering of Kawasakis equipped with the KCMF. This includes the popular Z900, the aggressive Z1100, the rugged Versys 1100, the very comfortable Ninja 1100SX, the bonkers Ninja ZX-10R and ballistic tourer Ninja H2 SX SE. Now you know, happy riding!