Ninja ZX-10R

THE CLOSEST THING TO A WORLD SUPERBIKE
CHAMPION MACHINE

Ninja ZX-10R

The Ninja ZX-10R has clearly demonstrated its circuit potential through its superlative results in the Superbike World Championship (WSB) – in both years past (2nd in 2012, 1st in 2013, 2nd in 2014) and present, where Kawasaki riders have absolutelydominated the current season, culminating with the rider’s title for Jonathan Rea, and the manufacturers’ title for Kawasaki. With numerous parts benefiting from feedback from the Kawasaki Racing Team as well as ongoing development research, the new Ninja ZX-10R is the closest thing to a highly advanced factory superbike Kawasaki has yet to offer. And with increased performance designed to give it even quicker lap times on the track, the Ninja ZX-10R is well positioned to continue Kawasaki’s Ninja dominance on the world stage.








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Top Features

Top Features

PURPOSEFUL, RACY STYLING

Based largely on the sleek curves of its predecessor, the Ninja ZX- 10R’s purposeful new styling is distinct, but easily recognisable. Fuller upper cowl and new screen, and a more voluminous rear section give the compact, mass-forward package a silhouette closer in appearance to Kawasaki’s factory superbike machine. High-quality fit and finish and superb attention to detail ensure the bike looks equally impressive up close. In tribute to the Ninja ZX-10R’s increased performance as a result of the abundant feedback from the factory machine, the main colour and graphics package is based on the Kawasaki Racing Team’s 2016 Superbike World Championship livery.

POWER & ACCELERATION

All-new in 2011, the Ninja ZX-10R’s engine balanced stunning power with manageability, and facilitated getting back on the gas by moving peak torque higher up in the rpm range. The new engine maintains this essential character, but offers a stronger low-mid range for increased acceleration coming out of corners. The engine is also more responsive, spinning up more quickly thanks to a crankshaft with a lower moment of inertia – something that benefits both acceleration and deceleration, as well as cornering performance. Numerous other changes based on feedback from Kawasaki’s World Superbike factory race machine as well as ongoing development research contribute to increased power, ensuring that the engine’s peak power output was maintained while stricter Euro 4 emissions regulations were cleared.

WSB-DEVELOPED SUSPENSION

The Ninja ZX-10R features a new front fork jointly developed with Showa in the Superbike World championship. Tested in world racing competition – and a great asset in Kawasaki’s championship-winning season – this technology, coming directly from Kawasaki’s factory race machine, is making its mass-production debut on the new Ninja ZX-10R. The advanced Showa Balance Free Front Fork is complemented by Showa’s latest rear shock, the BFRC lite, a lighter, more compact version of their Balance Free Rear Cushion rear suspension, also debuting on the Ninja ZX-10R.

HIGH-PERFORMANCE BREMBO BRAKE SYSTEM

To further improve the Ninja ZX-10R’s corner entry performance on the circuit, a high-spec Brembo front brake system was implemented. The Brembo system – very similar to the system used on the Ninja H2R – includes the best components available for a mass-production model. Special tuning at the Brembo factory ensures that all play has been removed from the system, so that when the brakes are called for, they respond immediately.

HELPING RIDERS EXPLORE THE LIMIT

The strength of Kawasaki’s cutting-edge electronics has always been the highly sophisticated programming that, using minimal hardware, gives the ECU an accurate real-time picture of what the chassis is doing. Kawasaki’s proprietary dynamic modelling program makes skilful use of the magic formula tyre model as it examines changes in multiple parameters, enabling it to take into account changing road and tyre conditions. With the addition of a Bosch IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) and the latest evolution of this advanced modelling software, our electronic management technology takes the step to the next level – changing from setting-type and reaction- type systems to feedback-type systems – to deliver even greater levels of riding excitement. The electronic management systems on the new Ninja ZX-10R have an even greater capacity to facilitate rider control and assist riders to experience what it is like to ride a high-powered superbike at the limit on the track.

ÖHLINS ELECTRONIC STEERING DAMPER

Unlike a mechanical steering damper – in which the settings, once fixed, must cover all riding conditions and speeds – the damping characteristics are changed electronically according to vehicle speed, and the degree of acceleration or deceleration. At low speeds, the settings were chosen such that damping does not interfere with the bike’s intrinsic lightweight handling. At high speeds, damping increases to provide enhanced stability.

ENHANCED CIRCUIT PERFORMANCE

For riders focusing on circuit riding, a number of race kit parts offer further increased performance, lighter weight, or meet racing safely regulations. Race kit ECU: in addition to ability to modify fuel and ignition maps, the race kit ECU enables more detailed settings in the following areas, among others: 
- For each of S-KTRC’s 5 modes, traction control and wheelie control (usually linked) can be adjusted independently - Kawasaki Engine Brake Control settings can be adjusted for each individual gear - Downshift control for KQS also possible 
Note: Race kit harness must also be fitted

  • PURPOSEFUL, RACY STYLING

    Based largely on the sleek curves of its predecessor, the Ninja ZX- 10R’s purposeful new styling is distinct, but easily recognisable. Fuller upper cowl and new screen, and a more voluminous rear section give the compact, mass-forward package a silhouette closer in appearance to Kawasaki’s factory superbike machine. High-quality fit and finish and superb attention to detail ensure the bike looks equally impressive up close. In tribute to the Ninja ZX-10R’s increased performance as a result of the abundant feedback from the factory machine, the main colour and graphics package is based on the Kawasaki Racing Team’s 2016 Superbike World Championship livery.

  • POWER & ACCELERATION

    All-new in 2011, the Ninja ZX-10R’s engine balanced stunning power with manageability, and facilitated getting back on the gas by moving peak torque higher up in the rpm range. The new engine maintains this essential character, but offers a stronger low-mid range for increased acceleration coming out of corners. The engine is also more responsive, spinning up more quickly thanks to a crankshaft with a lower moment of inertia – something that benefits both acceleration and deceleration, as well as cornering performance. Numerous other changes based on feedback from Kawasaki’s World Superbike factory race machine as well as ongoing development research contribute to increased power, ensuring that the engine’s peak power output was maintained while stricter Euro 4 emissions regulations were cleared.

  • WSB-DEVELOPED SUSPENSION

    The Ninja ZX-10R features a new front fork jointly developed with Showa in the Superbike World championship. Tested in world racing competition – and a great asset in Kawasaki’s championship-winning season – this technology, coming directly from Kawasaki’s factory race machine, is making its mass-production debut on the new Ninja ZX-10R. The advanced Showa Balance Free Front Fork is complemented by Showa’s latest rear shock, the BFRC lite, a lighter, more compact version of their Balance Free Rear Cushion rear suspension, also debuting on the Ninja ZX-10R.

  • HIGH-PERFORMANCE BREMBO BRAKE SYSTEM

    To further improve the Ninja ZX-10R’s corner entry performance on the circuit, a high-spec Brembo front brake system was implemented. The Brembo system – very similar to the system used on the Ninja H2R – includes the best components available for a mass-production model. Special tuning at the Brembo factory ensures that all play has been removed from the system, so that when the brakes are called for, they respond immediately.

  • HELPING RIDERS EXPLORE THE LIMIT

    The strength of Kawasaki’s cutting-edge electronics has always been the highly sophisticated programming that, using minimal hardware, gives the ECU an accurate real-time picture of what the chassis is doing. Kawasaki’s proprietary dynamic modelling program makes skilful use of the magic formula tyre model as it examines changes in multiple parameters, enabling it to take into account changing road and tyre conditions. With the addition of a Bosch IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) and the latest evolution of this advanced modelling software, our electronic management technology takes the step to the next level – changing from setting-type and reaction- type systems to feedback-type systems – to deliver even greater levels of riding excitement. The electronic management systems on the new Ninja ZX-10R have an even greater capacity to facilitate rider control and assist riders to experience what it is like to ride a high-powered superbike at the limit on the track.

  • ÖHLINS ELECTRONIC STEERING DAMPER

    Unlike a mechanical steering damper – in which the settings, once fixed, must cover all riding conditions and speeds – the damping characteristics are changed electronically according to vehicle speed, and the degree of acceleration or deceleration. At low speeds, the settings were chosen such that damping does not interfere with the bike’s intrinsic lightweight handling. At high speeds, damping increases to provide enhanced stability.

  • ENHANCED CIRCUIT PERFORMANCE

    For riders focusing on circuit riding, a number of race kit parts offer further increased performance, lighter weight, or meet racing safely regulations. Race kit ECU: in addition to ability to modify fuel and ignition maps, the race kit ECU enables more detailed settings in the following areas, among others: 
    - For each of S-KTRC’s 5 modes, traction control and wheelie control (usually linked) can be adjusted independently - Kawasaki Engine Brake Control settings can be adjusted for each individual gear - Downshift control for KQS also possible 
    Note: Race kit harness must also be fitted

Specifications

Specifications