Carrying Kawasaki riders to six World Superbike titles, the Ninja ZX-10R has demonstrated its championship-winning performance while allowing a wide range of riders to experience the thrill of exploring their limits on the circuit. To ensure its continued competitiveness, a host of changes to engine and chassis – including a higher rev limit and new lightweight pistons for the Ninja ZX-10RR – build on this proven performance; next-generation Ninja styling offers significantly improved aerodynamics; and new features like Electronic Cruise Control and a TFT instrument panel with smartphone connectivity enhance street-riding enjoyment.
The Ninja ZX-10R’s engine balances stunning power with manageability. Positioning peak torque high up in the rpm range makes it easier for riders to get back on the gas, while a strong low-mid range further contributes to acceleration coming out of corners. Finger-follower valve actuation and other features based on feedback from Kawasaki’s WSB factory team contribute to a peak power of 181 PS, which can easily be augmented care of a full race exhaust. Updates for 2021 offer increased cooling performance and emissions that meet Euro5 requirements while maintaining the engine’s performance and easy-to-use character.
Twin-spar frame traces a direct line from the head pipe to the swingarm pivot. This delivers linear behaviour, which translates to greater control. Frame twist was designed to be as close to the main pipes as possible, which further facilitates rider control. The frame design also contributes to cornering stability and a high level of feedback. Swingarm pivot is 1 mm lower, which enables better rear suspension action during corner exits.
Showa’s advanced ø43 mm BFF offers state-of-the-art WSB racing technology on a mass-production model. The high-spec fork offers numerous benefits:
- increased ride comfort
- increased braking stability
- increased front-end feel
- independently adjustable compression and rebound damping
Showa’s BFRC lite rear shock is a lighter, more compact version of their earlier BFRC shock. The high-spec shock unit offers numerous benefits:
- increased ride comfort
- increased traction
- independently adjustable compression and rebound damping
- reduced weight
A prime example of form following function, the Ninja ZX-10R’s new styling package was designed with aerodynamic performance firmly in mind. The sleek, racy looks offer significantly improved drag resistance (down approximately 7%), a roughly 17% increase in downforce (thanks to a new aerodynamically sculpted front cowl with integrated winglets), and better wind protection (care of its taller windshield).
In recognition of its achievement in the Superbike World Championship, special permission to use the River Mark on the Ninja ZX-10R was granted. This is its first use on a non-supercharged mass-production model.
A 3D River Mark emblem is proudly displayed on the upper cowl.
The River Mark is also displayed on the upper triple clamp.
KCMF monitors engine and chassis parameters throughout the corner – from entry, through the apex, to corner exit – modulating brake force and engine power to facilitate smooth transition from acceleration to braking and back again, and to assist riders in holding their intended line through the corner.
IMU The use of Bosch’s compact IMU allows an additional layer of precision to be added to the already high-level S-KTRC, KLCM and KIBS base systems.
S-KTRC Kawasaki’s hybrid predictive/ feedback-type traction control, helps riders push harder on the racetrack by maximising acceleration.
KLCM (Kawasaki Launch Control Mode) Designed to assist racers by optimising acceleration from a stop, KLCM electronically manages engine output to minimise wheelspin and wheel lift when launching.
KIBS Kawasaki’s supersport-grade brake management system, uses high-precision control to regulate brake pressure during sport riding.
The Ninja ZX-10R’s engine balances stunning power with manageability. Positioning peak torque high up in the rpm range makes it easier for riders to get back on the gas, while a strong low-mid range further contributes to acceleration coming out of corners. Finger-follower valve actuation and other features based on feedback from Kawasaki’s WSB factory team contribute to a peak power of 181 PS, which can easily be augmented care of a full race exhaust. Updates for 2021 offer increased cooling performance and emissions that meet Euro5 requirements while maintaining the engine’s performance and easy-to-use character.
Twin-spar frame traces a direct line from the head pipe to the swingarm pivot. This delivers linear behaviour, which translates to greater control. Frame twist was designed to be as close to the main pipes as possible, which further facilitates rider control. The frame design also contributes to cornering stability and a high level of feedback. Swingarm pivot is 1 mm lower, which enables better rear suspension action during corner exits.
Showa’s advanced ø43 mm BFF offers state-of-the-art WSB racing technology on a mass-production model. The high-spec fork offers numerous benefits:
- increased ride comfort
- increased braking stability
- increased front-end feel
- independently adjustable compression and rebound damping
Showa’s BFRC lite rear shock is a lighter, more compact version of their earlier BFRC shock. The high-spec shock unit offers numerous benefits:
- increased ride comfort
- increased traction
- independently adjustable compression and rebound damping
- reduced weight
A prime example of form following function, the Ninja ZX-10R’s new styling package was designed with aerodynamic performance firmly in mind. The sleek, racy looks offer significantly improved drag resistance (down approximately 7%), a roughly 17% increase in downforce (thanks to a new aerodynamically sculpted front cowl with integrated winglets), and better wind protection (care of its taller windshield).
In recognition of its achievement in the Superbike World Championship, special permission to use the River Mark on the Ninja ZX-10R was granted. This is its first use on a non-supercharged mass-production model.
A 3D River Mark emblem is proudly displayed on the upper cowl.
The River Mark is also displayed on the upper triple clamp.
KCMF monitors engine and chassis parameters throughout the corner – from entry, through the apex, to corner exit – modulating brake force and engine power to facilitate smooth transition from acceleration to braking and back again, and to assist riders in holding their intended line through the corner.
IMU The use of Bosch’s compact IMU allows an additional layer of precision to be added to the already high-level S-KTRC, KLCM and KIBS base systems.
S-KTRC Kawasaki’s hybrid predictive/ feedback-type traction control, helps riders push harder on the racetrack by maximising acceleration.
KLCM (Kawasaki Launch Control Mode) Designed to assist racers by optimising acceleration from a stop, KLCM electronically manages engine output to minimise wheelspin and wheel lift when launching.
KIBS Kawasaki’s supersport-grade brake management system, uses high-precision control to regulate brake pressure during sport riding.
