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 absolutely dominated the current season. 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.

THE CLOSEST THING

TO A WORLD SUPERBIKE CHAMPION MACHINE

TOP FEATURES

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

PURPOSEFUL, RACY STYLING

TOP FEATURES

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.

Öhlins Electronic Steering Damper

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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.

High-performance Brembo Brake System

TOP FEATURES

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.

WSB-DEVELOPED SUSPENSION

TOP FEATURES

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.

POWER & ACCELERATION

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine type : Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke In-Line Four

Displacement : 998 cm3 Fuel system

Valve system : DOHC, 16 valves

Bore and stroke : 76.0 x 55.0 mm

Compression ratio : 13.0:1

Transmission : 6-speed, return

Ignition system : Digital
Fuel system : Fuel injection: ø47 mm x 4 with dual injection

Starting System : Electric

Clutch : Wet multi-disc, manual

Tire front : 120/70ZR17M/C (58W)

Tire rear : 190/55ZR17M/C (75W)

Wheelbase : 1,440 mm

Ground clearance : 145 mm

Seat height : 835 mm

Suspension(front) : ø43 mm inverted Balance Free Front Fork with external compression chamber,
compression and rebound damping and spring preload adjustability, and top-out springs

Suspension(rear) : Horizontal Back-link with BFRC lite
gascharged shock, piggyback reservoir, compression and rebound damping and spring preload adjustability, and top- out spring

Brakes(front) : Dual semi-floating ø330 mm discs. Caliper: Dual radial-mount, opposed 4- piston

Brakes(rear) : Single ø220 mm disc. Caliper: Single- bore pin-slide, aluminium piston

L x W x H : 2,090 x 740 x 1,145 mm

Curb mass : 206 kg

Fuel capacity: 17 litres