Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R

Detailed Review by Maxabout Team

Overview

Despite the fact that the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R was constructed in 2020, it was only released in March 2021 in India, with a single model STD BS-VI. The ZX-10R is a single-seater version with stickier tyres, lighter Marchesini wheels, and innovative track-bits to help it accelerate through turns. It has been granted permission to use the River Mark after winning seven World Superbike Championship titles.

Kawasaki released the ZX-10RR, a track-focused derivative of the ZX-10R, on March 11, 2017. The ZX-10RR is a single-seater version featuring stickier tyres, lighter Marchesini wheels, and innovative track-bits to help it accelerate around turns. The new ZX-10R isn't just a facelift; it's an entirely revamped motorcycle with a new chassis and improved mechanicals. It now has a cassette transmission with better ratios and a rapid shifter, as well as a larger swingarm for better traction.

Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R Design and Style

This motorcycle is just stunning, to be razor-sharp, with everything onboard engineered for best-in-class aerodynamics. The size of the ZX10-R distinguishes it from other 1-litre motorcycles. This Kawasaki can readily be mistaken for a lower capacity motorcycle due to its smaller bulk and compact size. The 2016 model's headstock is 7.5mm closer to the rider, putting more weight back into the bike. Its swing arm has been lengthened by 15.8mm, giving it a wheelbase of 56.7 inches, which is nearly 1/2-inch longer than the predecessor. There's also new bracing to stiffen the swing arm.

On either side of the ram-air system duct is an ogling face with dual eagle-eyed headlamps. The scary green machine's tremendous capability is symbolised by the 'Ninja' moniker on the bulging fuel tank and the sharply chiselled fairing with racy decals. The new ZX-10R has an almost identical side profile to the previous generation. The lime-garnished three-spoke black alloy wheels and exposed drive chain look fantastic. The ZX-10R's back end doesn't measure up to the hype created by its front end, and it's plain and simple with a tail lamp and tiny turn indicators.

Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R Engine and Gearbox

Kawasaki has put forth the most effort in this area, and the engine is said to be even more dangerous than previously. The redesigned and lighter crankshaft for the 998cc inline four-pot engine helps the unit spin up faster. As a result, the throttle response and acceleration have improved. This redesigned crank also reduces reciprocating mass and inertia by 20%, resulting in better corner turn-ins and better side-to-side transitions.

A compact valve train for reduced overall head height, straighter, wider, and polished intake/exhaust ports, lighter pistons, relatively-larger exhaust valves, a revised combustion chamber for better power at higher RPMs, and increased valve overlap for similar benefits are among the other changes in the powerplant. The maximum power stays the same at 203 HP (climbs to 207 HP with ram air). The peak torque figure of 114.9 Nm @ 11,400 rpm is also impressive.

Not only has the engine been updated, but so has the transmission, which now features a cassette gearbox with improved ratios, a new and lighter clutch primary, and a slipper clutch with a rapid shifter.

Full, Middle, and Low are the three power settings available (which limits power to about 60 per cent of the total power). The variable Middle mode, which may change engine performance and delivery by the intentional use of throttle control, is undoubtedly the most intriguing of the three modes. The engine performance is essentially the same as in Low mode if you apply less than 50 per cent throttle, but once you reach 50 per cent, you have full power.

Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R Suspension and Brakes

Kawasaki's racing background is reflected in the suspension on the 10R. Redesigned chassis have improved side-to-side agility even further. The headstock has been shifted 7.5mm closer to the rider, and the engine has been raised and positioned further forward to transmit more weight to the front. While this promotes agility, it is also said to improve the motorcycle's stability. The bike's wheelbase has been increased by 12mm for better transition support, and it's now stiffer. The new Showa Balance Free Fork, which includes an exterior damping valve chamber, performs admirably in all conditions. The rebound and compression damping valves are totally isolated, similar to the Ohlins TTX/FGR idea, in order to allow oil to flow unidirectionally through the valves. The damping valves on the rear Showa Balance Free Rear Cushion (BFRC) shock follow the same layout, and the shock linkage has been changed to allow for a larger range of settings. It now has a five-level traction control system, as opposed to the three-level system on the previous generation vehicle. According to Kawasaki, it is their most advanced system to date. It's a predictive and feedback system that uses a Bosch five-axis IMU. It allows for some slip based on feedback from wheel speed sensors and throttle position, but it also predicts when things are about to go wrong. The braking system has also been improved. Brembo M50 monoblock brake callipers and a Brembo radial-pump master cylinder are standard on the 2016 ZX-10R, with the former clamping onto bigger, 330mm discs. 310mm discs were used in the previous model.

Instrument Console of Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R

The new Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R now features a 4.3-inch all-digital TFT colour unit with selectable background, functions such as a digital speedometer, digital bar-style tachometer, throttle application, current and average fuel consumption, and much more, two display modes, and an external race-style shift light. With Kawasaki's RIDEOLOGY THE APP, also has Bluetooth Smartphone connectivity. Kawasaki Quick Shifter, launch control, five-mode traction control, engine brake control, three power modes, Ohlins electronic steering damper, and optional ABS are among the various technological assistance.

Key Features of Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R

Key features of 2023 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R include Integrated Winglets, Powerful 998cc Liquid-Cooled, 4-Stroke In-Line Four Engine, New air-cooled oil cooler, Close-ratio Transmission, LED Headlights, New tail cowl, LED tail Lamps, LED signal Lamp, Kawasaki River Mark, 4.3-inch TFT Colour Instrumentation, Smartphone Connectivity, Light-Handling Chassis (Aluminium Twin-spar Frame / Aluminium Swingarm), Advanced Showa BFF (Balance Free Front Fork), Horizontal Back-link Rear Suspension with Showa BFRC lite (Balance Free Rear Cushion), High-performance Brembo Brake System, Aerodynamic Riding Position, Integrated Riding Modes: Sport, Road, Rain, Rider (Manual), Electronic Cruise Control, Next-Generation Ninja Styling and Single seat for Indian Market.

Top Speed and Mileage of Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R

2023 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R has a stated mileage of 16.2 kilometres per litre, and the 1000cc superbike can sprint from 0 to 100 kilometres per hour in roughly 3 seconds, with a top speed of 299 kilometres per hour (electronically limited).

Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R Colour Options

New colour options for the 2023 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R provide stylistic upgrades. Lime Green and Metallic Diablo Black are two new colour possibilities for this litre-class supersport model from the Japanese manufacturer.

Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R Competitors

Kawasaki Z650 RS, BMW R NineT Scrambler, Ducati Multistrada 950, Triumph Tiger 900, Ducati Panigale V2, Moto Guzzi V85 TT, Ducati Scrambler 1100, Suzuki Hayabusa, BMW R 1250 RT, BMW R 1250 R are the top opponents for the new Kawasaki Ninja ZX 10 R.

Conclusion

2023 ZX-10R features committed ergonomics that are excellent on the track but less so on the road. It's also more ideal for racing because of the tall gearing. Overall, the ZX-10R is the most economical litre-class bike available in India, with the best value for money for the kit supplied at the pricing. The newly released ZX-10RR is a track-oriented model with stronger engine internals, DLC coated tappets and space inside the head for high-lift cams (sold separately). The ECU in the Kawasaki Quick Shifter (KQS) has been updated to allow clutchless downshifting. It rides on Pirelli Supercorsa Diablo SP tyres and Marchesini forged aluminium wheels weighing roughly 1.2kg each. The single-seater ZX-10RR is finished in satin black with white graphics and Kawasaki Racing's WSBK winter test insignia on the rear seat cowl and front flyscreen.