Product description
Racing crucible hardens this Ninjas edge.
Creating a superbike engine and chassis combination that is competent enough to delight professional racers, yet still possesses valuable streetbike qualities to satisfy mainstream riders is a delicate balancing act to say the least. However, Kawasaki sportbike engineers arent your average slide rule gang. They gathered an extensive amount of superbike racing knowledge and distilled it into the latest Ninja® ZX™-10R, to create a machine that dominates, regardless of the locale.
Motivating this impressive package is a fearsome 998cc, four-cylinder engine that offers a strong mid-range punch followed by an eye-watering high-rpm crescendo. Part of the motors success is its efficient respiratory system the bank of four 43mm Keihin throttle bodies with oval sub-throttles. Controlled by Kawasakis digital fuel injection (DFI®) system and featuring two injectors per cylinder, the throttle bodies utilize the airboxs efficient design to maximize flow for improved cylinder filling and maximum power output. On par with the impressive intake side, the equally efficient exhaust system lets the engine exhale with ease, while generating less noise and minimizing emissions.
An excellent power delivery demands a top-notch transmission and the ZX-10Rs is no exception. With gearing optimized to match the engine output, the transmission and engine are essentially a race-ready team with performance similar to Kawasakis factory Superbikes. More racing heritage is found in its adjustable slipper clutch, which allows riders to dole out quick downshifts without upsetting the fine-tuned chassis.
The ZX-10R also has the Kawasaki Ignition Management System (KIMS) to enhance the precision with which the engine reacts to throttle changes. The KIMS works to prevent engine and catalyzer damage from sudden spikes in engine speed, providing a smooth and controlled throttle response to the rider. The system works by monitoring the standard DFI systems input data (engine speed, throttle position, vehicle speed, gear position and feedback from intake air temperature, intake air pressure, engine temperature and O2 sensors), and checking every 0.02 seconds for any sudden changes in RPM. It doesnt interfere with normal operation and still allows the engine to rev freely under typical riding conditions.
A superb engine deserves an equally superb chassis, and this is where the ZX-10R really shines. Applying lessons learned in the unforgiving racing environment to its ?ber-sport bike, Kawasaki created an exceptionally communicative machine. It provides two-way rider/machine feedback with the precision professional racers demand and everyday riders crave.
The track oriented and fully-adjustable 43mm inverted fork and advanced rear suspension design supplement the ZX-10Rs chassis feedback capabilities. The fork tubes have Diamond Like Carbon (DLC) coating for less stiction and enhanced feedback, while locating the springs at the bottom of the fork legs helps reduce oil frothing for more consistent damping performance. The fully-adjustable rear shock includes low and high-speed compression damping for better fine-tuning capabilities and connects to the aluminum swingarm via the latest Uni-Trak® linkage design.
Light, stiff and precise squeeze-cast wheels keep unsprung weight down and improve suspension action. Their reduced rotational inertia further enhances the 10Rs quick steering and acceleration.
The ZX-10R is capable of slowing down every bit as fast as it can sprint ahead. Braking duties are handled by radial mounted Tokico brake calipers squeezing 310mm petal discs, while the rear 220mm petal disc is stopped by a single-piston caliper.
Shrink wrapping all of this Kawasaki wizardry is a sleek aerodynamic shape that flows from an aggressive front cowling to a sharp, minimalist tail cowl. The rear frame, tank and seat shape offer glove-like ergonomics and near form-fitted rider/bike contact spots. The result of these efforts is a clean, lithe and wiry package highlighted by superb fit and finish exuding the presence befitting its Ninja name.
Four-Cylinder, DOHC 998cc EngineVery compact, narrow and lightweight design
One-piece upper crankcase and cylinder casting saves weight and offers increased rigidity
Oil is routed through channels milled into the cases on various parts of the engine, eliminating oil lines and saving weight
Stacked triangular layout of crank axis, input shaft and output shaft reduces engine length and lowers the center of gravity
Lightweight crankshaft maintains the same inertial moment as heavier design but saves about two pounds
Low friction oil pump reduction ratio
Water pump uses the same type impeller as the ZX-14 with pump rpm optimized for less friction
Lightweight Denso radiator with tightly packed cores
Specially designed internal fins on the liquid-cooled, aluminum oil cooler for highefficiency heat dissipation
Cylinder headIntake ports, exhaust ports and combustion chambers designed for optimum flow efficiency and top-end power
Exhaust ports are narrower at the midpoint and larger at the opening to promote higher exhaust velocity
24.5mm diameter exhaust valves
Lift profiles of the cam lobes are designed to deliver more power at high rpm and make it easier to tune the engine for racing
Fuel InjectionSecondary fuel injectors improve top-end power output and power characteristics
Oval cross-sectioned throttle bodies allow more precise throttle control and response
Compact flat-type fuel pump takes up less fuel tank space
Air intakeRam air intake duct shaped for lower intake noise and higher intake efficiency
Larger airbox offers accessibility and ease of maintenance
KIMS IgnitionKawasaki Ignition Management System (KIMS) helps curtail sudden spikes in engine speed, enhancing the riders control of power delivery
Designed not to interfere with the riders inputs, the complex ECU program remains passive, unless the change in engine speed exceeds the predicted response for the given parameters, the KIMS will not engage
Monitors engine speed, throttle position, vehicle speed, gear position, FI input data (feedback from intake air temperature, intake air pressure, engine temperature and O2 sensors), and rate of RPM change, then adjusts ignition timing to help regulate power delivery
Only possible to adjust the parameters with an accessory racing (circuit-use only) kit installed
Exhaust systemFeatures a pre-chamber under the engine to reduce exhaust noise, and minimize silencer volume
Palladium catalyzer helps the ZX-10R to meet strict Euro-III exhaust emissions standards
Single orthogonal, titanium silencer, along with the pre-chamber, lowers the bikes center of gravity and improves exhaust efficiency
Six-Speed TransmissionGear ratios suit the power characteristics for ideal power delivery in the low and high-rpm ranges
Final reduction ratio of 17/41 intensifies the acceleration
Features an adjustable back-torque limiting clutch
ChassisUnique twin-spar frame features an optimized stiffness balance through a mixture of materials, shapes and thicknesses, which alleviate critical stress concentrations
Ribbing on the interior of the pivot plate where it joins the frames upper cross member slightly slows down the frame feedback for a more accurate feel
Swingarm pivot located to aid with the front-rear weight balance
Lightweight, two-piece, aluminum die-cast sub-frame is mounted to the frames upper cross member, so rear suspension feedback is transmitted more directly to the rider
Narrow sub-frame layout contributes to the compact and slim rear of the bike
SwingarmPressed beam swingarm delivers a level of feel and feedback unobtainable with a cast swingarm
Swingarm features a top-mounted brace that contributes to the superb high-speed stability of the chassis
SuspensionDLC (Diamond Like Carbon) fork tube coating on the fully adjustable 43mm inverted fork improves fork action with less friction, smoother action and better road holding
Bottom mounted springs completely submerged in oil for reduced frothing and improved damping performance, fork action and road-following ability
Fully adjustable shock features dual (lowand high-speed) compression damping, providing the fine-tuning needed for racing
Race-quality steering damperAdjustable hlins steering damper with relief valve and twin-tube design, developed specifically for the Ninja ZX-10R is fitted as standard equipment to ensure stable damping performance even under racing conditions
BrakesTokico radial mount brake calipers fitted with dual pads for superb initial bite, increased control and a progressive feel
5.5mm thick 310mm petal discs provide the heat dispersion needed to maintain brake feel and responsiveness during extended periods of heavy use
220mm rear petal disc is gripped by a single-piston caliper
WheelsSqueeze-cast wheels offer more precise dimensions with less wall thickness and weight yet are stiffer than the gravity-cast units
ErgonomicsRear frame, tank and seat offer high levels of contact with the bike and provide the rider very accurate feedback regarding chassis performance and road surface
Flared fuel tank top makes it easier for riders to rest the inside of their arm on the tank when leaning into a turn
Narrow in the front and shorter, front to back, for a slimmer riding position, the seat offers a shorter reach to the pavement and excellent feedback from the chassis
A special rib on the end of throttle tube, under the rubber, improves grip and feel
Aerodynamic BodyworkTop of the front cowl has a slight step at the front to reduce wind blast on the riders shoulders and generate a laminar flow around the riders helmet for less turbulence at higher speeds
Front fender aids cooling efficiency by directing air toward the radiator
Recess on the top of the fuel tank accommodates the helmets chin, so its easier to tuck in behind the windscreen
High mounting position of mirrors, with integrated turn signals, provides excellent rearward visibility and helps to minimize damage if the bike falls over
Flush-surface of the tails underside reduces turbulence at the rear of the bike and ensures laminar airflow around the seat
Larger rear inner fender keeps the bike cleaner and allows the mud flap to be smaller and less obtrusive, further improving aerodynamic qualities around the rear of the machine
The mirrors, license plate holder and rear turn signals are easily removable for track day prep
LED tail light makes the bike more visible to drivers and provides the final styling flourish to the evocative Ninja design
Advanced Electronic InstrumentationInstrument cluster uses UV-blocking glass, so the LED displays are brighter and easier to read
Multifunction odometer, tripmeter, clock and lap timer/stopwatch
SpecificationsEngine Type: Four-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, four valves per cylinder, inline-four
Displacement: 998cc
Bore x Stroke: 76.0 x 55.0 mm
Maximum Torque: 83.2 lb-ft @ 8,700 rpm
Compression Ratio: 12.9:1
Fuel Injection: DFI with 43mm Keihin throttle bodies with oval sub-throttles, two injectors per cylinder
Ignition: TCBI with digital advance and Kawasaki Ignition Management System (KIMS)
Transmission: Six-speed
Final Drive: Chain
Rake/Trail: 25.5deg / 4.3 in.
Front Tire Size: 120/70 ZR17
Rear Tire Size: 190/55 ZR17
Wheelbase: 55.7 in.
Front Suspension / wheel travel: 43mm inverted fork with DLC coating, adjustable rebound and compression damping, spring preload adjustability and top-out springs / 4.7 in.
Rear Suspension / wheel travel: Uni-Trak® with top-out spring, stepless, dual-range (high/low-speed) compression damping, stepless rebound damping, fully adjustable spring preload / 4.9 in.
Front Brake Type: Dual semi-floating 310 mm petal discs with dual four-piston radial-mount calipers
Rear Brake Type: Single 220mm petal disc with single-piston aluminum caliper
Fuel Tank Capacity: 4.5 gal.
Seat Height: 32.7 in.
Curb Weight: 458.6 lbs.
Overall length: 83.1 in.
Overall width: 28.0 in.
Overall height: 44.7 in.
Color: Ebony, Candy Burnt Orange / Flat Super Black
Warranty: 12 Months
Good Times™ Protection Plan: 12, 24, 36, 48 months
NOTES:
Specifications and pricing are subject to change.
