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 aren’t 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 motor’s success is its efficient respiratory system – the bank of four 43mm Keihin throttle bodies with oval sub-throttles. Controlled by Kawasaki’s digital fuel injection (DFI®) system and featuring two injectors per cylinder, the throttle bodies utilize the airbox’s 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-10R’s 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 Kawasaki’s 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 system’s 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 doesn’t 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-10R’s 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 10R’s 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.
Lessons learned on the race track translate to the road in the new Ninja ZX-10R. Responsive enough for the most demanding racer, yet with performance and handling that experienced road riders can make the most of too. An intelligent ignition management system controls power delivery. The perfect balance.
Authentic Kawasaki Accessories are available through Kawasaki dealers.
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 motor’s success is its efficient respiratory system – the bank of four 43mm Keihin throttle bodies with oval sub-throttles. Controlled by Kawasaki’s digital fuel injection (DFI®) system and featuring two injectors per cylinder, the throttle bodies utilize the airbox’s 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-10R’s 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 Kawasaki’s 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 system’s 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 doesn’t 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-10R’s 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 10R’s 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.
Lessons learned on the race track translate to the road in the new Ninja ZX-10R. Responsive enough for the most demanding racer, yet with performance and handling that experienced road riders can make the most of too. An intelligent ignition management system controls power delivery. The perfect balance.
Authentic Kawasaki Accessories are available through Kawasaki dealers.
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