Introduction
Racing crucible hardens this Ninja's
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
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.
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Features
Four-Cylinder, DOHC 998cc Engine
- Very 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 high efficiency heat dissipation
Cylinder head
- Intake 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 Injection
- Secondary 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 intake
- Ram air intake duct shaped for lower intake noise and higher
intake efficiency
- Larger airbox offers accessibility and ease of maintenance
KIMS Ignition
- Kawasaki Ignition Management System (KIMS) helps curtail sudden
spikes in engine speed, enhancing the rider's control of power
delivery
- Designed not to interfere with the rider's 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 system
- Features 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 bike's center of gravity and improves exhaust efficiency
Six-Speed Transmission
- Gear 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
Chassis
- Unique 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
frame's 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 frame's 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
Swingarm
- Pressed 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
Suspension
- DLC (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 (low- and high-speed)
compression damping, providing the fine-tuning needed for racing
Race-quality steering damper
- Adjustable Öhlins 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
Brakes
- Tokico 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
Wheels
- Squeeze-cast wheels offer more precise dimensions with less
wall thickness and weight yet are stiffer than the gravity-cast
units
Ergonomics
- Rear 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 Bodywork
- Top of the front cowl has a slight step at the front to reduce
wind blast on the rider's shoulders and generate a laminar flow
around the rider's 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 helmet's
chin, so it's 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 tail's 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 Instrumentation
- Instrument cluster uses UV-blocking glass, so the LED displays
are brighter and easier to read
- Multifunction odometer, tripmeter, clock and lap timer/stopwatch
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Technical Specifications
Engine: Four-stroke, liquid-cooled,
DOHC, four valves per cylinder, inline-four
Displacement: 998cc
Bore x stroke: 76.0 x 55.0mm
Maximum torque: 83.2 lb-ft @ 8,700 rpm
Compression ratio: 12.9:1
Fuel system: DFI with four 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: 120/70 ZR17
Rear tire: 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 brakes: Dual semi-floating 310mm petal discs with dual
four-piston radial-mount calipers
Rear brakes: Single 220mm petal disc with aluminum single piston
caliper
Overall length: 83.1 in.
Overall width: 28.0 in.
Overall height: 44.7 in.
Seat height: 32.7 in.
Curb weight: 458.6 lbs.
Fuel capacity: 4.5 gal.
Color choices: Ebony
Candy Burnt Orange / Flat Super Black
Special Edition Lime Green / Metallic Diablo Black
MSRP standard / special edition: $11,799 / $11,999
* Price and specifications subject to change
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