A number of changes offering enhanced performance and increased reliability care of feedback from Kawasaki’s racing efforts in the Superbike World Championship facilitate converting the Ninja ZX-10R into a race machine.
Technology taken from the leading World Superbike, finger-follower valve actuation and other updates, increase the Ninja ZX-10R’s engine performance. The 2020 Ninja ZX-10R continues the strong stride forward with peak horsepower now 203 PS, which can easily be augmented care of a full race exhaust. However, the changes benefit performance across the rev range, delivering increased power at all rpm – an advantage for racers as well as World Superbike teams.
A number of changes offering enhanced performance and increased reliability care of feedback from Kawasaki’s racing efforts in the Superbike World Championship facilitate converting the Ninja ZX-10R into a race machine.
A change to finger-follower valve actuation and other updates increase the Ninja ZX-10R’s engine performance. Peak horsepower is higher: now 203 PS, which can easily be augmented care of a full race exhaust. However, the changes benefit performance across the rev range, delivering increased power at all rpm – an advantage for racers as well as World Superbike teams. The changes essentially raise the flat torque curve of the previous model, so the Ninja ZX-10R’s easy-to-use character is maintained while offering increased power.
The new cylinder head provides the clearance to accommodate race-kit high-lift cams. The high-rigidity crankcase offers excellent reliability and performance for a race-tuned engine.
All models feature a red painted cylinder head cover, an expression of the high performance offered by finger-follower valve actuation.
Dual-direction KQS is now standard equipment on all models. Dual-direction KQS system allows both clutchless upshifts and downshifts, facilitating circuit riding. Designed for effective sport riding, KQS can also be used on the street at rpm above 2,500 min-1.
The Ninja ZX-10R features the Showa BFF front suspension, developed in the Superbike World Championships. Tested in world racing competition this technology, coming directly from the Kawasaki’s factory race machines to be featured on the Ninja ZX-10R.
A pair of massive φ330 mm Brembo semi-floating discs with a thickness of t5.0 mm deliver superb braking force. The stainless steel rotors offer high rigidity and contribute to excellent brake feel. 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.
At the rear a 220 mm diameter disc is slowed by a single-piston caliper. The disc’s round shape complements the round shape of the front Brembo discs.
Kawasaki’s electronic steering damper, jointly developed with Öhlins, is standard equipment on all models. Electronic steering damper provides just the right amount of damping based on what the bike is doing. Using input from the rear wheel speed sensor (provided via the engine ECU), the electronic steering damper’s ECU determines the vehicle’s speed as well as the degree the bike is accelerating or decelerating. For riders who prefer a mechanical steering damper, the race kit ECU can accommodate either the electronic or mechanical damper.
Compact IMU operates in 6 DOF (degrees of freedom): 5 measured + 1 calculated. Combined with Kawasaki’s proprietary dynamic modelling program, input from the IMU enables even more precise chassis orientation awareness, the key to bringing Kawasaki’s electronics to the next level.
Heat-resistant titanium header pipes and silencer contribute to performance, long-lasting durability, light weight and mass centralisation.
Larger upper cowl cuts through the air more efficiently, and offers the rider greater wind protection, making it easier to shift position for corner entry when riding on the track.
A 24 Month Unlimited Kilometre Warranty is standard on the 2019 Ninja ZX-10R KRT Edition
| Engine | |
|---|---|
| Model | Ninja ZX-10R (ZX1002ELFA) |
| Engine Type | Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke In-Line Four |
| Displacement | 998 cm³ |
| Bore X Stroke | 76.0 x 55.0 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 13.0:1 |
| Valve System | DOHC 16 valve |
| Fuel System | Fuel injection: ø47 mm x 4 with dual injection |
| Ignition | Digital |
| Starting | Electric |
| Transmission | 6-speed, return |
| Final Drive | Clutch= Wet Multi-disc, manual |
| Frame | |
|---|---|
| Type | Twin spar, cast aluminium |
| Wheel Travel Front | 120 mm |
| Wheel Travel Back | 114 mm |
| Tyre | |
|---|---|
| Front | 120/70ZR17 (58W) |
| Rear | 190/55ZR17M/C (75W) |
| 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 |
| Rear | Horizontal Back-link, BFRC lite gas-charged shock with piggyback reservoir, compression and rebound damping and spring preload adjustability, and top-out spring |
| Brakes | |
|---|---|
| Front | Dual semi-floating ø330 mm Brembo discs with dual radial-mount, Brembo M50 monobloc oppossed 4-piston calipers, ABS |
| Rear | Single ø220 mm disc with single-bore pin-slide caliper, ABS |
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| L x W x H | 2,090 x 740 x 1,145 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1,440 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 145 mm |
| Seat Height | 835 mm |
| Curb Mass | 206 kg |
| Fuel Capacity | 17 litres |
| Performance | |
|---|---|
| Max Power | 147.1 kW {200 PS} / 13,000 rpm |
| Max Power With RAM Air | 154.4 kW {210 PS} / 13,000 rpm |
| Maximum Torque | 113.5 N.m {11.6 kgf.m} / 11,500 rpm |
| Colour/s | Kawasaki Racing Team Lime Green |
| Warranty | 24 Months Unlimited Kilometres |