Kawasaki ZX-10RR Ninja

Based on the KRT race machine that has been amassing record after record in the Superbike World Championship, Kawasaki’s trio of litre-class supersport models allow a wide range of riders to experience the thrill of exploring their limits on the circuit.
 
Engine improvements for 2019 offer increased power, with an even wider powerband – both advantages that that will further increase their race-winning potential. This is as close as it gets to being part of the official Kawasaki World Superbike team.

This is one serious competitor. Equipped as standard with special light-weight Marchesini wheels plus Brembo M50 front calipers, the Ninja ZX-10RR takes no prisoners. Get Closer and you'll find a modified cylinder head and crankcases plus a quick up and down shifter. For 2019 only 500 numbered units are available worldwide which are all fitted with titanium connecting rods contributing to the increased power to 204 PS. The track calls and the Ninja ZX-10RR listens.

Machined “RR” logo engraved into the pulser cover helps distinguish the Ninja ZX-10RR from the crowd. Ignition key adorned with a “RR” logo adds another special touch.

The difference between the 2019 ZX-10R, ZX-10R SE and ZX-10RR are:

ZX-10R
Base model gets engine upgrades that take power to 200bhp thanks to reduced inertia and more aggressive high-lift cams. It also gets the KQS bi-directional quickshifter.

ZX-10RR
Track-focused single-seat model is limited to 500 bikes, gets titanium connecting rods, track-tuned suspension settings, a 600rpm higher rev limit, and a 1bhp advantage over the R, and lighter forged Marchesini wheels.

ZX-10R SE
Based on the R model, the SE benefits from Kawasaki’s advanced electronic suspension (KECS), and forged Marchesini wheels, while areas susceptible to scuffing and high-wear are treated to a paint finish that self-heals.

Features:

Race-Ready Engine
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-10RR into a race machine.

Track-focused 998 cm3 liquid-cooled, 4-stroke In-line Four
The Ninja ZX-10R’s engine balanced stunning power with manageability, and facilitated getting back on the gas by moving peak torque higher up in the rpm range. The current engine maintains this essential character, but offers a stronger low-mid range for increased acceleration coming out of corners.
 
Cylinder & Crankcase
Modified cylinder head provides the clearance to accommodate race-kit high-lift cams. Reinforced, high-rigidity crankcase offers increase reliability and performance for a race-tuned engine.

Titanium Connecting Rods
Complementing the new finger-follower valve actuation, the Ninja ZX-10RR features special high-performance titanium connecting rods designed by Pankl, a company specialising in developing and manufacturing engine and drivetrain components for formula race cars, high performance vehicles and the aerospace industry. Their lightweight components, made from high-grade materials, are designed using finite element analysis to withstand extreme mechanical stress. These high-performance connecting rods were developed specifically for the Ninja ZX-10RR alongside the Kawasaki Racing Team’s long-time performance partner. * Use of the lightweight titanium connecting rods enables the rev limit to be increased by 600 min-1, and contributes to a further 1 PS gain in peak power. * Raising the rev limit enables an even wider powerband, strengthening the Ninja ZX-10RR’s easy-to-use character. * Weighing 102 g less each, the lighter connecting rods contribute to reducing the crankshaft’s moment of inertia by 5%. In addition to benefiting engine response and handling, this makes it much easier for riders to weight the front wheel on corner entry.
 
Finger-follower valve actuation
A change to finger-follower valve actuation and other updates increase the Ninja ZX-10RR’s engine performance. Peak horsepower is higher: now 204 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-10RR’s easy-to-use character is maintained while offering increased power.

Electronic throttle valves
Electronic throttle valves allow the ECU to deliver the ideal amount of fuel and air to the engine. The system also enables more precise control of S-KTRC, as well as implementation of systems like KLCM and Kawasaki Engine Brake Control.

Cassette transmission
Race-style cassette transmission facilitates gear ratio changes to suit track conditions. The “cassette” is located high enough that it can be accessed without having the engine oil drain out.

Kawasaki Quick Shifter
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.
 
Aluminium twin-spar frame
Revised geometry care of a steering head moved closer to the rider, and a longer swingarm put more weight on the front for increased corner entry stability and confidence on the circuit.

Electronic steering damper
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.

Suspension Settings
To match the Ninja ZX-10RR’s single-seat specification and wheels and tyres, front and rear suspension settings ensure smooth weight transfer during deceleration and acceleration on the circuit. Pitching is kept at a manageable level, resulting in composed behaviour. Complementing the Pirelli tyres, the suspension settings contribute to the bike’s quicker lap times.

Wheels & Tyres
7-spoke multi-directional forged aluminium wheels jointly developed with Marchesini contribute to lighter handling – especially when changing direction. They offer a balance of high rigidity and a significantly reduced moment of inertia. In addition The Ninja ZX-10RR is fit with Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP tyres. The high-performance tyres greatly contribute to quicker lap times.