Road test of KawasakiNinja 1000 ZX-10R 2021 Essai de la Kawasaki ZX-10R 2021

a mixture of flavors awaits us on the Le Mans circuit. Smells, excitement, sensations. Between the freshness of the morning, the delicate smell of brake pads, the pschiiit of compressors, the imperceptible tepidness of the asphalt and the menacing gaze of the hypersport ready to send us into space, the tone is set for a red-hot test.

<img alt="Testing the Kawasaki 1000 ZX-10R 2021 - Motoplanete" "="" class="lazy" data-src="https://preprod.motoplanete.us/newsmpb/images/Essai-Kawasaki-ZX-10R-2021-700px.webp" loading="lazy" src="https://preprod.motoplanete.us/newsmpb/images/Essai-Kawasaki-ZX-10R-2021-700px.webp" style="box-sizing: border-box; background-color: transparent; max-width: 100%; height: 600px; width: 700px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"> <span> </span></span>2021 is the year of renewal in the ZX-10R family. Kobe's latest model was presented to us at the Bugatti circuit for a discovery day on this fabulous track.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 16.8px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"> <span> </span></span>Under its new plastic, Johnny Rea's grinding wheel remains true to its mission: performance. Not at any price, however. The radical or absolute stiffness we've seen on some sports bikes isn't in the specification. From the moment you sit on the bike, you'll feel right at home:<span> </span><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"> </span>the controls are easy to get to grips with; despite the controls being further back than on the previous version, you won't feel too sporty; the more enveloping bubble blends in perfectly with the look of the machine; the seat is comfortable for a sports bike. In short, the ZX-10R is user-friendly. </p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 16.8px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"> <span></span></span>A brand-new 4.3" color TFT speedo makes its appearance, 2 display modes (road and track), the screen background color is adjustable (white or black), it shows us the maximum angle grip on the left and right, the possibility of connecting a smartphone to access info and modify the various modes, to be notified when a call is received... It even incorporates data acquisition to record a wealth of information: GPS data, speed, engine rpm, gear engaged, throttle position, front brake pressure, acceleration/braking force, maximum angle, engine temperature, distance covered.... In short, a racing machine under constant monitoring! You'll appreciate the simplified navigation between the various menus.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 16.8px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;"><img alt="Testing the Kawasaki 1000 ZX-10R 2021 - Motoplanete" "="" class="lazy" data-src="https://preprod.motoplanete.us/newsmpb/images/Essai-Kawasaki-ZX-10R-2021-2.webp" loading="lazy" src="https://preprod.motoplanete.us/newsmpb/images/Essai-Kawasaki-ZX-10R-2021-2.webp" style="box-sizing: border-box; background-color: transparent; max-width: 100%; height: 543px; width: 700px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"> Let's talk looks ! Engineers have succeeded in integrating winglets into the fork head, generating an additional 17% support on the front wheel under hard acceleration. If the potential is hard to verify for the majority of riders, the operation is a success from a cosmetic point of view. The system is perfectly integrated into the machine. As a result, the Kawa still looks like a motorcycle... while some are beginning to resemble a glider. Although aesthetics are not really a measurable value, I'd like to think that it has a few genes from its CBR competitor.... Enough beating around the bush, let's see what it's got!!!

A racing engine, but not only

there's more fire than rumble in the pits. The 4-cylinder keeps its voice in a certain politeness. Stricter and stricter standards have taken their toll on decibels and belching - for now. As we continue to warm up on the 24-hour track, the adrenalin is in the starting blocks. The heart taps deliciously in the chest, accompanying the revs.

on the track, 1st impression! Comfort: between the saddle and the suspension, which seem to perfectly smooth out the occasional rough patch on the asphalt, you get the feeling that everything has been done to make sure you can twist the stopwatch hands. The Showa fork works like a charm, and the specifications have been perfectly met.

<img alt="Testing the Kawasaki 1000 ZX-10R 2021 - Motoplanete" "="" class="lazy" data-src="https://preprod.motoplanete.us/newsmpb/images/Essai-Kawasaki-ZX-10R-2021-3.webp" loading="lazy" src="https://preprod.motoplanete.us/newsmpb/images/Essai-Kawasaki-ZX-10R-2021-3.webp" style="box-sizing: border-box; background-color: transparent; max-width: 100%; height: 268px; width: 700px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"> <span> </span></span>Not violent, not tricky, not really spirited in the first half of the rev-count, the block almost feels 'gentle' as long as you don't piss it off. It retains the character trait of recent generations of ZX-10Rs. <br style="box-sizing: border-box;">The tires are hot, the rider is on fire, and the tiller is as taut as a cramp. Fire! </p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 16.8px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"> <span> </span></span>What a push! As you'd expect, the ZX-10R throws itself forward as if propelled by a huge catapult. Mixing rage with ardor, the boiler soon shifts speed to bring lines and bends into a very short dimension. No time to put your eyes back in your head, you've got to be ready for the next curve. The shifter makes it possible to shift up and down without question and without any hard points. The shorter first 3 gears give the gearbox near-ideal gear spacing. It's so quick, you'd think you were Rea !!!!! Shift-light panic is not spared, leaving only a few very short seconds between each gear; don't fall asleep on the handle! As a reminder, the gearbox is cassette-type for easier disassembly. What's more, it's positioned high enough to be removed without the need for an engine oil change.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;">Just a note about acceleration under full load, a little jerkiness between the 3 and the 4 - probably due to the low mileage of our test machines<span style="box-sizing: border-box;"> <span> </span></span> - nothing too bad!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 16.8px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"> <span> </span></span>Arrived on the Dunlop chicane, aie!!!...a priori a little too optimistic, the gravel trap is coming very, very fast, but that was without counting on Brembo's signature braking. I grabbed the right-hand lever almost in a panic, squeezed it to the point of agony, and then the ABS kicked in. If an initial analysis shows that I was clearly over my head, the exit from the curve instructs me that, in fact, it was going smoothly! The braking force is perfect, with consistency to match, while the braking power is always there. Magical!<br style="box-sizing: border-box;">As for dosage, an iron hand in a velvet glove. Here again, you don't just feel the brakes, you control them. Stroke the throttle, and the bike slows down; grip it like a lumberjack with an axe, and the bike digs a furrow in the asphalt. Common enough, you may ask? Not really, because Kawa's tour de force is to have succeeded in making a natural transition from soft to hard without the rider feeling the violence, bluffing!!!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 16.8px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"> <span> </span></span>And when it comes to braking equipment, our ZX-10R is no slouch :<span> </span><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"> </span>30mm M50 4-piston monoblock calipers, 330mm double disc for the front and single-piston caliper for a 220mm disc at the rear. The radial front brake master cylinder and its reservoir have received special attention from Brembo to limit the dead travel of the brake lever. We're in the top tier of the category!!!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 16.8px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;"><img alt="Testing the Kawasaki 1000 ZX-10R 2021 - Motoplanete" "="" class="lazy" data-src="https://preprod.motoplanete.us/newsmpb/images/Essai-Kawasaki-ZX-10R-2021-4.webp" loading="lazy" src="https://preprod.motoplanete.us/newsmpb/images/Essai-Kawasaki-ZX-10R-2021-4.webp" style="box-sizing: border-box; background-color: transparent; max-width: 100%; height: 463px; width: 700px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"> And what about the feel? Needless to say, the 203hp power delivery is of course very, very high, but the way it's delivered is, in my opinion, one of the best there is. On the Kawasaki hypersport, you're not overwhelmed by watts when you turn the throttle. It manages to give you all it's got without ever violating you; once again, in the measure of a 200+ motorcycle. Smoothing out the torque curve was part of the specification, erasing peaks and troughs for a more manageable throttle response. Basically, if you twist the handle at the start of the pit straight, you don't wonder if you'll go over the moon before you get to the Dunlop chicane.... And that's a big thing, because we're not all experienced drivers. The ZX-10R succeeds in putting itself at your level. In fact, the almost imperceptible traction control works wonders to help you keep up with the big cavalry. Open up the throttle wide on a corner exit, and the control system works smoothly. The higher you lift the bike, the more it pulls you forward, but progressively, without roughing you up like some hypersports of.... character. As with braking, the engine character's transition from calm to storm is seamless and natural; you feel the speed, not experience it.

entering corners is a formality. There's no need to force it, it takes the course on its own, with instantaneous cornering. The latest Kawa "Dizair" feels as light as a feather, and is as agile as the industry benchmark. Once set on an angle, it doesn't flinch, and angle corrections are stress-free, as you open and close trajectories and add angle just by thinking about it - a real treat! Whether it's long curves, chicanes or tight bends, none of them are a problem. It's so easy, all you have to do is manage the braking and throttle, it takes care of the turning parts!!!!

<img "="" alt="Kawasaki ZX-10R 2021 test ride." class="lazy" data-src="https://preprod.motoplanete.us/newsmpb/images/Essai-Kawasaki-ZX-10R-2021-5.webp" loading="lazy" src="https://preprod.motoplanete.us/newsmpb/images/Essai-Kawasaki-ZX-10R-2021-5.webp" style="box-sizing: border-box; background-color: transparent; max-width: 100%; height: 483px; width: 700px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"> <span> </span></span>What about the electronics? As for the rest, we're taking the best of the best and integrating it into the beauty. Named KCMF (Kawasaki Cornering Management Function), it incorporates the following functions:</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 16.8px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">-<span style="box-sizing: border-box;"> <span> </span></span></span></span></span><u style="box-sizing: border-box;">S-KTRC (Sport-Kawasaki Traction Control):</u><span> </span><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"> </span>Adjustable from 1 to 5, it enables optimum skid management (to enable the fastest possible acceleration out of corners. The system constantly analyzes wheel speed, acceleration, rpm and throttle opening, all supplemented by feedback from the 6-axis inertial measurement system to precisely define the bike's position every 5 milliseconds. Regulation is via ignition and throttle. Analysis of this data enables the system to define the position of the motorcycle in relation to the track and not to a horizontal plane, so it is able to take into account the bank of bends, slope.... and adapt the response of the handlebars accordingly to changes in each of these parameters.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 16.8px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">-<span style="box-sizing: border-box;"> <span> </span></span></span></span><u style="box-sizing: border-box;">KLCM (Kawasaki Lauch Control Mode):</u><span> </span>Start-stop assistance, optimizes acceleration by electronically managing power to minimize front-wheel spin and lift. It has 3 levels of adjustment, each allowing a progressively higher level of intrusion. Once engaged, at the starting line, full throttle, revs will be limited to 9000rpm on the 1<sup style="box-sizing: border-box;">er</sup><span> </span>level and 8000rpm on the following 2. The KLCM disengages automatically at 150km/h or when shifting into 3rd gear. With something like this, even Rossi stays put!!!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 16.8px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">-<span style="box-sizing: border-box;"> <span> </span></span></span></span></span><u style="box-sizing: border-box;">KIBS (Kawasaki Intelligent anti-lock Brake System):</u><span> </span>An even more intelligent ABS which, in addition to analyzing wheel rotation speed, also monitors hydraulic pressure in the front calipers and miscellaneous info (throttle position, engine speed, gear engaged, clutch action) and all this little world makes it possible to modulate braking pressure much more finely than a conventional ABS. What's more, by monitoring front brake pressure, it regulates braking to prevent rear wheel lift, even before the ABS engages, but also regulates pressure in small quantities, giving a sensation of very smooth operation. Rear braking is no exception, with KIBS also enabling rear brake control on downshifts.<span> </span><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"> </span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 16.8px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">-<span style="box-sizing: border-box;"> <span> </span></span></span></span></span><u style="box-sizing: border-box;">KEBC (Kawasaki Engine Brake Control):</u><span> </span><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"> </span>Allowing riders to select the engine braking force they wish, when activated, the engine braking effect is reduced providing less interference a sport or circuit ride.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 16.8px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">-<span style="box-sizing: border-box;"> <span> </span></span></span></span><u style="box-sizing: border-box;">Engine maps:</u><span> </span>There are 3 (F-M-L) Full, Middle (80% full), Low (60% full)</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 16.8px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"> <span> </span></span>To conclude with the electronics, 4 driving modes are offered Sport, Road, Rain, User. Each mode is assigned an engine mapping and a dedicated traction control level, while User mode allows fully user-configurable settings. Cruise control is also available. But what for? .......</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 16.8px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;"><img "="" alt="Kawasaki ZX-10R 2021 test drive." class="lazy" data-src="https://preprod.motoplanete.us/newsmpb/images/Essai-Kawasaki-ZX-10R-2021-6.webp" loading="lazy" src="https://preprod.motoplanete.us/newsmpb/images/Essai-Kawasaki-ZX-10R-2021-6.webp" style="box-sizing: border-box; background-color: transparent; max-width: 100%; height: 590px; width: 700px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"> In terms of damping, the pressurized BFF Showa fork (43mm), derived from technology acquired in Superbike, enhances comfort and stability under braking, and improves front-end feel. Despite a firmer hydraulic setting for track use, it remains very progressive, with no pumping. The Ohlins electronic steering damper adjusts automatically according to riding conditions

we could give it a special mention for its versatility in different levels of sportiness. It's a machine that can be considered as an introduction to the track: it will reassure you when you start out. Then, from young pistard to high-caliber rider, it's equally capable of providing everything you need as you move up the ranks. And to top it all off, you can even become World SuperBike champion, a title it has held for the past 6 years.

new features include an oil-cooling air cooler derived from the development of the superbike machine, a new titanium exhaust system, a lighter titanium muffler extended by 126mm, and a catalytic converter positioned further upstream for faster heating and better control of gas emissions.

in action on the track, the riding position is perfect, not tiring, and not too heavy on the handlebars, which helps handling. For a hypersport, that is. Whether you're out for a day's ride or a leisurely stroll, you'll appreciate these racing qualities with a passion. In short, this is one of the hypersports that performs best on the road.

in short , the new ZX-10R is one of the most versatile sports bikes in the sector, if not THE most versatile in its class. Whether it's the experienced rider, the motorcyclist looking for a bike for sultry weekend jaunts and a few off-road outings, or the person who just wants a hypersport to get to work every day, it's sure to satisfy a wide range of sportsmen and women.

lionel "Guido" Baffert
Image credits: Kawasaki

<img alt="Testing the Kawasaki 1000 ZX-10R 2021 - Motoplanete" "="" class="lazy" data-src="https://preprod.motoplanete.us/newsmpb/images/Essai-Kawasaki-ZX-10R-2021-double-portrait.webp" loading="lazy" src="https://preprod.motoplanete.us/newsmpb/images/Essai-Kawasaki-ZX-10R-2021-double-portrait.webp" style="box-sizing: border-box; background-color: transparent; max-width: 100%; height: 769px; width: 700px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"></em></p>