Motorcycle specifications KawasakiNinja 1000 ZX-10RR 2019 A thorn in WSBK's side

When you buy a hypersport bike, you're venturing down a path that could very well lead to competition. Perfect, the ZX-10 is just that, especially in this RR version. In fact, it's the one that benefits most from the 2019 evolutions. With an eye on staying at the top in WSBK. So, what have they been up to in the engine department at Kawasaki?

more revs, riders, more revs for the 'Dizer'. By adopting a louvered valve train, the engine can now boast more compact combustion chambers and even higher rotational speeds. Power now reaches 204 hp for the ZX-10 RR, 500 rpm higher.
Do you want more, better, faster? Just ask. Let's take a look at the engine's innards. New Pankl titanium connecting rods save 408 grams. Crankshaft inertia has been reduced by 5%, while high revs have been boosted by 600 rpm. The limiter now strikes at 14,800 rpm instead of 14,200 rpm.
And therein lies the trick. The Superbike regulations provide for winning teams to be penalized - in order to level out performance - by reducing their maximum engine speed. With more original revs, the Kawa engine will feel little of the effects of this clamping when the officials limit its flights.
This 4-cylinder will be bubbling with power and madness. No wonder its cylinder head cover is now painted red.

the ZX-10 RR takes the opportunity to abandon its 'Winter' color scheme. Instead, a more provocative 'Lime Green' reminds us inevitably of the machine entered in the EWC. For war paint, this remains the privilege of the KRT Edition.
Produced in a limited series, only 500 ZX-10 'Race Ready' models will be made, each authenticated by a plate on the fork crown. As with previous editions, minor chassis upgrades are still included:

when it was unveiled, Kawa announced that with this ZX-10RR, in-house drivers were gaining 1 to 2 seconds per lap on the Autopolis circuit (which belongs to the brand). The answer? By optimizing everything on board. Symbolically, we removed the passenger equipment to make it a strict single-seater. Without the rear footrests, and by opting for a lighter muffler support, the Ninja saves a kilo. Then it's a matter of gaining velocity. The bike's chassis takes center stage: the wheels alone are enough to push the lap times. Kawa and Marchesini have developed new forged aluminum rims, reducing unsprung mass and enabling faster angle changes. These rims are fitted with Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP tires, and you know what a game-changer good tires and plenty of grip can be.
In case a buddy wants to try the ZX-10RR wheels on his standard ZX-10R, don't worry, the wheels are compatible. You'll just need to buy a kit to fit the brake discs and the speed sensor track.

with much higher-performance shoes, it's essential to review the suspension settings. The factory has therefore applied the appropriate screwdriver strokes, without changing the components of the Showa BFF inverted fork or rear shock absorber. This is Kawa's way of emphasizing the quality of its suspension systems.
Another time-saving feature is the Up & Down shifter. A privilege until 2018, it has now become a standard feature on X-10 R bikes. Nonetheless, it's an asset on the track, and can also be used on the road, as long as you're above 2,500 rpm.

but let me come to the main course. With the aforementioned modifications, this ZX-10R "+" is already a step ahead. Where it gets more interesting for racers is that Kawasaki had already modified the innards of the first version of this RR. Born of racing, this version is just waiting to get back into it. The engine-makers have reworked the cylinder head to accommodate meaner camshafts. Also, the tappets receive an ultra-hard Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) surface treatment to facilitate engine running-in and reduce mechanical losses. Also in the spirit of race preparation, the crankcase has been reinforced to take the load intended to boost it. The vents between the cylinders have been narrowed and the wall thickened in this area.

An exclusive for enthusiasts? Mostly, it's a version destined to be grafted with a nice racing preparation, the better to take on the competition, which is giving itself the means to return to the forefront. Miss Ninja doesn't seem too worried in this RR livery.

don't forget to check out the special racing parts kit. It includes high-profile camshafts and special valve springs to improve high-speed performance.

M.B - Manufacturer's photos