Motorcycle specifications KawasakiNinja 1000 ZX-10R 2021 Living in speed

A hypersport machine like the Kawasaki ZX-10R is more than just a collection of parts, metal, electronics and power. It's a source of pride as much as a demonstration, as much as the fruit of relentless work by engineers and riders, topped by a level of demands as taut as the implacable figures on a stopwatch.
And it's impossible to remain calm and serene. The competition is relentless. Either you evolve, or you transform, or you perish and quickly disappear. The most competitive Ninja has no choice but to embark on a new chapter of development and fury.

It all begins with a threat, a mixture of warning and rage. As usual, the ZX-10R will be available in a black color scheme, or in a racing deco based on the KRT Superbike machine. This year, there's a nod to the 1991 ZXR 750 R.
All this on a trim that takes current trends by surprise. I'm talking about winglets. Everyone's using them, either as appendages like on the M 1000 RR, the Panigale V4 or theex-RSV4 1100 Factory; or integrated into the shape, like the fairing design. Witness the current CBR 1000 RR-R and RSV4. The ZX-10R has chosen this path, but in its own very special way.

You have to look for them. Not on the sides.... Not in them...... Well, where?!? In the fork head. The air presses against large lips placed under the eyes and is then evacuated towards dedicated ducts. This configuration offers 17% more downforce on the front axle. Less work for traction control. And a bonus for access and speed, thanks to the 7% reduction in drag.

whether designed for efficiency or aggressiveness, the 10-R's face is a torment to the harmony of the senses. With its MotoGP proto-like mouth, its ridges merging atrophied claws and mandibles, its tiny headlights and that hidden tension in the nostrils, it calls out like an extra-biological experience. Strange is not the right word..
Optimization would be more appropriate. The new shape of the forced-air intake tunnel is more compact while maintaining the same level of efficiency. The small LED headlights allow 450 grams to fly away.
The new front fascia truly inspires the birth of a new 10R. But... The rear is barely touched up; the stern light is identical; the fuel tank changes only in its graphics; the frame shapes augur a status quo... What is this lineage hiding from us, transformation or evolution?

The ZX-10Rwas the first of Japan's hypersports models to exceed 200 hp, and since then the race for power has calmed down. The focus of development has shifted to electronics. Recently, the arms race has been relaunched. Whether it's Honda's 217 horsepower CBR, or BMW's 212-horsepower M 1000 RR - Ducati is on another planet with the 221 hp Panigale V4 R. Will Kawa react?
Timidly. The 998 cm3 4-cylinder retains the 203 hp it has been channelling since 2019; however, obtained 300 rpm earlier, at 13,200. The engine-makers knew how to get it through Euro5 without eating watts. Among other changes, one of the catalytic converters has been moved to the exhaust to heat up faster, and the muffler has increased in volume.
Regularly optimized thanks to the experience of the WSBK team, the boiler retains its high-tech features and is fitted with a new oil cooling circuit. This now has its own radiator.
On the transmission side, the beast wants to get out of corners even faster. To achieve this, it changes its 39-tooth crown gear for a 41-tooth one, while the gearbox shortens its first three ratios.

overall, the engine remains on its feet. The Ninja's chassis follows suit. Always with the idea of fine-tuning, of passing on experience to gain hundredths, of making those few adjustments that will make all the difference. A simple millimetre lower for the swingarm pivot point, for example, to improve the work of the amorto on corner exits. On the stability front, the wheelbase has been increased by 10 mm (1450 mm), thanks to an 8 mm longer swingarm and a 2 mm fork.
This new geometry puts a touch more weight on the front end. As the rider's riding position has also been moved further forward, the 10R's agility should go up a notch. The half-guidelines move forward by 10 mm, the rear of the seat is higher and the footrests climb by 5 mm.

Between corners and vibrators, every long straight will be an opportunity to appreciate the 40 mm higher bubble, a guarantee of better protection. Theex-10R 's side vents have disappeared. Either because they were useless, or because the new fork head does the job better!
Wind and weather are the enemy, so you might as well go for it and get in the way as much as possible. The ZX-10R's virtually unchanged chassis is put through its paces in the twisties. The double-spar aluminum frame is retained, as is the Showa suspension. The 43mm-diameter BFF inverted fork with external compression chamber and BFRC Lite monoshock are used, while the fork springs are set slightly less stiff, with firmer compression and softer rebound, to make the front end easier to engage. The amorto, meanwhile, gets a stiffer spring and softer compression and rebound settings. Of course, the rider can adjust these elements as he wishes, with front and rear adjustable in all directions.

The same goes for the braking system, with its 330 mm tracks bitten by 4-piston calipers. Aviation hoses are still not standard. Inexcusable at this level of performance. Almost an insult to the dreaded Brembo M50 clamps. At the rear, there's still a 220 mm disc with a single-piston caliper; the pads are different, for more power. The position of the brake fluid reservoir has also been repositioned to reduce the impact on the boot.

one element whose longevity was becoming a challenge was the dashboard. It was long overdue for something more contemporary. Kawa has kept things simple but effective, grafting on the 4.3-inch TFT color display found on most of its models. The interface offers two thematic choices. A "road" mode for everyday use, with a style found on Z 900s and Ninja 650s (and others) / and a much more technical "track" mode - the atmosphere is full performance, with the best places for the bar graph and lap times.
Another new feature of this ZX-10R is the installation of cruise control. We can't really imagine this sporty machine in cruising or touring mode, but... an engineer at Kawa seems to think so.

Track and field enthusiasts will be more interested in the renewed presence of the various riding aids. The dose is eloquent, without being overflowing like on Italian products. Here, man-machine interaction takes place via an IMU inertial unit, 5-mode S-KTRC predictive traction control, a 3-level KLCM standing start assistant, KIBS intelligent braking with active curve management and anti-stoppie, KLCM engine brake control, 3 engine power levels (Full: 100% - Middle: approx. 80% - Low: approx. 60%), wheeling control, Up&Down shifter, 4 riding modes and the KCMF system for optimized cornering efficiency. The Kawasaki Cornering Management Function uses traction control, launch control, braking management, engine braking and IMU to enhance cornering control.

Driving Modes have evolved. The "Rider" is divided into 4 sub-categories, each of which allows you to memorize your own electronic management system.
Now you can change modes while riding. So you don't have to worry about it, just select :
- sport" mode, with S-KRTC traction control at minimum (1) and full engine power (Full)
- or "Road" for a dynamic but not bleeding edge, with more S-KTRC (3) and just as many watts (Full)
- Rain " when it's floaty or greasy, with S-FTRC at level 5 and power at Low.
- or choose one of the 4 customizable memories, combining a given level of traction (1-2-3-4-5-off) with a given engine power (F-M-L).

you' d like a bit more electronics. Back to the dashboard. Its upgrade enables Bluetooth connection with a smartphone. Thanks to the Rideology app, the rider can manage phone calls, adjust display settings and steering assistants from the phone, check fuel level, mileage and other info, consult a logbook where ride routes are recorded, angles taken, throttle positions, speed at each point, etc., etc... A real snitch. It's easy to see why it's great for the track, but not for the road... The green hypersport has changed, but it's quick to point out where its preferred domain lies.

Although it looks like a new generation, the new ZX-10R can't claim to be a new machine. Its body and heart have undergone more evolution than redesign. But Kawasaki is giving its champion even greater credentials. In recognition of her achievements in World Superbike, she has been awarded the River Mark - the emblem the brand reserves for its exceptional models. Until now, only compressor models have sported this emblem.

M.B - Manufacturer's photos

Kawasaki's firepower is further expressed in the championship with the ZX-10RR. On the menu: lighter 2-segment Pankl connecting rods, lighter Marchesini rims, a cylinder head ready for racing optimization, higher engine revs, specific camshafts, avia hoses and a hair more power.