2017 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R ABS Review

2017 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R ABS
2017 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R ABS

 

2017 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R ABS
2017 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R ABS

 

2017 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R ABS
2017 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R ABS

 

2017 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R ABS
2017 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R ABS

 

2017 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R ABS
2017 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R ABS

 



 

2017 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R ABS Review

 

2017 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R ABS on www.Totalmotorcycle.com

 

GET CLOSER…

 

No other supersport can claim the World Superbike Championship like the Ninja® ZX™-10R. The Ninja ZX-10R propelled Kawasaki rider, Tom Sykes, to overall championship podium finishes every year since 2012—securing a championship title in 2013—and delivered back-to-back championships for 2015 and 2016, this time with Jonathan Rea aboard.

 

With the Ninja ZX-10R, development starts at the track. This is why only pure riding essentials make the cut. Down to the finest details, everything that goes into the Ninja ZX-10R has the sole purpose of making it the fastest bike on the track. And as a direct recipient of what the Kawasaki Racing Team (KRT) learns, the Ninja ZX-10R is equipped with championship-proven technology that makes it fully capable of dominating the streets too.

 

Enter curves and exit each hairpin with absolute confidence. From the very beginning the Ninja ZX-10R has pursued the highest circuit performance by offering the rider more power and more control. Designed to enable a greater number of riders to experience the thrill of riding a superbike at the limit, the new Ninja ZX-10R is the closest thing to a highly
advanced factory superbike Kawasaki has yet to offer.

 

The Kawasaki Racing Team and Kawasaki factory in Japan forged a performance partnership to develop the new Ninja ZX-10R. Tested, refined and approved by World Champion’s Jonathan Rea and Tom Sykes, this is as close as it gets to being part of the official Kawasaki World Superbike team. Ninja ZX-10R Get Closer.

 

 

 

 

 


 

2017 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R ABS www.Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features

 

KEY FEATURES
o KAWASAKI PROPRIETARY DYNAMIC MODELING SOFTWARE INTERPRETS IMU AND OTHER SENSOR READINGS FOR QUICKER LAP TIMES ON THE TRACK
o SPORT-KAWASAKI TRACTION CONTROL (S-KTRC)
o SHOWA BALANCE FREE SUSPENSION COMPONENTS
o HIGH-OUTPUT ENGINE WITH LINEAR POWER DELIVERY
o HIGH-SPEC BREMBO BRAKE SYSTEM
o AVAILABLE WITH KAWASAKI INTELLIGENT ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (KIBS)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2017 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R ABS www.Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits

 

KAWASAKI NEXT-LEVEL ELECTRONICS FOR THE TRACK
Kawasaki’s cutting-edge electronics have always excelled on the track due to the highly sophisticated programming that gives the ECU an accurate real-time picture of what the chassis is doing using minimal software. Incorporating a Bosch IMU and the latest evolution of Kawasaki’s proprietary dynamic modeling software, the ZX-10R’s electronic management technology helps assist racers experience the ZX-10R’s full potential, on the track.
Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU)(KP)
The IMU measures inertia along 5 axes: acceleration along longitudinal, transverse and vertical axes; roll rate; and pitch rate. The yaw rate is calculated by the ECU using Kawasaki’s patented software to provide six-axis chassis attitude input of lean angle and acceleration/deceleration force for more precise management of the electronic riding aids.
Utilizing the IMU, S-KTRC incorporates abundant feedback to help maximize acceleration when exiting corners on the track.
Due to the information from the IMU, the Launch Control system on the ZX-10R is highly advanced.
The IMU enables KIBS-equipped models to utilize the Corner Management function.
Unlike competitors’ systems that have pre-set limits, Kawasaki’s proprietary race-developed software enables the ZX-10R to have a dynamic system that has a higher level of chassis awareness and adapts to changing track conditions such as vehicle attitude, pavement conditions and tires.

 

Sport-Kawasaki Traction Control (S-KTRC)(KP)
With precise management due to the IMU, racers can choose from five modes, plus OFF, to set S-KTRC feeling for specific track conditions and riding preferences. The two highest modes provide minimal intrusion to enhance high-level racers’ experiences on the track.
S-KTRC helps maximize acceleration out of corners on the track by allowing power slides and power lifts as long as forward acceleration is maintained. The system distinguishes between torque lift, which is smooth and allowed if acceptable acceleration is maintained, and sudden undesirable lift that triggers system intervention.
Using complex analysis, the system calculates when traction conditions are about to become unfavorable and acts to help maintain optimal traction to enhance acceleration. By making small changes quickly, power spikes are minimized for ultra-smooth operation and quicker lap times on the track.

 

KAWASAKI NEXT-LEVEL ELECTRONICS FOR THE TRACK CONTINUED
Kawasaki Launch Control Mode (KLCM)(KP)
Designed to assist the racer by optimizing acceleration when launching from a standstill on the track, KLCM electronically controls engine output to optimize acceleration on the starts, help prevent wheelspin and minimize front end lift.
Riders can choose from three modes, each offering a progressively greater level of intrusion. Each mode allows the racer to launch from a stop with the throttle held open.

 

Kawasaki Engine Brake Control
The KEBC system allows racers to select the amount of engine braking they prefer. When KEBC is activated (by selecting “LIGHT” in the KEBC settings), the engine braking effect is reduced for smoother corner entries on the track.

 

Power Mode
Allows riders to choose from three power options:

 

Full power operation
Mid power – Variable operation depending on throttle position
Low power – limited to approximately 50-60% of full power
Works independently from S-KTRC.

 

Corner Management Function
Corner Management Function uses both KIBS and S-KTRC to assist racers trace their intended line through a corner on the track by suppressing the tendency for the bike to stand up while braking in a turn. The IMU helps the system maintain optimum hydraulic pressure based on the bike’s lean and pitch angles.

 

Available Kawasaki Intelligent anti-lock Brake System (KIBS)(KP)
High-precision system with smooth feedback for added braking confidence.
The engine ECU communicates with the ABS ECU (which monitors wheel speed and front caliper hydraulic pressure) to regulate brake pressure. The high-precision control provides a more consistent lever feel than conventional ABS systems.
Back torque limiting clutch system suppresses ABS function during downshifts for optimum performance.

 

Electronic Steering Damper (ESD)
Settings match chassis dimensions and track handling characteristics.
Jointly developed with Öhlins, steering damping characteristics are changed electronically according to vehicle speed and the degree of acceleration or deceleration. At low speeds, the settings were chosen so that damping does not interfere with the bike’s intrinsic lightweight handling. At higher speeds on the circuit, damping increases to help riders set the bike on the line of their choosing. Using input from the rear wheel speed sensor (provided via the engine ECU) the electronic steering damper’s ECU identifies the vehicle’s speed as well as the rate the bike is accelerating or decelerating to fine tune damping.
The enhanced feeling offered by the electronic steering damper allows riders to relax more, contributing to reduced rider fatigue.
During strong acceleration or deceleration, damping is increased to enhance performance.
Features Öhlins’ special twin-tube design for consistent damping performance, even under harsh track conditions, plus superb kickback absorption.
The damper’s high precision construction and use of an integrated clamp help minimize friction as the damper piston moves so that initial motion is very smooth.

 

ENGINE
With development input from Kawasaki’s championship-winning World Superbike team, the ZX-10R engine has superb horsepower. While it maintains a very linear power delivery to help the rider open the throttle early when exiting a corner on the track, low-to-mid range power is exceptional for quick acceleration.
Light crankshaft and optimized moment of inertia for quick engine response and light handling to help make the bike turn-in quickly.
Light pistons enhance engine response while a Teflon resin coating helps reduce friction.
Long-reach spark plugs from the Ninja H2 allow large coolant passages in the cylinder head for optimum cooling performance.
Straight, wide intake and exhaust ports enhance top-end power characteristics.
Lightweight titanium intake and exhaust valves reduce reciprocating weight.
Compact valve train reduces cylinder head height.
Camshafts are carved from forged chromoly billet, which is more than one-half pound lighter than cast cams. The cams and tappets are treated with soft nitriding to help prevent galling and seizing with the aggressive, high lift profiles.
Single valve springs with oval cross sections are light and lower to reduce overall cylinder head height.

 

ENGINE CONTINUED
Ram Air Intake
Ram air duct positioned close to front of the bike for optimum air box filling efficiency.
Large 10-liter airbox helps boost engine response and low-mid range power for enhanced racetrack acceleration.
Resonator chamber built in to frame spars to help reduce intake noise.

 

Digital Fuel Injection
47mm main electronic throttle valves (ETV) operate with high precision to help provide smooth engine response on the track. The simple system also enhances input to S-KTRC and accommodates the Kawasaki Launch Control and Kawasaki Engine Brake Control features.
High speed 32-bit ECU provides precise engine management and is housed in an aluminum case for efficient heat dissipation.

 

Titanium Alloy Exhaust
Titanium alloy provides better heat resistance than pure titanium so the exhaust system can be made thinner, and lighter, without sacrificing durability.
Header pipe diameter and length very similar to race-use headers make it easy to increase circuit performance by adding competition-use only slip-on muffler.
Large-volume pre-chamber with exhaust valve at exit is placed under the engine to centralize weight, reduce exhaust noise and help minimize muffler volume.
Single, right-side muffler lowers the overall center of gravity and helps centralize mass.

 

ENGINE CONTINUED
6-Speed Cassette Transmission
Non-contact, potentiometer-type sensor quick shifter to facilitate seamless acceleration.
Gear ratios help provide strong acceleration for circuit use and contribute to smooth downshifts.
Dry-film lubricant coating on certain transmission gears reduces friction so gears slide into place easily for quick, sure shifting.
Thin clutch primary gear is light to contribute to the quick engine response.
Cassette-style transmission facilitates quicker gear ratio changes to suit track conditions.
Primary reduction ratio, final drive ratio and fourth through sixth gear ratios minimize rear end lift and squat during acceleration or deceleration, allowing greater freedom with suspension settings.
A back-torque limiting clutch automatically disengages the clutch under hard braking and deceleration to help prevent rear wheel hop during corner entry on the track. Optional springs, spring retainers and shims are available to fine-tune the clutch for specific track conditions.

 

ALUMINUM FRAME
Aluminum Twin Spar Backbone Frame
Optimized geometry for sharp circuit handling.
Steering head pipe position helps weight the front end for optimum feel, feedback and flickability.
All-cast aluminum construction requires fewer pieces to reduce weight and welds.
Direct line from head pipe to swingarm pivot for great cornering performance.
The engine is mounted strategically in the frame to raise the center of gravity and place more weight on the front end. Combined with the rake angle, it helps make the ZX-10R highly flickable side-to-side for great cornering performance.

 

WSBK – DEVELOPED SUSPENSION
Jointly developed with Showa In the World Superbike Championship, the Balance Free Fork (BFF) is complemented by Showa’s latest rear shock, the Balance Free Rear Cushion (BFRC), to provide track riders the best possible performance.
Showa Balance Free Fork (BFF)(KP)
The damping valves are located outside the fork cylinder so that the hydraulic circuit does not generate the pressure balance fluctuations that typically occur in conventional dampers.
Compression and rebound damping are generated, and adjusted, completely independently from each other. By placing the valving in a damping force chamber, the whole surface of the fork piston can act on the oil, stabilizing internal pressure which results in a more compliant fork.
External compression chamber contains pressurized nitrogen that applies force to the oil, helping to maintain balanced pressure inside the fork tube.
Provides high ride comfort and performance under braking while enhancing front-end feel.
Fully adjustable preload and compression and rebound damping enables riders to fine tune the suspension for a wide variety of conditions.

 

Showa BFRC-Lite (Balance Free Rear Cushion) Shock Absorber(KP)
Like the fork, damping valves are located outside the shock cylinder so that the hydraulic circuit does not generate the pressure balance fluctuations that typically occur in conventional dampers.
By placing the valving in a damping force chamber, the whole surface of the shock piston can act on the oil, stabilizing internal pressure which results in a more compliant shock.
Provides high ride comfort and traction and reduces weight.
Fully adjustable compression and rebound damping plus threaded preload enables riders to fine tune the suspension for a wide variety of conditions.

 

Horizontal Back-link Rear Suspension(KP)
Linkage ratios deliver a linear feel and offer a wide adjustment range, so that setting changes are easy for the rider to feel.
The swingarm has high rigidity to contribute to the nimble handling and help put weight to the front.
The linkage is placed atop swingarm to make room for the exhaust pre-chamber for better mass centralization.
Rear shock is further away from the exhaust so that its operation will not be affected by exhaust heat.

 

RACE – SPEC BRAKES
Race-Spec Brembo Brakes (also available with Kawasaki Intelligent anti-lock Brake System(KP) (KIBS)
Similar system to that used on the Ninja H2 and the World Superbike race machine.
Radial mounted 4-piston front brake calipers.
Front brakes feature Brembo M50 cast monoblock calipers with four opposed 30mm pistons that clamp on huge 330mm Brembo discs for superb braking force. The outer edges of the discs have grooves down the center of the outer edges to help dissipate heat.
Brembo radial pump master cylinder and reservoir are calibrated to require very little lever movement to achieve strong front brake force.
Stainless steel braided brake lines contribute to direct feel.
Available KIBS high-precision anti-lock brake system provides smooth feedback and minimal lever movement for added braking confidence on the circuit.

 

DISTINCTIVE NINJA STYLING
Aero/Styling
Upper cowl resembles the factory World Superbike machine, reduces drag and provides optimum wind deflection so that the racer can change position more smoothly at track speeds.
Strategically-placed vents in the upper cowl help prevent negative pressure build-up in cockpit to reduce helmet buffeting.
Ninja H2-design front fender helps direct airflow to the radiator.
Taillight design provides an aggressive image.

 

Multi-mode Instrumentation
Utilizes a race-type, highly-visible LED-backlit bar-graph tachometer strategically placed at the top of the instrument panel.
LED brightness adjusts automatically to changing conditions or can be set manually to one of three levels – 100%, 75%, or 50%.
Adjustable LED shift indicator lights flash when rider-chosen rpm is reached.
Choose from street or track LCD screen that prominently displays the pure riding essentials necessary for riding at the limit; no superfluous information to distract the racer.

 

Street Track
Main LCD Speed Gear Position
Left Numerals Odometer Lap Timer
Right Numerals Clock Speed

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

2017 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R ABS – www.Totalmotorcycle.com USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: ABS: $16,099 / MSRP NON-ABS: $15,099 USD

 

Power
Engine
4-stroke, 4 cylinder, DOHC, 4-valve, Liquid-cooled
Displacement
998cc
Bore x Stroke
76.0 x 55.0mm
Compression ratio
13.0:1
Fuel System
DFI® w/47mm Mikuni throttle bodies (4) with oval sub-throttles, two injectors per cylinder
Ignition
TCBI with digital advance and Sport-Kawasaki Traction Control (S-KTRC)
Transmission
6-speed, return shift
Final Drive
Sealed chain
Electronic Rider Aids
Kawasaki Launch Control Mode (KLCM), Kawasaki Intelligent anti-lock Brake System (KIBS), Kawasaki Sport Traction Control (S-KTRC), Kawasaki Engine Braking Control, Kawasaki Quick Shifter (KQS) (upshift only), Kawasaki Corner Management Function (KCMF)
Performance
Front Suspension / Wheel Travel
43mm inverted Balance Free Fork, adjustable stepless rebound and compression damping, spring preload adjustability/4.7 in
Rear Suspension / Wheel Travel
Horizontal back-link with Balance Free gas-charged shock, stepless, dual-range (low-/high-speed) compression damping, stepless rebound damping, fully adjustable spring preload/4.5 in
Front Tire
120/70 ZR17
Rear Tire
190/55 ZR17
Front Brakes
Intelligent Braking (KIBS), Brembo dual semi-floating 330mm discs with dual radial mounted monobloc 4-piston calipers
Rear Brakes
KIBS-controlled, single 220mm disc with aluminum single-piston caliper
Details
Frame Type
Aluminum perimeter
Rake/Trail
25.0°/4.2 in
Overall Length
82.3 in
Overall Width
29.1 in
Overall Height
45.1 in
Ground Clearance
5.7 in
Seat Height
32.9 in
Curb Weight
454.2 lb**
Fuel Capacity
4.5 gal
Wheelbase
56.7 in
Color Choices
Pearl Blizzard White/Metallic Flat Raw Titanium
Warranty
12 Month Limited Warranty
Kawasaki Protection Plus™ (optional)
12, 24, 36 or 48 months

 



 

 

 

 

 


 

2017 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R ABS – www.Totalmotorcycle.com Canadian Specifications/Technical Details
Canada MSRP Price: $18199 CAD

 

ENGINE
Displacement 998cc
Type 4-stroke, In-Line Four
Bore and stroke 76.0 x 55.0 mm
Cooling Liquid
Compression ratio 13.0:1
Valve system DOHC, 16 valves (4 valves per cylinder)
Fuel system DFI with 47 mm Keihin throttle bodies with oval sub-throttles, two injectors per cylinder
Ignition Digital
Lubrication Forced lubrication, wet sump with oil cooler
BRAKES
Front: type Dual semi-floating 330 mm petal discs
Front: calipers Dual radial-mount, opposed 4-piston
Rear: type Single 220 mm petal disc
Rear: calipers Single-bore pin-slide, aluminium piston
DIMENSIONS
Overall length 2,090 mm
Overall width 740 mm
Overall height 1,145 mm
Wheelbase 1,440 mm
Ground clearance 145 mm
Seat height 835 mm
Curb mass** 206 kg
Fuel capacity 17 litres (3.7 gal.)
DRIVETRAIN
Transmission 6-speed, race-style cassette
Final drive Chain
Primary reduction ratio 1.681 (79/47)
Gear ratio: 1st 2.600 (39/15)
Gear ratio: 2nd 2.214 (31/14)
Gear ratio: 3rd 1.944 (35/18)
Gear ratio: 4th 1.722 (31/18)
Gear ratio: 5th 1.550 (31/20)
Gear ratio: 6th 1.391 (32/23)
Final reduction ratio 2.294 (39/17)
Clutch Wet multi-disc, manual
FRAME
Type Twin spar, cast aluminium
Wheel travel: front 120 mm (4.7 in.)
Tire: front 120/70-ZR17M/C (58W)
Wheel travel: rear 140 mm (5.5 in.)
Tire: rear 190/55-ZR17M/C (75W)
Caster (rake) 25º
Trail 107 mm (4.2 in.)
Steering angle (left/right) 27º/27º
PERFORMANCE
Maximum Torque‡ 114.6 N.m {11.7 kgf.m} @ 11,500 rpm
SUSPENSION
Suspension, front 43 mm inverted Balance Free Front Fork with external compression chamber, compression and rebound damping and spring preload adjustability, and top-out springs
Suspension, rear Horizontal Back-link with BFRC lite gas-charged shock, piggyback resevoir, compression and rebound damping and spring preload adjustability, and top-out spring
DETAILS
Warranty 12 months warranty

 

 

 

 

 


 

2017 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R ABS – www.Totalmotorcycle.com European Specifications/Technical Details
Europe/UK MSRP Price: £See Dealer for Pricing in GBP (On The Road inc 20% Vat)

 

Engine
Engine type
Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke In-Line Four
Displacement
998 cm³
Bore x stroke
76 x 55 mm
Compression ratio
13.0:1
Valve system
DOHC, 16 valves
Fuel system
Fuel injection: Ø 47 mm x 4 with dual injection
Starting System
Electric
Lubrication
Forced lubrication, wet sump with oil cooler
Brakes & Suspension
Brakes, front
Dual semi-floating 310 mm petal discs. Caliper: Dual radial-mount, opposed 4-(aluminium) piston
Brakes, rear
Single 220 mm petal disc. Caliper: Single-bore pin-slide, aluminium piston
Suspension, front
43 mm inverted fork with rebound and compression damping, spring preload adjustability and top-out springs
Suspension, rear
Horizontal Back-link with gas-charged shock and top-out spring. Compression damping: Stepless, dual-range (high/low-speed). Rebound damping: Stepless. Spring preload: Fully adjustable
Performance & Transmission
Maximum power
147.1 kW {200 PS} / 13,000 rpm
Maximum power with RAM air
154.4 kW {210 PS} / 13,000 rpm
Fuel consumption
5.9l/100 km
CO2 emission
162g/km
Maximum torque
113.5 Nom {11.6 kgfom} / 11,500 rpm
Transmission
6-speed, cassette
Final drive
Sealed chain
Primary Reduction Ratio
1.681 (79/47)
Gear Ratios 1st
2.600 (39/15)
Gear Ratios 2nd
2.214 (31/14)
Gear Ratios 3rd
1.944 (35/18)
Gear Ratios 4th
1.722 (31/18)
Gear Ratios 5th
1.550 (31/20)
Gear Ratios 6th
1.391 (32/23)
Clutch
Wet multi-disc, manual
Frame & Dimensions
Frame type
Twin spar, cast aluminium
Trail
107 mm
Wheel travel front
120 mm
Wheel travel rear
114 mm
Tyre, front
120/70ZR17M/C (58W)
Tyre, rear
190/55ZR17M/C (75W)
Steering angle, left / right
27o / 27o
L x W x H
2,090 x 740 x 1,145 mm
Wheelbase
1,440 mm
Ground clearance
145 mm
Fuel capacity
17 litres
Seat height
835 mm
Curb mass
206 kg

 



 

 

 

Manufacturer Specifications and appearance are subject to change without prior notice on Total Motorcycle (TMW).

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