CHAMPIONSHIP DRIVEN.

2018 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R ABS KRT Review on Total Motorcycle:

Developed with feedback from the World Superbike Championship-winning Kawasaki Racing Team (KRT), as well as ongoing research, the Ninja® ZX™-10R is well positioned to continue Kawasaki’s dominance on the track or street.

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.

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 also dominating the streets.

THE WORLD DOMINANT NINJA® ZX™-14R, NINJA® ZX™-10R AND NINJA® ZX™-6R MOTORCYCLES RETURN

Kawasaki’s Ninja® line of supersport motorcycles has demonstrated domination at the pinnacle of road racing in many divisions, including the FIM Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK) in 2013, 2014, and 2016 with the Ninja® ZX™-10R. Pure performance also translated into the 2015 and 2016 FIM Supersport World Championship series with the Ninja® ZX™-6R. The proven performance on the racetrack remains undeniable and has allowed Kawasaki engineers to deliver the thrill of racetrack precision to the streets with its sportbikes.

For 2018, the Kawasaki Ninja® ZX™-14R ABS SE will continue to reign as “King” of the Ninja® motorcycles with its powerful 1,441cc DOHC inline-four engine. The most important aspect of a high-performance motorcycle is the ease with which a rider can control it. That is where the Ninja ZX-14R shines. It is equipped with two power levels and a three-mode Kawasaki Traction Control (KTRC) system that can easily be turned on or off with switches.

The Ninja ZX-14R motorcycle is also available with ABS. The ABS-equipped version is capable of riding two-up on a back road or putting its power to the ground on a track. It will be available in Emerald Blazed Green/Metallic Carbon Gray and Pearl Storm Gray/Ebony/Candytone Orange color schemes.

The Ninja ZX-10R’s three WorldSBK titles and mind-bending performance makes it one of the most respected liter bikes in the racing paddock. The 998cc four-cylinder engine in the Ninja ZX-10R motorcycle is combined with a state-of-the-art electronics package that is user-friendly and has been developed from insight gained through Kawasaki’s World Superbike experience. The electronics include Kawasaki Engine Brake Control, Kawasaki Launch Control Mode (KLCM), Kawasaki Intelligent anti-lock Braking System (KIBS), Kawasaki Cornering Management Function (KCMF), Sport Kawasaki TRaction Control (S-TRC) and Kawasaki Quick Shifter (KQS).

The 2018 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R motorcycle and its ABS equipped version are both available in Metallic Matte Fusion Silver/Metallic Flat Spark Black. The Kawasaki Racing Team (KRT) inspired color and graphics package is also available on both versions in Lime Green/Ebony/Metallic Graphite Gray.

Just like its big brothers in the supersport lineup, the Ninja ZX-6R features aggressive design elements and a racy appearance that gives riders added confidence out on the streets. The 636cc four-cylinder engine provides the riding experience demanded by the most discerning sportbike riders. The ergonomics have been designed at an angle to promote a comfortable riding position while commuting on city streets or taking on the wide-open racetrack.

The 2018 Ninja ZX-6R motorcycle is available in a Metallic Matte Fusion Silver/Metallic Flat Spark Black paint scheme with or without ABS. The Kawasaki Racing Team (KRT) inspired color and graphics package is available for both versions in Lime Green/Ebony/Metallic Graphite Gray.

2018 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R ABS KRT Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features

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

2018 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R ABS KRT Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits

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
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.

KAWASAKI NEXT-LEVEL ELECTRONICS FOR THE TRACK CONTINUED
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.

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.

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 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.

ALUMINUM FRAME

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.

WSBK – DEVELOPED SUSPENSION

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.

RACE – SPEC BRAKES

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 bargraph 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 riderchosen 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.

2018 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R ABS KRT – Totalmotorcycle.com USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: NON-ABS: $15,399 / MSRP ABS: $16,399 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® with 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
Rake / Trail
25.0°/4.2 in
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
120/70ZR17
Rear Tire
190/55ZR17
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
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
Lime Green/Ebony/Metallic Graphite Gray
Warranty
12 Month Limited Warranty
Kawasaki Protection Plus™ (optional)
12, 24, 36 or 48 months

2018 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R ABS KRT – Totalmotorcycle.com Canadian Specifications/Technical Details
Canada MSRP Price: $18,599 CDN

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

2018 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R ABS KRT – Totalmotorcycle.com European Specifications/Technical Details
Europe/UK MSRP Price: £14,299 GBP (On The Road inc 20% Vat)

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
Ignition
Digital
Starting System
Electric
Lubrication
Forced lubrication, wet sump with oil cooler

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
5.9 l/100 km
CO2 emission
162 g/km
Maximum torque
113.5 N•m {11.6 kgf•m} / 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

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

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
27° / 27°
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).