Kawasaki ZX-10R Ninja KRT Edition

Based on the KRT race machine that has been amassing record after record in the Superbike World Championship, Kawasaki’s trio of litre-class supersport models allow a wide range of riders to experience the thrill of exploring their limits on the circuit.
 

Engine improvements for 2019 offer increased power, with an even wider powerband – both advantages that that will further increase their race-winning potential. This is as close as it gets to being part of the official Kawasaki World Superbike team.

The difference between the 2019 ZX-10R, ZX-10R SE and ZX-10RR are:

ZX-10R
Base model gets engine upgrades that take power to 200bhp thanks to reduced inertia and more aggressive high-lift cams. It also gets the KQS bi-directional quickshifter.
 

ZX-10RR
Track-focused single-seat model is limited to 500 bikes, gets titanium connecting rods, track-tuned suspension settings, a 600rpm higher rev limit, and a 1bhp advantage over the R, and lighter forged Marchesini wheels.
 

ZX-10R SE
Based on the R model, the SE benefits from Kawasaki’s advanced electronic suspension (KECS), and forged Marchesini wheels, while areas susceptible to scuffing and high-wear are treated to a paint finish that self-heals.

Features:

Track-focused 998 cm3 liquid-cooled, 4-stroke In-line Four
The Ninja ZX-10R’s engine balanced stunning power with manageability, and facilitated getting back on the gas by moving peak torque higher up in the rpm range. The current engine maintains this essential character, but offers a stronger low-mid range for increased acceleration coming out of corners.

Cylinder Head Ready for High-Lift Cams
Previously a feature unique to the Ninja ZX-10RR, now the cylinder head of all models provides the clearance to accommodate race-kit high-lift cams. * Race-kit high-lift cams and valve springs offer increased high-rpm performance.

Titanium exhaust
Heat-resistant titanium header pipes and silencer contribute to performance, long-lasting durability, light weight and mass centralisation.

Finger-follower valve actuation
A change to finger-follower valve actuation and other updates increase the Ninja ZX-10R’s engine performance. Peak horsepower is higher: now 203 PS, which can easily be augmented care of a full race exhaust. However, the changes benefit performance across the rev range, delivering increased power at all rpm – an advantage for racers as well as World Superbike teams. The changes essentially raise the flat torque curve of the previous model, so the Ninja ZX-10R’s easy-to-use character is maintained while offering increased power.

Compact IMU operates in 6 DOF (degrees of freedom): 5 measured + 1 calculated. Combined with Kawasaki’s proprietary dynamic modelling program, input from the IMU enables even more precise chassis orientation awareness, the key to bringing Kawasaki’s electronics to the next level.

Electronic throttle valves
Electronic throttle valves allow the ECU to deliver the ideal amount of fuel and air to the engine. The system also enables more precise control of S-KTRC, as well as implementation of systems like KLCM and Kawasaki Engine Brake Control.

Cassette transmission
Race-style cassette transmission facilitates gear ratio changes to suit track conditions. The “cassette” is located high enough that it can be accessed without having the engine oil drain out.

Kawasaki Quick Shifter
Dual-direction KQS is now standard equipment on all models. * Dual-direction KQS system allows both clutchless upshifts and downshifts, facilitating circuit riding. * Designed for effective sport riding, KQS can also be used on the street at rpm above 2,500 min-1.

Aluminium twin-spar frame
Revised geometry care of a steering head moved closer to the rider, and a longer swingarm put more weight on the front for increased corner entry stability and confidence on the circuit.

Cornering management function
Feedback from the IMU enables the addition of a new function. The new cornering management function uses KIBS and S-KTRC to assist riders in tracing their intended line through the corner.

Electronic steering damper
Specially developed Öhlins electronic steering damper provides just the right amount of damping based on vehicle speed and degree of acceleration or deceleration. Revised settings were optimised for the racetrack and winding roads.

WSB-Developed Balance Free Front Fork
The Ninja ZX-10R features a new front fork jointly developed with Showa in the Superbike World championship. Tested in world racing competition this technology, coming directly from Kawasaki’s factory race machine, is making its mass-production debut on the new Ninja ZX-10R.

Swingarm with optimised rigidity
Designed using Kawasaki’s advanced dynamic rigidity analysis and a from-the-outside-in approach, swingarm with optimised rigidity contributes to nimbler handling.

BFRC lite
Showa’s new BFRC lite (Balance Free Rear Cushion) shock unit is lighter and more compact than their earlier units. The new shock contributes to increased traction and superb shock-absorption performance.

Horizontal Back-link rear suspension
This rear suspension arrangement offers excellent performance while contributing to mass centralisation.  Revised linkage ratios offer a more linear feeling, which makes suspension adjustments easier to feel.

High-performance Brembo Brake System
Dual high-spec Brembo M50 monobloc calipers gripping larger ø330 mm discs, specially prepared radial-pump master cylinder and race-quality steel-braided lines deliver next-level braking performance.

Aerodynamic bodywork
Larger upper cowl cuts through the air more efficiently, and offers the rider greater wind protection, making it easier to shift position for corner entry when riding on the track.

High-visibility instrumentation
The centrepiece of the Ninja ZX-10R’s instrument panel is the highly visibly LED-backlit bar-graph tachometer.