Kawasaki has launched the 2021 Ninja ZX-10R in the country for Rs 14.99 lakh (ex-showroom). The updates and changes have resulted in a Rs 1 lakh price hike over the model it replaces but it still is one of the most affordable superbikes in the country. It is rivalled by the likes of the BMW S 1000 RR, the Yamaha R1 and also the soon-to-be-launched Honda CBR1000RR and the Ducati Panigale V4.
Despite looking distinctly different from the outgoing Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R, the bike is not all new. The engine and chassis get minor changes to extract more performance and handling out of them but aren’t redesigned from the ground up. The fairing however is new with a redesigned front end that houses the polarising headlamps and a sharper rear-end. The entire fairing has been redesigned with aerodynamics and downforce in mind and to that end, Kawasaki claims that it has managed to get approximately 17 per cent more downforce than before. The fairing now also houses integrated winglets. The new ZX-10R also features Kawasaki’s iconic ‘River Mark’ emblem, something that is usually found only on the H2 series of bikes.
The engine on the new ZX-10R now meets Euro5/BS6 emissions norms meaning it runs cleaner than before. The updated engine puts out 200.2bhp at 13,200rpm and that figure goes up to 210.2bhp with RAM air assist, while it makes 114.9Nm of twist at 11,400rpm. Other changes on the engine front include a new air-cooled oil cooler, a relocated accelerator position sensor, shorter gear ratios and a new exhaust system.
The aluminium twin-spar frame and swingarm remain largely unchanged, the geometry for the rider’s triangle has been altered slightly. The riding position has been made a little more race-oriented with the handlebar being 10mm forward while the rear of the seat and the foot pegs are both higher. The swingarm pivot is 1mm lower and the wheelbase has been extended 10mm, which goes alongside a 2mm greater fork offset and an 8mm longer swingarm. This means the new ZX-10R has a shorter trail, and gives the ZX-10R a new front/rear balance; 0.2% more forwards, to be exact.
In terms of suspension, the ZX-10R gets 43mm Showa’s Balance free forks USD’s that are adjustable for compression and rebound damping along with spring preload. The rear monoshock is also provided by Showa, the BFRC lite to be specific and it gets compression and rebound damping and spring preload adjustability. Dropping anchor on the bike comes courtesy of Brembo M50 monobloc calipers mounted on twin 330mm floating discs and a single 220mm disc with a single-piston caliper. No Stylemas here. The new ZX-10R tips the scales at 207kg (kerb weight)
This time around, Kawasaki has finally given the ZX-10R a 4.3-inch, full colour TFT instrument cluster which is Bluetooth enabled. Meaning, you can connect your smartphone for added functionality. The electronics package is at par with all other superbikes and the bike gets all rider aids we’ve come to expect from modern litre-class superbikes including a Bosch IMU, riding modes, engine brake control, cornering abs and traction control, launch control, cruise control, power modes, a quickshifter and the ZX-10R also gets an Öhlins electronic steering damper.
The new ZX-10R can be had in two colour choices -- Lime green and Flat Ebony Type2. Internationally, Kawasaki also has the homologation special ZX-10RR which is more focused and dedicated to setting blistering fast times around a circuit. Whether or not it will come to India remains to be seen.