The Kawasaki Ninja ZX10R is a remarkable supersport motorcycle that truly embodies the essence of racing excellence. The ZX-10R is a meticulously refined motorcycle, designed to dominate both the racetrack and the open road. Whether you possess years of riding experience or simply admire the art of speed, the ZX-10R is a machine that demands your attention.
In this article. We’ll explore the Kawasaki ZX10R’s formidable engine, cutting-edge technology, and sleek design. So, prepare yourself to unravel the captivating features that make this bike a true marvel on two wheels.
Specification
Engine Type
|
4-stroke, In-Line Four, DOHC, 16-valve, liquid-cooled |
Displacement | 998cc |
Bore x Stroke | 76.0 x 55.0mm |
Compression Ratio | 13.0:1 |
Transmission | 6-speed, return shift |
Fuel System | DFI®, 47mm throttle bodies |
Final Drive | Sealed chain |
Front Suspension
|
43mm inverted Balance Free Fork, adjustable stepless rebound and compression damping, spring preload adjustability/4.7 in |
Rear Suspension | 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 | Brembo dual semi-floating 330mm discs with dual radial mounted monobloc 4-piston calipers, Kawasaki Intelligent anti-lock Brake System (KIBS) (ABS only) |
Rear Brakes | Single 220mm disc with aluminum single-piston caliper, Kawasaki Intelligent anti-lock Brake System (KIBS) (ABS only) |
L x W x H
|
82.1 x 29.5 x 46.7 in |
Seat Height | 32.9 in |
Wheelbase | 57.1 in |
Ground Clearance | 5.3 in |
Rake/Trail | 25.0°/4.1 in |
Curb Weight | 456.4 lb* (ABS), 452.0 lb* (non-ABS) |
Fuel Capacity | 4.5 gal |
Frame Type
|
Aluminum perimeter |
Color Choices | Metallic Flat Spark Black/Ebony |
Warranty | 12-Month Limited Warranty |
Kawasaki Protection Plus™ (optional) | 12, 24, 36 or 48 months |
Price | $17,399 |
Kawasaki ZX10R Top Speed
ZX 10R’s top speed is 299 mph(185.79 kph), although its engine is able to produce more power, but due to the gentleman’s agreement with all the superbike manufacturers, it is technically looked to that speed. It can produce 203 PS @ 13200 rpm and a torque of 114.9 Nm @ 11400 rpm.
It can go 0 – 60 mph in just 2.9 seconds, 0 – 100 mph in 5.3 seconds, 0 – 150 mph in just 9.7 seconds, and will reach from 0 – top speed in just 17. 7 seconds. Ultimately, you all know “Speed thrills but kills,” so it is good to wear all safety equipment and try to ride safely.
ZX10R’s Dominating Engine
The Kawasaki Ninja ZX 10R is a beast that has a 988 cc four-stroke engine along with a liquid cooling system that prevents the engine from overheating. It also has a 76.0 mm x 55.0 mm bore and stroke ratio and a 13.0:1 compression ratio.
Lastly, for good air and fuel mixture, it has DFI® w/47 mm Mikuni throttle bodies with oval sub-throttles and TCBI with digital advance and Sport-Kawasaki Traction Control (S-KTRC).
Transmission & Suspension
This bike comes with a six-speed transmission, one down and five up. It has a chain drive transmission type that can handle the massive power of the 998 cc engine. It also has slipper clutches that make the gear changing extra smooth.
Suspension & Handling
It is obvious that you don’t want your bike to be unstable, going up and down like a see-saw. That is why the suspensions are provided that absorb the bumps and provide a smooth riding experience. ZX 10R will also give a good riding experience to its rider due to its 43 mm inverted Balance-free front fork with 4.7 inches of travel and Horizontal back-link with balance-free gas-charged shock with 4.5 inches of travel. Both front and rear suspensions are fully adjustable so that you can adjust them according to your weight and the nature of the track.
Brakes & Tires
The brake plays an essential role in any vehicle by stopping and preventing it from any severe damage or accident. As you know, this bike has massive power, so it needs a top-quality braking system to stop it. To fulfill this gap, Kawasaki added Brembo® dual semi-floating 330 mm discs with dual radial-mounted monobloc 4-piston calipers for the front wheel and a Single 220 mm disc with an aluminum single-piston caliper for the rear wheel.
For this super powerful bike, tires are also must be of premium quality for decent grip and connection with the road while speeding. So to overcome this, the Kawasaki ZX10R has 120 / 70 ZR17 front tire and 190 / 55 ZR17 rear tire. This bike also has dual-channel ABS control, so the grip on the road becomes more efficacious.
Mileage & Fuel Consumption
Ninja ZX 10R can easily go from 10 – 12 km per liter. It has a 17-liter fuel tank, which means it can simply go from 170 km to 240 km in one fuel tank. With this 998 cc powerful and high-performance engine, this mileage is pretty impressive.
Price & Value
The new price of this bike is $17,399, and it is easily available in the US market. For some reason, if you are not able to buy a new one, then you can also buy a used ZX 10R, which is also readily available in the market in the price range of $10,000 to $15,999.
I suggest that the 2011 model is the best and most potent so that you can consider that model. Lastly, keep in mind that the used bike’s price depends on the condition, modifications, and model year.
Kawasaki ZX10R vs. the World
Kawasaki’s ZX-10R sport bike is renowned for its energizing performance, handling, and durability. Yamaha YZF-R1, Suzuki GSX-R1000, BMW S1000RR, and Honda CBR1000RR are some of its rivals in the liter-class superbike market. Despite their similarities, each of these motorcycles has its own unique features that make them appealing to different types of riders. These superbikes offer varying levels of comfort, technology, and performance, so the “winner” in this comparison depends mainly on the rider’s performance.
Final Thoughts
The Kawasaki ZX10R is an excellent bike to consider in terms of performance, technology, and track racing. It has premium brakes and tires with ABS control, so you will not get into trouble and seriously harm yourself. Its suspensions are exceptional at their work, providing outstanding results in terms of bump-absorbing.
Furthermore, it is readily available in new and used condition, so you can buy this bike and enjoy its ride.
FAQ
Here are some of the frequently asked questions, and their answers given below.
What year is ZX10R the fastest?
The 2021 model year ZX10R is the fastest model of its series, involving improved engine, aerodynamics, and advanced electronics.
Is the ZX10R faster than the R1?
Yes, the ZX 10R is faster than the R1 because there are 203 horsepower and 114.9 Newton meters of torque in the Ninja ZX-10R engine. Meanwhile, the YZF R1 produces 200 PS and 112.4 Nm of torque.
How fast does a ZX 10R go in 1st gear?
ZX 10R is one of the most potent bikes in the world that can easily reach 100 mph in its first gear.
Is ZX 10R a superbike?
Yes, the ZX 10R is a superbike with a 988 cc high-performance engine. Some other bikes in the superbike category include Kawasaki Ninja H2R, Honda CBR 1000RR, Kawasaki Ninja M 1000RR, and Kawasaki Ninja S 1000RR.

Rand Frankey is OffRoadsCare freelance Content Editor. He loves offroad Travelling and bikes, jeeps, and dirk bikes. He will explain all his experience with dirt bikes and offroad vehicles which helps you to make a decision like which vehicle is right for you.