New colors for 2024 ZX-10R

In terms of sales figures, they may no longer be allowed to carry that weight as in the heyday, but it is still very cool and super cool, a one-litre Superbike that can go faster than 150 km/h in first gear. go. And which, thanks to its extensive electronics, is as easy to drive on the track as a ’90s supersport 600.

This also applies to the Ninja ZX-10R, whose origins date back to 2004 – at the time as the successor to the ZX-9R. Was the first version so extremely explosive that it felt like you had destroyed a mosquito with a hand grenade, gradually, despite an increase in power, the rideability improved by leaps and bounds.

In 2008, the ZX-10R was one of the first motorcycles to be equipped with traction control as standard, although it was not officially allowed to be called that at the time. The most significant innovation came three years later in 2011, the machine co-developed by factory rider Tom Sykes with which Team Green finally became successful in WorldSBK and two years later would take the title for the first time in 20 years.

Five years later, the Ninja ZX-10R received a major update, with the emphasis in development mainly on significantly lowering the enertia, in order to greatly increase maneuverability. The results speak for themselves, having already achieved his first world title in 2015 with the ‘old’ ZX-10R, Jonathan Rea was unbeatable with the new Ninja ZX-10R and won another five world titles in a row.

In 2021, the Ninja ZX-10R received its most recent update, incorporating aerodynamic scoops for the first time to generate today’s indispensable downforce. Kawasaki had taken a different path for that downforce than the competitors, who had fitted their machines with winglets. However, according to Kawasaki, the effect of the scoops was just as great.

In addition to a completely revised design, which was still unmistakably Ninja, Kawasaki had also boosted the block with now a peak power of 213 hp, equipped with an extensive electronics package and adjusted the ratios in the gearbox, with shorter ratios in 1st, 2nd and 3rd gear, which should have made for better bottom and midrange acceleration.

To sum up the electronics: an Up/Down Quick Shifter, Sport Traction Control, Launch Control, Cornering ABS, adjustable Engine Brake Control, Öhlins Electronic Steering Damper, Kawasaki’s unique Cornering Management Function and 4 selectable riding modes (Sport, Road, Rain and Rider mode). ). All to help you get the most out of the ZX-10R.

In terms of braking, Kawasaki had fitted 330mm semi-floating discs with Brembo M50 radial calipers and a radial Brembo brake pump, while in terms of suspension, the cream of the crop had been sourced from Showa. The 2021 ZX-10R also featured a TFT color display with Bluetooth connectivity for the first time and 2 different layouts, one for the street and one for the track. Oh yes, to be able to keep to the speed limit somewhat on the highway, it was equipped with cruise control as standard.

For 2024, Kawasaki has updated the Ninja ZX-10R with new colors. The characteristic green KRT Edition has remained, while the Metallic Graphite Gray/Metallic Diablo Black color scheme is new. How much it should cost and when it will be available will be announced at a later stage.