Open class sportbikes are all about power, and the 2010 Kawasaki Ninja® ZX™-10R continues to set the pace, on track and off. The formula is simple, but the execution is critical: The ZX-10R offers tremendous horsepower, but delivers it with refined controllability through a highly evolved aluminum frame rolling on top-shelf components developed on the track and refined for the street.
The 10R returns with a host of refinements for 2010. New more aerodynamic bodywork is designed to slice through the atmosphere cleanly at speed, and to look even better doing it. A new fairing with a stronger family resemblance to its ZX-6R sibling leads the way for the rest of the minimalist new plastic, and a new, dark gray embossed coating on the bike’s titanium muffler carries the light, slick theme rearward. Inside the cockpit, new inner covers reflect the high quality and performance of the rest of the ZX-10R package.
All that power needs to be kept in check, of course, and rider feedback has led to the fitment of a new, premium 18-position Öhlins steering damper. The new damper uses sophisticated internal circuitry, including pistons and springs, to keep the Ninja tracking straight and true under the most challenging conditions.
Putting that power to asphalt is also critical, and significant upgrades to the six-speed transmission’s shift mechanism handle that task with even greater efficiency. Changes to the guide hole plate, shift shaft, return and set springs and shift collar all collaborate to reduce clearances at the pivot — resulting in more precise, positive gear changes every time. Smooth downshifts are enhanced by a standard, back-torque limiting clutch.
The Ninja’s 998cc, four-cylinder engine continues to crank out the kind of straight-shortening power that leaves other liter bikes in its wake. Fed by a bank of four 43mm Keihin throttle bodies with two injectors per cylinder and bristling with 16 titanium valves, the ZX-10R uses a highly advanced Kawasaki Ignition Management System (KIMS) to dole out all that power with maximum control. KIMS monitors all standard fuel injection input data (engine speed, throttle position, vehicle speed, gear position and feedback from intake air temperature, intake air pressure, engine temperature and O2 sensors), but adds one more crucial wrinkle by checking for sudden changes in rpm every 0.02 seconds. Highly sophisticated, KIMS is programmed to leave control in the rider’s hands, but will retard ignition when a sudden increase in engine rpm exceeds programmed parameters.
A track-oriented fully adjustable 43mm inverted fork and advanced rear suspension are designed to work with the ZX-10R’s carefully tuned aluminum frame for unparalleled feel and feedback. Diamond-like Carbon (DLC) coating on the fork tubes reduces stiction for precise action. A four-way adjustable rear shock includes low and high-speed compression damping, and controls the pressed aluminum swingarm via the latest UNI-TRAK® linkage design.
Light and stiff squeeze-cast wheels keep unsprung weight down and suspension performance high; their reduced rotational inertia further enhances the 10R’s quick steering and acceleration. Radial-mounted Tokico brake calipers controlled by a radial master cylinder squeeze 310mm petal discs up front with maximum sensitivity, while the rear 220mm petal disc is stopped by a single-piston caliper.
Wrap it all in that sleek new bodywork, add fuel, and you’re looking at an even more beautiful version of the most highly advanced, high-performance Kawasaki sportbike ever.
The Ninja ZX-10R truly shines on the racetrack, thanks to technology developed on Kawasaki race bikes. Although designed to offer maximum performance on the circuit, the same power and handling that provide such amazing on-track performance, also make it more fun for riding on the street.
The current ZX-6R debuted in 2009, featuring what was quite possibly the best sporting transmission Kawasaki has ever produced. For 2010, Kawasaki’s engineers applied similar technology to the ZX-10R’s gearbox, with internal modifications aimed at reducing play in the shift mechanism and providing a more-precise feel at the lever. The result is smooth, effortless shifting with clean and positive gear engagement.
Like its gearbox, the ZX-10R’s adjustable twin-tube Öhlins steering damper also received internal modifications for improved performance. A separate spring and free piston were added to the reservoir tube to enhance damping stability, and a new titanium colored finish and laser-etched logo update the damper’s external appearance.
Always an aggressive and technologically interesting motorcycle to look at, the 2010 ZX-10R’s bodywork features updates to give it a lighter, more-compact appearance. A new single piece front fairing reduces the visual weight of the ZX-10R’s front end, while new inner panels provide a tidier look around the handlebar area. Adding to the effect of the minimalist bodywork, sharper new side panels incorporate more black into their design, helping the 10R to appear even more compact. A new muffler completes the appearance updates, with a new dimpled surface pattern, metallic grey paint finish, and a compact end cap providing a smaller appearance and more sinister look.
Designed to offer a high-level base package with the stock engine and chassis performance to satisfy even professional racers, the already potent Ninja ZX-10R receives some fine-tuning and a revised styling package for 2010.
Engine
HIGH-POWERED ENGINE
Dual injection
• Secondary fuel injectors contribute to top-end power output and power characteristics in the high-rpm range. While the lower injectors operate all the time, operation of the upstream injectors is determined by the degree of throttle opening and engine rpm.
Ram Air / Airbox
• The highly efficient, centrally mounted Ram Air intake duct was designed to reduce intake noise and improve intake efficiency. A passageway through the frame routes intake air from the Ram Air duct to either side of the steering head, giving the air a straight and very efficient path to the airbox.
• Large-volume airbox was possible thanks in part to a flat-type fuel pump (also used on the Ninja ZX-6R), which allowed fuel tank capacity to be maintained despite the additional space required for the secondary injectors.
• Oval intake funnels (velocity stacks) contribute to flow efficiency.
Cylinder head
• Exhaust port shape designed for flow efficiency. This, and matching combustion chambers contribute to the high top-end power.
• Both intake and exhaust valves are titanium, reducing reciprocating weight.
• High-lift cams deliver more power at high rpm and make it easier to tune the engine for racing.
Exhaust system
• Efficient exhaust system arrangement with pre-chamber and single right-side silencer contributes to the engine’s high power output.
PRECISE ENGINE CONTROL
Oval sub-throttles
• Complimenting the secondary injectors are oval cross-sectioned throttle bodies. The system allows very precise throttle control and also contributes to throttle response.
Cylinder head
• Intake ports designed for optimal high rpm power characteristics.
• Optimized exhaust valve diameter (ø24.5 mm) contributes to driveability and power characteristics.
Kawasaki Ignition Management System (KIMS)In order to offer riders precise control of its engine’s powerful output, the Ninja ZX-10R is equipped with an advanced ignition management system. Designed to deliver power according to the rider’s intentions, the system ensures smooth throttle response, curtails sudden spikes in engine speed, and also effectively protects the engine and catalysers from damage.
• In order to provide precise control, KIMS is constantly receiving input and sending power delivery instructions. What makes this system different is that in addition to standard FI system input data (engine speed, throttle position, vehicle speed, gear position and feedback from intake air temperature, intake air pressure, engine temperature and O2 sensors), this advanced ignition management system also monitors change in engine speed. Engine speed is checked every 0.02s.
• Should a significant sudden change in engine speed be detected, the above factors are taken into account and, when deemed necessary, ignition timing is slowed to protect the engine and catalysers from damage.
• Slowing the ignition timing sometimes has the effect of reducing rear wheel slippage.
However, as part of a rider-active package, KIMS was designed not to interfere with the rider’s intentions. The ECU’s complex program assumes that all rider input is intentional, so unless the change in engine speed exceeds the predicted response for the given parameters (throttle position, gear, etc), the system is designed NOT to act.
For example:
»When the throttle is being opened and the rear tire starts to slip, the system looks at how much (and how quickly) the throttle was opened.
»If it was being opened slowly, KIMS determines it was not the rider’s intention to initiate a rear wheel slide and slows ignition timing to avoid the sudden abnormal load on the engine and catalysers. Slowing the ignition may reduce the rear wheel slippage.
»If the throttle was opened widely and quickly, KIMS assumes the rider intended to initiate a rear wheel slide and does NOT act to slow the ignition timing.
»When equipped with a racing kit (for circuit-use only), it is possible to adjust the parameters.
Chassis
FLICKABLE HANDLING
Frame
• In addition to contributing Ram Air efficiency, the Ram Air passageway through the frame optimizes rigidity around the head pipe.
• Changes in the frame’s wall thickness around the swingarm pivot increase the frame’s rigidity in this area, contributing to the 10R’s brilliant handling characteristics.
• The 2-piece sub-frame is an aluminium die-casting consisting of a front and rear section. This layout enables a very precise and very lightweight construction. The new sub-frame is also very narrow, allowing the rear of the bike to be very compact and slim.
Swingarm
• Specially designed to match the optimized stiffness balance of the frame, the swingarm features a top-mounted stabilizer. This design contributes to the superb high-speed stability of the chassis.
Exhaust system
• The exhaust system features a pre-chamber under the engine, which, in addition to reducing exhaust noise, helps minimize silencer volume.
• Along with the pre-chamber, the single titanium right-side silencer enables a low centre of gravity and centralizes mass, contributing to the bike’s flickable handling.
SUPERB RIDER FEEDBACK
Kawasaki’s unique Backbone Twin-tube frame
• The optimized stiffness balance of Kawasaki’s unique backbone twin-tube frame contributes to the 10R’s superb rider feedback. Some of the chassis technology used included shaping the frame’s pressed parts: the convex pieces, not really noticeable to the naked eye, help alleviate stress concentrations. Final fine-tuning was accomplished with welds added to the side rails (behind the side covers).
• The sub-frame is mounted to the frame’s upper cross member, allowing the rear suspension to transmit its loads more directly to the sub-frame, and then to the rider.
• Ribbing added on the interior of the pivot plate where it joins the frame’s upper cross member slightly slows down the feedback from the frame to the rider, giving the rider a more accurate feel for what the frame is doing.
Swingarm
• The 10R’s swingarm uses pressed beams to deliver a level of feel and feedback unobtainable with a cast swingarm.
Öhlins steering damper
• Adjustable Öhlins steering damper with twin-tube design is fitted as standard equipment. The second tube, which acts like a reservoir tank, and the damper internals, ensure stable damping performance even under racing conditions. This race-quality unit was developed in collaboration with Öhlins specifically for the Ninja ZX-10R.
• *NEW* Spring and free piston added to the reservoir contribute to stable damping performance.
• *NEW* New titanium colour and laser-etched logo add to appearance.
Best-in-class instrumentation
• The 10R’s cluster instrument package features special UV-blocking glass, making the LED displays brighter and easier to read.
• The depth effect of the LCD screen is striking.
• Colour-coded tachometer indicates optimal operating range in green.
SHARPER NEW STYLING
Bodywork
• *NEW* Single-piece front cowl gives the 10R a similar look to its smaller sibling.
• *NEW* Inner fairings provide a tidier look around the handlebar area.
• Folding mirrors with adjustable, Talbot-type reflecting surfaces contribute to the 10R’s sharp image.
• The mirrors and stays with their integrated turn signals are easily removable, making it easy to prep the 10R for track riding. And because the mounting position is high, rearward visibility is excellent. This mounting location also helps to minimize damage if the bike falls over.
• *NEW* Adding to the effect of the minimalist bodywork, sharper new side panels use a greater amount of black to make the 10R appear even more compact.
• *NEW* The license plate holder and rear turn signals are also quickly detachable for circuit riding.
• A racy LED taillight makes the bike more visible to drivers and provides a final styling flourish to the evocative Ninja design.
Silencer design
• Metallic gray paint, a dimpled finish and a minimalist end cover add a touch of class and contribute to the muffler’s smaller appearance.
SuspensionTrack-oriented suspension
• The 43 mm inverted fork is fully adjustable and features bottom mounted springs. Mounting the springs at the bottom completely submerges them in oil, reducing frothing for improved damping performance, fork action and road-following ability.
• Fork tubes feature a DLC (Diamond Like Carbon) coating. Not only does this high-tech low-friction coating improve fork action, it improves friction control: the initial part of the stroke is slowed, smoothing action for stable braking; once compressed, the reduced friction allows the stroke to move quickly for superb road holding.
• Uni-Trak rear suspension has a fully adjustable shock featuring dual (low- and high-speed) compression damping, which enables the fine-tuning needed for circuit riding. Ride feel is improved, and feedback and traction control are what riders expect from a competition-ready machine.
• The suspension system operates so well that even with the low-speed compression damping backed off, there is no “springy” feel, and road-following ability is excellent.
Brakes
• Tokico radial mount brake calipers with dual offer formidable stopping performance, superb initial bite characteristics and a high level of control give a progressive feel after the initial bite.
• ø310 mm petal discs are 5.5 mm thick for efficient heat dissipation. Because these brakes are less influenced by heat, brake feel remains more consistent and more responsive during extended periods of heavy use – such as during a race or a trackday.
• Aluminium rotor carriers reduce unsprung weight, and feature 10 buttons which rigidly support the disc rotor and contribute to heat dissipation for stable braking performance.
• Slowing the rear is a ø220 mm disc gripped by a single-piston caliper.
• Both front and rear brake calipers use lightweight aluminium pistons.
Ergonomics
• The riding position was specially designed to make the 10R as racer-friendly as possible. The handlebar/seat/peg relationship put the rider in a naturally aggressive position, ideal for the track.
• The narrow frame and engine create an overall narrow package, allowing the rider to keep his or her knees and feet close together.
• Sculpted fuel tank conforms to the rider’s legs and is narrow at the rear, allowing riders to hug the tank with their knees and keep out of the slipstream.
• Thin pads on the upper frame rails offer additional grip.
• The fuel tank’s flared design makes it easier for the rider to rest the inside of his arm on the tank when leaning into a turn. The larger contact patch contributes to the increased rider feedback.
• Front to back, the seat is compact, allowing the rider to rest his tailbone on the rear seat step. The snug “fit” also contributes to the excellent feedback the rider gets from the new chassis.
• The front of seat tapers inwards, contributing to the narrow riding position and offering a shorter reach to the pavement.
• The throttle grip has a special rib on its end (under the grip rubber), which adds to grip and feel.
Engine: Four-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, four valves per cylinder, inline-four
Displacement: 998cc
Bore x Stroke: 76.0 x 55.0mm
Compression Ratio: 12.9:1
Fuel System: DFI with four 43mm Keihin throttle bodies with oval sub-throttles, two injectors per cylinder
Ignition: TCBI with digital advance and Kawasaki Ignition Management System (KIMS)
Transmission: Six-speed
Final drive: Chain
Rake / Trail: 25.5 degrees / 4.3 in.
Front Tire: 120/70 ZR17
Rear Tire: 190/55 ZR17
Wheelbase: 55.7 in.
Front Suspension / Wheel Travel: 43mm inverted fork with DLC coating, adjustable rebound and compression damping, spring preload adjustability and top-out springs / 4.7 in.
Rear Suspension / Wheel Travel: UNI-TRAK® with top-out spring, stepless, dual-range (low-/high-speed) compression damping, stepless rebound damping, fully adjustable spring preload / 4.9 in.
Front Brakes: Dual semi-floating 310mm petal discs with dual four-piston radial-mount calipers
Rear Brakes: Single 220mm petal disc with aluminum single-piston caliper
Overall Length: 83.1 in.
Overall Width: 28.0 in.
Overall Height: 44.7 in.
Seat Height: 32.7 in.
Curb Weight: 458.6 lbs.
Fuel Capacity: 4.5 gal.
Color Choices: Metallic Spark Black, Lime Green/Pearl Stardust White
Warranty 12 months
Good Times™ Protection Plan
