Introduction
When You're Ready to Get Serious,
We've Got Your Motorcycle
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.
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Features
New for 2010
· Aggressive new styling of the upper, side and center
fairings and cockpit inner covers enhances aerodynamic efficiency
and appearance
· Refinements to the shift ratchet assembly, shifting
arm, return spring and collar result in reduced friction and
less movement at the shift shaft pivot, for improved shifting
feel and more positive gear changes
· A new, embossed metallic gray coating on the muffler
complements the new bodywork
· A new, 18-position Öhlins steering damper uses
additional spring and oil pistons for improved action; titanium
color and a laser-etched logo enhance the bike's appearance
· Slightly longer throttle cables inside a plastic throttle
housing provide improved throttle action for even greater control
Four-Cylinder, DOHC 998cc Engine
· Very compact, narrow and lightweight design makes it
possible to position the engine perfectly within the chassis
for optimal weight distribution
· One-piece upper crankcase and cylinder casting saves
weight and offers maximum rigidity
· Oil is routed through channels milled into the cases
on various parts of the engine, eliminating external oil lines
and reducing weight
· Stacked, triangular layout of crank axis, input shaft
and output shaft reduces engine length and aids mass centralization
for quick handling
· Lightweight crankshaft maintains the same inertial moment
as a heavier design but saves about two pounds compared to a
conventional crank
· Low friction oil pump reduction ratio reduces parasitic
power loss
· Water pump uses the same type impeller as the ZX-14,
with pump rpm optimized for reduced friction
· A lightweight Denso radiator with tightly packed cores
provides the most efficient engine cooling possible
· Specially designed internal fins on the liquid-cooled,
aluminum oil cooler promote high-efficiency heat dissipation
Cylinder Head
· Intake ports, exhaust ports and matched combustion chambers
are designed for optimum flow efficiency and high top-end power
· Exhaust ports that are narrower at the midpoint and
larger at the opening promote high exhaust velocity and efficient
scavenging
· Intake and exhaust valves are titanium for reduced reciprocating
weight and higher rpm capabilities
· High-lift camshafts are designed to deliver more power
at high rpm and make it easier to tune the engine for racing
Fuel Injection
· Secondary fuel injectors improve top-end power output
and power characteristics at high rpm. Lower injectors are always
on, upper injectors come on as needed according to degree of
throttle opening and engine rpm
· Oval cross-sectioned throttle bodies allow very precise
throttle control and instant response
Air Intake
· A highly efficient, center-located Ram Air intake duct
is shaped for lower intake noise and higher intake efficiency
· Use of a compact, flat-type fuel pump that takes up
less fuel tank space leaves room for a large, efficient airbox
· Oval-section intake funnels promote non-turbulent flow
at all rpm
KIMS Ignition
· Kawasaki Ignition Management System (KIMS) helps curtail
sudden spikes in engine speed, enhancing the rider's control
of power delivery
· In addition to standard fuel injection system inputs
(engine speed, throttle position, vehicle speed, gear position,
intake air temperature, intake air pressure, engine temperature
and O2 sensors), KIMS monitors the rate of rpm change every 0.02
seconds
· Designed not to interfere with the rider's intentions,
the complex ECU program assumes all rider inputs are intentional.
However, when a change in engine speed exceeds the predicted
response for given parameters, KIMS will slow the ignition timing
to reduce power
· Adjustment of KIMS parameters is possible with an accessory
racing (circuit-use only) kit installed
Exhaust System
· An exhaust pre-chamber under the engine reduces exhaust
noise, minimizes silencer volume and enhances mass centralization
for maximum flickability
· A palladium catalyzer helps the ZX-10R meet strict Euro-III
exhaust emissions standards
· A single orthogonal, titanium silencer with a new, black
finish keeps the center of gravity low and improves exhaust efficiency
Six-Speed Transmission
· Modifications to the shift mechanism further enhance
quick, positive gear changes
· Gear ratios suit the power characteristics for ideal
power delivery in all rpm ranges
· Final reduction ratio of 17/41 intensifies the ZX-10R's
already awe-inspiring acceleration
· An adjustable back-torque limiting clutch facilitates
smooth downshifts, a main contributor to stability under heavy
braking
Chassis
· Unique twin-spar aluminum frame features an optimized
stiffness balance through a mixture of materials, shapes and
thicknesses for superior handling and bump absorption
· Ribbing on the interior of the pivot plate where it
joins the frame's upper cross member slightly slows down the
frame's feedback for highly accurate steering feel
· Swingarm pivot located to aid with the front-rear weight
balance
· Lightweight, two-piece, aluminum die-cast sub-frame
is mounted to the frame's upper cross member, so rear suspension
feedback is transmitted more directly to the rider
· Narrow sub-frame layout contributes to the compact and
slim tail section
Swingarm
· A pressed-beam swingarm delivers a level of feel and
feedback unobtainable with a cast unit
· A top-mounted swingarm brace contributes to the superb
high-speed stability of the chassis
Suspension
· DLC (Diamond-like Carbon) fork tube coating on the fully
adjustable 43mm inverted fork sliders improves fork action by
providing reduced friction, smoother action and better road holding
· Bottom-mounted springs are completely submerged in oil
for reduced frothing, improved damping performance, superior
fork action and road-following ability
· A four-way adjustable rear shock features dual (low
· and high-speed) compression damping as well as rebound
damping and spring preload adjustment â¤" allowing
the fine tuning required for racing
· Kawasaki Genuine Accessory shims are available for quick
rear ride height changes at the track
Race-quality Steering Damper
· A new 18-position adjustable Öhlins steering damper
is fitted as standard equipment to help ensure stable front end
feedback even under racing conditions
Brakes
· Tokico radial-mount brake calipers use dual pads for
superb initial bite, increased control and progressive feel
· A radial-pump front master cylinder provides the ultimate
in front brake feel and feedback
· A pair of 5.5mm thick, 310mm petal discs provides the
heat dissipation needed to maintain brake feel and responsiveness
during extended heavy use
· A 220mm rear petal disc gripped by a single-piston caliper
provides excellent feel and feedback
Wheels
· Squeeze-cast wheels offer precise dimensions with less
wall thickness and weight, yet are stiffer than gravity-cast
units
Ergonomics
· The ZX-10R's rear frame, tank and seat offer high levels
of contact with the bike and provide the rider very accurate
feedback regarding chassis performance and road surface
· A flared fuel tank top makes it easier for riders to
rest the inside of their arm on the tank when leaning into a
turn for increased comfort and enhanced feedback
· Narrow in the front and shorter, front to back, for
a slimmer riding position, the seat offers a shorter reach to
the pavement and excellent chassis feedback
· A rib on the end of throttle tube, under the grip, improves
grip and feel
Aerodynamic Bodywork
· Slimmer than ever in new aerodynamic bodywork, the ZX-10R
is designed to slice through the atmosphere cleanly at high speed
with minimal turbulence
· The front fender aids cooling efficiency by directing
air toward the radiator
· A recess on the top of the fuel tank accommodates the
helmet's chin, so it's easier to tuck-in behind the windscreen
at speed
· High mounting position of mirrors, with integrated turn
signals, provides excellent rearward visibility and helps to
minimize damage if the bike falls over
· The flush surface of the tail's underside reduces turbulence
at the rear of the bike and ensures laminar airflow around the
seat
· A large, rear inner fender keeps the bike cleaner and
allows the mud flap to be smaller and less obtrusive, further
improving aerodynamic qualities around the rear of the machine
· Mirrors, license plate holder and rear turn signals
are easily removable for track day prep
· An LED tail light makes the bike more visible to drivers
and provides the final styling flourish to the evocative Ninja
design
Advanced Electronic Instrumentation
· The easy-to-read instrument cluster uses UV-blocking
glass, for maximum visibility
· Multifunction odometer, tripmeter, clock and lap timer/stopwatch
are all intuitively easy to use
· The ZX-10R's big tachometer â¤green zoneâ¤ù
makes keeping the engine in the meatiest part of its massive
powerband even easier
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Technical Specifications
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
MSRP: $12,999
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