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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.

Authentic Kawasaki Accessories are available through Kawasaki dealers.



WINNING FEATURES

Back-torque limiter
• Easily adjustable back-torque limiting clutch facilitates smooth downshifts. This highly acclaimed feature is one of the main contributors to the rear’s stable composure under hard braking.

Smooth-shifting transmission
• Precise gearbox allows gears to click into place smoothly and firmly.
• *NEW* Revisions to the transmission shift mechanism, including a guide pawl plate with smoother contact surface for reduced friction, new change shaft shift mechanism arm with increased rigidity, larger diameter return spring pin, new change shaft collar with tighter clearance, and revised spring rates for the return and set (detent arm) springs, offer smoother shift touch and feel.

Aerodynamics
• The slight step at the edge of the front cowling reduces windblast on the rider’s shoulders while allowing a design with an aerodynamically efficient small frontal area.
• Fuel tank has a recess in its top to accommodate the helmet’s chin area, making it easier to tuck in behind the windscreen when riding on the circuit. This allows the top of the screen to be set lower and enables more ideal aerodynamics when in a tucked position.
• The fairing’s minimalist side panels reduce the influence of side winds on the bike.
• Front fender directs air toward the radiator, increasing cooling efficiency, and contributes to the Ninja’s sharp looks.
• Sharp, minimalist tail cowl is further enhanced by the single side muffler – all of which gives the bike a more concentrated and condensed look and feel. The tail’s under cowl is a flush-surface item which reduces turbulence at the rear of the bike and ensures laminar airflow around the seat.
• A large rear inner fender helps keep the bike clean in the real world of street riding. The mud flap could consequently be made smaller and less obtrusive, improving aerodynamic qualities around the rear of the machine.

Colours
Special Edition Lime Green/Pearl Stardust White (ZX1000FAFA)

Metallic Spark Black (ZX1000FAF)

Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R 2010 - USA Specifications
MSRP $12,999 to $13,199 USD

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

Note: Specifications and pricing are subject to change.