Enter and leave hairpins with total assurance. The 2019 Ninja ZX-10R KRT Kawasaki Sports Bike has always aimed for the most satisfactory possible circuit performance by providing riders with more power and control over their machine. The new Ninja ZX-10R is Kawasaki’s most sophisticated factory superbike to date, allowing a more comprehensive range of riders to experience the excitement of riding a superbike at the limit.
The Ninja® ZXTM-10R is the only supersport capable of winning the World Championship in the Superbike World Championship. It was Jonathan Rea’s fourth straight championship triumph on the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R, making him the only rider in WorldSBK history to win four championships in a row. Everything that goes into the Ninja ZX-10R is geared at making it the quickest bike on the track, down to the tiniest minutiae. The Ninja ZX-10R benefits from championship-proven technology developed by the Kawasaki Racing Team (KRT) and is thus ready to take on the streets as well. An Ohlins electronic steering damper, a dual-direction Kawasaki quick shifter, and a more powerful 998cc engine are the most significant 2019 changes.
2019 Ninja ZX-10R KRT Kawasaki Sports Bike – Features and Price
Kawasaki Quick Shifter (KQS)
Allowing clutchless up and downshifts, dual-direction KQS is now standard. When the Ninja ZX-10R/ABS was first released, the KQS downshifting feature was only accessible via the race-kit ECU. Kawasaki’s cutting-edge electronics have always outclassed on the track thanks to the highly cultured programming that provides the ECU an accurate real-time picture of what the chassis is doing using minimal software. On the way, the ZX-10R uses Bosch IMU and Kawasaki’s proprietary dynamic modeling software in its electronic management system to help drivers unlock all of the ZX-10R’s capabilities.
Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU)(KP)
All five axes of inertia may be measured by the IMU: longitudinal, transverse, and vertical axes, along with roll and pitch axes. The ECU calculates the yaw rate using Kawasaki’s patented software to provide a six-axis chassis attitude input of lean angle and deceleration/ acceleration force for more accurate management of the electronic riding aids. As a result of S-extensive KTRC’s use of the IMU, corner exit acceleration is improved. The Launch Control system on the Kawasaki ZX-10R is highly advanced, thanks to the information provided by the IMU. The IMU allows KIBS-equipped cars to make use of the system.
Corner Management Function
Kawasaki’s race-developed software allows the ZX-10R to feature a dynamic system with a greater degree of chassis awareness and reacts to changing track circumstances, such as vehicle attitude, pavement conditions and tires.
Sport-Kawasaki Traction Control (S-KTRC) (KP)
A racer’s ability to tailor the S-KTRC sensation to a particular track condition or riding preference is greatly enhanced by the IMU’s ability to operate the system precisely. To improve the experience of high-level racers on the track, the two highest levels provide minimum interference. Power slides and lifts are allowed as long as forward acceleration is maintained on the course with S-KTRC. There’s a difference between steady torque lift, which the system enables providing appropriate acceleration is sustained, and rapid, unwanted lift, which triggers the system’s response. The technology uses extensive analysis to predict when traction conditions are likely to turn unfavorable and then takes action to help preserve ideal traction so that acceleration may be improved even more. Power spikes may be eliminated for ultra-smooth operation and faster lap times on the track by swiftly making modest tweaks.
Kawasaki Launch Control Mode (KLCM)(KP)
When starting from a standstill, KLCM electronically adjusts the engine power to improve acceleration, avoid wheelspin, and decrease front-end lift to aid in the racer’s performance. There are three kinds of intrusion for riders to select from, with the most intrusive option being the most invasive. In each setting, the racer may start with the throttle wide open and launch from a standstill.
Kawasaki Engine Brake Control
For racing, drivers may customize the engine breaking they want by using the KEBC system. The engine braking effect is lessened when KEBC is active (choosing “LIGHT” in the KEBC settings).
Corner Management Function
To aid racers to trace their desired course around a turn on the track, the Corner Management Function employs both KIBS and S-KTRC. When applying brakes to a turn. up while braking. Based on lean and pitch angles, IMU helps the system maintain optimum hydraulic pressure. Anti-lock brake system (KIBS) for Kawasaki vehicles is a readily available option for drivers (KP).
The system provides smooth feedback for increased confidence in braking. To modulate the brake pressure, the engine’s ECU talks to the ABS ECU (which keeps tabs on wheel speed and hydraulic pressure in the front calipers). The high-precision control ensures more consistent performance.
Electronic Steering Damper (ESD)
Settings are in line with the proportions of the car and its track-handling capabilities. With the help of Ohlins, steering damping characteristics may be electronically altered in response to the speed and rate of acceleration or deceleration of the vehicle. At low speeds, damping was calibrated such that it did not interfere with the bike’s inherent lightness. To aid riders in lining up the bike at high rates, dampening is increased.
The electronic steering damper’s ECU uses data from the rear wheel speed sensor (supplied through the engine ECU) to identify the vehicle’s speed and the rate the bike is accelerating or decelerating to fine-tune damping. Rider fatigue is decreased due to the electronic steering damper’s increased sensation. Damping is enhanced to improve performance while the vehicle is accelerating or decelerating rapidly. It is equipped with Ohlin’s unique twin-tube design for consistent damping performance, even in difficult track conditions, and excellent kickback absorption. As the damper piston travels, friction is minimized thanks to the precise manufacturing and integrated clamping of the damper.
The ZX-10R engine, developed with help from Kawasaki’s World Superbike team, provides a tremendous amount of power. However, although it retains a highly linear power delivery to assist the rider while leaving a curve on the track, low- to mid-range acceleration is remarkable. With a lightweight crankshaft and improved moment of inertia, the bike can turn in rapidly. Pistons with a Teflon resin covering assist minimize friction, which improves engine responsiveness.
The Ninja H2’s long-reach spark plugs enable the cylinder head’s coolant passageways to be as broad as possible, resulting in better cooling performance. Intake and exhaust ports that are straight and broad improve performance at the top of the rev range. Reciprocating weight is reduced by using titanium intake and exhaust valves. Because of the compact valve train, the cylinder head is lower. More than half the weight of cast camshafts may be saved by using forged Chromoly billet. With the high lift profiles, the cams and tappets are treated with soft nitriding to help prevent galling and seizing. The cylinder head’s overall height can be reduced by using lightweight, low-profile oval-section single valve springs.
Ram Air Intake
Located close to the front of the bike, the ram air duct aids in filling the airbox. For better acceleration on the racetrack, the sizeable 10-liter airbox helps improve engine response and low-mid range power. Intake noise may be reduced by incorporating a resonator chamber within the frame spars.
Digital Fuel Injection
To keep the engine responsive on track, the 47mm primary ETVs function with extreme accuracy. S-KTRC gets better input with the primary system, and the Kawasaki Launch Control and Kawasaki Engine Brake Control functions are supported. The aluminum housing of the 32-bit high-speed ECU allows for effective heat dissipation.
Titanium Alloy Exhaust
Thinner exhaust systems may be developed without losing durability due to the superior heat resistance of titanium alloy rather than pure titanium. Because the diameter and length of the header pipe are so comparable to those of racing headers, installing a slip-on muffler for competition usage simply makes it simple to boost circuit performance. An exhaust valve located at the outlet of a large-capacity pre-chamber helps save muffler volume while also centralizing weight. Reduces overall center of gravity and aids in mass centralization with a single right-side muffler.
6-Speed Cassette Transmission
Acceleration is effortless thanks to a potentiometer-type sensor short shifter. Gear ratios contribute to smooth downshifts and quick acceleration for circuit usage. Certain transmission gears include a dry-film lubrication coating that decreases friction, allowing the gears to glide into position quickly and reliably. Engine responsiveness is aided by a light, thin clutch main gear. Faster gear ratio changes on the track are made possible by cassette-style transmissions. Rear-end lift and squat are minimized during acceleration and deceleration by the final drive ratio, primary reduction ratio, and fourth through sixth gear ratios. During turn entrance on the track, a back-torque-limiting clutch disengages the clutch automatically under heavy braking and deceleration. It is possible to adjust the grip for different track conditions by using other springs, spring retainers, and available shims.
Aluminum Twin Spar Backbone Frame
Improved circuit handling thanks to the new geometry. Front-end weighting is enhanced by positioning the steering head pipe concerning the front wheels. To decrease weight and welds, an all-cast aluminum structure needs fewer components—a direct connection between the head pipe and the swingarm’s pivot for excellent cornering characteristics. As a result, the engine is positioned higher in the frame, putting more weight front and increasing stability. Combined with the rake angle, it aids in the ZX-10R’s excellent cornering abilities.
Together with Showa, we created The Balance Free Fork (BFF) and Showa’s newest rear shock, the Balanced Rear Cushion (BFRC), used in the World Superbike Championship to deliver the highest possible performance for track riders.
Showa Balance Free Fork (BFF)(KP)
Therefore, there are no pressure balance variations in hydraulic circuits caused by damping valves since they are positioned outside the fork cylinders. All of the compression and rebound dampings are created and controlled separately. The whole fork piston surface may work on the oil by putting the valving in a damping force chamber, stabilizing the internal pressure, and creating a more compatible fork.
The external compression chamber is filled with compressed nitrogen, which helps maintain a stable pressure within the fork tube by applying force on the oil. Ride comfort and braking performance are enhanced while the front end feels more responsive. A broad range of situations may be accommodated by the suspension’s fully adjustable preload, compression, and rebound damping.
Shock Absorber Showa BFRC-Lite (Balance Free Rear Cushion) (KP)
As with the fork, damping valves sit outside the shock cylinder to avoid the pressure imbalances that generally arise with traditional dampers. A more flexible shock is achieved by stabilizing the oil pressure within the shock piston by putting the valving in a damping force chamber.
A high level of ride comfort and traction, as well as weight reduction, is provided. Compression and rebound damping can be fine-tuned to suit a broad range of riding circumstances thanks to threaded preload adjustment.
Horizontal Back-link Rear Suspension (KP)
Linkage ratios provide a linear feel and an extensive range of adjustments, making it simple for the rider to notice when the settings have changed. The high stiffness of the swingarm contributes to snappy handling and aids in distributing weight to the front of the bike. The linkage is mounted on top of the swingarm so that the exhaust pre-chamber may be more centrally located to save weight. For the rear shock to operate without being influenced by exhaust heat, it has been placed farther away from the exhaust. An optional Kawasaki Intelligent anti-lock Brake System (KP) is also available (KIBS) The World Superbike racing bike and the Ninja H2 employ a similar technology. Front brake calipers with four pistons and radial mounting.
330mm Brembo discs are clamped by massive Brembo M50 cast monoblock brake calipers with four opposing 30mm pistons for excellent stopping power. To aid with heat dissipation, the discs outside edges feature grooves running the length of them. Front braking force may be achieved with little lever movement thanks to the Brembo radial-pump master cylinder and reservoir. The immediate sensation may be achieved by using stainless steel braided brake lines. An anti-lock brake system that delivers seamless feedback and minimum lever movement are available from KIBS.
Aero/Styling
For improved maneuverability at high track speeds, this upper cowl mimics the design of the factory World Superbike motorcycle. It minimizes drag and gives the best possible wind deflection. Negative pressure is prevented from building up in the cockpit by strategically positioned vents in the top cowl, reducing buffeting in the helmet. Directing airflow to the radiator is made easier with the front fender’s Ninja H2-design. The style of the taillights gives the vehicle an aggressive appearance.
2019 Ninja ZX-10R KRT Kawasaki Sports Bike – Price
The new 2019 Ninja ZX-10R KRT Kawasaki Sports Motorcycle is available at $15,399 only.
2019 Ninja ZX-10R KRT Kawasaki Sports Bike – Technical Specifications
Power
Engine | 4-stroke, 4-cylinder, DOHC, 4-valve, liquid-cooled |
Displacement | 998cc |
Bore x Stroke | 76mm x 55mm |
Compression Ratio | 13.0:1 |
Maximum Torque | 84.6 lb-ft at 11,500 rpm |
Fuel System | DFI® with 47mm Mikuni throttle bodies with oval sub-throttles, two injectors per cylinder |
Ignition | TCBI has digital advance and Sport-Kawasaki Traction Control (S-KTRC) |
Transmission | 6-speed, return shift |
Final Drive | Sealed chain |
Electronic Rider Aids | Kawasaki Launch Control Mode (KLCM), Kawasaki Sport Traction Control (S-KTRC), Kawasaki Intelligent anti-lock Brake System (KIBS), Kawasaki Quick Shifter (KQS) (dual direction), Kawasaki Engine Brake Control, Kawasaki Corner Management Function (KCMF) |
Performance
Front Suspension / Wheel Travel | 43 mm inverted Balance Free Fork, adjustable stepless rebound and compression damping, spring preload adjustability/4.7 inches |
Rear Suspension / Wheel Travel | Horizontal back-link having Balance Free gas-charged shock, stepless, dual-range (low-/high-speed) compression damping, stepless rebound damping, fully adjustable spring preload/4.5 inches |
Front Tire | 120/70 ZR17 |
Rear Tire | 190/55 ZR17 |
Front Brakes | Kawasaki Intelligent anti-lock Brake System (KIBS), Brembo dual semi-floating 330mm discs with dual radial mounted monobloc 4-piston calipers |
Rear Brakes | KIBS-controlled, single 220mm disc having an aluminum single-piston caliper |
Details
Frame Type | Aluminum perimeter |
Rake/Trail | 25.0°/4.2 inches |
Overall Length | 82.1 inches |
Overall Width | 29.1 inches |
Overall Height | 45.1 inches |
Ground Clearance | 5.7 inches |
Seat Height | 32.9 inches |
Curb Weight | 454.2 lb |
Fuel Capacity | 4.5 gallons |
Wheelbase | 56.7 inches |
Color Choices | Lime Green/Ebony/Metallic Graphite Gray |
Warranty | 12 Month Limited Warranty |
Kawasaki Protection Plus™ (optional) | 12, 24, 36, or 48 months |