Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R 2019 Sports Bike Review

Kawasaki’s trio of liter-class Super sports models, based on the World Championship-winning KRT racing bike, cater to a wide variety of riders. The 2019 engine upgrades provide more power and a broader powerband. Titanium connecting rods are custom-made for the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R 2019 Sports Bike, enhancing engine and chassis performance.

The redesigned valve train, developed by Kawasaki’s MotoGP/Worlds specialists, is an example of top-level racing technology applied to the Ninja ZX-10R. The redesigned technology improves performance and dependability while operating at high rpm.

Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R 2019 Sports Bike – Features and Specs

More power!

A tweak to the finger-follower valve actuation and other upgrades improves the engine performance of the Ninja ZX-10R. Peak horsepower has been increased to 203 PS, which may easily be expanded with a complete racing exhaust. However, the improvements improve performance throughout the rev range, offering higher power at all rpms — a plus for racers and World Superbike teams alike. The modifications boost the prior model’s flat torque curve.

The engine is rated in pound-per-square-inch power units. Gross power is not the same as net power. In general, net power is less than awful power. However, this varies according to engine specs. Gross power is a standardized unit of measurement used to compare one engine to another in terms of total capacity. Your engine’s net power rating will vary and almost certainly be less than the stated power.

Cylinder Head Ready for High-Lift Cams

Previously a feature exclusive to the Ninja ZX-10RR, the Ninja ZX-10RR’s cylinder head now enables clearance for race-kit high-lift cams.

All variants include a red painted cylinder head cover as a subtle nod to the exceptional performance delivered by actuating the finger-follower valve.

Titanium Connecting Rods Pankl (RR-model only)

In addition to the innovative finger-follower valve actuation, the Ninja ZX-10RR is equipped with specially engineered high-performance titanium connecting rods.

Pankl is a firm that specializes in the development and manufacture of engine and drivetrain components for formula racing cars, high-performance vehicles, and the aerospace sector. Their lightweight components are constructed from premium materials and are engineered using finite element analysis to endure tremendous mechanical stress. These high-performance connecting rods were created mainly for the Ninja ZX-10RR in collaboration with a long-time performance partner of the Kawasaki Racing Team.

Horizontal Back-link Rear Suspension

In contrast to Kawasaki’s typical Uni-Trak rear suspension, which mounts the shock unit vertically, the shock unit is practically horizontal with Horizontal Back-link rear suspension. Kawasaki’s original suspension design positions the shock unit very near the bike’s center of gravity, thus aiding in mass centralization. Additionally, the absence of a linkage or shock unit under the swingarm creates room for a bigger exhaust pre-chamber (an exhaust expansion chamber situated just upstream of the silencer). With a bigger pre-chamber, the capacity of the silencer may be lowered, and the bike’s heavy exhaust components can be focused closer to the center, helping to mass centralization even further.

ABS

Sudden heavy braking or braking on low-grip surfaces (surfaces with a low coefficient of friction), such as wet asphalt or maintenance hole covers, may cause the motorcycle’s wheel(s) to lock up and skid. ABS was created to avoid such occurrences. Kawasaki ABS systems are managed by exact and dependable programming that has been developed after extensive testing in a variety of riding circumstances. They provide rider confidence by guaranteeing steady braking performance, which leads to increased riding satisfaction.

Economical Riding Indicator

Kawasaki models attain a high degree of fuel economy using high-precision electronic engine management. However, fuel consumption is significantly determined by throttle position, gear selection, and other rider-controlled variables. The Economical Riding Indicator is a feature that tells whether the present riding circumstances are fuel-efficient. Regardless of motorcycle speed, engine speed, throttle position, or other riding events, the system continually analyzes fuel use. When fuel consumption is low at a particular rate (i.e., fuel efficiency is high), the instrument panel’s LCD screen displays an “ECO” symbol. By riding so that the “ECO” symbol stays illuminated, fuel consumption may be decreased.

While the effective vehicle speed and engine speed may vary by model, riders may enhance their fuel economy by paying attention to the circumstances that cause the “ECO” indicator to display – a convenient approach to extend cruising range. Additionally, reducing gasoline use helps minimize adverse environmental impacts.

S-KTRC: Sport – Kawasaki Traction Control

S-KTRC, Kawasaki’s first predictive traction control system, is based on the same technology as the Kawasaki works motorcycles that participated in MotoGP, motorcycle racing’s pinnacle. This device constantly monitors and compensates for rear wheel slip when power is delivered, guaranteeing optimum acceleration. By and large, maximal forward thrust necessitates some slide level (usually between 20-30 percent slip ratio, i.e., the new rear wheel is turning 20-30 percent faster than the front). S-KTRC continuously monitors the slip ratio and regulates engine power delivery to optimize rear wheel traction.

S-KTRC continuously checks many factors, including front and rear wheel speed, engine revolutions per minute, and throttle position. Conditions are validated every five milliseconds, during which time the system examines each parameter and the amount by which they vary (i.e., their rate of change). This exclusive Kawasaki technology enables interpolation and prediction of the bike’s behavior in the next moment.

Unlike 1-mode KTRC, which reduces power immediately upon detecting rear slip to enable rear traction to be restored, S-KTRC employs minor power decreases to maintain the slip ratio required for best traction. Because its objective is to maximize acceleration, this sport riding system will enable power wheelies when the bike exits bends, as long as sufficient forward momentum is maintained.

KIBS: Kawasaki Intelligent anti-lock Brake System

Kawasaki designed KIBS with the specific handling characteristics of super sport bikes in mind, delivering very effective braking with little interference during severe sport riding. It is the first mass-produced braking system that integrates the ABS and engine ECUs.

Along with front and rear wheel speeds, KIBS monitors the hydraulic pressure in the front brake calipers, the throttle position, engine speed, clutch actuation, and gear position. This voluminous data is analyzed to calculate the optimal front brake hydraulic pressure. Significant dips in hydraulic pressure associated with ordinary ABS systems may be avoided with precision management. Additionally, the propensity of the rear wheel to lift under hard braking may be reduced on super sport versions while maintaining rear brake controllability while downshifting.

Electronic Throttle Valves

The utterly electronic throttle actuation system used by Kawasaki allows the ECU to manage both the amount of fuel (through fuel injectors) and air (via throttle valves) supplied to the engine. The optimal combination of fuel injection and throttle valve position results in smooth, natural engine response and optimal engine performance. Additionally, the technology contributes significantly to emissions reductions.

Additionally, electronic throttle valves allow for more accurate control of electronic engine management systems such as S-KTRC and KTRC, as well as the introduction of electronic systems such as KLCM, Kawasaki Engine Brake Control, and Cruise Control.

IMU – Enhanced Chassis Orientation Awareness

The basis of Kawasaki’s cutting-edge electronics has always been the very complex programming that provides the ECU with an accurate real-time picture of the chassis’ behavior utilizing less hardware. Kawasaki’s proprietary dynamic modeling program makes expert use of the magic formula tire model when examining changes in multiple parameters, allowing it to account for changing tire and road conditions.

The addition of a brand new IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) enables the monitoring of inertia along six DOF (degrees of freedom). Acceleration is measured along the longitudinal, transverse, and vertical axes, as well as roll and pitch rates. The ECU determines the yaw rate. This additional feedback contributes to a more precise real-time picture of the chassis orientation, allowing for even more precise control at the limit.

With the addition of brand new IMU and the latest evolution of Kawasaki’s innovative modeling software, Kawasaki’s electronic engine and chassis management technology advances to the next level, transitioning from setting-type and reaction-type systems to feedback-type systems resulting in even greater riding excitement.

Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R 2019 Sports Bike – Technical Specifications

Engine

Brakes

Dimensions

Drivetrain

Frame

Performance

Suspension

Details