2023 Kawasaki ZX-10R

[Hugh Janus]

The 2023 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R is available in a gray/metallic black color. MSRP is $17,399 (Kawasaki/)

Ups

• Six consecutive WorldSBK titles can’t mean nothing
• Predictable-handling chassis and tractable power delivery
• Kawasaki caters to multiple budgets with models ranging from the competitively priced base model to the limited-production, homologation-spec ZX-10RR

Downs

• Not as exotic as its European competitors
• Cramped ergos, even by sportbike standards

Verdict

While not the newest literbike on the block, the ZX-10R is clinical in its pursuit of performance. With a race-proven chassis and go-for-broke 998cc inline-four engine, the production literbike is a tribute to the efficacy of race development.

The spicier looking but mechanically unchanged ZX-10R KRT Edition is available with ABS ($18,399) or without ($17,399). (Kawasaki/)

Overview

Beginning in 2015, Jonathan Rea won a record-breaking six consecutive WorldSBK titles aboard the Kawasaki ZX-10R. If you want the winningest production sportbike of the last decade, this is it. With Kawasaki’s latest rider aids and a claimed 203 hp in hand, even average riders can feel a bit like Jonathan Rea. Thanks, technology.

Back in 2004, when Kawasaki put its road-oriented ZX-9R to pasture and introduced the ZX-10R, “easy to ride” wasn’t the first thing to come to mind. As Don Canet said (nearly 20 years ago): “Putting the spurs to the wild-’n’-woolly 10R at Infineon took all the courage I could muster. This bike is a beast! It’s totally dominated by its motor, with an incredible midrange hit that makes you leery of turning the throttle when you’re leaned over near the tire’s edge. Once you do pull the trigger, you’d best hang on because the ZX floats its front wheel out of corners like no other.”

That original 10R is a legend to sportbike lovers and set the stage for blistering performance in green. After two decades of technological advancements, the latest 10R is refined and easy to ride, despite its enormous performance window. Its latest update came in 2021, and included new bodywork with integrated aero and a host of changes designed to keep it at the pointy edge.

For racers, collectors, or Team Green diehards, Kawasaki’s homologation-spec ZX-10RR is the one to get. Priced to match the European competition and built in limited numbers, the 10RR hearkens back to the glory days of AMA Superbike racing when Doug Chandler and the ZX-7RR were one of the most formidable pairings on the track.

It’s almost impossible to look at a ZX-10R and not think of Jonathan Rea, who took the bike to six consecutive World Superbike titles. (Kawasaki/)

Updates for 2023

There are no major updates for 2023, however, Kawasaki made loads of changes to the 2021 ZX-10R. Mechanical changes to the 998cc inline-four powerplant were minimal, but the Ninja did adopt a new air-cooled oil-cooler. A new exhaust system was designed to maintain power output while improving emissions. Internal gear ratios of the cassette-style six-speed transmission were revised for quicker acceleration, while the final drive (a larger 41-tooth versus a 39-tooth) sprocket was added.

Several updates to the electronic rider-aid suite were introduced, including the use of a full ride-by-wire system (eliminating the need for traditional throttle cables). New integrated riding modes are now accessible via a 4.3-inch TFT display, which has smartphone connectivity. Cruise control was also added.

With an emphasis on balanced handling, Kawasaki lowered the swingarm pivot, lengthened the wheelbase, optimized front-end geometry, and dialed in the Showa suspension settings further. The ZX-10R’s riding position was also made more aggressive, with the clip-on style handlebars pushed forward 10mm and the footpegs raised by 5mm.

Finally, the ZX-10R received new-generation Ninja styling. This includes the addition of integrated aerodynamic winglets, a taller windscreen with more protection, and a new ram-air intake design for a more aerodynamically efficient motorcycle.

Pricing and Variants

Pricing ranges depending on color, ABS, and/or trim. Prices are as follows: $17,399 for the ZX-10R; $17,399 for the non-ABS KRT Edition; $18,399 for the KRT Edition ABS; and $29,699 for the ZX-10RR.

The up-spec ZX-10RR is available in limited numbers and features several performance upgrades, including lightweight Pankl pistons, titanium connecting rods, new intake and exhaust valve springs, Marchesini forged wheels, and Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP tires. Consider it the best package for those looking to go racing.

Competition

The literbike class continues to look extremely healthy, meaning the ZX-10R has a lot of competition from Japan and Europe. That includes Honda’s CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP ($28,900) and CBR1000RR ($16,599), the Yamaha YZF-R1 ($17,999) and YZF-R1M ($26,999), as well as Suzuki’s GSX-R1000 ($16,149) and GSX-R1000R ($18,199).

European rivals include Ducati’s Panigale V4 ($24,495) and V4 S ($31,595), BMW’s S 1000 RR (from $17,895) and M 1000 RR (from $32,995), plus the Aprilia RSV4 ($18,999) and RSV4 Factory ($25,999).

The 2023 ZX-10RR is the latest in a line of homologation-spec Ninja superbikes. (Kawasaki/)

Powertrain: Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The heart of the ZX-10R is the 998cc liquid-cooled inline-four cylinder engine. With a manufacturer-claimed 203 peak horsepower and 84 lb.-ft. of torque, the ZX-10R is no slouch. The engineering team’s work in maintaining horsepower figures while meeting emissions regulations in the latest model came down to a longer silencer, revised collector arrangement, repositioned catalytic converter, and more efficient cooling. Revised gear ratios have also helped improve the bike’s performance.

Lower gear ratios on the latest-generation ZX-10R give a new sense of urgency and more punch out of the slower corners on a track, but this doesn’t come at the expense of the smooth midrange that has always made the ZX-10R easy to ride by literbike standards. The power delivery is slick, with enough drive to paint black lines over the exit of every corner, thanks to the S-KTRC traction control.

As you hang on to the gears down the straight, the strong top-end hit makes you fully aware of each and every one of the 203 hp. The ZX-10R is one of those bikes that revs out hard, clipping the rev limiter and demanding another gear before you know it; the extra 500 rpm made possible by the RR version’s upgraded engine internals paired with the Kawasaki Genuine Parts accessory kit ECU (without, the engine rpm is the same as the ZX-10R) is a welcome touch for track riding.

While the ZX-10RR has just 1 peak horsepower more than the ZX-10R, it feels more like 10 thanks to a quicker-revving engine and high redline. (Kawasaki/)

Chassis/Handling

The ZX-10R has a twin-spar aluminum frame, a Showa Balance Free Fork, and Showa BFRC-Lite (Balance Free Rear Cushion) shock. Even with loads of changes, this Kawasaki maintains its easy-to-ride character. The feedback and feel from the front end is spot on, giving riders the confidence to push hard into turns and carry speed through bumpy, scarred corners. It’s confidence-inspiring all around, though not quite as nimble as some of the ultra-lithe competition, like the Ducati Panigale.

Brakes

For 2021, the ZX-10R received new rear brake pads and a repositioned rear brake master cylinder. The ZX-10R features race-spec Brembo four-piston calipers with dual 330mm discs up front and a single 220mm disc in the rear. Stainless steel braided brake lines contribute to direct feel.

The ZX-10R is available with Kawasaki Intelligent antilock Brake System (KIBS), a cornering ABS optimized for performance and racetrack use. In addition to controlling rear-wheel lift when braking hard in a straight line, it’s designed to work with trail-braking to not only prevent the wheel locking but control the bike’s tendency to stand up on the brakes. To improve rider feel, the KIBS system is designed to intervene as subtly as possible in order to avoid that horrible juddering or heavy lever feel some ABS setups suffer from.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

Fuel mileage for the Kawasaki ZX-10R is not currently available.

Ergonomics: Comfort and Utility

Ergonomics are circuit-focused with clip-ons that are now positioned 10mm farther forward and at a straighter angle. The seat is higher, as are the pegs, so the rider is situated in a more aggressive riding posture, which may be less comfortable on the street but provides more support under acceleration, giving riders’ arms an easier time on the track. The revised bodywork includes a taller windscreen that offers street riders more wind protection and gives track riders more room behind the bubble for increased aerodynamic efficiency.

Cruise control and smartphone connectivity add some utility to an otherwise race-focused steed.

The TFT dash makes it simple to adjust the ZX-10R’s various settings. (Kawasaki/)

Electronics

The ZX-10R is fitted with electronics such as Kawasaki Intelligent antilock Braking System (aka cornering ABS), four selectable ride modes, five-mode traction control, launch control, and electronic steering damper. Creature comforts include electronic cruise control and a TFT dash with smartphone connectivity.

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

A 12-month warranty is included, but 12, 24, 36, or 48-month options are available with Kawasaki’s Protection Plus.

Quality

Overall, the ZX-10R does a superb job of balancing outright performance and accessibility, both in terms of performance and price.

Claimed Specs

	2023 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R	2023 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10RR
MSRP:	$17,399–$18,399 (ABS)	$29,699
Engine:	DOHC, liquid-cooled, inline-four four stroke; 4 valves/cyl.	DOHC, liquid-cooled, inline-four four stroke; 4 valves/cyl.
Displacement:	998cc	998cc
Bore x Stroke:	76.0 x 55.0mm	76.0 x 55.0mm
Compression Ratio:	13.0:1	13.0:1
Transmission/Final Drive:	6-speed/chain	6-speed/chain
Claimed Horsepower:	203 hp @ 13,200 rpm	204 hp @ 13,200 rpm
Claimed Torque:	82.5 lb.-ft. @ 11,400 rpm	82.5 lb.-ft. @ 11,400 rpm
Fuel System:	DFI, 47mm Mikuni throttle bodies w/ dual injectors	DFI, 47mm Mikuni throttle bodies w/ dual injectors
Clutch:	Wet, multiplate slipper clutch; cable actuated	Wet, multiplate slipper clutch; cable actuated
Engine Management/Ignition:	TCBI w/ digital advance, Sport-Kawasaki Traction Control (S-KTRC)	TCBI w/ digital advance, Sport-Kawasaki Traction Control (S-KTRC)
Frame:	Twin spar, cast aluminum	Twin spar, cast aluminum
Front Suspension:	43mm inverted Balance Free Fork, stepless rebound and compression damping, spring preload adjustable; 4.7 in. travel	43mm inverted Balance Free Fork, stepless rebound and compression damping, spring preload adjustable; 4.7 in. travel
Rear Suspension:	Balance Free gas-charged shock; adjustable stepless, dual-range (low/high-speed) compression damping, stepless rebound damping, spring preload adjustable; 4.5 in. travel	Balance Free gas-charged shock; adjustable stepless, dual-range (low-/high-speed) compression damping, stepless rebound damping, spring preload adjustable; 4.5 in. travel
Front Brake:	Brembo radial-mounted Monoblock 4-piston calipers, dual semi-floating 330mm discs (w/ optional ABS)	Brembo radial-mounted Monoblock 4-piston calipers, dual semi-floating 330mm discs w/ ABS
Rear Brake:	Aluminum 1-piston caliper, 220mm disc (w/ optional ABS)	Aluminum 1-piston caliper, 220mm disc w/ ABS
Wheels:	Cast aluminum	Forged Marchesini magnesium wheels
Tires, Front/Rear:	120/70ZR-17 / 190/55ZR-17	120/70ZR-17 / 190/55ZR-17
Rake/Trail:	25.0º/4.1 in.	25.0º/4.1 in.
Wheelbase:	57.1 in.	57.1 in.
Ground Clearance:	5.3 in.	5.3 in.
Seat Height:	32.9 in.	32.9 in.
Fuel Capacity:	4.5 gal.	4.5 gal.
Claimed Wet Weight:	452 lb. / 456 lb. (KRT Edition ABS)	456 lb.
Availability:	Now	Now
Contact:	kawasaki.com

Source

[Buckster]

Comparing the specs, you pay $11,000 for 1hp.

[busabeast]

37 minutes ago, Buckster said:

Comparing the specs, you pay $11,000 for 1hp.

I was just thinking that...definitely think be better off saving the 11 grand and just putting stickier rubber and getting the suspension tuned by a specialist and maybe some brake tweaks. 

At that power you won't need any more 

[Catteeclan]

That exhaust is just ugly from every angle.

[busabeast]

10 hours ago, Catteeclan said:

That exhaust is just ugly from every angle.

Isn't that the case with all the modern stuff they are bringing out

[Catteeclan]

13 hours ago, busabeast said:

Isn't that the case with all the modern stuff they are bringing out

Yes but that collector box in front of the back wheel tops the rest.