There is a lot ofwinning experience in superbike in the new versions of the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R e ZX-10RR for 2021.
A new aerodynamic package has been combined with ergonomic upgrades introduced by Kawasaki’s new under-the-skin engineering technology.
They have been made built-in fins to the structure of the fairing of the bike (under the headlights), which channel the air flow and create an additional downforce: about 17% more than that of the previous Ninja.
Likewise, the rear section design has been slightly modified to create a low pressure area behind the rider. We combine all of this with a windshield higher than 40 mm, a location of the seeds dumbbells which replicates that of Jonathan Rea’s race bike, more open, e footrests higher than 5 mm.
A new TFT display racing in color (with connectivity Bluetooth), four riding modes selectable via buttons on the semi-handlebar and to make the motorcycle more comfortable to use on the street, the cruise control and the heated grips (present in the list of original accessories).
The updates of the frame include a 1mm lower swingarm anchor point (adjustable on the RR), a fork offset greater than 2 mm and an increase of 8 mm in the effective length of the swingarm, all of which contribute to the bike’s greater stability and traction. The suspension balance has also changed, there has been an adjustment towards a softer calibration at the front and a stiffening of the rear mono.
The braking system Brembo it is composed of monobloc calipers M50, semi-floating discs from 330 mm and radial pump (with racing steel braided hoses on RR). The lighting full LED uses direct lights from Mitsubishi’s projection unit: their light optic modules are adopted for the first time in the motorcycle arena on the 2021 Ninja.
Careful evolution
The four-cylinder in-line of 998 cc (updated to pass the legislation Euro 5 emissions) continues to rely on distribution with actuation of the valves via rocker arms, to the advantage of the lightness of the moving parts. The gear ratios now have the first, second and third gears shortened. A new oil cooler air-cooled developed by KRT in superbike.
The electronic package focuses on inertial platform Bosch (interfaced with the four riding modes, one of which is customizable) which manages the sport traction control S-KTRC, il launch control mode KLCM and intelligent ABS cornering KIBS. There is no lack of control of the engine brake and the quick-shift up & down.
The maximum power is declared in 203 horsepower at 13,200 rpm (which rise to 213 cv with the air-box under pressure), the maximum torque is 11,7 kgm a 11.400 turns.
The aluminum alloy frame retains the well-known design. The fork is one Showa BFF updated only in the calibrations, while the Horizontal Back Link rear mono adopts a fully adjustable Showa unit. The electronic steering damper is Ohlins.
A steering angle of 25 ° and trail of 105 mm are added to an interest of 1,450 mm. The tank is from 17 liters and the weight in running order and with full is stated in 207 kg.
The ZX-10RR from a track point of view
The Ninja version ZX-10RR of 2021 is a limited edition of 500 units, compared to the R is exclusively dedicated to the track. Its engine can spin higher than 400 rpm thanks to several piston pins, (lighter) connecting rods and low-friction pistons: all made by Pankl.
The circles complete the whole Marchesini specially made for the RR and Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP tires. Always in the sizes 120 / 70ZR17 and 190 / 55ZR17.
On the RR the maximum power is tweaked in 204 cv (214 with air-box under pressure) at 14,000 rpm, while the maximum torque drops slightly and at a slightly higher speed (11.4 kgm at 11,700 rpm).
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