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2016 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R Says Hi

Kawasaki shows their new Superbike weapon, the 2016 MY Ninja ZX-10R, a bike that was initially rumored to mimic the new direction of the H2 and H2R machines. However, the new Akashi machine did not tread that path and was instead upgraded in key areas that include engine, the electronics package and the entire frame, including brakes, suspensions and chassis.
2016 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R 14 photos
Photo: Kawasaki
2016 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R2016 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R2016 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R2016 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R2016 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R2016 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R2016 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R2016 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R2016 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R2016 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R2016 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R2016 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R2016 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R
The bike got a tad heavier by some 5 kg (11 lbs), but casual riders would most likely not feel. As for the Superbike machines, they are most likely to shave off more weight so this is not exactly a big issue.

The engine has new heads, lighter internals, an all-new titanium exhaust and an electronics throttle valve system. The power is also around 200 hp, with a peak figure of 207 hp with ram air. Obviously, the torque went up a bit, 113.5 Nm (83.6 lb-ft) at 11,500 rpm.

According to Kawasaki, this is the closest machine to WSBK Akashi ever made, with massive input from the racing series incorporated into the build. The brakes were also upgraded, with top-spec M50 monobloc calipers, larger 330 mm discs, and a specially tuned radial master.

All-new suspensions and an inertial measurement unit

All-new Showa suspension are being used, the Showa Balance Free fork, and the Showa BFRC Lite monoshock, complemented by an Ohlins electronic steering damper.

Bosch supplied the 6-axis inertial measurement unit (IMU) but it is not clear whether the cornering ABS technology is present aboard the 2016 Ninja ZX-10R. The new electronics package includes a quickshifter that will permit clutchless downshifting with a race ECU, a 3-way launch control system, and the proprietary S-KTRC – Sport-Kawasaki TRaction Control technology.

The aluminium twin spar frame got structural improvements and race-derived parts that allow a certain degree of adjustability for the steering stem and swingarm pivot.

Finally, the aesthetics were also tweaked a bit, but not in a radical way, and we'd say this is the best-looking ZX-10R to date. the Ninja ZX™-10R ABS KRT Edition is $16,299 so you know what you should be ready for. Stay tuned for live EICMA photos in November.

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