KAWASAKI Ninja ZX-10R (2008-2009) Specs, Performance & Photos

In 2009, Kawasaki launched the Ninja ZX-10R, a sports motorcycle in Kawasaki's liter-class, powered by a 998cc race-inspired engine, and came with enhanced styling and optimized ergonomics that made it perfect for the track but still fun on city streets or fast winding roads.

The 2009 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R featured a 998cc fuel-injected engine in a lightweight, narrow, and compact package with forged pistons, a lightweight crankshaft that maintained the same inertia as previous models but saved weight, and secondary fuel injectors that improved power characteristics.

The 998cc four-stroke four-cylinder liquid-cooled engine delivered an output power of 188 hp at 12,500 rpm and 113 Nm (83 lb-ft) of torque with a peak at 8,700 rpm. The burnt fuel was directed through an exhaust system that featured a pre-chamber under the engine for less noise and minimized silencer volume, a Palladium catalyzer that met Euro3 exhaust emission standards, and a single orthogonal muffler that improved exhaust efficiency.

As for the chassis, the twin-spar frame was made of a mixture of materials with a lightweight two-piece die-cast aluminum sub-frame designed for a compact and slim rear-end appearance that also sent feedback more directly to the rider.

For braking purposes, the bike packed two 310 mm petal discs with Tokico radial-mounted four-piston calipers on the front and a 220 mm disc squeezed by a single-piston caliper on the rear.