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KAWASAKI Ninja ZX-10R Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

Generations: 13
First production year: 2003
KAWASAKI NINJA ZX-10R SE photo gallery

Back in 2018, Japanese bike maker Kawasaki decided to introduce a new model in the Ninja ZX range, to complement the existing ZX-10R and ZX-10RR. It’s called ZX-10R SE and comes with just a touch of extras over the other models.

The biggest novelty the bike brings to the table is the fitting of a new advanced electronic suspension, created with the help of the Japanese specialists from Showa. Called KECS, it adds electronically controlled damping to the high-spec Balance Free Front Fork and BFRC lite (Balance Free Rear Cushion) rear shock the bike comes equipped with.

Kawasaki says the system adapts to road conditions in real-time, being suitable for a wide range of conditions and riding styles.

Developed for both road and track use, the 2018 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R SE is powered by a 998cc engine capable of developing 197 hp at 13,000 rpm. It spins 7-spoke multi-directional forged aluminum wheels, and, together with the bike itself, has three settings, namely Road, Track, and Manual.

The model, which in 2018 was available in only one color, was produced in 2019 and 2020 as well, but it remains a heavy hitter on the used market. In 2022, for instance, one could be had with decent mileage for an average of $19,000.

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KAWASAKI Ninja ZX-10R photo gallery

The 2016 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R released by the Japanese motorcycle manufacturer had two World Superbike Championship titles under its belt and was designed for race-winning performance with the proven technology that launched the Kawasaki Racing Team (KRT) to world dominance.

The 2016 model came with a major update that included the new Bosch five-axis Internal Measurement Unit (IMU) and an updated Sports Kawasaki Traction Control (S-KTRC) system that featured a new launch control mode, a quickshifter, and engine control, which Kawasaki stated that was the most advanced of all current traction control systems at the time.

Also, the bike featured some mechanical changes that included a lighter slipper clutch, balancer, crankshaft, pistons, exhaust system, and a less restrictive air filter with a larger air box. In addition, the model replaced the petal disc rotors that were used since 2004 with round circular ones that were 20 mm larger from 310 to 330 mm and also replaced the calipers with Brembo M50 Monoblok.

In the performance department, the 2016 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R featured a new, more powerful 998cc four-stroke four-cylinder liquid-cooled engine with a new computer-controlled electronic throttle valve system that delivered an output power of 200 hp with a peak at 13,000 rpm, 210 hp at 13,000 rpm with the ram-air intake working at full potential, and 114 Nm (84 lb-ft) of torque at 11,600 rpm.

It also featured a new front cowl that provided better aerodynamics and improved handling at high speeds and a new Kawasaki Racing Team-inspired livery with Lime Green and Ebony paint.

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KAWASAKI Ninja ZX-10R photo gallery

In 2015, the Japanese motorcycle manufacturer launched the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R, a World Superbike Championship-proven motorcycle powered by a 998cc engine tuned for optimal power delivery on the track or street and designed for a low center of gravity that resulted in more responsive handling.

The bike featured the Sports Kawasaki Traction Control that offered three different riding modes for personal preference, road conditions, and skill level, such as level one, which offered maximum grip, level two for intermediate use, and level three for slippery and wet conditions.

To handle the massive controllable power of the engine, the cast aluminum twin-spar frame was made of seven pieces that featured optimum flex characteristics, cornering performance, and lightweight and a cast aluminum swingarm designed to match the frame.

Also, the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R featured an electronically controlled steering damper, made in collaboration with Ohlins, controlled by an Electronic Control Unit (ECU) that provided the ideal amount of damping force in a wide range of riding scenarios.

In the power department, the 2015 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R packed a 998cc four-stroke, four-cylinder liquid-cooled engine that worked in tandem with the chassis for linear power delivery and featured a compact, lightweight, and narrow design.

As for the power figures, the 2015 model delivered an output power of 200 hp with a peak at 13,000 rpm and 114 Nm (84 lb-ft) of torque available at 11,500 rpm.

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KAWASAKI Ninja ZX-10R photo gallery

In 2014, the Japanese motorcycle manufacturer released the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R, a sports bike in the Kawasaki's Ninja series that featured an ultra-narrow chassis and the latest technology advantages, which offered excellent performance.

An interesting feature of the 2014 Kawasaki was the electronic steering damper made in collaboration with Ohlins, controlled by an Electronic Control Unit (ECU), which reacted to acceleration, deceleration, and rear wheel speed for an ideal level of damping force in various riding scenarios.

It also featured the Sports Kawasaki Traction Control (S-KTRC) system that ensured the optimal amount of traction control and the Power Mode selector that allowed the rider to choose the best power delivery to match riding conditions.

The bike featured an aluminum alloy frame that offered optimal flex and rigidity, sharp steering characteristics, crisp handling, and a smooth ride provided by the 43 mm adjustable Big Pison Fork (BPF) on the front and the horizontal Back-link adjustable shock absorber on the rear.

The 2014 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R was brought to life by a 998cc four-stroke, four-cylinder liquid-cooled engine with a digital fuel injection system that featured a secondary injector for maximized power characteristics at high rpm.

As for the power figures, the 2014 Kawasaki Ninja delivered an output power of 200 hp with a peak at 13,000 rpm and 114 Nm (84 lb-ft) of torque available at 11,500 rpm.

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KAWASAKI Ninja ZX-10R photo gallery

In 2012, the Japanese motorcycle manufacturer launched the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R, a sports motorcycle identical to its 2011 sibling, which featured the same major upgrades in the visual and mechanical departments.

One of the most notable updates was the Sports Kawasaki Traction Control (S-KTRC) system that was implemented as a standard feature, but also other features such as the Kawasaki Intelligent Braking System (KIBS), adjustable footpegs, lighter three-spoke wheels, an LCD dashboard panel, and Showa Big Piston Fork (BPF) front suspension.

For power, the 2012 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R featured the same engine as the 2011 model, with stronger camshafts, crankshaft, and pistons that increased durability, larger intake valves, and an Electronically Controlled Unit (ECU) that came in a lighter package.

The 2012 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R had its heartbeat set by a 998cc four-stroke four-cylinder liquid-cooled engine that delivered an output power of 200 hp with a peak at 13,000 rpm and 114 Nm (84 lb-ft) of torque available at 11,500 rpm.

For suspension, the bike packed a 43 mm Big Piston Fork with a rebound, compression, and spring preload adjustability on the front and a horizontal-mounted Back-link shock absorber with a rebound, compression, and spring preload on the rear.

As for braking purposes, the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R packed two 310 mm petal discs with radial-mounted four-piston calipers on the front wheel and a 220 mm petal disc with a single-piston caliper on the rear wheel.

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KAWASAKI Ninja ZX-10R photo gallery

In 2011, Kawasaki released the Ninja ZX-10R, a sports motorcycle that went through a major makeover both visually and mechanically. One of the most notable updates was the Sports Kawasaki Traction Control (S-KTRC) system implemented as a standard feature.

Also, other new features included an ABS option called Kawasaki Intelligent Braking System (KIBS), which was a completely new design, adjustable footpegs, larger throttle bodies, a horizontal rear suspension, lighter three-spoke wheels, Showa Big Piston Fork (BPF) front suspension, and an LCD dashboard panel.

In addition, the bike featured a new power mode selector that allowed the rider to choose the level of power delivery, a new frame with ideal strength and rigidity, improved mass centralization, a slipper-type back-torque limiting clutch, and race-oriented instrumentation.

In the power department, the engine featured a new design with stronger camshafts, crankshaft, and pistons that increased durability, larger intake valves, a new Electronically Controlled Unit (ECU), which came in a lighter package, and a lighter battery. The 2011 motorcycle came with 10 kg (22 lbs) less than the 2010 model.

As for the power figures, the 2011 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R was brought to life by a 998cc four-stroke four-cylinder liquid-cooled engine that delivered an output power of 200 hp with a peak at 13,000 rpm and 114 Nm (84 lb-ft) of torque available at 11,500 rpm.

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KAWASAKI Ninja ZX-10R photo gallery

In 2010, the Japanese motorcycle manufacturer released the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R, a sports motorcycle that, compared to its 2009 predecessor, featured only slight changes which included the updated Ohlins steering damper, recessed headlights into the fairing, and the individual fairing center section pieces molded into one piece.

In addition, the bike featured the upper, side, and center fairings in an aggressive style, while the cockpit inner covers enhanced aerodynamic efficiency and appearance.

Also, the bike received a refinement to the shift ratchet assembly for less friction, improved shifting feel, and more positive gear changes but also received slightly longer throttle cables inside a plastic throttle housing that improved throttle action for even more control.

In the power department, the 2010 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R had its soul in a 998cc four-stroke four-cylinder liquid-cooled engine that came in a lightweight, narrow, and compact package with a lightweight crankshaft that maintained the same inertia as heavier designs but saved some weight.

Also, the fuel-injected engine featured secondary fuel injectors that improved power output and characteristics at high rpm. As for the power figures, the 2010 model delivered an output power of 188 hp at 12,500 rpm, 200 hp with the ram air intake working at full potential, and 113 Nm (83 lb-ft) of torque with a peak at 8,700 rpm.

With a wet weight of 208 kg (458 lbs) and set in motion by a six-speed manual transmission, the bike reached a top speed of 292 kph (181 mph).

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KAWASAKI Ninja ZX-10R photo gallery

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.

full description and technical specifications
KAWASAKI Ninja ZX-10R photo gallery

In 2008, the Japanese motorcycle manufacturer launched the Ninja ZX-10R, a model that featured several changes in the visual and power department compared to the previous model.

In the power department, the bike featured a new engine tuned for larger high-rpm performance without messing with the mid-range performance of its predecessor and included secondary fuel injectors, oval throttle bodies, and reshaped intake ports.

The intake flow was enhanced with reshaped ram air channels and a larger airbox, while the exhaust efficiency was boosted with a new system with a better flow and also reduced noise and emissions.

The 2008 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R was still powered by a 998cc four-stroke four-cylinder liquid-cooled engine but with higher power specifications such as 188 hp with a peak at 12,500 rpm and 113 Nm (83 lb-ft) of torque available at 8,700 rpm.

For suspension, the bike packed a 43 mm inverted fork on the front with adjustable rebound, compression damping, and spring preload, while the rear was handled by a Bottom-Link Uni-Trak fully adjustable shock absorber.

As for braking performance, the bike rolled on newly developed five-spoke wheels made using a squeeze-casting process that resulted in lighter, stiffer, and more precise units and packed two 310 mm discs with four-piston calipers on the front and a 220 mm disc with a single-piston caliper on the rear.

With a dry weight of 179 kg (395 lbs) and a six-speed manual transmission, the bike reached a top speed of 292 kph (181 mph).

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KAWASAKI Ninja ZX-10R photo gallery

In 2007, Kawasaki launched the Ninja ZX-10R, a supersport bike that brought a new look to the Kawasaki liter-engine motorcycles, with a redesigned fairing and an edgy approach to racing fairings and revised ram-air intake duct with a straighter channel for better air-flow and reduced noise.

The 998cc engine received updated intake throttle ports, which brought the bike closer to the factory characteristics of the superbike race beasts, while the die-cast aluminum sub-frame kept the weight down and the bike's profile on the slim side for better aerodynamics.

The frame used a combination of pressed and cast aluminum components welded together, which formed the twin-spar backbone-type design and kept the weight to a minimum while still providing high strength and stability with responsive handling.

The 2007 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R featured a lightweight, compact, and narrow engine that allowed excellent ground clearance and featured lightweight forged pistons that were stronger and more heat resistant than cast versions.

As for the power figures, the Ninja ZX-10R delivered an output power of 175 hp with a peak at 11,700 rpm and 115 Nm (85 lb-ft) of torque available at 9,500 rpm. Attached to the engine was a six-speed manual transmission that spun the rear wheel to a top speed of 291 kph (181 mph).

For stopping purposes, the model packed two 300 mm discs with four-piston calipers on the front and a 220 mm disc squeezed by a single-piston caliper on the rear.

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KAWASAKI Ninja ZX-10R photo gallery

In 2006, the Japanese motorcycle manufacturer released the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R, a supersport motorcycle designed for those riders who felt comfortable in racing leather equipment and came with an engine, chassis, and aerodynamic makeover while maintaining its top-of-class dominance.

It featured a new fuel injection system with ultra-fine atomizing injectors that worked with 43 mm throttle bodies and dual throttle valves, which delivered a boost in the mid-range power and more linear power delivery.

The new frame featured a revised stiffness balance, new engine mounts, a more centralized mass, a relocated swingarm pivot, and an Ohlins steering damper that offered a nimble yet stable handling performance.

The frame featured a combination of pressed and cast aluminum components welded together that created the twin-spar backbone-type design and also kept the weight to a minimum while still providing high strength and stability with responsive handling.

As for power, the 2006 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R took its thrust from a 998cc four-stroke four-cylinder liquid-cooled engine that delivered an output power of 175 hp at 11,700 rpm and 115 Nm (85 lb-ft) of torque with a peak at 9,500 rpm.

The bike rolled on a set of six-spoke cast aluminum wheels that were as light as race-specific wheels thanks to its six-spoke design that required less material between spokes, which made the rim thinner and lighter.

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KAWASAKI Ninja ZX-10R photo gallery

In 2005, Kawasaki launched the Ninja ZX-10R, a supersport bike powered by a powerful 998cc engine that delivered 175 hp at low speed, and with the ram-air intake working at full potential, the bike boosted the power to 184 hp at high speed.

The bike was designed with race track performance in mind, so the instrument cluster featured highly-visible elements and a hybrid combination between an analog tachometer and an LCD screen, which offered easy-to-read riding data.

Ergonomics and aerodynamics made the racing bike also suitable for daily rides across the city or fast rides on the winding countryside roads, with a technologically-advanced alloy chassis that offered increased rigidity for confident handling and lightweight construction for high performance.

For suspension, the bike packed a 43 mm fully adjustable inverted fork on the front and a Uni-Trak Bottom-link gas-charged fully adjustable shock absorber on the rear.

As for braking performance, the bike was stopped by a couple of 300 mm discs with a four-piston caliper on the front wheel and a 220 mm disc with a single-piston caliper on the rear wheel.

In the power department, the 2005 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R had its heartbeat set by a 998cc four-stroke four-cylinder liquid-cooled engine that delivered an output power of 175 hp with a peak at 11,700 rpm and 115 Nm (85 lb-ft) of torque available at 9,500 rpm.

With a dry weight of 170 kg and a six-speed manual transmission, the bike reached a top speed of 291 kph (181 mph).

full description and technical specifications
KAWASAKI Ninja ZX-10R photo gallery

The Ninja ZX-10R was a motorcycle in the Ninja sport bike series made by Kawasaki and released as a successor to the Ninja ZX-9R. The bike was launched in 2004 and combined an ultra-narrow chassis, low weight, and radially-mounted brakes.

The 2004 model packed a category-leading power-to-weight ratio, a powerful engine loaded with advanced technology, and a style derived from the world of MotoGP racing machines. The bike's design started with a chassis simulation, as the engineers targeted an extremely lightweight and compact chassis that would deliver crisp handling and stability.

Just like the ZX-RR, the 10R model featured a short wheelbase and a long and rigid aluminum swingarm that offered class-leading handling performance on both track and twisty roads.

The bike came with an all-new redesigned 998cc four-cylinder engine and wind tunnel-trimmed fairing for achieving the ultimate performance, with Integrated turn signals and flush-mounted taillight that allowed the air to pass with ease, which reduced drag resistance and increased acceleration.

As for power, the 2004 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R was powered by a 998cc four-stroke four-cylinder liquid-cooled engine that delivered an output power of 175 hp with a peak at 11,700 rpm and 115 Nm (85 lb-ft) of torque available at 9,500 rpm.

All that power was converted into speed by a six-speed manual transmission with a chain drive that spun the rear wheel to a top speed of 291 kph (180 mph).

full description and technical specifications