Late last year, Kawasaki updated its flagship supersport, the Ninja ZX-10R and its feature-packed sibling, the ZX-10RR. We now have info that the base model will be making its way to our market in the next couple of months.
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Features revised styling, chassis and updated Euro5/BS6 engine
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New 4.3-inch TFT display with Bluetooth connectivity
For 2021, the Kawasaki ZX-10R features cosmetic and mechanical changes.
2021 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R: design
The Kawasaki Ninja H2’s sharp design cues seem to have been the inspiration behind the new Ninja ZX-10R. The twin LED headlamps are placed on either side of the central ram intake tunnel and lends the ZX an aggressive face. Kawasaki has cleverly integrated the winglets (first time in the 10R), inside the side fairings and claims it helps improve downforce by 17-percent. The tail section looks sharp as ever and, on the whole, the design exudes a fair amount of aggression.
2021 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R: Chassis and ergonomics
Kawasaki has also made revisions to the chassis. Firstly, the wheelbase has gone up by 10mm. This was done by incorporating a new swingarm that’s 8mm longer (with a 1mm lower pivot point) while the lowered triple clamp has led to greater front fork offset, contributing to the longer wheelbase. The fully-adjustable Showa Balance Free Fork and rear monoshock also feature tweaked internals and the result of these changes is improved handling.
Kawasaki has also tweaked the ergonomics on the new ZX-10R to result in a more committed riding position. The foot pegs are set 5mm higher, clip-ons are 10mm further forward, while the triple clamp itself has been lowered.
2021 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R: Engine
The 998cc, inline-four engine has been updated to meet the Euro5/BS6 emission norms with the help of a revised exhaust system and catalytic converter. The engine is paired to a six-speed gearbox with shorter first, second and third gears and a larger (by 2 teeth) 41-tooth rear sprocket for quicker acceleration.
2021 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R: Electronics
As far as electronics are concerned, the Bosch six-axis IMU governs the traction control, riding modes (3 standard and 4 customisable), cornering ABS and more. The settings can be accessed via the new, Bluetooth connectivity enabled 4.3-inch TFT display. It also gets cruise control as standard as well as engine-braking control, launch control, a quickshifter and electronic Öhlins steering damper.
2021 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R: Price and availability
We expect the updated Kawasaki ZX-10R to cost between Rs 1.5-2 lakh more than the outgoing model that’s currently priced at Rs 13.99 lakh (ex-showroom, India). While an official launch is expected to happen towards the end of Q1, a price announcement may happen sooner.