The 2013 Ninja® ZX™-10R superbike continues to astound passionate motorcyclists with its level of technology, reliability, and the intense feelings that envelope anyone throwing a leg over this potent literbike. It represents what can be achieved by the finest engineers when an appreciation of speed and design are applied to a motorcycle, without the desire to be anything other than the absolute best. The highly advanced and customizable Sport-Kawasaki Traction Control (S-KTRC) lets riders harness and capitalize on the ZX-10R’s amazing blend of power and responsive handling. Exclusive to the ZX-10R, S-KTRC offers a level of performance that raises the ZX above the rest of the open sport bike class.
The potent ZX-10R engine is a 16-valve, DOHC, liquid-cooled inline-four displacing 998cc via 76 x 55mm bore and stroke dimensions. This powerplant is designed to optimize center of gravity and actual engine placement within the chassis. It has been fine-tuned to help eliminate the power peaks and valleys that make it difficult for racers and track-day riders to open the throttle with confidence. A primary goal of Kawasaki engineers was linear power delivery and engine manageability throughout all elements of a corner: the entry, getting back to neutral throttle at mid-corner, and heady, controllable acceleration at the exit.
The final piece of the ZX-10R’s power-production formula is a race-spec exhaust system featuring a titanium header assembly, hydroformed collectors, a large-volume pre-chamber containing two catalyzers and a highly compact silencer. Due to the header’s race-spec design, riders and racers looking for more closed-course performance need only replace the slip-on muffler assembly.
With the engine producing a massive quantity of usable and controllable power, engineers looked to the chassis to help refine handling and overall road/track competency. The aluminum twin-spar frame is an all-cast assembly of just seven pieces that features optimized flex characteristics for ideal rider feedback, cornering performance and light weight. Like the frame, the alloy swingarm is an all-cast assembly, with rigidity matching that of the frame itself. Chassis geometry offers excellent stability and handling quickness. The front end geometry with rake at 25 degrees and trail at 107mm (4.21 in.) allows light, quick handling and complements the engine’s controllable power and the frame and swingarm’s flex characteristics.
