New Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R Unveiled, India Launch In 2021

The flagship litre-class superbike receives a major makeover

• Gets all-new styling.
• Integrated winglets add 17 percent more downforce. 
• The Euro5-compliant engine hasn’t lost out on power compared to its predecessor. 

Kawasaki has launched the 2021 Ninja ZX-10R. The flagship litre-class superbike from the Japanese brand has undergone a cosmetic makeover and comes with some additional new features as part of the update. Yes, the first thing that you will notice is the new design language and the Ninja family face. Look, while I understand the need of a family space to create an identity for a product, this face is giving the new Ninja ZX-10R more of an identity crisis.

You get a split direct projection LED headlight on the new bike from Mitsubishi; Kawasaki claims that "luminous optical modules" have been used for a road bike for the very first time. Japanese engineers have also focussed on making the bike more aerodynamic with the new fairing, while the integrated winglets help in creating 17 percent more downforce than its predecessor. Additionally, the new Kawasaki superbike features a 40mm taller windscreen, lower rear seat and handlebar for better aerodynamics. 

Kawasaki has finally replaced the ageing dash on the Ninja ZX-10R with a 4.5-inch TFT unit with smartphone connectivity via Kawasaki’s Rideology App. It also gets features such as cruise control and even heated grips. On the mechanical front, the Euro 5 (BS6) compliant engine belts out the same power figures as its predecessor. The 998cc, in-line-four motor is rated at 201PS and 115Nm. To improve acceleration, the bike features shorter gear ratios for first, second and third gears, while the rear sprocket features 41 teeth (two teeth more). 

Electronic aids on the 2021 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R consist of 3 standard riding and 4 customisable riding modes, launch control, cornering ABS, engine braking control, multi-level traction control system and  a quickshifter. The chassis has been carried over from the previous bike with an 8mm longer swingarm. It continues to feature a Showa Balance Free Fork but the spring rates have been softened at the front, while the rear is stiffer for improved rigidity. The bike tips the scale at 207kg (wet weight).  

The 2021 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R will be available in three colour options: Metallic Spark Black, Metallic Matte Carbon Gray and the KRT edition. It has been priced between $17,400 and $18,000 (Rs 12.80 and Rs 13.32 lakh) in foreign markets and we expect the Kawasaki superbike to make its India debut in the first half of 2021. Kawasaki also have unveiled a more hardcore version callled the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10RR priced at $29,000 (Rs 21.47 lakh). It features lighter mechanical components, Brembo Stylema calipers, Marchesini wheels and the redline is 500rpm higher.