2023 Kawasaki Ninja ZX
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2023 Kawasaki Ninja ZX

Aug 19, 2023

Introducing the 2023 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R KRT Edition…

You can beat all opponents, but there is always a challenge you still have to face, the one within yourself. For those like you who rise to any challenge, we have developed the bike that a true champion deserves. The Ninja ZX-10R has what it takes to win: aerodynamic body with integrated winglets, small & light LED headlights, TFT colour instrumentation, and Smartphone connectivity plus updates derived from Kawasaki Racing Team World Superbike expertise. Now that you have the definitive race focused Ninja, Face Yourself.

The Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R supersport continues to set the bar high in the pinnacle of road racing around the globe with unmatched success on the racetrack, including carrying Kawasaki to seven FIM Superbike World Championships (WorldSBK) since 2013. The Ninja ZX-10R has a 998cc in-line four-cylinder 16-valve engine that balances power with manageability and its paired with the latest and most advanced electronics such as Kawasaki Cornering Management Function (KCMF), Bosch IMU, Sport-Kawasaki TRaction Control (S-KTRC), Kawasaki Launch Control Mode (KLCM), Kawasaki Intelligent anti-lock Brake System (KIBS), Kawasaki Engine Brake Control, Kawasaki Quick Shifter (KQS), Öhlins Electronic Steering Damper and Power Modes. An aluminum twin-spar frame, Showa Balance Free Front Fork (BFF), and horizontal back-link rear suspension with a Showa Balance Free Rear Cushion (BFRC) shock have been developed with technology straight from Kawasaki's World Superbike factory racers and contribute to the Ninja ZX-10R's cornering performance and light handling. The high-grade TFT (thin film transistor) color instrumentation with smartphone connectivity via RIDEOLOGY THE APP and electronic cruise control further add to the high-grade appearance and convenience. The next-generation bodywork and styling with integrated winglets were designed with aerodynamic performance in mind and offer improved drag resistance and an increase in downforce, while its recently introduced air-cooled oil cooler increases cooling and boosts engine performance.

The Ninja ZX-10R has carried its riders to multiple World Superbike titles and brings that championship winning performance to consumers with a high-performance package that allows a wide range of riders to experience the thrill of exploring their limits on the track. The Ninja ZX-10R provides a high level of circuit potential with agrressive styling featuring integrated winglets.

Kawasaki's sport and supersport motorcycle lineup is back stronger than ever for 2023 with several Ninja models set to hit dealerships in the fall. The Ninja 650 has been updated and now features Kawasaki TRaction Control (KTRC), adding to its already proven package. Additional models set to return include the Ninja ZX-10R, Ninja ZX-10RR, Ninja ZX-6R KRT Edition, and Ninja ZX-14R.

ADVANCED ELECTRONIC RIDING AIDS

Integrated Riding Modes:Sport, Road, Rain, Rider (Manual)

All-inclusive modes that link S-KTRC and Power Mode allow riders to efficiently set traction control and power delivery to suit a given riding situation.* Riders can choose from Sport, Road, Rain or a manual setting (Rider). In the manual Rider mode, each of the systems can be set independently.– Sport: enables riders to enjoy circuit riding, or sporty riding on back roads.– Road: covers a wide range of situations, from city riding to highway cruising and rural roads.– Rain: offers rider reassurance when riding on a low traction surface.• The riding mode can be changed while riding, using the button on the left handlebar.• The riding mode can be changed while riding, using the button on the left handlebar.

Electronic Cruise Control:• Kawasaki's cruise control system allows a desired speed to be maintained with the simple press of a button. Once activated, the rider does not have to constantly apply the throttle which reduces stress on the right hand when traveling long distances, enabling relaxed cruising and contributing to a high level of riding comfort.• Operation of the Electronic Cruise Control is done conveniently from the left handlebar. The system can be engaged with the touch of a button.• Once the desired speed has been selected, engine output is adjusted automatically via the Electronic Throttle Valves to maintain speed when ascending or descending grades. The set speed can be adjusted using the "+" and "-" buttons.• Operating the brake lever, clutch lever or rear brake pedal, or shifting gears causes the Electronic Cruise Control to be disengaged. Closing the throttle beyond the "zero-throttle" position is another way to disengage the system. The system also disengages automatically in the event of large traction control intervention.

RIDING MODE S-KTRC POWER MODESport 1 FRoad 3 FRain 5 LRider 1-4 (manual) 1/2/3/4/5/OFF F/M/L

KAWASAKI NEXT-LEVEL ELECTRONICS FOR THE TRACKKawasaki's cutting-edge electronics have always excelled on the track due to the highly sophisticated programming that gives the ECU an accurate real-time picture of what the chassis is doing using minimal software. Incorporating a Bosch IMU and the latest evolution of Kawasaki's proprietary dynamic modeling software, the ZX-10R's electronic management technology helps assist racers experience the ZX-10R's full potential, on the track.

Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU)(KP)• The IMU measures inertia along 5 axes: acceleration along longitudinal, transverse and vertical axes; roll rate; and pitch rate. The yaw rate is calculated by the ECU using Kawasaki's patented software to provide six-axis chassis attitude input of lean angle and acceleration/deceleration force for more precise management of the electronic riding aids.• Utilizing the IMU, S-KTRC incorporates abundant feedback to help maximize acceleration when exiting corners on the track.• Due to the information from the IMU, the Launch Control system on the ZX-10R is highly advanced.• The IMU enables KIBS-equipped models to utilize the Corner Management function.• Unlike competitors’ systems that have pre-set limits, Kawasaki's proprietary race-developed software enables the ZX-10R to have a dynamic system that has a higher level of chassis awareness and adapts to changing track conditions such as vehicle attitude, pavement conditions and tires.

S-KTRC (Sport-Kawasaki TRaction Control)S-KTRC, Kawasaki's hybrid predictive/feedback-type traction control, is based on racing technology and helps riders push harder on the racetrack by maximizing acceleration.• The quickest acceleration requires a certain amount of slip, so in order to optimize traction, S-KTRC actually allows slip. The ideal slip ratio variesaccording to conditions. The system monitors a number of parameters to get an accurate real-time picture of what is going on that are complementedby real-time feedback from the IMU, enabling highly precise management.• Conditions are confirmed every 5 milliseconds, at which time the system looks at each of the parameters as well as their rate of change. Control is via ignition, which allows extremely quick reaction, and the electronic throttle valves.• Using complex analysis, the system is able to precisely calibrate engine output to suit traction conditions. By acting before slippage exceeds the range for optimal traction, drops in power can be minimized, resulting in ultra-smooth operation.• Because the sophisticated software bases its dynamic analysis on the chassis’ orientation relative to the track surface rather than relative to a horizontal plane, it is able to take into account corner camber, gradient, etc, and adapt accordingly.• There are five available modes, which riders can set according to preference and skill level. Each mode is able to accommodate a range of riding conditions. Of course, engine manageability is such that riders can opt to turn the system OFF.• Modes 4 and 5 (the most intrusive) provide a very rider-friendly character that facilitates making throttle inputs mid-corner or on corner exits. The benefits can be noticed when cornering on the circuit.• The system is also able to distinguish between wheel lift resulting from strong acceleration, which is smooth, and other types of wheel lift. The system allows torque-induced wheel lift in so far as acceptable acceleration is maintained. Other wheel lift triggers system intervention.

Kawasaki Launch Control Mode (KLCM)(KP)• Designed to assist the racer by optimizing acceleration when launching from a standstill on the track, KLCM electronically controls engine output to optimize acceleration on the starts, help prevent wheelspin and minimize front end lift.• Riders can choose from three modes, each offering a progressively greater level of intrusion. Each mode allows the racer to launch from a stop with the throttle held open.

Kawasaki Engine Brake Control• The KEBC system allows racers to select the amount of engine braking they prefer. When KEBC is activated (by selecting "LIGHT" in the KEBC settings), the engine braking effect is reduced for smoother corner entries on the track.Power Mode• Allows riders to choose from three power options:Full power operationMid power – Variable operation depending on throttle positionLow power – limited to approximately 50-60% of full power• Works independently from S-KTRC.Corner Management Function• Corner Management Function uses both KIBS and S-KTRC to assist racers hold their intended line through a corner on the track by suppressing the tendency for the bike to stand up while braking in a turn. The IMU helps the system maintain optimum hydraulic pressure based on the bike's lean and pitch angles.

Electronic Steering Damper (ESD)• Settings match chassis dimensions and track handling characteristics.• Steering damping characteristics are changed electronically according to vehicle speed and the degree of acceleration or deceleration. At low speeds, the settings were chosen so that damping does not interfere with the bike's intrinsic lightweight handling. At higher speeds on the circuit, damping increases to help riders set the bike on the line of their choosing. Using input from the rear wheel speed sensor (provided via the engine ECU) the electronic steering damper's ECU identifies the vehicle's speed as well as the rate the bike is accelerating or decelerating to fine tunedamping.• The enhanced feeling offered by the electronic steering damper allows riders to relax more, contributing to reduced rider fatigue.• During strong acceleration or deceleration, damping is increased to enhance performance.• Features Öhlins’ special twin-tube design for consistent damping performance, even under harsh track conditions, plus superb kickback absorption.• The damper's high precision construction and use of an integrated clamp help minimize friction as the damper piston moves so that initial motion is very smooth.

ENGINEWith development input from Kawasaki's championship-winning World Superbike team, the engine of the ZX-10R has superb horsepower. While it maintains a very linear power delivery to help the rider open the throttle early when exiting a corner on the track, lowto-mid range power is exceptional for quick acceleration.• Air-cooled oil cooler has an independent circuit. Oil is routed from the left lower crankcase to the oil cooler, where it is cooled, then returned on the right side. The effecient cooling performance contributes to engine performance at all rpm.• Lightweight titanium intake and exhaust valves reduce reciprocating weight.• Compact valve train reduces cylinder head height.• Camshafts are carved from forged chromoly billet, which is more than one-half pound lighter than cast cams. The cams and tappets are treated with soft nitriding to help prevent galling and seizing with the aggressive, high lift profiles.• Single valve springs with oval cross sections are light and lower to reduce overall cylinder head height.• Previously exclusive to the Ninja ZX-10RR, the cylinder head provides the clearance to accommodate race-kit high-lift cams. The race kit cams and valve springs offer increased high-rpm performance.• Light crankshaft and optimized moment of inertia for quick engine response and light handling to help make the bike turn-in quickly.• Light pistons enhance engine response while a Teflon resin coating helps reduce friction.• Long-reach spark plugs allow large coolant passages in the cylinder head for optimum cooling performance.• Straight, wide intake and exhaust ports enhance topend power characteristics.

Finger-Follower Valve Actuation• Finger-follower valve train designed by Kawasaki's multi-time World Superbike Championship winning engineers allows aggressive cam profiles so that valves can open and close rapidly for increased performance.• Finger-follower valve actuation reduces valve train mass by approximately 20 percent compared to tappet-style actuation, as well as reducing friction at the cam lobe. DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) coating on the followers help prevent wear.

Ram Air Intake• Ram air duct positioned close to front of the bike for optimum air box filling efficiency.• Large 10-liter airbox helps boost engine response and low-mid range power for enhanced racetrack acceleration.• Resonator chamber built in to frame spars to help reduce intake noise.

Digital Fuel Injection• 47mm main electronic throttle valves (ETV) operate with high precision to help provide smooth engine response on the track. The simple system also enhances input to S-KTRC and accommodates the Kawasaki Launch Control and Kawasaki

Engine Brake Control features.• High speed 32-bit ECU provides precise engine management and is housed in an aluminum case for efficient heat dissipation• Secondary fuel injectors contribute to top-end power output and power characteristics in the high-rpm range. While the lower injectors operate all the time, operation of the upstream injectors is determined by the degree of throttle opening and engine rpm.• Accelerator position sensor is located on the handlebar which eliminates the throttle cable for less maintenance and a tidier cockpit area. To ensure a natural feel, friction is used to simulate the feel of a throttle cable.

Titanium Alloy Exhaust• Titanium alloy provides better heat resistance than pure titanium so the exhaust system can be made thinner, and lighter, without sacrificing durability.• Header pipe diameter and length very similar to race-use headers make it easy to increase circuit performance by adding competition-use only slip-on muffler.• Large-volume pre-chamber with exhaust valve at exit is placed under the engine to centralize weight, reduce exhaust noise and help minimize muffler volume.• Single, right-side muffler lowers the overall center of gravity and helps centralize mass.

6-Speed Cassette Transmission• Circuit specific gear and final drive ratios maximize the strong low-mid range acceleration for quick corner exits, as well as quick off-the-line acceleration for strong launches on the track.• Non-contact, potentiometer-type sensor quick shifter to facilitate seamless acceleration.• Dry-film lubricant coating on certain transmission gears reduces friction so gears slide into place easily for quick, sure shifting.• Thin clutch primary gear is light to contribute to the quick engine response.• Cassette-style transmission facilitates quicker gear ratio changes to suit track conditions.• Primary reduction ratio, final drive ratio and fourth through sixth gear ratios minimize rear end lift and squat during acceleration or deceleration, allowing greater freedom with suspension settings.• A back-torque limiting clutch automatically disengages the clutch under hard braking and deceleration to help prevent rear wheel hop during corner entry on the track. Optional springs, spring retainers and shims are available to fine-tune the clutch for specific track conditions.

Kawasaki Quick Shifter (KQS)• Dual-direction KQS allows clutchless up and down shifting.

ALUMINUM FRAMEAluminum Twin Spar Backbone Frame• Optimized geometry for sharp circuit handling.• Steering head pipe position helps weight the front end for optimum feel, feedback and flickability.• All-cast aluminum construction requires fewer pieces to reduce weight and welds.• Direct line from head pipe to swingarm pivot for great cornering performance.• The engine is mounted strategically in the frame to raise the center of gravity and place more weight on the front end. Combined with the rake angle, it helps make the ZX-10R highly flickable side-to-side for great cornering performance.

WSBK – DEVELOPED SUSPENSIONDeveloped by Showa to Kawasaki's specs in the World Superbike Championship, the Balance Free Fork (BFF) is complemented by Showa's latest rear shock, the Balance Free Rear Cushion (BFRC), to provide track riders the best possible performance.Showa Balance Free Fork (BFF)(KP)• Wide fork clamping area for the lower triple-clamp and optimized rigidity balance for the fork outer tubes enhance handling and turning performance.• Circuit-focused settings include a relatively soft spring complemented by firm compression damping and soft rebound damping to help weight the front wheel and contribute to light handling.• The damping valves are located outside the fork cylinder so that the hydraulic circuit does not generate the pressure balance fluctuations that typically occur in conventional dampers.• Compression and rebound damping are generated, and adjusted, completely independently from each other. By placing the valving in a damping force chamber, the whole surface of the fork piston can act on the oil, stabilizing internal pressure which results in a more compliant fork.• External compression chamber contains pressurized nitrogen that applies force to the oil, helping to maintain balanced pressure inside the fork tube.• Provides high ride comfort and performance under braking while enhancing front-end feel.• Fully adjustable preload and compression and rebound damping enables riders to fine tune the suspension for a wide variety of conditions.Showa BFRC-Lite (Balance Free Rear Cushion) Shock Absorber(KP)• Circuit-focused settings include a stiff spring complemented by soft compression and rebound damping that help make it easier to induce pitching motion, even when on the throttle while maintaining a steady rear height.• Like the fork, damping valves are located outside the shock cylinder so that the hydraulic circuit does not generate the pressure balance fluctuations that typically occur in conventional dampers.• By placing the valving in a damping force chamber, the whole surface of the shock piston can act on the oil, stabilizing internal pressure which results in a more compliant shock.• Provides high ride comfort and traction and reduces weight.• Fully adjustable compression and rebound damping plus threaded preload enables riders to fine tune the suspension for a wide variety of conditions.

WSBK – DEVELOPED SUSPENSIONHorizontal Back-link Rear Suspension(KP)• Linkage ratios deliver a linear feel and offer a wide adjustment range, so that setting changes are easy for the rider to feel.• The swingarm has high rigidity to contribute to the nimble handling and help put weight to the front.• The linkage is placed atop swingarm to make room for the exhaust pre-chamber for better mass centralization.• Rear shock is further away from the exhaust so that its operation will not be affected by exhaust heat.Race-Spec Brembo Brakes (also available with Kawasaki Intelligent anti-lock Brake System(KP)

(KIBS)• The rear brake master cylinder is mounted inward to allow greater freedom of movement.• Similar system to that used on the Ninja H2 and the World Superbike race machine.• Radial mounted 4-piston front brake calipers.• Front brakes feature Brembo M50 cast monoblock calipers with four opposed 30mm pistons that clamp on huge 330mm Brembo discs for superb braking force. The outer edges of the discs have grooves down the center of the outer edges to help dissipate heat.• Brembo radial pump master cylinder and reservoir are calibrated to require very little lever movement to achieve strong front brake force.• Stainless steel braided brake lines contribute to direct feel.• Available KIBS high-precision anti-lock brake system provides smooth feedback and minimal lever movement for added braking confidence on the circuit.

ERGONOMICSAREODYNAMIC STYLING• Clip-on handlebar position contributes to a more circuit-focused riding position. The space between the handlebars and the seat is designed to offer the rider ample freedom of movement – a benefit for both track and street riding.• The windshield is tall and set at a steep angle, and combined with the upper cowl design contributes to the aerodynamic performance of the machine-rider package. The ample wind protection helps to reduced stress from wind blast, enabling riders to change positions more smoothly as they set up for corner entry when riding on the track.• The rear of the seat is relatively high, allowing riders to elevate their hips when in a full race crouch which helps minimize drag when the rider is tucked beneath the windscreen on the track.• The footpeg position contributes to the aggressive, circuitfocused riding position and makes it easier to weight the pegs when cornering. The Ninja ZX-10R's styling package was designed for maximum aerodynamic performance. The sleek, racy lines help reduce drag while generating downforce, and provide great wind protection for the rider.• Aerodynamic upper cowl contributes to simple race-bike looks while maintaining a distinct Ninja identity and is designed towork with the tall windshield to reduced drag.• The cowl's "reverse slant" design positions the direct-projection LED headlights on the underside of the upper cowl so that they are not visible from the rider's point of view. The uninterrupted surface provides a more race-like perspective for the rider.• The LED headlights are bright, compact and lightweight, weighing nearly one pound less than the halogen units on the previous model.• Flush fit of the centrally located LED position lamp contributes to the cowl's aerodynamic performance.• The cowl directs air toward the compact Ram Air intake opening for effecient air intake.• Integrated winglets in the upper cowl generate downforce to help keep the front wheel planted on corner exits and during hard acceleration on the track.• Side cowl openings help dissipate engine heat, directing hot engine air away from the rider's knees.• Lower cowl helps direct air to the oil cooler, increasing its efficiency, while its low-profile design contributes to reduced drag.• Cowl-mounted mirrors feature new-design integrated LED-type turn signals that are connected via couplers for easy mirror removal for trackday use.• Slots incorporated in the tail cowl design contribute to the aerodynamic styling.

KAWASAKI RIVER MARKIn recognition of its achievement in the Superbike World Championship, special permission to use the prestigious Kawasaki River Mark on the Ninja ZX-10R was granted, its first use on a non-supercharged massproduction model.• A 3-D River Mark emblem is proudly displayed on the upper cowl, and the River Mark is also displayed on the upper triple clamp.

Color TFT Instrumentation• High-grade full color display features TFT (thin-film transistor) technology, delivering a high level of visibility.

The screen's background color is selectable in black or white, and screen brightness adjusts automatically to suit available light.• Display functions include: digital speedometer, digital bar-style tachometer, gear position indicator, throttle application, odometer, dual trip meters, current and average fuel consumption, volume of fuel consumed, low fuel indicator, average speed, total time, coolant temperature, intake air temperature, clock, battery voltage, Kawasaki service reminder, oil change reminder, call/mail reminders, and Economical Riding Indicator.• In addition to scrollable multi-function windows, two display modes offer riders a choice of how they want their information presented.– Type 1: Designed for ordinary use with an easy-to-read, calm layout offers a substantial amount of information at-a-glance.– Type 2: Designed with circuit riding in mind, important information like tachometer, current and best lap times, and gear position is prioritized and presented graphically for easy digestion.* External race-style shift lamp provides the rider with a highly visible signal to shift up when riding on the circuit

Engine Type 4-Stroke, 4-Cylinder, Liquid-Cooled, DOHC, 4 Valve Cylinder HeadDisplacement 998 ccBore & Stroke 76.0 x 55.0 mmMaximum Torque 83.9 lb.-ft @ 11,300 rpmCompression Ratio 13.0:1Fuel Injection DFI with Mikuni 47mm Throttle Bodies (4)Ignition TCBI with Digital AdvanceTransmission 6-SpeedFinal Drive Sealed ChainRake/Trail 25° / 4.1 in.Front Wheel Travel 4.7 in.Rear Wheel Travel 4.5 in.Front Tire Size 120/70 ZR17Rear Tire Size 190/55 ZR17Wheelbase 57.1 in.Front Suspension 43mm Inverted Cartridge Fork with AdjustablePreload, Stepless Rebound and Compression DampingRear Suspension Horizontal Back-Link with Adjustable Preload,Stepless Rebound and Dual-Stage Compression DampingFront Brake Type Dual Floating 330mm Discs with4-Piston Radial-Mount Calipers, Available KIBSRear Brake Type Single 220mm Disc, Available KIBSFuel Tank Capacity 4.5 gal.Seat Height 32.9 in.Curb Weight= 456.4 lb. (ABS); 452.0 lb. (non-ABS)Warranty 12 monthsKawasaki Protection Plus 12, 24, 36 or 48 months(Specifications subject to change without notice.)= Includes all necessary materials and fluids to operate correctly, full tank of fuel (more than 90% of capacity) and tool kit (if supplied).When equipped, 50-state models with evaporative emissions equipment adds approximately 2.2 pounds.(KP) = See Kaw-Pedia section for more details.* = Changes from previous model year.

See 2023 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R ABS KRT Edition

See 2023 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R ABS KRT Edition

Manufacturer Specifications and appearance are subject to change without prior notice on Total Motorcycle (TMW).

Introducing the 2023 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R KRT Edition… 2023 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R KRT Edition Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features 2023 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R KRT Edition Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits 2023 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R KRT Edition – Totalmotorcycle.com Canadian Specifications/Technical Details 2023 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R KRT Edition – Totalmotorcycle.com European Specifications/Technical Details