Kawasaki India has launched the 2021 iteration of the Ninja ZX-10R in the country at an introductory price of Rs 14.99 lakh (ex-showroom). With this, it has become the most affordable superbike in its segment, undercutting the BMW S 1000 RR (Rs 19.50-23.75 lakh) and Ducati Panigale V2 (Rs 17.50 lakh) by a huge margin.
The new Ninja ZX-10R gets a long list of updates. Beginning with the design, the Ninja ZX-10R gets an all-new aerodynamically styled front-facia with integrated winglets that develops an additional 17 percent downforce when compared to its previous model. It helps the bike to be on the ground during hard acceleration. It also features a split-LED headlight, taller windshield, new Ram-Air intake, and River Mark that represents its achievement in the Superbike World Championship. The rear also incorporates a new tail cowl design, which also adds to the aerodynamic styling.
To improve the ergonomics, Kawasaki has updated the handlebar (10mm further forward and flatter) and footpeg positions (set 5mm higher) to contribute to a more aggressive racing-focused riding position.
Mechanically, the Ninja ZX-10R retains the same 998cc, inline-4-cylinder engine that is now BS6 compliant. But despite this, it hasn’t seen a drop in engine output. It continues to generate a maximum power of 203PS (213PS with ram air) and 115Nm of peak torque. It also gets a new air-cooled oil cooler. Further, to aid with quicker off-the-line acceleration, the 6-speed transmission has witnessed a slight modification, with shorter ratios for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd gears along with a larger 41-tooth rear sprocket replacing the older 39-tooth unit.
In terms of features, the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R gets a Bosch 6-axis IMU-aided electronics package and four riding modes, comprising – Rain, Road, Sport, and Rider (Manual) mode. These can be controlled via the new 4.3-inch color TFT instrument screen that comes with Bluetooth connectivity that enables the riders to connect their smartphone to the motorcycle wirelessly by using a dedicated mobile application called “RIDEOLOGY THE APP".
The other notable features of the bike include an all-LED lighting system, cornering ABS, electronic cruise control, engine braking control, launch control, quick shifter, and an electronic steering damper from Ohlins.
Talking about the underpinning, the motorcycle is based on an aluminum twin-spar frame with an aluminum swingarm that helps to increase the cornering performance and handling. For suspension duties, it gets Advanced Showa BFF (Balance Free Front Fork) at the front and Horizontal Back-link rear suspension with Showa BFRC lite (Balance Free Rear Cushion). The high-performance Brembo brakes do their duty to bring the bike to halt.
Kawasaki has offered the new Ninja ZX-10R in two color options – Lime Green and Flat Ebony Type 2.