For WorldSBK fans there is news on updates to the 2019 Ninja ZX-10R range. For all there is a power increase with the ZX-10R and ZX-10R SE rated at 203PS and the race focused Ninja ZX-10RR making 204PS thanks to new internal engine changes.
Jonathan Rea with the 2019 ZX-10 line-up – SE, RR, and R respectively
The standard Ninja ZX-10R offers a high-level base model, with high-grade components like Balance Free Front Fork and BFRC lite suspension plus a potent Brembo brake package.
The Ninja ZX-10RR is a track-focused single-seat model which includes titanium connecting rods, fine-tuned suspension settings, and forged Marchesini wheels. The Ninja ZX-10R SE on the other hand includes Kawasaki’s highly advanced electronic suspension (KECS), and also boasts forged Marchesini wheels.
2019 Kawasaki ZX-10R SE
All models of Ninja ZX-10R now come fitted with Kawasaki’s up and down KQS quick shifter as standard plus a new red coating for the camshaft cover accenting the performance credentials of machines that are as close to a World Championship winning KRT Superbike as is possible within the production arena.
2019 Kawasaki ZX-10R
That performance is now even stronger thanks to the adoption of finger follower valve technology allowing more aggressive camshaft profiles plus, previously a feature unique to the Ninja ZX-10RR, now the cylinder head of all models provides the clearance to accommodate race-kit high-lift cams.
2019 Kawasaki ZX-10R – Kawasaki have added finger follower valve technology
Designed by Kawasaki’s MotoGP/World Superbike engineers, the new valve train is an example of top-level racing technology brought to the Ninja ZX-10R contributing to increased performance as well as greater reliability during high-rpm operation.
2019 Kawasaki ZX-10R engine
Compared to tappet-style valve actuation, finger-follower valve actuation offers a 20 per cent mass reduction in the valve system. More aggressive cam profiles are also possible allowing the valves to be opened and closed more rapidly. The more aggressive cams contribute to peak power increase of approximately 3PS. DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) coating on the finger followers further protects against wear.
2019 Kawasaki ZX-10R – Ohlins electronic steering damper is now standard fitment on all models
Kawasaki’s electronic steering damper, jointly developed with Öhlins, is also now standard equipment on all models. The eectronic steering damper provides just the right amount of damping based on what the bike is doing.
Using input from the rear wheel speed sensor (provided via the engine ECU), the electronic steering damper’s ECU determines the vehicle’s speed as well as the degree the bike is accelerating or decelerating.
2019 Ninja ZX-10RR
For the RR model the spec sheet is even longer with the first time use by Kawasaki of Pankl titanium connecting rods for 2019. Each rod is some 102g lighter than the standard production part adding 600rpm to the upper rev limit and an extra horsepower gain over the standard ZX-10R.
2019 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10RR
Such is the exclusivity of the new ZX-10RR, the production run has been set at 500 units with each machine bearing a unique, numbered top yoke identification plate.
2019 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R SE
Kawasaki’s new Highly Durable paint features a special coat that allows scratches to repair themselves, enabling the paint to maintain its high-quality finish, and is used on the H2 models, as well as now the ZX-10R SE. This works by soft and hard segments in the coat working together like a chemical spring, creating a trampoline effect that allows impacts to be absorbed. In some cases, it takes about one week for recovery, while the paint will not recover in the case of scratches caused by a coin or key, or zip fasteners for example.
2019 Kawasaki ZX-10R SE – The SE model also features electronic suspension
The standard 2019 ZX-10R is available in Lime Green / Ebony / Metallic Graphite Gray, while the ZX-10RR comes in Lime Green, and the ZX-10R SE is available in Metallic Carbon Gray / Neutron Silver / Lime Green.
2019 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R/SE (RR) Specifications
ZX-10R Colours: Lime Green / Ebony / Metallic Graphite Gray
ZX-10RR Colours: Lime Green
ZX-10R SE Colours: Metallic Carbon Gray / Metallic Flat Platinum Gray / Lime Green
Claimed Power: 149.3kW[203PS]@13,500rpm (150kW[204PS]@13,500rpm)
Claimed Torque: 114.9Nm@11,200rpm (115.7Nm@11,500rpm)
Wet Weight: 206kg – SE: 208kg
Fuel Capacity: 17L
Engine: Liquid-cooled, in-line four-cylinder, four-stroke, 16-valve, DOHC, 998cc, 13.0:1 compression, 76 x 55mm bore x stroke, four dual injection 47mm injectors, electronic throttle valves, S-KTRC, Ride Modes, KEBC, KLCM, KQS, prepped for high-lift cams, RR ONLY: Titanium connecting rods
Gearbox: Six speed, cassette style
Clutch: Wet, multi-disc back-torque limiting clutch
Chassis: Cast aluminium twin spar frame, aluminium swingarm,
Rake: 25, Trail: 107mm
Suspension R/RR: 43mm inverted Balance Free Front Fork with external compression chamber, compression and rebound damping and spring preload adjustability, and top-out springs, Horizontal Back-link, BFRC lite gas-charged shock with piggyback reservoir, compression and rebound damping and spring preload adjustability, and top-out spring – SE: 43mm Showa BFF fork KECS, external compression chamber, compression, rebound, preload adjustable, Showa BFRC KECS lite shock, compression, rebound, preload adjustable, horizontal Back-link
Brakes: (KIBS) Dual 330mm semi-floating Brembo front rotors, Brembo radial Monobloc four-piston M50 calipers, Brembo master-cylinder, 220mm rear rotor, Nissin single-bore pin-slide caliper
Wheels & Tyres: Three-spoke cast aluminium, 120/70 – 17 58W, 190/55 – 17 75W
DIMENSION:
Wheelbase: 1440mm
Seat height: 835mm
Overall length: 2085mm
Overall width: 740mm
Instruments: Digital multifunction display
2019 Ninja ZX-10R/SE/RR Gallery
