Kawasaki has lifted the veil of the all-new 2021 Ninja ZX-10R and ZX-10RR that arrive with performance upgrades and aggressive styling


After dominating the WorldSBK since 2015 with six consecutive titles, it was time for Kawasaki to update its flagship superbike to match its competitors in terms of hardware and make it compliant with the latest Euro 5 emissions standards. Introducing the 2021 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R and ZX-10RR which arrive with a host of updates along with fresh new styling. Starting with the design, the biggest and most noticeable change comes in the form of a re-styled frontend which matches Kawasaki’s latest design language. The headlights on the 2021 models are narrower and are recessed into a scooped front cowl with an aero element integrated into it. According to Kawasaki, the changes helped increase downforce by 17 percent and reduce drag by 7 percent. We got a sneak peek of the latest generation Ninja’s updated styling at the WorldSBK Winter Test in Jerez last week, which received conflicting views from its fans.

In terms of mechanical changes, the 2021 Ninja ZX-10R’s engine has been updated with electronically-actuated valves, new gear ratios, an air-cooled oil-cooler, and Euro 5 compliant exhaust. Despite the changes to meet the strict emissions standards, the ZX-10R’s 998cc inline-four has witnessed no loss of power. Kawasaki hasn’t officially released the power figures as of yet, but we believe it would be higher than the outgoing model’s 197hp. The electronic suite has also been upgraded which adopts cruise control for the first time along with 3 standard and 4 customizable ride modes. The chassis has also been overhauled with a different geometry along with making the swingarm longer and sit lower than before for improved racetrack performance. While the changes to the braking are minimal, the superbike gets KRT-prepped 43mm Showa Balance Free Front Fork (BFF) and Showa Balance Free Rear Cushion (BFRC) rear shock. The range-topping ZX-10RR gets additional track-focused parts like revised camshafts and new intake and exhaust valve springs, along with titanium connecting rods and pistons, and Marchesini forged wheels wrapped in Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP. The pricing for the ZX-10R starts at $16,399 in the US, while the ZX-10RR carries a price-tag of $28,999.

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[Via: Ultimate Motorcycling]

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Sayan Chakravarty, a Senior Writer at Luxurylaunches, brings over 10 years of automotive journalism expertise. He provides insightful coverage of the latest cars and motorcycles across American and European markets, while also highlighting luxury yachts, high-end watches, and gadgets. An authentic automobile aficionado, his commitment shines through in educating readers about the automotive world. When the keyboard rests, Sayan feeds his wanderlust, traversing the world on his motorcycle.