A mainstay in the World Superbike Championship since its inception back in the late ‘80s, Kawasaki has learned countless R&D lessons in making a production literbike go quicker around a racetrack. Jonathan Rea’s six consecutive WSBK championships (2015–2020) were certainly not won by chance, and all that speed development has gone into making the ZX-10R one of the most race-ready literbikes you can buy. With superbike regulations becoming more and more restrictive in the modifications teams could do to the motorcycle, it has become imperative that the starting platform be as sorted as possible.
Kawasaki introduced a slew of updates to the ZX-10R in 2021 based upon that racing development, starting with revised intake ports, DLC-coated finger followers in the valve train, shorter ratios in the first three transmission gears, new oil cooler, and a redesigned exhaust for the engine. The fairing has integrated downforce winglets, a taller windscreen, and lighter and more compact LED lighting. Updates to the chassis include a lower swingarm pivot for improved corner grip, longer axle adjustability in the swingarm, softer fork and stiffer rear shock settings, and ergonomic changes to the bars (further forward, flatter angle) and pegs (higher) to get the rider in a more optimal race position.
A full electronics suite utilizing a five-axis IMU comes standard with the ZX-10R, which includes up/down quickshifter, five-level traction control, wheelie control, engine-braking control, launch control, cruise control, cornering ABS, three engine power modes, and four ride modes. A full-color 4.3-inch TFT dash display permits you to keep track of all these adjustments, and features Bluetooth connectivity to your phone to use the Rideology app to open up even more possibilities.
The 2024 Kawasaki ZX-10R is available in Metallic Flat Spark Black/Ebony or Lime Green/Ebony KRT Edition liveries for $17,799 (non-ABS)/$18,799 (ABS model). Also available is the Lime Green/Pearl Crystal White/Blue 40th Anniversary Edition livery model for $19,149.
