Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R
Describing the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R as totally manic might just be the best way to do it. At the twist of the throttle, it produces massive bouts of spontaneous power, the bike monstrously accelerating to large distances and big numbers in ridiculously short distances and time. And that mean green appearance just lends it that extra aura to its personality. Launched in 2004, scaring amateur riders ever since.. Kawasaki has also allowed its racing genes to trickle down into the smaller 250R
Engine
Kawasaki engineers utilized a "stack" design for a liquid-cooled, 998 cc inline four-cylinder engine. The crank axis, input shaft and output shaft of the "Ninja" ZX-10R engine are positioned in a triangular layout to reduce engine length, while the high-speed generator is placed behind the cylinder bank to reduce engine width. With a bore and stroke of 76 × 55 mm (3.0 × 2.2 in), the ZX-10R engine's one-piece cylinder and crankcase assembly reduces weight and increases rigidity. The DOHC are machined from chromoly steel built for strength, four valves per cylinder improve high-rpm breathing, and the forged, lightweight pistons offer high heat resistance to further enhance the bike's power-to-weight ratio.
Cooling system
In addition to liquid cooling, the ZX-10R engine features an oil cooler adjacent to the oil filter to reduce oil temperatures. "Slosh" analysis was also used to design the internal structure of the oil pan, thereby reducing windage losses and helping to maintain low oil temperatures.
Clutch
A multi-plate wet slipper clutch transfers power to a six-speed, close-ratio transmission ideal for closed-course competition. The back-torque limiter automatically disengages the clutch (partially) under hard downshifting at high engine speeds to prevent rear wheel hop during corner entry.
Wheels
A new six spoke wheel design is claimed to be almost as light as special purpose race wheels. Since the 2006 model the sidewall profile of the rear tire has been increased from 190/50/ZR17 to 190/55/ZR17.
2004
This was the debut of the Ninja ZX-10R. It was compact, with a short wheelbase and a high power-to-weight ratio, which helped the handling. The exhaust system was fully titanium with single muffler.
2006
Among other changes, the 2006 model featured twin underseat exhausts which contributed to a 5 kg (11 lb) increase in dry weight. The engine remained largely unchanged.
The 2006 ZX1000D6F model carried over to the 2007 model year, with only color scheme changes. The most noticeable difference between 2006 and 2007, is that the heat-shields on the exhaust pipes are black on the 2007 ZX10R, and 2006 came with silver ones.
2008
The ZX-10R was all new for its launch for the 2008 model year. There was a dramatic change in appearance with the bike featuring a much more angular front end. Kawasaki moved away from the twin-underseat exhausts of the 2006–2007 model to a more conventional single side exhaust. The compression ratio of the engine was raised.
2009
Received only slight changes from the 2008 model.
2010
Received slight changes from the 2009 model, including: upgraded Öhlins steering damper, upgraded transmission, and revised bodywork.
2011
The 2011 ZX-10R underwent major overhaul both mechanically and visually. Most notably, Kawasaki introduced their S-KTRC (Sport Kawasaki Traction Control) system as a standard feature; responsible for predicting when traction will be lost and adapting accordingly. Also new are KIBS (Kawasaki Intelligent Braking System) as their optional ABS system, a completely new design, adjustable foot-pegs, larger throttle bodies, a horizontal rear suspension, lighter three-spoke wheels, Showa Big Piston Fork (BPF) front suspension, and an LCD panel dashboard.
Specifications
All specifications are manufacturer claimed.
