2016 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R First Look Review

First Look

Kawasaki, as we know, likes coming up with a grand slam every once in a while and for years, the Japanese firm has proudly let loose its high-end range of motorcycles under the iconic Ninja brand. Sitting somewhere in the midst of this high-end range is the latest-gen ZX-10R a.k.a. Kawasaki’s flagship super sport offering that’s been around since 2011. Now if you ask us, that’s a fairly long lifecycle for what is basically a cutting-edge litre-class motorcycle positioned in a horsepower-hungry, tech- frenzied segment of motorcycling. Kawasaki knows this and has duly come up with the 2016 ZX-10R featuring bucket load of upgrades for the rider aids and a slightly refreshed design.

While it may look disappointingly similar to the existing model, the 2016 ZX-10R is all new. And by ‘all-new’ we do mean a complete revamp because Kawasaki has thoroughly worked on improving the chassis, the powertrain and all the electronic rider aids to keep the ZX-10R in line with the current range of litre-class machines.

Developed by both Kawasaki and its factory racing team in the World Superbike Championship, the 2016 ZX-10R, on paper, is the closest road going model, yet to the brand’s WSBK machines. However, when it comes to the design, Kawasaki has played safe and continued with the old layout albeit with modern, more aerodynamic design cues.

In terms of visual upgrades, Kawasaki has added more volume to the fairing for better high-speed stability and widened the tail section as well. For the 2016 model, the brand has also upgraded the radially mounted 330mm twin discs at the front and WSBK style Showa front forks. As for the rear, there’s a 220mm single disc with an aluminium single-piston caliper.

Kawasaki has concentrated mainly on improving the engine and the electronic rider aids for the ZX-10R. As a result, this new motorcycle shares only the bore and stroke of the old 998cc engine, with rest of the package being thoroughly worked upon for quicker throttle response and more power throughout the rev range. The 2016 Ninja ZX-10R, in fact, gets a lighter crankshaft, balancer shaft, new pistons, air box, reworked intake and exhaust ports, all working together to improve overall throttle response and exhibit noticeably stronger punch in the mid-range.

Given its Japanese origin, the 2016 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R comes loaded with a range of new electronic rider aids. This new model is the first Kawasaki to feature Bosch’s five-axis IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) sensor along with a sixth measurement that uses Kawasaki’s programme stored in the ECU. Put it simply, what this six-axis measurement unit does is detect various undulations and camber on the road and accordingly, alarm the various electronic aids to adapt to the road conditions. Speaking of which, the 2016 model also gets launch control, cornering ABS, a quick shifter, upgraded traction control and even engine braking assistance.

Post its global debut in Spain yesterday, the 2016 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R is expected to be showcased at this year’s EICMA show in Milan. Though what’s even bigger news is the fact that this much improved motorcycle is headed for the Indian market via the fully imported route. When launched, the 2016 ZX-10R will compete with other litre class machines including the Honda CBR 1000RR, Suzuki GSX-R 1000, 2015 Yamaha YZF R1 and the 2015 BMW S1000RR.