2019 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R announced for India

- Can be booked at Rs 1.5 lakhs

- Produces 3bhp more power at 200bhp

- Continues to be sold via the CKD route

Kawasaki Motors India has announced the entry of the 2019 edition of its litre-class sportsbike, the Ninja ZX-10R, in India. The motorcycle is expected to be officially launched next month and the pricing will be revealed at the same time. While the outgoing model costs Rs 14.30 lakhs (ex-showroom, Delhi), expect the new version to demand a slight premium over this pricing. It will continue to be sold as a CKD (completely knocked down) unit. Bookings for the bike have commenced for a token amount of Rs 1.5 lakhs and it will be open from 26 April to 30 May, 2019. Kawasaki will close bookings for the first lot of bikes after the targeted number of customers are reached.

The biggest change which comes in the ZX-10R for 2019 is the slight bump in its power. The motorcycle now produces 200bhp from its 998cc, in-line four, liquid-cooled motor. On the contrary, the current version of the motorcycle churns out 197.3bhp at 13,000rpm. Meanwhile, the peak torque figure remains the same at 113.5Nm coming in at 11,500rpm. Apart from the increased power, the six-speed gearbox is now assisted by Kawasaki’s quick shifter-dual direction.

The new Ninja ZX-10R remains the same in terms of design and a majority of its components. The model available in India is the KRT edition which features the brand’s WSBK-inspired livery. It boasts of the traditional Ninja styling with an aggressive stance comprising of sleek twin LED headlamps, chiselled fuel tank, angular fairing and a svelte tail section. On the feature front, the motorcycle is loaded to the brim as it gets traction control, launch control, cornering ABS and three riding modes. Moreover, it also comes equipped with premium cycle parts such as Brembo brakes, Showa suspension setup and Ohlins electronic steering damper. 

In India, the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R competes against other sportsbikes such as the Ducati Panigale V4, Suzuki GSX-R1000, Yamaha YZF R1, BMW S1000RR and the Aprilia RSV4 RR.