2021 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R and ZX-10RR unveiled

Kawasaki's WSBK weapon is back for 2021 with a rather controversial new look and a host of updates. 

Kawasaki has unveiled the refreshed 2021 Ninja ZX-10R and ZX-10RR. Both bikes receive significant styling updates, especially at the front, improved mechanicals and updated features.

The old, pointy nose makes way for a new insect-like face that features new, smaller full-LED headlamp units as well as a reshaped ram-air intake. The front fascia also sports a slightly taller windscreen. Redone side & rear panels, with improved aerodynamic efficiency, have resulted in 17% more downforce than before.

Apart from the heavily restyled face, the entire bike has undergone multiple, small yet significant changes. The riding position has been altered, courtesy of a straighter handlebar set 10mm further forward than before, and footpegs which sit 5mm higher. The entire exhaust assembly has been revised as well, which now features a longer silencer, modified header pipes and a repositioned catalytic converter. Both versions (ZX-10R and ZX-10RR) also see a slight increase in weight, by 1kg (now weighing 207kgs).

The ZX-10R’s gearing has also been tinkered with, thanks to the addition of a larger rear sprocket and shorter 1st, 2nd & 3rd gear ratios for better acceleration. The Showa suspension components have also been revised, with a stiffer rear spring and softer damping for the rear and softer springs at the front. A longer swingarm and modified fork offset result in 10mm longer wheelbase (1,450mm).

Speaking of the Ninja ZX-10RR, the more performance-oriented version of the two receives more significant mechanical upgrades. The limited-edition ZX-10RR, restricted to just 500 units, features new camshafts, new valve springs, and shorter intake funnels for improved performance in the higher rev-band. Plus, the ZX-10RR's motor has been fitted with lighter Pankl pistons (with DLC-coated piston pins) and forged Marchesini wheels for further weight-saving.

Though the performance figures of the 2021 models are yet to be revealed, rumours suggest that the same 998cc inline-four liquid-cooled motor develops an unchanged 200bhp in the ZX-10R and 201bhp in the ZX-10RR. While the 2021 ZX-10R develops its peak power at a lower 13,200rpm (instead of 13,500rpm), the updated ZX-10RR does the same at a higher 14,000rpm.  

The addition of a cruise control system and a 4.3-inch TFT display (with two display modes and Bluetooth-connectivity support via the Kawasaki Rideology app) are new for 2021.

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