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

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.

By Divyank K. Bansal | on November 24, 2020 Follow us on Autox Google News

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.

2021 Kawasaki Ninja ZX 10R Front Quarter

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).

2021 Kawasaki Ninja ZX 10R Rear Quarter

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).

2021 Kawasaki Ninja ZX 10RR In Lime Green Side View

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.

2021 Kawasaki Ninja ZX 10R Chassis

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.

Read more:

Kawasaki Z900 BS6 launched at Rs 7.99 lakh

2020 Kawasaki Versys 650 BS6 launched at ₹6.79 lakh

Tags: Kawasaki Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R

Write your Comment

Please tell us your city. This allows us to provide relevant content for you.