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Kawasaki ZX-10R / RR

Success model further developed

Kawasaki is renovating its superbike for the 2021 season. With a new front and new features, the new ZX-10 R / RR continues to claim the superbike crown.

In the 2020 season, Kawasaki and Jonathan Rea won the Superbike world championship for the sixth time in a row – this time, however, much closer than before. time for Kawasaki to upgrade the ZX-10R a bit. In addition, the switch to Euro 5 is pending.

New nose, hidden wings

The most noticeable change to the Kawasaki ZX-10 for model year 2021 concerns the front. The windshield is now steeper and 40 millimeters higher. The new fairing nose spreads below it. The central point is the ram air inlet, flanking in deep caves sit new LED headlights, next to which there are fairing openings that are equipped with integrated winglets. They should keep the front wheel on the ground better when accelerating strongly and stabilize the machine at high speeds.

The modifications in the chassis area are minor, but should still have a noticeable effect. The fork offset is two millimeters larger, which means that the trail is shorter. Good for handling. The rear swing arm stretches eight millimeters and its pivot point is one millimeter lower on the frame. In total, the wheelbase increases by ten to 1,450 millimeters. Good for directional stability and the responsiveness of the rear shock absorber. Overall, the balance of the ZX-10R shifts a tick further towards the front wheel, which should bring advantages in handling.

Kawasaki

For the chassis, Kawasaki will continue to rely on the well-known Showa components in 2021, but with a revised setup for better handling and more feedback. The lower fork clamp has become wider and acts stiffer, the spring a little softer, and the damping adapted to it. The shock absorber relies on a harder spring and softer damping.

New cockpit, optimized seating position

Wider handlebars positioned ten millimeters further forward bring the driver into a more racing-friendly seating position, and freedom of movement increases. A slightly higher upholstered seat bun allows the reclining driver to support himself better when ducking behind the fairing. The footrests also move five millimeters upwards. In the cockpit, a new color 4.3-inch TFT display brings even more display formats and more connectivity. Cruise control is also standard on board. The available vehicle dynamics control systems have been re-tuned and offer further intervention options. Heated grips are new to the range of accessories.

Kawasaki

The throttle valve control has been completely converted to ride-by-wire with an electronic throttle grip. The final drive has been reduced with a 41 chainring, which promises more punch out of corners. In return, gears 2 to 6 on the transmission have been translated longer. The functionality of the slipper clutch has also been improved. The 998 cm³ in-line four-cylinder is suitable for Euro 5 thanks to a repositioned catalytic converter, a new manifold merging and a rear silencer that has grown in length. The performance data remain unchanged. The R brings it further to 203 hp and 115 Nm.

Double-R engine with noble interior

Kawasaki

The double-R is characterized by new inner values, of which only 500 copies are issued worldwide. The basic model for the Superbike World Championship is equipped with titanium connecting rods and special forged pistons from Pankl, including DLC-coated piston pins. New camshafts as well as intake and exhaust valves make the RR engine speed stable up to 14,700 tours – 500 more than the standard engine. Both models have the new air-cooled oil cooler, but forged and lightweight Marchesini wheels only come as standard with the expensive RR model. The normal R can be upgraded with these.

With the changes, the prices for the new Kawasaki ZX-10 models are also increasing. The ZX-10 R, which is available in the color combinations Lime Green / Ebony / Pearl Blizzard White and Flat Ebony, costs from 18,995 euros in the 2021 model year. For the double R, which is only available in Lime Green, Kawasaki wants at least 28,995 euros. Both prices are exclusive of additional costs

Superbike team shows new ZX-10 RR

Even before the premiere of the new superbike, Kawasaki had given the first glimpses of the new 1,000. The Kawasaki factory superbike team has undertaken its first winter test drives with the new model and has put a video on the Internet. The racing team has more pictures about its conclusion

The Kawasaki ZX-10R did not see the big revolution. For this, the Greens have further developed their super sports model with a lot of fine-tuning.

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