We know you can’t keep calm at the sight of the 2021 BS6-compliant Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R. Now that it’s finally launched, let’s see what this litre-class sportsbike brings with it to the table. Starting with the design, it borrows a lot of inspiration from Kawasaki’s flagship hyper bike – the H2. The overall design of the 2021 ZX-10R is just outright aggressive. Well, what’s updated here? It gets winglets built into the upper cowl, new tail cowl and revised handlebar and footpeg positions which together contribute to generating approximately 17 per cent more downforce. The motorcycle comes with two new liveries and features Kawasaki’s River Mark decal to compliment the brand’s factory racing team’s sixth consecutive win at the WorldSBK. And yes, special permission was involved to allow the logo to be used on the 2021 model.
The 998cc, inline-four-cylinder pushes out an exorbitant 200 bhp, and with an improved Ram air-intake system, peaks out at 210 bhp. The gearbox now has a shorter ratio, thus aiding with initial acceleration. The first three cogs are comparatively shorter than its previous model essentially offering strong low- and mid-range acceleration. It gets an updated exhaust system and a new air-cooled oil-cooler derived from the feedback received from Kawasaki’s racing department.
As for cycle parts, the 2021 Ninja ZX-10R is now equipped with a larger 41-tooth rear sprocket, two up from earlier. Up front, it gets softer Showa Balance Free Fork springs setup and a stiffer spring at the rear. Stopping power comes from a pair of massive 330 mm Brembo discs up front and a 220 mm disc at the rear.
On the feature front, the 4.3-inch TFT instrument screen will let you browse through different riding modes. There’s Rain, Road and Sport mode, and a Manual mode to let the rider customise the traction control intrusion (five levels) and power delivery as required. In addition to all this, the ZX-10R also features Kawasaki ABS with Cornering Management Function, launch control, quick shifter, engine brake control, and much more.
All of that can be yours at an introductory sticker price of Rs 14.99 lakh, ex-showroom, and that is a lucrative figure for that superbike buyer out there.
