2016 Kawasaki ZX-10R

Kawasaki has lifted the covers off its updated 2016 ZX-10R in Spain, with its two factory superbike riders in attendance: new world champion Jonathan Rea and Tom Sykes.

That's a clear indication that Kawasaki wants to maintain its dominance in the production-based series, and the new ZX-10R is the closest thing to a highly advanced superbike the company has ever produced — as it now has to be in the face of stiff opposition from the likes of Ducati, BMW Motorrad, MV Agusta and Aprilia, with Suzuki also set to release an updated GSX-R1000 sometime in 2016. Only Honda with its venerable but ageing CBR1000RR is now firmly rooted in the past, but don't be surprised if it also releases a brand new superbike for 2017 as well.

The 2016 ZX-10R will be on display for the first time in Australia at the Sydney Motorcycle Show at Sydney Showgrounds from November 22. For more information on the show, click here.

While the 2016 ZX-10R may look similar to the current machine — which has won two of the last three world superbike titles — a lot has gone on under the covers, with a major focus on the engine — although the track-derived 'balance free' Showa suspension is the first on a production motorcycle.
The in-line four-cylinder engine maintains a 76mm x 55mm bore and stroke and 47mm throttle bodies, but the major focus has been on beefing up the low to mid-range power. The crankshaft has 20 per cent less inertia, derived from direct world superbike feedback, which Kawaski says will benefit acceleration, deceleration and cornering. Less inertia also adds to the quick-revving nature of the engine.

There are revised intake and exhaust ports, a higher 13:1 compression ratio, altered cam profiles, titanium valves, increased cylinder wall thickness (a nod to durability) and a ride-by-wire system – or "new electronic throttle valves".

The ZX-10R's gear ratios are now closer together for an even greater boost in acceleration, while also contributing to more stables downchanges.

The Ninja ZX-10R’s exhaust header pipes have almost the same length and diameter as their racing counterparts in world superbike, while the silencer is formed from titanium-alloy (previously stainless steel), reducing weight and contributing to mass centralisation.

The electronics on the bike are captained by a Bosch five-axis Inertial Measuring Unit (IMU), allowing inertia along six "degrees of freedom" to be monitored. Kawasaki has also fitted its latest advanced modelling software.

Acceleration along longitudinal, transverse and vertical axes, plus roll rate and pitch rate are measured by the IMU. The yaw rate is calculated by the ECU using Kawasaki original software. Kawasaki claims the system "contributes to an even clearer real-time picture of chassis orientation, enabling even more precise management for control at the limit".

The ZX-10R has launch control, five-way traction control, engine brake control, a quickshifter, Ohlins electronic steering damper and the choice of three power modes: full, middle (80 percent) or low (60 percent).

Chassis-wise, there are new Balancer Free Front Forks and a Balance Free Rear Cushion Shock from Showa. The fork makes its production debut on the ZX-10R, with damping force generated outside of the tubes in the damping force chamber. The design allows compression and rebound damping to be generated (and adjusted) completely independently, and the design is all about parlaying into more composed corner entry.

The new shock is a lighter, more compact version of their earlier BFRC version, offering numerous benefits according to Kawasaki: increased ride comfort, increased traction, independently adjustable compression and rebound damping, and reduced weight.

Kawasaki has moved the head pipe 7.5mm back, so closer to the rider which helps place more weight on the front end — again for more confidence and stability. There's also a 15.8mm longer swingarm.

Brakes are now the latest Brembo M50 monobloc calipers gripping larger 330mm discs — very similar to the system used on the supercharged H2R.

A larger upper cowl claimed to improve aerodynamic performance with a lower coefficient of drag than the previous model. Intakes at the side of the windscreen allow wind to pass through, helping to prevent negative pressure build-up in the cockpit to reduce helmet buffeting.

Colours will be Lime Green Kawasaki Racing Team Replica (ABS and non-ABS) and Metallic Matte Carbon Gray (ABS only).

Price and availability are still to be confirmed, but Bikesales will be riding the machine for the first time in late November.