2019 Kawasaki ZX-10R range
A hike in power for all the variants, while the limited-edition ZX-10RR revs harder than everKawasaki has unveiled more powerful versions of its litre-class sportsbike – the ZX-10R – for 2019.
The ZX-10R and ZX-10R SE (and the special KRT livery version of the ZX-10R) now produce a claimed 203hp (up by 3hp), which Kawasaki puts down to a change to finger-follower valve actuation compared to tappet-style valves.
Kawasaki says the new valve train actuation offers a “20 per cent mass reduction in the valve system”, and also enables the adoption of more aggressive cam profiles – hence the power increase.
In addition, all Ninja ZX-10R variants will come equipped with the same cylinder head ready for high lift cams first introduced on the ZX-10RR. To denote this change, all models feature a red painted cylinder head cover.
Meanwhile, the limited edition 2019 ZX-10RR – which will form the basis of Kawasaki’s world superbike machine – features lighter (by 400 grams) Pankl titanium connecting rods which help increase the rev limit by 600rpm and lift power to 204hp.
Just 500 units of the 2019 ZX-10RR will be manufactured to meet WorldSBK homologation. The current ZX-10RR is on track to win the 2018 WorldSBK title – and the fourth in a row for the ZX-10R platform – with British star Jonathan Rea.
The 2019 ZX-10R SE, which adds electronic suspension and forged Marchesini wheels over the ZX-10R, now receives a new paint coating in surface areas “susceptible to wear and scuffing”.
Finally, all the 2019 ZX-10Rs now have a KQS bi-directional quickshifter, while the dash and electronics configurations remain unchanged.
No word yet from Kawasaki Australia on availability, pricing and liveries for the 2019 ZX-10R range.
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