New Kawasaki ZX-10R and ZX-10RR announced

There’s clearly nothing fundamentally wrong with a motorcycle that has won the last six consecutive WorldSBK titles, but Kawasaki has made a host of small but significant changes to its flagship Superbike for the 2021 model year in a bid to keep it on top of its game.

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The biggest change is the new bodywork which, like many of its rivals, now features integrated aerodynamic winglets which is said to increase downforce by 17 percent over the outgoing model. The screen is also taller, as is the height of the riders’ seat at the rear, and the ergonomics are overall higher and longer with the footpegs mounted 5mm higher than the current model and the handlebars now flatter and 10mm further forward.

With the rider’s centre of gravity now slightly higher, the swingarm pivot point has been lowered by a single millimeter, while the swingarm length has increased by 8mm in a bid to improve stability and traction. Despite the longer wheelbase, trail has been decreased thanks to a new bottom triple clamp. Spring rates at both ends have changed; softer in the Showa Balance Free Fork and stiffer in the rear, while an Öhlins steering damper is standard fitment.

Underneath the fairings, there’s a new oil cooler, and changes to the catalytic converter help it achieve Euro-5 compliance for the first time. The throttle position sensor is now at the handlebar end of proceedings which negates the use of a cable, and the gearing ratios in the first three gears have been shortened to improve acceleration.

As well as Rain, Road and Sport modes, there’s four extra modes which are customisable, the traction control parameters have been tweaked, and the already sophisticated suite of IMU-actuated electronics are now accessed through a new 4.3-inch TFT dash.

And just so we don’t forget it’s an ADR-compliant roadbike, cruise control is standard fitment while heated grips are one of the many genuine accessories available as an option.

The firm’s ZX-10RR homologation special is also carried over for 2021. It gets a 400rpm higher rev ceiling, lightweight race low-friction pistons and titanium con-rods, Marschesini wheels and Pirelli Diablo Super Corsa SP rubber. Only 500 of the RR machines will be produced.

Australian pricing and availability is yet to be confirmed.