2021 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R ABS [Specs, Features, Photos]

The 2021 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R ABS: A Championship Pedigree

Model Overview
Specifications
Features
Photos
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Links

The 2021 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R ABS is all-new for 2021, that is what it takes for this Japanese-made literbike to stay on top. For six consecutive years, Kawasaki has won both riders’ and manufacturers’ titles in the Superbike World Championship, let’s see how that translates into the new Kawasaki motorcycle.

Lessons learned in World Superbike show in the new drivetrain. The 998cc, liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC 16-valve in-line four, utilizes an extremely lightweight valve train, with finger followers that keep the valves open for an additional duration, adding power. This new engine outputs 200 hp (150 kW) at 13,200 RPM, and 84.7 lb-ft (114.9 Nm) at 11,400 RPM. The cassette gearbox is a “straight from the track” bit of technology, joined with a slipper clutch and up/down quick shifter.

Naturally, like much of the 2021 Kawasaki Lineup, the electronics are top-notch engineering. The new IMU (Inertial Management Unit) allows next-generation Engine and Chassis management technology. Offering selectable rider modes, electronic corner management functions, and enhanced chassis orientation awareness, the 2021 ZX10R will have you looking like a champ on track days and the ride home.

The Next-generation Ninja Styling showcases an all-new aerodynamic body with integrated winglets, which redirect airflow and improve downforce by 17%. New features include LED headlights, TFT colour instrumentation, Smartphone connectivity, and even luxuries like Electronic Cruise control and optional Heated Grips.

Colors for 2021 include: Metallic Spark Black / Metallic Matte Carbon Gray, or KRT Edition

The 2021 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R ABS starts at $10,199 USD / $12,399 CAD.

On this page: we’ve curated specs, features, news, photos/videos, etc. so you can read up on the new 2021 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R ABS in one place.

Model Overview

General Info

Price: $17,399 USD / $19,999 CAD
Key Features:
- Aerodynamic styling with integrated winglets
- Kawasaki Cornering Management Function (KCMF)
- Kawasaki Quick Shifter (KQS)
- Electronic Cruise Control
- Smartphone connectivity

Main Specs

Engine: 998cc, 4-stroke, In-Line Four, DOHC, 16-valve, liquid-cooled
Power: 200 hp (150 kW) @ 13,200 RPM
Torque: 84.7 lb-ft (114.9 Nm) @ 11,400 RPM
Wet Weight: 207 kg (456 lb)
Seat Height: 835 mm (32.9 in)

Competitors

2021 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R ABS Specifications

From Kawasaki

ENGINE
Engine	998 cc, 4-stroke, In-Line Four, DOHC, 16-valve, liquid-cooled
Power	200 hp
Bore x Stroke	76.0 x 55.0mm
Compression Ratio	13.0:1
Fuel System	DFI® w/47mm Mikuni throttle bodies (4) with oval sub-throttles, two injectors per cylinder
Starter	Electric
Lubrication
DRIVETRAIN
Clutch
Transmission	6-speed, return shift
Final Drive	Sealed chain
CHASSIS
Suspension Front	43mm inverted Balance Free Fork, adjustable stepless rebound and compression damping, spring preload adjustability/4.7 in
Suspension Rear	Horizontal back-link with Balance Free gas-charged shock, stepless, dual-range (low-/high-speed) compression damping, stepless rebound damping, fully adjustable spring preload/4.5 in
Brakes Front	Intelligent Braking (KIBS) (ABS only), Brembo dual semi-floating 330mm discs with dual radial mounted monobloc 4-piston calipers
Brakes Rear	KIBS-controlled (ABS only), single 220mm disc with aluminum single-piston caliper
Tires Front	120/70 ZR17
Tires Rear	190/55 ZR17
Fuel Tank Capacity	4.5 gal
Color	Metallic Spark Black/Metallic Matte Carbon Gray
ELECTRICAL
Ignition	TCBI with digital advance and Sport-Kawasaki Traction Control (S-KTRC)
Spark Plugs
Headlight	LED
Tail Light	LED
DIMENSIONS
Overall Length	82.1 in
Overall Width	29.5 in
Overall Height	46.7 in
Wheelbase	57.1 in
Ground Clearance	5.3 in
Seat Height	32.9 in
Curb Weight	456.4 lb
WARRANTY
Warranty	12 months
Kawasaki Protection Plus	12 / 24 / 36 / 48 months

2021 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R ABS Features

Using high-precision electronic control for engine management, Kawasaki models can achieve a high level of fuel efficiency. However, fuel consumption is greatly affected by throttle use, gear selection, and other elements under the rider’s control. The Economical Riding Indicator is a function that indicates when current riding conditions are consuming a low amount of fuel. The system continuously monitors fuel consumption, regardless of vehicle speed, engine speed, throttle position and other riding conditions. When fuel consumption is low for a given speed (i.e. fuel efficiency is high), an “ECO” mark appears on the instrument panel’s LCD screen. By riding so that the “ECO” mark remains on, fuel consumption can be reduced.

While effective vehicle speed and engine speed may vary by model, paying attention to conditions that cause the “ECO” mark to appear can help riders improve their fuel efficiency – a handy way to increase cruising range. Further, keeping fuel consumption low also helps minimize negative impact on the environment.

Kawasaki’s fully electronic throttle actuation system enables the ECU to control the volume of both the fuel (via fuel injectors) and the air (via throttle valves) delivered to the engine. Ideal fuel injection and throttle valve position results in smooth, natural engine response and the ideal engine output. The system also makes a significant contribution to reduced emissions.

Electronic throttle valves also enable more precise control of electronic engine management systems like S-KTRC and KTRC, and allow the implementation of electronic systems like KLCM, Kawasaki Engine Brake Control, and Electronic Cruise Control.

The Kawasaki Engine Brake Control system allows riders to select the amount of engine braking they prefer. When the system is activated, the engine braking effect is reduced, providing less interference when riding on the track.

Designed to assist riders by optimizing acceleration from a stop, KLCM electronically manages engine output to minimize wheel spin when moving off. With the clutch lever pulled in and the system activated, engine speed is limited to a determined speed while the rider holds the throttle open. Once the rider releases the clutch lever to engage the clutch, engine speed is allowed to increase, but power is regulated to minimize wheel spin and help keep the front wheel on the ground. The system disengages automatically once a predetermined speed has been reached, or when the rider shifts into third gear. Depending on the model, riders can choose from multiple modes, each offering a progressively greater level of intrusion.

Using the latest evolution of Kawasaki’s advanced modeling software and feedback from a compact IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) that gives an even clearer real-time picture of chassis orientation, KCMF monitors engine and chassis parameters throughout the corner – from entry, through the apex, to corner exit – modulating brake force and engine power to facilitate smooth transition from acceleration to braking and back again, and to assist riders in tracing their intended line through the corner. The systems that KCMF oversees vary by model, but may include:
• S-KTRC/KTRC (including traction management and wheel lift management)
• KLCM (including traction management and wheel lift management)
– Designed to optimize acceleration from a stop
• KIBS (including pitching management and corner braking management)
• Kawasaki Engine Brake Control

Models equipped with multiple Power Modes offer riders an easily selectable choice of engine power delivery to suit riding conditions or preference. In addition to Full Power mode, one (Low) or two (Middle, Low) alternate mode(s) in which maximum power is limited and throttle response is milder are provided.

S-KTRC, Kawasaki’s original predictive traction control, uses the same base technology as Kawasaki works machines. Designed to maximize acceleration, it allows riding at the edge of traction on the track. This technology continually controls the rear wheel slip that occurs when power is applied, ensuring optimal acceleration. In general, maximum forward drive requires a certain amount of slip. To ensure the most effective transfer of power to the tarmac, S-KTRC monitors the slip ratio in real time, and governs engine power delivery to optimize rear wheel traction.

S-KTRC monitors a number of parameters, including front and rear wheel speed (slip), engine rpm, throttle position and acceleration. Conditions are confirmed every five milliseconds, at which time the system looks at each of the parameters as well has how much they are changing (i.e. their rate of change). This unique Kawasaki method makes it possible to make interpolations and precisely calibrate engine output to suit traction conditions. By acting before slippage exceeds the limits of traction, drops in power can be minimized, resulting in ultra-smooth operation.

Because the sophisticated software bases its dynamic analysis on the chassis’ orientation relative to the track surface (rather than relative to a horizontal plane), it is able to take into account corner camber, gradient, etc., and adapt accordingly. It also automatically adjusts for tire wear, different tire profiles, high-grip tires, and numerous other factors that setting-type systems treat as fixed parameters. Models equipped with IMU incorporate chassis-orientation feedback to offer even more precise management.

Designed to help riders maximize their acceleration on the track by enabling clutchless upshifts with the throttle fully open, KQS detects that the shift lever has been actuated and sends a signal to the ECU to cut ignition so that the next gear can be engaged without having to use the clutch. On models that offer clutchless downshifts, during deceleration the system automatically controls engine speed so that the next lower gear can be selected without operating the clutch.