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2011 Kawasaki Ninja® ZX™-10R
But Kawasaki’s new-from-the-ground-up 2011 Ninja® ZX™-10R sportbike has no such credibility gap, going several steps beyond newer, faster, lighter and better by offering the most advanced traction-control system in all of production motorcycling.
Pricing/Color Information
Features
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New for 2011 - Totally redesigned DOHC, 16-valve, inline-four engine makes more controllable power than ever before
New for 2011 - Stronger camshafts, pistons and crankshaft maintain legendary Kawasaki reliability in the face of the engine's awesome horsepower potential
New for 2011 - All-new S-KTRC electronic traction control system comes directly from MotoGP and allows racers to explore the edge of traction more successfully for better drive off the corners and faster laps
New for 2011 - All-new ECU electronics also include a Power Mode system, which allows riders to pick between three power modes for changing conditions
New for 2011 - Revised transmission shaft layout raises the engine’s center of gravity slightly for better mass centralization
New for 2011 - Newly designed titanium-header exhaust system
New for 2011 - Revised fuel injection system features larger throttle bodies and dual injectors
New for 2011 - All-new aluminum twin-spar frame is lighter and offers optimal flex characteristics for the best possible handling
New for 2011 - 43mm Big Piston Fork (BPF) is lighter than a conventional design and offers improved action and response
New for 2011 - New horizontal back-link rear suspension offers better wheel control and improved mass centralization, all of which improves stability and overall handling
New for 2011 - Shock and linkage assemblies are now positioned above the swingarm, which frees space below it for a large exhaust sub-chamber, which allows a shorter (and lighter) muffler
New for 2011 - Lighter and stronger three-spoke gravity-cast wheels minimize unsprung weight for exceptional handling quickness
New for 2011 - Revised ergonomics offer a roomier cockpit, a slightly lower seat and adjustable footpegs
New for 2011 - Revised chassis geometry – steeper rake, less trail, slightly raised CG – allows even sharper handling characteristics
New for 2011 - 22-pound weight reduction compared to the 2010 machine
New for 2011 - Radical new bodywork features more rounded edges and a revised ram-air intake
New for 2011 - Mirrors integrate trick, LED turn signals and remove easily for track day use
New for 2011 - Revised transmission gear ratios for better on-track performance
New for 2011 - High visibility instrumentation includes an LED bar-graph tachometer and a full complement of LCD readouts to keep riders fully informed
Key Features - All-new engine and chassis add up to enhanced power delivery and more control
Key Features - All-new Sport-Kawasaki Traction Control (S-KTRC) continuously monitors wheel speed, throttle position, engine rpm and a host of other data to help ensure the optimal amount of traction
Key Features - All-new Power Mode selector allows riders to select power level and power delivery
Key Features - All-new aluminum frame has ideal strength and rigidity
Key Features - All-new Big Piston Fork helps maintain composure under braking
Key Features - All-new horizontal back-link rear suspension helps improve road holding, and helps deliver smoother suspension action
Key Features - 2011 ZX™-10R is 22 pounds lighter than the 2010 model
Key Features - Improved mass centralization
Key Features - Slipper-type back-torque limiting clutch helps improve corner entry handling
Key Features - All-new race-oriented instrumentation offers riders a wealth of information
New-generation Liquid-cooled DOHC 998cc Inline-four Engine - All-new design is compact, narrow and lightweight, and features a revised internal transmission shaft layout that optimizes CG and engine placement in the frame
New-generation Liquid-cooled DOHC 998cc Inline-four Engine - Stronger camshafts, crankshaft and pistons increase durability and are able to withstand the new engine’s prodigious power production
New-generation Liquid-cooled DOHC 998cc Inline-four Engine - Larger intake valves (now 31mm), revised camshaft profiles and optimized port shapes help maximize power production and smooth power delivery
New-generation Liquid-cooled DOHC 998cc Inline-four Engine - Cylinder bores are machined with a “dummy” head bolted in place, yielding improved bore circularity and precision; so lower-tension piston rings can be used to minimize mechanical losses
New-generation Liquid-cooled DOHC 998cc Inline-four Engine - Offset cylinder bores (relative to the crankshaft) are positioned 2mm toward the exhaust side of the engine, resulting in reduced lateral piston force at the point of maximum combustion pressure, reduced mechanical friction and lower piston loads – allowing the use of lighter pistons
New-generation Liquid-cooled DOHC 998cc Inline-four Engine - Larger-diameter intake tappets (now 29mm) suit the higher-lift camshafts
New-generation Liquid-cooled DOHC 998cc Inline-four Engine - New, chromoly camshafts (previously cast iron) receive a new nitriding process and lapping treatment to help cope with heavier valve spring pressure and enhance durability
New-generation Liquid-cooled DOHC 998cc Inline-four Engine - New, harder crankshaft features stronger pins and journal fillets; gear teeth durability was also increased
New-generation Liquid-cooled DOHC 998cc Inline-four Engine - Single-shaft secondary balancer was added to help reduce vibration, and its use allowed several vibration-damping parts to be simplified and lightened
New-generation Liquid-cooled DOHC 998cc Inline-four Engine - Connecting rods are stronger overall to suit the engine's increased power potential
New-generation Liquid-cooled DOHC 998cc Inline-four Engine - New ECU is dramatically lighter than the old unit and is small enough to be tucked away in a slot in the airbox assembly
New-generation Liquid-cooled DOHC 998cc Inline-four Engine - A lighter battery replaces the old unit for even more weight savings
New-generation Liquid-cooled DOHC 998cc Inline-four Engine - One-piece upper crankcase and cylinder casting saves weight and offers maximum rigidity
New-generation Liquid-cooled DOHC 998cc Inline-four Engine - Low-friction oil pump reduces parasitic power loss
New-generation Liquid-cooled DOHC 998cc Inline-four Engine - A lightweight radiator with tightly packed cores provides efficient engine cooling
New-generation Liquid-cooled DOHC 998cc Inline-four Engine - A liquid-cooled aluminum oil cooler promotes high-efficiency heat dissipation
New-generation Liquid-cooled DOHC 998cc Inline-four Engine - Intake and exhaust valves are titanium to reduce reciprocating weight and stress at high rpm
Dual-injector Digital Fuel Injection - Larger throttle bodies (47mm vs. 43mm) help produce more power and improved throttle control
Dual-injector Digital Fuel Injection - Secondary fuel injectors improve top-end power output and power characteristics at high rpm; the lower injectors are always on, while upper injectors come on as needed according to degree of throttle opening and engine rpm
Dual-injector Digital Fuel Injection - Oval-shaped throttle bodies – larger for 2011 – allow precise throttle control and instant response
Dual-injector Digital Fuel Injection - An Idle Speed Control (ISC) valve on the throttle body unit automatically adjusts idle speed for more stable operation; also contributes to easier starts and better off-idle throttle response
Sport-Kawasaki Traction Control – S-KTRC - A highly sophisticated electronic system based on actual Kawasaki MotoGP experience that’s designed to maximize forward motion by allowing racers to ride closer to the edge of traction
Sport-Kawasaki Traction Control – S-KTRC - The system, anchored by an all-new Electronic Control Unit (ECU), crunches a wide range of data, including throttle position, wheel speed, engine rpm, wheel slippage and acceleration, with help from a speed sensor fitted to each wheel
Sport-Kawasaki Traction Control – S-KTRC - The quickest acceleration requires a certain amount of wheel slippage, so to optimize traction, S-KTRC actually allows for optimum wheelspin
Sport-Kawasaki Traction Control – S-KTRC - Using complex analysis, the system is able to predict when traction conditions are about to become unfavorable. By acting before slippage exceeds the range for optimal traction, the system can quickly and smoothly reduce power slightly so the wheel regains traction
Sport-Kawasaki Traction Control – S-KTRC - S-KTRC confirms conditions 200 times per second and governs ignition, which allows extremely quick response to changing conditions
Sport-Kawasaki Traction Control – S-KTRC - Riders can choose between three operational modes, depending on skill level and conditions
Sport-Kawasaki Traction Control – S-KTRC - A level meter on the LCD instrument panel displays how much electronic intervention the system is providing, in real time
Ram-air Intake - A highly efficient and more forward-positioned ram air intake is designed for lower intake noise, higher intake efficiency
Ram-air Intake - Redesigned and larger airbox (now 9 liters instead of 8) with a new filter element improves breathing and power
Ram-air Intake - Oval-section intake funnels promote non-turbulent flow at all rpm
Titanium Exhaust System - All-new titanium-header exhaust system with hydroformed header pipes and small, lightweight muffler assembly uses a larger-volume pre-chamber that houses two catalyzers for reduced emissions and sound
Titanium Exhaust System - Headers have nearly identical specs to their roadracing counterparts, which makes it easier for riders to increase track performance with the simple addition of a less-restrictive muffler; now there’s no need to replace the lightweight and race-spec header assembly
Titanium Exhaust System - Dual catalyzers help the 2011 ZX-10R meet strict U.S. and Euro III exhaust emissions standards
Six-speed Transmission - Race-style cassette transmission allows simple trackside gearing changes to suit individual circuits
Six-speed Transmission - With the revised engine shaft layout, the “cassette” is located high enough that it can be accessed without having to drain engine oil
Six-speed Transmission - Fine-tuned primary and final reduction ratios minimize rear end movement (squat/lift) during acceleration and deceleration. The more composed rear end action allows more freedom with suspension settings
Six-speed Transmission - Closer-ratio 4th, 5th and 6th gears complement the new ZX-10R’s circuit performance
Six-speed Transmission - Overall gear ratios suit the power characteristics for ideal power delivery in all rpm ranges
Six-speed Transmission - An adjustable back-torque limiting clutch facilitates smooth downshifts, a main contributor to stability under heavy braking
Chassis / Frame - All-new aluminum-alloy frame connects the swingarm pivot with the steering head more directly, and offers optimal flex and rigidity characteristics for balanced handling on street or track
Chassis / Frame - Revised chassis geometry incorporates slightly steeper rake (0.5 degree) and a bit less trail (3mm). The result is more weight on the front wheel, which allows sharper steering characteristics and crisper handling with no corresponding tradeoff in chassis stability at speed
Chassis / Frame - Frame is an all-cast construction of only seven pieces, which allowed engineers much design freedom, including minimizing wall thicknesses while providing adequate strength and optimized rigidity
Chassis / Frame - Fewer frame pieces mean fewer welds, which contributes to more pleasing aesthetics
Chassis / Frame - More front end weight also aids aggressive, on-the-gas corner exits, as there is less tendency to wheelie
Chassis / Frame - Modifying or removing the exhaust pre-chamber (for racetrack applications only) enables two chain links to be removed, which offers riders the opportunity to alter chassis geometry by shortening the wheelbase by up to 16mm to suit different track layouts
Chassis / Frame - Like the frame, the alloy swingarm is an all-cast design, with just three pieces
Chassis / Frame - Narrow subframe layout contributes to the compact and slim tail section
Horizontal Back-link Rear Suspension - All-new design positions the shock and linkage above the swingarm
Horizontal Back-link Rear Suspension - The new design offers a host of benefits, including improved road-holding, smoother suspension action (especially in the final third of the stroke range), increased stability and feedback when cornering, and improved mass centralization
Horizontal Back-link Rear Suspension - The design also frees space under the swingarm for a larger exhaust pre-chamber, which allows the use of a shorter and lighter muffler assembly
Horizontal Back-link Rear Suspension - The design also positions the shock’s upper link (mounted to the frame’s upper cross member) further from the swingarm pivot, helping to spread out the load and contribute to enhanced overall frame rigidity and chassis balance
Horizontal Back-link Rear Suspension - The fully adjustable shock features a piggyback reservoir and dual (high and low-speed) compression damping, which enables fine tuning for racing or track-day use
Horizontal Back-link Rear Suspension - Between the Big Piston Fork (BPF) and new back-link suspension system, pitch control during aggressive riding is minimized, which contributes to added rider control and faster lap times
Horizontal Back-link Rear Suspension - Minimal effect from exhaust heat due to the new design translates to more stable damping performance
Big Piston Fork (BPF) - The Big Piston Fork (BPF) fitted to the 2011 Ninja® ZX-10R features 43mm inner tubes and is one of the contributing factors to the new bike’s enhanced composure under braking
Big Piston Fork (BPF) - Compared to a cartridge-type fork of the same size, the BPF features a main piston almost twice the size as the piston on the previous ZX-10R: 39.6mm vs. 20mm
Big Piston Fork (BPF) - Oil inside the BPF acts on a surface area almost four times the size of a conventional fork’s. The larger surface area allows damping pressure to be reduced while ensuring that damping force remains the same
Big Piston Fork (BPF) - Reducing damping pressure allows the inner fork tube to move more smoothly, which is especially noticeable at the initial part of the stroke. The result is greater control as the fork compresses and very calm attitude change as vehicle weight shifts forward under braking, and thus greater chassis stability on corner entry
Big Piston Fork (BPF) - Because the BPF eliminates many of the internal components of a traditional cartridge fork, construction is simplified and overall fork weight is reduced
Big Piston Fork (BPF) - Compression and rebound damping adjustments are located at the top of each fork tube, while preload is now at the bottom
Race-spec Steering Damper - An adjustable twin-tube Öhlins steering damper is standard. The second tube acts like a reservoir, allowing the internals to ensure stable damping and excellent feedback even under racing conditions
Advanced Braking System - Tokico radial-mount brake calipers use dual pads and offer a superb initial bite, increased control, progressive feel and a high degree of feedback to the rider
Advanced Braking System - A radial-pump front master cylinder provides the ultimate in front brake feel and feedback
Advanced Braking System - A pair of 5.5mm thick, 310mm petal discs provides the heat dissipation needed to maintain brake feel and responsiveness during extended heavy use
Advanced Braking System - A 220mm rear petal disc gripped by a single-piston caliper provides excellent feel and feedback
Lightweight Three-spoke Cast Aluminum Wheels - New gravity-cast alloy wheels feature a three-spoke design that’s lighter than previous hoops by 330 grams (0.73 pound) up front and nearly 500 grams (1.1 pounds) in back
Lightweight Three-spoke Cast Aluminum Wheels - Lighter wheels reduce unsprung weight, which allows the suspension system to work more efficiently
Ergonomics - Fine-tuned rider accommodations feature a lower seat (by 17mm), adjustable footpegs moved slightly lower (by 5mm) and forward (by 2mm), and clip-ons with a bit less downward angle
Ergonomics - Lower seat makes it easier to reach the ground
Ergonomics - Newly shaped fuel tank offers an even better ergonomic fit with the rider’s forearms and inner thighs when riding
Ergonomics - Adjustable foot pegs can be lowered an additional 15mm when street riding or touring
Advanced Aerodynamic Bodywork - A total body redesign results in a lighter, more compact and even sexier shape, with more curved – instead of “edged” – surfaces
Advanced Aerodynamic Bodywork - High-quality fit and finish, and superb attention to detail, are evident front to back
Advanced Aerodynamic Bodywork - Larger ducting aids engine heat dissipation
Advanced Aerodynamic Bodywork - Line-beam headlights enable the fairing to be shorter, which furthers the compact, aggressive styling
Advanced Aerodynamic Bodywork - LED three-bulb position lamp at the top of the new ram air duct offers enhanced visibility to drivers and pedestrians
Advanced Aerodynamic Bodywork - Fairing-mounted mirrors feature integrated, LED-type turn signals
Advanced Aerodynamic Bodywork - Turn signals are electrically connected via couplers, which allows easy mirror removal for track day riding
Advanced Aerodynamic Bodywork - Compact tail section includes an elegant, nine-bulb taillight
Advanced Aerodynamic Bodywork - Taillight and turn-signal stalks are mounted on a rear fender assembly that’s easily removable for track day riding
Advanced Electronic Instrumentation - All-new instruments feature a high-visibility bar-graph LED tachometer positioned above a multi-window LCD info panel that offers riders a massive quantity of information
Advanced Electronic Instrumentation - The tachometer also functions as a shift indicator: LEDs flash when the pre-set rpm is reached, and riders can set shift rpm according to preference
Advanced Electronic Instrumentation - The multi-function LCD features two display modes: Standard and Race. Switching to Race Mode alters the Speed display by changing it to Gear Position, and by changing the Clock display to Speed
Advanced Electronic Instrumentation - Additional functions include odometer, dual trip meters, average fuel consumption, instant fuel consumption, Power Mode (x3), S-KTRC (x4), S-KTRC level indicator, low fuel indicator, Economical Riding indicator (shows most favorable fuel consumption), water temperature and a host of indicator lamps
2011 Kawasaki Ninja® ZX™-10R
Specifications
Engine
- Engine
- Four-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, four valves per cylinder, inline-four
- Displacement
- 998cc
- Bore x Stroke
- 76.0 x 55.0 mm
- Compression Ratio
- 13.0:1
- Fuel System
- DFI® with four 47mm Keihin throttle bodies with oval sub-throttles, two injectors per cylinder
- Fuel Capacity
- 4.5 gal.
Transmission
- Ignition
- TCBI with digital advance and Sport-Kawasaki Traction Control (S-KTRC)
- Transmission
- Six-speed
- Final Drive
- Chain
Chassis
- Tires Front
- 120/70 ZR17
- Tires Rear
- 190/55 ZR17
- Suspension Front
- 43mm inverted fork with DLC coating, adjustable rebound and compression damping, spring preload adjustability and top-out springs
- Suspension Rear
- UNI-TRAK® with top-out spring, stepless, dual-range (low-/high-speed) compression damping, stepless rebound damping, fully adjustable spring preload
- Brake Front
- Dual semi-floating 310mm petal discs with dual four-piston radial-mount calipers
- Brake Rear
- Single 220mm petal disc with aluminum single-piston caliper
- Wheel Travel, Front
- 4.7 in.
- Wheel Travel, Rear
- 4.9 in.
Dimensions
- Wheelbase
- 56.1 in.
- Seat Height
- 32.0 in.
- Curb Weight
- 436.6 lbs.
- Overall Length
- 81.7 in.
- Overall Width
- 28.2 in.
- Overall Height
- 43.9 in.
- Rake (Caster Angle)
- 25.5°
- Trail
- 4.33 in.
General Information
- Warranty
- 12 Months; (Good Times™ Protection Plan) 12, 24, 36, 48 months
Colors
- Colors
- Lime Green / Ebony, Ebony / Flat Ebony