2023 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R: White or blue?
The 2023 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R is now available at dealers across Australia, with the eye-catching Pearl Robotic White and Metallic Diablo Black paint colors, a new option, alongside the traditional but also new for 2023 Lime Green colors. and Ebony. But that’s about the totality of the changes.
Pricing for the 2023 model starts at $26,740 plus on-road costs.
Powering the ZX-10R is a liquid-cooled 998 cc 4-stroke engine that produces 203 hp and meets the latest Euro5 requirements.
The WorldSBK DNA is evident on the ZX-10R, running intake ports that are machined on that racing experience, as well as valve actuators with finger valve actuators and active cam profiles. Titanium valves are standard with an enhanced cam-ready cylinder head as part of the kit for even higher rpm performance.
Chro-moly camshafts help keep weight to a minimum, with short pistons running dry film lubricant on the wheels. A low-inertia crankshaft, first introduced in 2016 also continues.
Cylinder bores are machined with a prosthetic head in place and a cylinder offset from the crankshaft producing reduced lateral piston force for reduced mechanical loss and lower piston loads.
The air-cooled oil cooler is also a racing-derived design, running its own circuit for better cooling performance.
Kawasaki’s fully electronic throttle transmission system is also actuated, with an ECU controlling fuel and air, ensuring precise control and reduced emissions.
The accelerator pedal position sensor has also been moved to the handlebars, with friction used to provide a natural throttle feel. Secondary fuel injectors, increasing rpm performance even further.
The exhaust is a four-into-one titanium alloy, reducing weight.
The gear ratio is optimized for circling, with a shorter first to third ratio for stronger acceleration in the low to mid range. The track-style transmission allows for easy gear ratio changes without dropping oil, and the clutch can be adjusted to limit reverse torque.
The successful dual aluminum frame is combined with an aluminum swingarm, while racing suit components allow for adjustment of the stem position and adjustment of the pivot point of the swingarm.
The Showa Balance Free front fork is run with an external compression chamber including compression and rebound damping adjustment, with preload at the top of the fork.
The cross-link rear suspension is powered by Showa Balance Free Rear Cushion shock absorbers, which are also fully adjustable.
The four-piston Brembo M50 brake calipers are run on a 330 mm semi-floating rotor, with matching Brembo radial master cylinders and steel braids run as standard. At the rear, a single piston caliper is combined with a 220 mm rotor. Bosch ABS is standard.
Light-weight cast wheels with a three-spoke design also run.
The 2023 ZX-10R runs the latest aviation package, with Ram air intakes and integrated spoilers to reduce downforce. All lights are LED and the bike runs the Kawasaki River Mark series.
Electronic equipment includes Kawasaki Cornering Management, with Bosch IMU, along with Sport-Kawasaki Traction Control System, Kawasaki Launch Control and KIBS system (ABS).
Kawasaki Engine Brake Control allows engine braking to be changed, with Power Modes including Full, Medium (80%) and Low (60%). Driving modes include Sport, Road, Rain and Rider. Standard is KQS or quickshifter and Öhlins electronic steering damper, cruise control and TFT display.
Smartphone connectivity is also standard with the ‘Rideology the App’ and the bike is ready to record, with a CAN coupler under the saddle.
The Kawasaki ZX-10R 2023 weighs 207 kg when filled with fuel (17 liters) and has a seat height of 835 mm.
2023 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R Specifications
| 2023 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R Specifications | |
| Engine | 998cc, 4-stroke, 4-stroke inline, DOHC, 16-valve, liquid-cooled |
| Diameter x stroke of piston | 76.0 x 55.0mm |
| Compression ratio | 13.0: 1 |
| Power is required | 156.8 kw [213 PS] @ 13,200 min (/w Ram Air) |
| Required torque | 114.9 Nm at 11,400 rpm |
| Guide | DFI throttle body w/47mm Mikuni (4) with oval auxiliary throttle, two injectors per cylinder |
| Gear | Six speeds, switch back |
| Clutch | Many wet plates |
| Frames | Dual Spar, cast aluminum |
| Fork | 43mm reverse unbalanced fork, stepless resilience and adjustable compression damping, spring preload adjustability, 119mm stroke |
| Shock | Horizontal rear linkage with Balance Free air intake shock absorber, stepless compression damping, dual band (low speed/high speed), stepless rebound damping, fully adjustable spring preload, travel 114 mm . process |
| Tire | 120/70 ZR17 (F), 190/55 ZR17 (R) |
| Front brake | Semi-floating Brembo 330mm discs with dual radial 4-piston monobloc brake calipers, KIBS |
| Rear brake | Single 220mm disc with aluminum single piston caliper, KIBS |
| Electronic device | Electronic cruise control, Kawasaki Launch Control Mode (KLCM), Kawasaki Intelligent Anti-lock Braking System (KIBS), Kawasaki Sport Traction Control (S-KTRC), Kawasaki Engine Brake Control , Kawasaki Quick Shifter (KQS) (shifting & downshifting), Kawasaki Cornering Management Function (KCMF) |
| Instrumentation | TFT |
| Weight restraint | 207 kg |
| Seat height | 835 mm |
| The standard long | 1450 mm |
| Rake / Trail | 25.0° / 106.7 mm |
| Amount of fuel | 17 liters |
