With their bikes dominating the WSBK championships, we can see the direct impact of this on Kawasaki’s street products. With the integration of technology and electronics from their motorsport experience, they have continuously pushed the limits for better handling and a thrilling ride experience along with ground-breaking technology catering to the rider’s needs.

One such addition is the semi-active suspension unit that the folks from Kawasaki have equipped their new 2018 ZX-10R variant. Suffixed as ’SE’, the bike sits right in the middle of the ’R’ and the ’RR’, and is ready to slay the competition as one of the one of the most user-friendly and equally precise-to-use supersport in the world.

2018 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R SE

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2018 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R SE
  • Segment: Array
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Horsepower: 197
  • Torque: 83
  • Transmission: 6
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

STYLING

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Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R

Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R SE


From a distance, you might as well take this as the standard Ninja ZX-10R, and we wouldn’t blame you for that. But get close and you will love what the folks from Kawa have done with their paint scheme on this SE model. A pure-stealth Metallic Flat Spark Black / Metallic Matte Graphite Gray paintjob, and being a Kawasaki, you get green accents of course.

The Ninja ZX-10R SE comes with the same curvaceous headlamps and revamped front fairing which made their debut on the latest Ninja ZX-10R, which mimic that of the bigger Ninja ZX-14R. The central air scoop between both the headlamps, which is now in neon green, has been kept intact, so is the LED pilot lamp above it.

Keeping in mind the customer feedback, the front windshield is now larger than before, and a bit swooped out at the rear to deflect wind blasts at higher speeds; also gets green accents on the sides. Neon green lined strategically placed vents also take care of improved airflow around the engine and cockpit.

The side fairing, as well as fuel tank, carry forward their respective designs from the standard Ninja ZX-10R. However, the wheels on both the ends are new lightweight Marchesini units borrowed from the Ninja ZX-10RR, which look better than those of the standard Ninja ZX-10R. The revised tail section with new LED tail lamp and new fender which premiered with the standard Ninja ZX-10R has been retained on the Ninja ZX-10R SE as well. The exhaust pipe too has been lifted off from the standard version of the Ninja ZX-10R.

Like the overall design language, the fully digital instrument console too has been shared with the standard Ninja ZX-10R. This particular unit comes with a rainbow shaped tachometer, below which sits a rectangular LCD panel showing the readouts for speedometer, odometer, trip meters, engine temperature gauge, gear indicator, clock, selected ride mode, et al. The rear view mirrors are all new, but they still have integrated turn indicators in them.

Though the Marchesini wheels and a new paint job makes the SE look more striking than the standard Ninja ZX-10R, we would have liked to see more noticeable cosmetic changes on the new Ninja ZX-10R SE; especially when it asks for a $ 6,000 markup from the standard ZX-10R.

Overall Dimension

Make Model

2018 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R SE

Yamaha YZF-R1M

Honda CBR1000RR SP

Length

82.3 in

80.9 in

81.3 in

Width

29.1 in

27.2 in

28.14 in

Height

45.1 in

45.3 in

44.30 in

Wheelbase

56.7 in

55.3 in

55.27 in

Seat height

32.9 in

33.9 in

32.2 in

Wet weight

458.6 lb

443 lb

429 lb

Fuel capacity

4.5 gal

4.5 gal

4.2 gal


POWERTRAIN

Apart from a minor cosmetic change carried out for the Ninja ZX-10RR, the basic powertrain of the motorcycle too has undergone a couple of small changes as well. With inputs from the WSBK experiences, Kawasaki has updated the already potent ZX-10R engine with new engine enhancements and stronger, reinforced engine cases to uplift the performance package on the ZX-10R SE.

On the new Ninja ZX-10R SE, the overall engine and gearbox combination has been carried forward - the engine is the same four stroke, liquid cooled, inline four, 998cc engine, which pumps out 197 hp of power and 83.3 lb-ft of torque. With the help of ram air input, the power can be bumped up to 204 hp as well. Nonetheless, riders can set their preferred power delivery modes (Full: 100%, Middle: 80%, Low: 60%).

The engine gets DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) coating for reduced friction loss along with lightweight crankshaft for a quick revving and increased throttle response configuration. Electronic throttle valve and Kawasaki Engine Brake Control (KEBC) contribute efficient sync of electronic rider aids for that precise feel and control. The bike comes equipped with a back torque limiting clutch and a bi-directional quick shifter for clutchless gear actions for aggressive riding situations above 2500 rpm.

It gets a large 10-liter airbox and air filter that improves engine response and eventually increase the low to mid-range power dispatch. The throttle body has also grown in size with 47 mm valves that are electronically operated to give the rider precise throttle response. Increasing the weight-reduction elements of the bike, lightweight crankshaft and piston, titanium-alloy inlet and exhaust valve system makes use of special heat-resistant alloy proprietary to Kawasaki. It helps in improving the power-weight ratio and heighten the motorcycle’s styling as well as the engine’s peak performance while giving you a cracking exhaust note.

Engine Specification

Make Model

2018 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R SE

Yamaha YZF-R1M

Honda CBR1000RR SP

Capacity cc

998

998

999

Bore/ Stroke in

76/55

76/55.1

76/55

Output

197 bhp

200 hp @ 13500 rpm

189 hp @ 13000 rpm

Torque

83.3 lb.-ft

87 lb.-ft @ 10000 rpm

85.5 lb.-ft @ 11000 rpm

Type

4-stroke, Inline 4 cylinder, DOHC, 4-valve, Liquid-cooled

Liquid-cooled inline 4 cylinder DOHC; 16 valves

Liquid-cooled 4-stroke 16-valve DOHC Inline-4

Clutch type

Wet- Multiplate with slipper assist

Multiplate assist and slipper clutch

Wet- Multiplate with slipper assist

Transmission

6-speed, Kawasaki Quick Shifter (KQS)

6-speed with Quick Shift System (QSS) an “auto-blip” downshift

6-speed with quick shifter and auto-blipper


RIDE AND HANDLING

The chassis has been completely re-modified with optimized geometry for ultimate feel and feedback. Both frame and the swingarm contribute to sharp handling and excellent cornering speeds. The steering stem and the swingarm can be adjusted as well to suit track and city riding conditions.

On the new Ninja ZX-10R SE, the new revised frame and suspension combination developed by Showa sees the new Kawasaki Electronic Control Suspension (KECS). It will be the first such thing fancying a Kawasaki motorcycle, or any motorcycle in its segment for that matter.

Attached to the 43mm Balanced Free Fork (BFF), this semi-active electronic damper electronically adjusts the amount of damping after calculating the vehicle’s speed and modulation every millisecond. It does so via a stroke sensor and a solenoid valve with direct actuation rather than using step-motors or pilot valves.

It communicates using the bike’s IMU and ECU both and can be customizable through the three riding modes - Road, Track, and Manual. The Manual mode is what allows 15 levels of tuning for the rebound and compression circuits, adjustable via the dash. Some fancy stuff there. At the rear, you will find the horizontal back-link suspension setup that also carries the Showa Balance Free Cushion (BFRC) shocks.

Top of the line Brembo brakes features dual 330 mm semi-floating discs that replace the petal ones used previously. Radially mounted aluminum calipers are the best ones available in any store that gives amazing braking force and feel to the rider. Confident stops are what they are all made of, and they deliver. Stainless steel braided lines provide the rider with a direct connection at the lever. Kawasaki’s Intelligent ABS (KIBS) system gives precision control to modulate brake pressures and ensure maximum traction to stop the beast.

Talking about electronics, this Japanese Green machine gets loads of it, all borrowed from the company’s WSBK stints. As expected, the new Ninja ZX-10R SE gets the same list of electronic aids as that of the Ninja ZX-10R. It includes a Bosch IMU that inputs 6 degrees of freedom to enable precise chassis orientation, corner management function, 3 level Kawasaki Launch control mode (KLCM), 5 level Kawasaki Sport Traction Control (S-KTRC), Kawasaki Engine Braking Control (KEBC), all of which work efficiently in making the riding as well as braking experience a bit more engaging in the part of the rider.

It also gets bestowed with the top-of-the-line 7-spoke Marchesini forged wheels that are lighter than the standard 3-spoke alloys used on the ZX-10R.

Chassis Specifications

Make Model

2018 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R SE

Yamaha YZF-R1M

Honda CBR1000RR SP

Frame

Aluminum perimeter

Tubular steel Trellis frame

Semi-double cradle, high-tensile steel

Suspension / Front

43mm inverted Balance Free Fork, KECS controlled compression and rebound damping, manual spring preload adjustability

43mm Öhlins electronic suspension w/inverted fork; fully adjustable

Telescopic inverted fork with an inner tube diameter of 43mm, and an NIX30 Smart-EC (OHLINS) Front Fork with preload, compression and rebound adjustments

Suspension / Rear

Horizontal back-link with Balance Free gas-charged shock, controlled compression and rebound damping, manually adjustable spring preload

Öhlins electronic suspension w/single shock; fully adjustable

Unit Pro-Link with gas-charged TTX36 Smart-EC (Öhlins) damper featuring preload and compression and rebound damping adjustment

Brakes / Front

I Intelligent Braking (KIBS), Brembo dual semi-floating 330mm discs with dual radial mounted monobloc 4-piston calipers

Dual 320mm hydraulic disc; Unified Brake System and ABS

Brembo dual semi-floating 330mm discs with dual radial mounted monobloc 4-piston calipers, Gyro-Assisted ABS

Brakes / Rear

KIBS-controlled, single 220mm disc with aluminum single-piston caliper

220mm disc; Unified Brake System and ABS

220mm dual piston Gyro-Assisted ABS

Tires / Front

120/70 ZR17

120/70ZR17

120/70ZR17 58W

Tires / Rear

190/55 ZR17

200/55ZR17

190/50ZR17 73W


PRICE

While Kawasaki has priced the Ninja ZX-10R starting at $ 15,099, the SE with electronic suspension comes with a price tag of $ 21,899. That is more than the ZX-10RR ($ 18,899). The SE is only available in this pure-stealth Metallic Flat Spark Black / Metallic Matte Graphite Gray. Being a Kawa, you get green accents of course.

You can also get accessories and Race Kit parts to make your machine really yours. You can equip your SE with frame slider sets, front axle sliders, knee pad sets, and an Akrapovic slip-on exhaust system.

Make Model

2018 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R SE

Yamaha YZF-R1M

Honda CBR1000RR SP

MSRP

$ 21,899

$ 22,999

$ 19,999


COMPETITION

Yamaha YZF-R1M

Touted as the sharpest and most track-focused supersport bikes you could get your hands on, Yamaha has updated their mad YZF-R1M superbikes with recalibrated equipment and a couple of new features keeping the competition alive and well. Most of the updates are mostly underneath the skin, which itself gets a new Silver Blu Carbon paint job on the R1M.

The new Yamaha R1 comes bolstered with the same liquid-cooled, parallel four-cylinder engine which oozes out 197 hp and 150 lb-ft of torque. The engine is coupled to a 6-speed gearbox with slick up-shifts on tap. For 2018, the folks at Yamaha have given the Quick Shift System (QSS) an “auto-blip” downshift technology that can now accommodate clutchless downshifts along with the up-shifts. And the best part of it all, the rider can disengage the function through the Yamaha Ride Control (YRC) settings found in the newly updated TFT instrumentation.

Another electronic gadget present to aid the rider called the Lift Control System (LIF) also gets further refinements to prevent the front end from lifting off the ground during those hard acceleration scenarios. Thanks to the new Bridgestone RS10 tires, the rider now gets a better grip and feedback to hoon the track around. The YZF-R1M has one another trick up its sleeve with the Öhlins Electronic Racing Suspension (ERS) getting updated with the latest Smart EC 2 ERS system. It can now be fine-tuned via the YRC settings using a smartphone app connected to the motorcycle’s Communication Control Unit (CCU).

Honda CBR1000RR SP

Honda’s SP is said to be an evolution rather than a revolution because close to 70 percent of the parts that make up this bike is completely new as opposed to the previous models. Although the overall geometry of the new blade remains similar to the previous model, the fairings have been thinned down by reducing the material around few areas while exposing the motor surfaces.

Honda has continued its weight loss program with the engine as well by overhauling the motor for the 2017 CBR. The in-line four pot uses, for the first time, a throttle by wire control helping the power gain to 185-190 hp (11bhp more) while the red line now goes all the way up to 13000rpm from the previous 12250 rpm with peak torque of 81.79ftlb @ 10,500rpm. The compression ratio is up to 13.0:0 from 12.3:1. The power to weight ratio has increased by 14 percent. The new slip-assist clutch system makes use of the quick shifter for those clutchless upshifts and electronically assisted downshifts with auto-blipper.

The CBR1000RR is one of the few bikes that don’t go wrong in the handling department. They have always been touted as the best handling bike by enthusiasts. This updated model, however, ups the game by introducing a wide range of electronics aiding the rider into a more aggressive rideability and at the same time keeping him/her safer than ever. The brand new five-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) works tirelessly to keep the bike under control in all situations the rider is capable of maneuvering. Other riding aids include traction control, ABS, slide control, engine brake control, rear lift control and wheelie control.

VERDICT

Kawasaki has left no stone unturned in improving its standard Ninja ZX-10R, the efforts of which can be sensed in this latest iteration of the motorcycle, the new Ninja ZX-10R SE. Though the changes are very limited, as a periodic update, this has to be termed as quite praise-worthy, which explains the seriousness of Kawasaki towards modern engineering on two wheels.

With the bike dominating the WSBK championships, we can see the direct impact of this in their street products. With the integration of technology and electronics from their motorsport experience makes the rider feel the ultimate machine running on any tarmac across the world. Kawasaki has continuously pushed better handling, improved lap times and a thrilling riding experience with ground-breaking technology catering to the rider’s needs.

The manufacturer has managed to improve the motorcycle in every aspect – be it performance, dynamics and electronics. With the new Ninja ZX-10R SE, Kawasaki has really spiced up the game, and it is only going to lift the standards and benchmarks in the liter class supersport segment to new heights.