Launch Test: 2016 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R
Along with a small group of other motorcycling journos and invited guests, JUST BIKES attended the launch of the 2016 model Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R at Wakefield Park in late November.
On paper, the new model promised a lot, and at the briefing ahead of our track time on the new ‘10’, we were presented with details on the dizzying array of technologies, some making their Kawasaki debut, that have gone into the latest version.
Attending the Australian launch was Kawasaki’s Yoshimoto Matsuda, development leader for the MY16 Ninja ZX-10R, who went into the new model’s tech in more detail. Matsuda worked with Kawasaki’s MotoGP project before its cancellation and the shift of the company’s competition efforts to World Superbikes.
A lot of the ZX-10R’s tech described by Matsuda would go over most people’s heads, but it combines for an overall better riding experience, with an unashamed focus on track day enjoyment and exploiting all the power the 998cc engine can deliver.
I’m sure some of the assembled journos would have loved the test to be at Phillip Island, but Wakefield Park still gave us an opportunity to experience the new bike’s power (claimed to deliver improved low and mid-range performance in this version), as well as trying out some of those trick new features, like Traction Control, Launch Control, quick shifter, electronic steering damper, new Showa BFF fork and the selectable Power Modes.
Behind Bars
Sitting on the ZX-10R, the riding position is good, with a comfortable reach to the pegs and bars (the latter is 7.5mm closer on this version). Instrumentation is functional and easy to read, dominated by the backlit LED ‘arc’ tachometer. Built-in light sensor automatically adjusts the instrumentation’s brightness for night and low light riding.
Having not ridden the previous generation ZX-10R, I couldn’t attest to the improvements in riding position on the 2016 model, but the consensus on the day was that it was a better set-up, especially for shorter riders.
On Track
There’s no denying the ZX-10R is racetrack-focussed. No surprise, really, given it was built as a racer first and a road bike second. But even with that “reversed” development, I was surprised at how simple the new version was to ride.
As a non-racer with limited track day experience, I found I was able to ride the new Ninja confidently and push it hard through the corners, but having said that, I reckon I was only riding the bike around 65 per cent as quick as some of the others there.
Power delivery is smooth and I found shifting through the gears to be effortless; there’s none of the jerkiness and snap-on power delivery I had expected from such a high-performance sports bike.
To best exploit the advantages of the track, all the launch bikes were fitted with stickier Pirelli SC1 tyres, rather than the OEM Bridgestone RS01s.
For riders that attend a number of track days – as I’d suspect most new ZX-10R buyers are – the SC1s are about the best treaded track day tyre you can get. Kawasaki says the new Ninja is the closest thing yet to a highly-advanced factory superbike.
Having seen and experienced it on the day, that’s easy to believe. In fact, some slick tyres and a different muffler would make the new ZX-10R virtually race ready.
Ready to Launch
After several tracks sessions, Matsuda-san asked us all to test the Launch Control Mode. One by one, we all cruised up to the starting line, with the brief of holding the throttle wide open, dropping it into first gear, then dumping the clutch.
Now, dumping the clutch with a fully-cranked throttle goes against my better judgement, but I gave it a go, and sure enough, the ZX-10R leaped forward without sending me skyward - incredible! As you might have been able to gather, this was my first crack at using a launch control system of any type, so I was tentative and didn’t fully dump the clutch as I should have.
I would have loved another crack, but one shot was all each of us got. Those other journos who did use the launch control at its optimum testified to its capabilities
Conclusion
After my test on the 2016 Ninja ZX-10R, I came away seriously impressed with not only its tech and performance levels, but also its docility for novice riders, like me. While a road test is still pending, I believe it would be suitable for day-to-day riding away from the circuit, given its smooth acceleration and gear shifting.
That said, the ZX-10R is a bike that’s best enjoyed on long runs and, of course, track days. If your riding regimen consists of a 10km return commute each day, then this isn’t the bike for you.
If, however, track days are a regular thing and longer daily and weekend rides are on your agenda, you’ll find a lot to enjoy with the ZX-10R.
The litre-class sportsbike market already has some worthy contenders, like the Yamaha YZF-R1, Honda CBR 1000RR, Suzuki GSX-R1000, but if you’re looking for a very rideable and manageable 1000cc sportsbike, the 2016 Ninja ZX-10R is definitely worth a closer look.
Expert’s View – riding Wakefield Park with the “Muzz”
Given that my experience on big sportsbikes like this – and experience in punting them around a track at speed – is limited, I decided to get a more accurate insight into the strengths of the new ZX-10R from someone who knows the green machines much better than me.
Murray Sayle
For most JUST BIKES readers, Murray Sayle is a man who needs no introduction. Arguably best known for his Castrol Six Hour win on a Z1 with Gregg Hansford in 1975, Sayle’s racing story both preceded and followed that famous win, with success here and overseas on a diverse range of machinery.
That includes everything from Kawasaki’s fearsome H2R 750 two-stroke triple factory racer (Murray also rode the all-new supercharged H2R on a demo lap late last year) to 250 Proddy racers like the RD250 Yamaha and T250 Suzuki, as well as factory racers like Kawasaki’s KR250.
A part of Kawasaki’s Australian family for more than 25 years, Sayle has seen a lot of change in the green machines, and welcomed the opportunity to enlighten JUST BIKES readers – and me! – on the new Ninja ZX-10R.
Suspension and Handling
“The WSB-developed Showa Balance Free Front fork handled Wakefield extremely well, eliminating most of the track’s bumps. The bike holds its line and is not upset by Wakefield’s less than ideal surface in some corners.
“The fork has greater stability under hard braking – crucial for high speed track day use – with turn-in handling that’s more like a ZX-6R.
“I found that the complementary Showa Balance Free Rear Cushion monoshock is highly suitable for track day application, as well as road use.”
Brakes
“Brakes are similar to the Ninja H2 and H2R models - simply awesome! Lever action is good with no lever free play in the specially-prepared Brembo front radial pump master cylinder.”
Engine and Transmission
“Engine performance has been increased thanks to a new cylinder head with changes to the intake and exhaust ports and 1mm larger exhaust valves. New pistons enhance engine performance and durability, too. The crankshaft has 20% less inertia for fast acceleration, especially noticed when exiting corners.
The transmission has closer ratios, with second through sixth being closer to first gear ratio. This was noticed with the extremely fast acceleration out of the corners and down the main straight at Wakefield.”
Electronics
“The Kawasaki electronics lift the 2016 Ninja ZX-10R’s performance to the next level. The compact Bosch IMU has Kawasaki’s proprietary dynamic programming enhanced control of the 5-way Sports Kawasaki Traction Control, Kawasaki Launch Control and Kawasaki Engine Braking Control. Also featured is the Kawasaki Quick Shifter, Ohlins Electronic Steering Damper and 3-Way selectable Power Modes. "
“At Wakefield, I found the setting of ‘2’ on the S-KTRC delivered the best performance, and I had the KEBC switched on for smoother corner entry. The KQS was very good on the track, with quick full throttle upshifts down the straights.
The Ohlins damper is effective in keeping the steering light in the slower corners and provides excellent stability in the higher speed corners.
For this test, I had the power mode selection on ‘1’ for maximum – 100% - performance, but didn’t personally test the Launch Control on the day.”
Economy
“In Europe, fuel consumption of 5.9 litres per 100 kilometres is listed for the new ZX-10R. In local testing, I have seen between 4.7 litres and 5.2 litres per 100km. It’s interesting that the difference between the Motorcycle EU test data and road testing here in Australia is the opposite of what we usually see with cars, where fuel consumption rarely, if ever, meets the claimed official figures.”
2016 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R – Basic Specs
Engine & Drivetrain
Type: Liquid-cooled 4-stroke inline four
Capacity: 998cc
Bore x Stroke: 76.0mm x 55.0mm
Compression Ratio: 13.0:1
Valve System: DOHC, 16 valves
Fuel System: Fuel Injection, 4 x 47mm throttle bodies
Ignition: Digital
Starting: Electric
Lubrication: Forced, wet sump w/oil cooler
Transmission: 6-speed
Final Drive: Chain
Gear Ratios: 1st – 2.600, 2nd – 2.214, 3rd – 1.944, 4th – 1.722, 5th – 1.550, 6th- 1.391.
Clutch: Wet, multi-disc
Performance
Max Power: 147.1kW @ 13,000rpm (154.4kW @ 13,000rpm w/Ram Air)
Max Torque: 113.5Nm @ 11,500rpm
Frame
Type: Twin-spar, cast aluminium
Rake: 25 degrees
Trail: 107mm
Steering Angle: 27 degrees
Front/Rear Wheel: Forged aluminium 17-inch
Front Tyre: 120/70ZR17M/C
Rear Tyre: 190/55ZR17MC
Suspension
Front: 43mm inverted ‘Balance Free Front fork’ - w/compression and rebound damping and adjustable pre-load
Rear: Horizontal back-link w/ ‘BFRC lite’ monoshock - w/compression and rebound damping and adjustable pre-load
Brakes
Front: Dual semi-floating 330mm discs w/radial-mount Brembo M50 4-piston calipers
Rear: Single 220mm disc w/single piston caliper
Dimensions
L x W X H: 2090mm x 740mm x 1145mm
Wheelbase: 1440mm
Seat Height: 835mm
Kerb Weight: 204kg (206kg for ‘S’ model w/ABS)
Fuel Capacity: 17 litres
Purchasing
Colours: KRT Lime Green, Metallic Matte Carbon Grey
Pricing: $22,000, $23,000 w/ABS, $23,200 for the KRT Replica and Winter Test Edition w/ABS (all prices exclude ORCs)
Warranty: 24 months/unlimited km
