IN 2020, Jonathan Rea secured a record six consecutive WorldSBK title riding the iconic Kawasaki ZX-10R superbike. Rather than rest on its laurels though, Kawasaki has taken the Euro5 update of 2021 to give the bike a very thorough overhaul.
New 2021 Kawasaki ZX-10R and Ninja ZX-10RR | All the Specs, features, and details
The first and most obvious change is the revised frontal fairing, which at first glance looks to be more a styling exercise than anything else. On closer inspection though, we can see that the new design is more to do with stealing an advantage on the track and is Kawasaki’s answer to the winglets that have been sprouting up and down the grid in the past few years.
Beneath the skin, the changes to the bike are numerous, although less easy to spot. The riding position of the bike has been tweaked, with a more focussed and sportier rider triangle like to be the first thing punters notice. The screen is also 40mm higher than before, with a new TFT – as per the Z H2 – dominating the now roomier cockpit.
Chassis wise, the changes are centered around securing the Kawasaki’s place as one of the best handling 1,000cc sports bikes on the planet. A new swingarm pivot location has been used, with the RR homologation model gaining an adjustable item. Spring rates have also been tweaked, while a new bottom fork clamp is claimed to improve front-end feel and rigidity.
The 2021 ZX-10R is available in Lime Green/Ebony/Pearl Blizzard White and Flat Ebony, while the ZX-10RR is available in Lime Green. The ZX-10R is expected in dealers from May, costing £15,799 (with the Performance Edition priced at £16,799). The ZX-10RR is available for race teams by request, costing £24,799, with the Performance Edition priced £25,599.
