Three Kawasaki machines will take to the track at MotorLand Aragon in the final test of 2020 as the Alcañiz circuit hosts two days of testing
Source: Jonathan Rea On Facebook
Tag Archives: Kawasaki
Kawasaki Reveals Five New Models for 2021
New Sportbikes and Dual Sport Machines
Kawasaki just revealed to the world some new motorcycles for the 2021 model year. The company teased the reveal a while back, but now the time has come and Kawasaki is pulling the covers off of these motorcycles. I want to go through these each so we have a clear picture of them.
2021 Kawasaki Z H2 SE
The Z H2 was revealed in 2019. Now it gets some updates. The SE version of the bike gets suspension upgrades and some more aggressive braking hardware as well as some technology upgrades.
The big news here is the electronic suspension setup. It’s the Kawasaki Electronic Control Suspension. This intelligent suspension system utilizes stroke sensors inside the forks as well as the IMU, FI ECU, and ABS ECU to determine the best way for the suspension to react. It’s a complicated system, but it seems to work rather well.
Kawasaki has also upgraded it with Showa’s Skyhook Electronically Equipped Ride Adjustment software. This system modulates the suspension damping force so that the wheels can track the dips and bumps on the road. It should help smooth out the ride even more.
In terms of brakes, you get 320mm discs at the front with Brembo Stylema Monobloc Calipers and a Brembo Master Cylinder. At the rear, there’s a 260mm single disc with a single-piston caliper.
2021 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R and ZX-10RR Superbikes
Kawasaki also revealed some new ZX-10R and ZX-10RR motorcycles for 2021. The Ninja ZX-10R gets an engine overhaul with actuated valves, new gear ratios, a new oil cooler, and an exhaust system that makes this bike good for Euro 5 emissions standards. The engine is a 988cc inline four-cylinder and maintains high power.
Kawasaki updated the chassis to improve cornering and handling. It did this by shifting the geometry of the chassis towards the front of the bike more. This allows for a longer swingarm. In the end, the bike is not only more stable but more agile.
Team Green also added the latest electronics for the bike including launch control, ABS, quick shifter, engine braking, and traction control. The bike also gets cruise control and three standard ride modes and four customizable ride modes. There’s also a new TFT dash that connects with the Rideology App.
The bike gets new KRT-developed suspension with Showa Balance Free Fork that provides firmer compression damping and softer rebound. It is adjustable.
The Ninja ZX-10RR Takes things to a new level with revised camshafts. It also has new intake and exhaust valve springs. The intake funnels were removed and Kawasaki added titanium connecting rods and pistons. The ZX-10RR’s rev limit is up higher but the power isn’t all that much more impressive than the ZX-10R, though I’d expect it feels different on the road.
The bike also gets plenty of lightweight materials, including Marchesini forged wheels with Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP tires. The bike isn’t a super-lightweight at 456 pounds, but it’s far from a porker.
2021 Kawasaki KLX300 SM
Many of us hoped for a resurrection of the KLR650, but that didn’t happen. Instead, we get this: the 2021 Kawasaki KLX300 and KLX300 SM. This bike will replace the KLX250. Both the dirt-focused bike and the SM are built on the same platform, and the SM (street bike) is the one that most riders will buzz about.
The bike uses a 292cc single-cylinder engine mated to a six-speed gearbox. The dual-sport bike gets 21-inch and 18-inch wheels front to back. The SM gets a pair of 17-inch rims wrapped in IRC Street Winner tires. The dual-sport bike has a seat height of 35.2 inches, and the SM’s seat height is 33.8 inches. Braking hardware is the same on both bikes with the exception of the rotor, which is 300mm on the SM.
All told, this new dual-sport and supermoto bike looks to be a good addition to Kawasaki’s lineup even if we were hoping for a new KLR650 Swiss-Army-Knife of a motorcycle.
Source: MotorbikeWriter.com
2021 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R styling and chassis updates
2021 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R / Ninja ZX-10RR
Hot on the heels of a sixth consecutive WorldSBK title, the Ninja ZX-10R and ZX-10RR homologation special feature a number of highlights for 2021, some of which are easy for the eye to spot while a few others hide under the skin… Let’s take you through them.
2021 Kawasaki ZX-10R at a glance
- Chassis geometry and suspension settings changed
- Next Generation aero with integrated Winglets
- Ergonomic changes put rider in new position
- New Power Mode selections
- New Colour TFT instrumentation
- Ohlins electronic steering damper
- Kawasaki engine brake control
- New Air-Cooled Oil Cooler
- New Electronic Throttle Valves
- New Exhaust System
- New Transmission Gear Ratios
- TPS relocated to bar eliminating throttle cable
- Swingarm pivot is 1 mm lower
- 200 horsepower at 13,200 rpm for the ZX-10R
- 201 horsepower at 14,000 rpm for the ZX-10RR
- With ram-air effect at speed Kawasaki claim an extra ten horsepower
The striking new front end features integrated winglets. Kawasaki claim 17 per cent more downforce is achieved thanks to the new design.
Inside the new cowling a race style TFT dash (including Bluetooth connectivity), four handlebar button selectable rider modes, along with electronic cruise control and optional heated grips.
A two-way quick-shifter is standard and the comprehensive electronics package takes its cues from a Bosch IMU.
Swingarm pivot is 1 mm lower
Longer wheelbase (1,440 mm >> 1,450 mm) care of a 2 mm greater fork offset and an 8 mm longer swingarm offers greater overall stability. The revised fork offset results in a shorter trail, which facilitates changing direction, especially in the off-throttle phase of the corner (after tip-in, before apex).
A redesigned rear seat contributes to an area of low pressure behind the rider while a new foot-peg positioning, a 40 mm higher screen and handlebars have been adjusted according to KRT rider input.
Chassis updates include a 1mm lower swing-arm pivot point (adjustable on the RR), 2mm greater front fork offset and an 8mm increase in actual swing-arm length all contributing to increased stability and greater traction.
Spring rates have changed too with the front now softer and the rear harder while a wider fork clamping area for the lower triple-clamp revises the rigidity balance for the fork outer tubes.
Brembo M50 monobloc calipers clamp 330 mm semi-floating front discs and a radial pump master cylinder complete the braking package.
All LED lighting utilises direct projection unit headlamps from Mitsubishi; their luminous optical modules being adopted for motorcycle use for the very first time.
Gear ratios are refined with 1st, 2nd and 3rd lower than its predecessor while the rear sprocket has gained a couple of extra teeth with final drive now 17/41.
The inlet ports have been changed for more performance and are fed by new throttle valves while spent gases now exit via new exhaust system.
A new KRT developed air-cooled oil cooler transfers straight from track to street reinforcing the link between race and road for Ninja fans.
For the RR homologation model new Pankl pistons and matched DLC coated piston pins are 20 g lighter each and mated to Pankl connecting rods which allow the RR to extend its rev capacity 400 rpm higher than the regular ZX-10R. Weighing 102 g less each, the lighter connecting rods contribute to reducing the crankshaft’s moment of inertia by 5 per cent. In addition to benefiting engine response and handling, this makes it easier for riders to weight the front wheel on corner entry. The RR pistons have one less piston ring than standard which enables a much shorter piston height at 33.7 mm and reduces friction.
The RR also sports new cams and valve springs while the intake funnels in the air-box has been dramatically reduced in height, they were 10-30-30-10 mm but are now an even 5 mm across the four intakes.
The RR rolls on Marchesini rims and adds braided brake lines. The RR is a limited-edition model with only 500 units produced worldwide.
7-spoke multi-directional forged aluminium wheels jointly developed with Marchesini contribute to quicker changes of direction
| 2021 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R Specifications | |
| Engine | 998cc, 4-stroke, In-Line Four, DOHC, 16-valve, liquid-cooled |
| Bore x Stroke | 76.0 x 55.0mm |
| Compression Ratio | 13.0:1 |
| Claimed Power | 200 hp at 13,200 rpm (RR 201 hp at 14,000 rpm) |
| Claimed Torque | 114.9 Nm at 11,400 rpm (RR 111.8 Nm at 11,700 rpm) |
| Induction | DFI w/47mm Mikuni throttle bodies (4) with oval sub-throttles, two injectors per cylinder |
| Gears | Six-speed, return shift |
| Clutch | Wet multi-disc |
| Frame | Twin spar, cast aluminium |
| Forks | 43mm inverted Balance Free Fork, adjustable stepless rebound and compression damping, spring preload adjustability, 119 mm travel |
| Shock | Horizontal back-link with Balance Free gas-charged shock, stepless, dual-range (low-/high-speed) compression damping, stepless rebound damping, fully adjustable spring preload, 114 mm travel |
| Tyres | 120/70 ZR17 (F), 190/55 ZR17 (R) |
| Front Brakes | Brembo dual semi-floating 330mm discs with dual radial mounted monobloc 4-piston calipers, KIBS |
| Rear Brake | Single 220mm disc with aluminum single-piston caliper, KIBS |
| Electronics | Electronic Cruise Control, Kawasaki Launch Control Mode (KLCM), Kawasaki Intelligent anti-lock Brake System (KIBS), Kawasaki Sport Traction Control (S-KTRC), Kawasaki Engine Braking Control, Kawasaki Quick Shifter (KQS) (upshift & downshift), Kawasaki Corner Management Function (KCMF) |
| Instrumentation | TFT |
| Kerb Weight | 207 kg (205 kg RR) |
| Seat Height | 835 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1450 mm |
| Rake / Trail | 25.0°/106.7 mm |
| Fuel Capacity | 17 Litres |
| Service Intervals | N/A |
| Warranty | N/A |
| Available | N/A |
| Price | N/A |
2021 Kawasaki ZX-10R Video
Source: MCNews.com.au
This was just as we opened the garage door to warm up the bikes at 09.50. Just a little bit of interest in what we were testing….
This was just as we opened the garage door to warm up the bikes at 09.50. Just a little bit of interest in what we were testing. Make sure to tune into Kawasaki Motors YouTube channel tomorrow 2pm UK to see more!
Source: Jonathan Rea On Facebook
Landed in the far sand bunker on the the right. Should have gone to Magilligan!
Landed in the far sand bunker on the the right. Should have gone to Magilligan!
Source: Jonathan Rea On Facebook
Another WT pic, just because it’s trick! . 📸 @geebeeimages
Penny for my thoughts? Great few days at Jerez! . 📸 @mcampelli
Before Estoril Tarsh sent this package to my team workshop but I never got it before the race. Opened the package now to find Sh…
Before Estoril Tarsh sent this package to my team workshop but I never got it before the race. Opened the package now to find Shakey Byrne book, some dark chocolate and nice little support note from her and Jake. Have a few days down time between tests in Spain now to get through both the book and the chocolate
Source: Jonathan Rea On Facebook
Some feelings on my 2021 Ninja ZX-10RR
We started to work with some items for 2021, part of the test plan KHI sent us. Like always we were collecting information and t…
We started to work with some items for 2021, part of the test plan KHI sent us. Like always we were collecting information and tried many things – a different front fairing to give our feedback to Kawasaki, engine feeling, front fork, some brake items and a front tyre for Pirelli. We did quite a lot of work and I set a lot of laps today with an old tyre. I have not been super-fast with a fresh tyre but the more laps I did on a tyre the faster I got. That is a good problem to have! There were pluses and minuses and we have a lot of information to go back now and assess everything before we return to the track and go further at Motorland next week
Source: Jonathan Rea On Facebook