With the World Superbike Championship regulations getting increasingly strict about what parts can be changed on the production bike in preparation for racing, manufacturers have resorted to releasing limited-production “homologation specials” that feature numerous parts that are either too expensive or difficult to obtain in mass production quantities to include with a standard model. A prime example is Kawasaki’s ZX-10RR, which was originally released in 2017. That version featured some minor internal engine mods to work with race kit parts along with forged aluminum Marchesini wheels. In 2019 the engine received Pankl titanium rods and slight changes to the suspension settings.
Numerous changes to the engine and chassis came in 2021. The first three transmission ratios were shortened along with the final drive ratio, a more aggressive intake cam with new valve springs for both intake and exhaust cams, shorter and lighter pistons with DLC skirt coating, the oil cooler was changed to a radiator-style unit, and a revised exhaust to meet Euro 5 emissions. Changes to the chassis include a 1mm-lower swingarm pivot for better rear grip under acceleration, less offset in the triple clamps for easier turn-in, softer fork springs and a stiffer rear shock spring, and longer axle adjustment in the swingarm. The rider ergonomics were made slightly more aggressive, with the clip-on bars moved 10mm forward and positioned at a flatter angle, and the footpegs raised 5mm. The bodywork was altered to include internal winglets to generate downforce as well as work with the LED lights.
Changes in 2023 were the installation of variable intake funnels. A servo-controlled system has the funnels set at one of two positions; raised which bypasses the system for optimal performance at high rpm, and lowered which increases the intake funnel length by 35mm for better low- and midrange performance. The race kit ECU and wiring loom are required to make the VAI (Variable Air Intake) system functional, which renders the bike non-street-legal.
A full electronics suite utilizing a five-axis IMU comes standard with the ZX-10R, which includes up/down quickshifter, five-level traction control, wheelie control, engine-braking control, launch control, cruise control, cornering ABS, three engine power modes, and four ride modes. A full-color 4.3-inch TFT dash display permits you to keep track of all these adjustments, and features Bluetooth connectivity to your phone to use the Rideology app to open up even more possibilities.
The 2024 Kawasaki ZX-10RR is available in Lime Green/Ebony livery for $30,499.
