2024 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10RR Gets New Variable Air Intake System

2024 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10RR Gets New Variable Air Intake System

© 2023, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc. From a press release issued By Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A.

2024 KAWASAKI NINJA® ZX™-10RR MOTORCYCLE

CHAMPIONSHIP-DRIVEN

 

The 2024 Kawasaki Ninja® ZX™-10RR motorcycle returns stronger than ever and maintains its position as the flagship model in Kawasaki’s supersport lineup.

Built for those who rise to the challenge, the Ninja ZX-10RR continues to serve as the base machine for the Kawasaki Racing Team (KRT) in the FIM World Superbike Championship and a total of seven championships since 2013. This success on the racetrack for a production-derived superbike has allowed Kawasaki to continue delivering racetrack precision to its sportbikes.

 

NEW VARIABLE AIR INTAKE SYSTEM (VAI)

The VAI system is fitted inside the airbox, utilizing a set of moveable intake funnels to alter the intake funnel height. When the VAI funnels are raised, intake air bypasses the system for optimal high-rpm performance. When lowered, intake air passes through the taller intake funnels for increased low-mid-range performance. Lowering the VAI funnels increases the intake funnel height by 35mm. The movement of the funnels is regulated to maximize output at all rpm.

 

The Variable Air Intake (VAI) System lifts the top portion of the velocity stacks at high RPM to enhance high-end engine power. Image courtesy Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A.
The Variable Air Intake (VAI) System lifts the top portion of the velocity stacks at high RPM to enhance high-end engine power. Image courtesy Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A.

 

The use of the VAI system is limited to racing applications. To activate the system, the bike must be fitted with the race-kit ECU and sub-controller. In street-legal configuration, the system is inactive and the tunnels are fixed and in the raised position.

 

Fitting a Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10RR with the complete Race Kit makes a significant difference in engine performance. Image courtesy Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A.
Fitting a Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10RR with the complete Race Kit makes a significant difference in engine performance. Image courtesy Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A.

 

KAWASAKI NINJA ZX-10RR HIGHLIGHTS

Based off the high-performance Ninja® ZX™-10R platform, the Ninja ZX-10RR shares many of the same great features, including a 998cc in-line four-cylinder 16-valve engine, light handling aluminum twin-spar frame, air-cooled oil cooler, aerodynamic styling with integrated winglets, aerodynamic riding position, numbered serial plate and advanced electronics. The impressive list of technology features includes Kawasaki Cornering Management Function (KCMF), Bosch IMU, Sport-Kawasaki TRaction Control (S-KTRC), Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), Kawasaki Launch Control Mode (KLCM), Kawasaki Intelligent anti-lock Brake System (KIBS), Kawasaki Engine Brake Control, Kawasaki Quick Shifter (KQS), Ohlins Electronic Steering Damper, Power Modes, Integrated Riding Modes, Electronic Cruise Control, TFT Color Instrumentation, and Smartphone Connectivity.

In addition to the many engine, suspension, and chassis components shared with the Ninja ZX-10R motorcycle, the Ninja ZX-10RR features several special high-performance features that were developed through Kawasaki’s racing efforts in World Superbike. This includes enhanced engine components that deliver tremendous racing potential, such as camshafts designed specifically for the Ninja ZX-10RR, and intake and exhaust valve springs that match the higher performance. Lightweight titanium connecting rods manufactured by Pankl, a company specializing in developing and manufacturing engine and drivetrain components for high-performance race cars and the aerospace industry, are one of the key performance features found on the Ninja ZX-10RR. Lighter weight pistons lower the reciprocating weight, aiding in the high rev limit and contributing to smooth-climbing revs. One less piston ring is used compared to the Ninja ZX-10R, enabling a shorter piston height, and helping to prevent mechanical loss due to friction. Piston pins match the pistons and feature a DLC coating that protects against wear. The 2024 Ninja ZX-10RR features Pirelli Diablo™ Supercorsa SP tires that are fitted to forged Marchesini wheels that were designed to specifically meet the needs of the powerful engine.

 

KAWASAKI NINJA ZX-10RR EXCLUSIVE FEATURES 

– Limited production track-focused single seat model

– Pankl lightweight pistons and high-performance titanium connecting rods

– Intake and exhaust valve springs

– Pirelli Diablo™ Supercorsa SP tires

– Model exclusive Marchesini forged wheels

– Fine-tuned suspension settings

 

KAWASAKI TEAM GREEN™ RACER REWARDS

The Kawasaki Team Green™ Racer Rewards program offers contingency available for eligible Ninja riders at road racing events throughout the nation.

 

KAWASAKI NINJA ZX-10RR

Color: Lime Green /Ebony

MSRP: $30,499

Availability: Now

 

ABOUT KAWASAKI

Kawasaki started full-scale production of motorcycles over a half century ago. The first Kawasaki motorcycle engine was designed based on technical know-how garnered from the development and production of aircraft engines, and Kawasaki’s entry into the motorcycle industry was driven by the company’s constant effort to develop new technologies. Numerous new Kawasaki models introduced over the years have helped shape the market, and in the process have created enduring legends based on their unique engineering, power, design and riding pleasure. In the future, Kawasaki Motors, Ltd. is committed to maintaining and furthering these strengths which will surely give birth to new legends.

Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. markets and distributes Kawasaki motorcycles, ATVs, side x sides, and JET SKI® watercraft through a network of approximately 1,100 independent retailers, with close to an additional 7,700 retailers specializing in general purpose engines. Kawasaki and its affiliates employ nearly 3,100 people in the United States, with approximately 260 of them located at Kawasaki’s Foothill Ranch, California headquarters.

Kawasaki’s tagline, “Let the good times roll.®”, is recognized worldwide. The Kawasaki brand is synonymous with powerful, stylish and category-leading vehicles. Information about Kawasaki’s complete line of powersports products and Kawasaki affiliates can be found on the Internet at www.kawasaki.com.

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