2018 KAWASAKI NINJA® ZX™-10R SE
BRINGING THE ULTIMATE WORLD SUPERBIKE DERIVED TECHNOLOGY TO THE NINJA® SUPERSPORT FAMILY
For 2018, Kawasaki takes supersport motorcycles to the next level by introducing the Ninja® ZX™-10R SE, boasting the latest in suspension technology and delivering the same sheer engine performance that has claimed FIM Superbike Manufacturers Championship each of the last three years.
The all-new Ninja ZX-10R SE features an array of upgrades, including highly advanced Kawasaki Electronic Control Suspension (KECS) that takes track-ready suspension with superb damping character offering an increased level of ride comfort on the street.
Kawasaki unveiled the latest championship winning Ninja® ZX™-10R platform in 2016 and with each successive year continues to refine it with engineering advancements leading to our most well-rounded sportbike model, the 2018 Ninja ZX –10R SE.
The 2018 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R SE:
NEW highly advanced Kawasaki Electronic Control Suspension (KECS) that automatically adjusts damping for street riding or circuit riding
Seven-spoke multi-directional forged aluminum Marchesini® wheels
Updated KQS (Kawasaki Quick Shifter) allows for ultra quick clutchless shifting
With the ultimate focus on outperforming the competition, the Ninja ZX-10R SE is the a premier street bike that will preform on the track.
SUSPENSION
NEW Kawasaki Electronic Control Suspension (KECS)
The Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R SE motorcycle is built to take the rider’s confidence to the next level and has a clear performance advantage over its competition with Kawasaki Electronic Control Suspension (KECS). The front end consists of a Showa Balance Free Fork (BFF), which was derived from World Superbike competition and debuted in 2016 on a mass-production motorcycle with the Ninja® ZX™-10R sportbike.
The 2018 Ninja ZX-10R SE features front and rear suspension settings that have been strategically developed and premium wheels and tires, and ensure smooth weight transfer during both deceleration and acceleration.
A key feature with the Showa BFF is that the design of the hydraulic system eliminates the pressure balance fluctuations typically found in conventional forks. With the BFF, the damping valves are located in one place – outside the fork legs in the damping force chamber. This allows the entire surface of the fork pistons to push the hydraulic fluid toward the valves in the damping force chamber, with nitrogen gas in the compression chamber pushing back against the oil, helping to maintain the balanced pressure inside the fork tube.
The rear shock absorber is a Showa Balance Free Rear Cushion (BFRC) unit that is also derived from World Superbike competition. Just like the forks, the rear shock has a separate damping force chamber that houses the compression and rebound damping. By separating them, it again allows the entire damping piston to focus on hydraulic fluid movement. There is also external spring preload adjustment. The result is increased traction and superior shock absorption.
Compression and rebound damping for both the forks and shock are generated (and adjusted) electronically via the all-new KECS system that is controlled by a solenoid valve with direct actuation and allows for extremely quick reaction time. Riders can choose from three modes: road, track, and manual. The road and track modes allow for the rider to select their base settings based on the conditions that they are riding. Manual mode allows riders to tailor the rebound and compression damping base settings to suit preference and/or riding style. Manual setting has 15 levels of adjustability for rebound and compression damping and is selected electronically via the instrument panel. KECS adjusts the damping for vehicle speed, stroke speed, and deceleration in all three modes.
The forks and shock have built-in stroke sensors that provide real-time stroke speed and compression information. The sensor coils provide input to the KECS ECU every millisecond. This is complemented by information provided by the IMU (acceleration/deceleration) every 10 milliseconds, and the FI ECU (vehicle speed) every 10 milliseconds. The KECS ECU then directs current to the solenoids to adjust damping as required by the situation.
Kawasaki’s KECS, coupled with Showa’s BFF and BFRC suspension components, delivers added confidence when cornering and assures the tires feel planted.
TRANSMISSION
Clutchless upshifts & downshifts via KQS
The Ninja ZX-10R SE is configured with the same cassette-type, close-ratio transmission as the Ninja ZX-10R motorcycle. The gear ratios are idealized for optimum circuit riding performance. Short ratios for second through sixth gear deliver strong, yet controllable, acceleration when exiting corners. The slipper clutch in conjunction to the close ratios help ensure stable downshifts.
Formerly, the Ninja ZX-10R allowed clutchless, auto-blip downshifts only through fitment of race kit parts; now the Ninja ZX-10R SE provides that as a standard feature. This allows quick upshifts and downshifts without the need of a clutch or the need to match RPMs, resulting in quicker gear changes.
WHEELS, TIRES AND BRAKES
Seven-spoke forged Marchesini® aluminum wheels
The Ninja ZX-10R SE is fitted with seven-spoke, multi-directional forged aluminum wheels, which were jointly developed with Marchesini. These wheels contribute to lighter handling – especially when changing direction. They offer a balance of high rigidity and a significantly reduced moment of inertia (thanks to a design that centralizes mass at the hubs).
These Marchesini wheels can also be used on standard Ninja ZX-10R models. Parts necessary for compatibility, such as front brake discs and speed sensor ring, will be made available as Kawasaki Genuine Accessories.
The Ninja ZX-10R SE is outfitted with high performance Bridgestone Battlax RS10 tires, which includes 120/70 ZR17 front and 190/55 ZR17 rear sizing.
The Ninja ZX-10R SE motorcycle has been fitted with a Brembo® front braking system. This includes the very high specification M50 aluminum monobloc four-piston front calipers (with 30mm opposed pistons) and Brembo® front rotors. The rotors are cross-drilled and have a circumferential groove in the outer edge to aid heat dissipation.
COLORS
Ninja ZX-10R SE – Metallic Flat Spark Black/Metallic Matte Graphite Gray
MSRP
Ninja ZX-10R SE $21,899
ACCESSORIES
Kawasaki offers a full line of genuine accessories for the 2018 Ninja ZX-10R SE that allows customers to enhance performance, customize styling, and add extra protection to their motorcycle. Kawasaki worked very closely with Akrapovic to develop a performance slip-on muffler system that reduces weight and provides World Superbike styling. A factory paint matched seat cowl offers a custom look to those in search of one. To enable easy access to the rear end of the motorcycle, Kawasaki Genuine Accessories is offering a billet aluminum Bobbin Set, to provide work stand lift points that mount to the swingarm. A number of new protection items were added to the Kawasaki Genuine Accessories line up: frame slider set, front axel sliders, and tank & knee pad set, all aimed at keeping the fit and finish of the Ninja ZX-10R pristine. For storage protection, Kawasaki Genuine Accessories offers a premium and deluxe Ninja bike cover.
ABOUT KAWASAKI
Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. (KHI) 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’s commitment to maintaining and furthering these strengths will surely give birth to new legends.
Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. (KMC) markets and distributes Kawasaki motorcycles, ATVs, side x sides, and Jet Ski® watercraft through a network of almost 1,100 independent retailers, with close to an additional 7,400 retailers specializing in general purpose engines. KMC and its affiliates employ nearly 3,100 people in the United States, with approximately 250 of them located at KMC’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.