Kawasaki has unveiled its 1000cc Ninja range with a view to 2023. Once again, Akashi’s great superbike is divided into two models: the ZX-10R for the street rider, and the ZX-10RR for the world of racing, with a reinforced engine and prepared to withstand a higher rotation rate and, as a great novelty for this 2023, the entry of a revolutionary VAI system.
The standard ZX-10R model is unchanged this year. We are facing the same 998 cc inline four-cylinder engine capable of generating 203 horsepower at 13,200 rpm., a figure that grows to 213 hp with the ram-air system injecting air into the engine at maximum speed. The engine of the ZX-10R mounts a ‘finger follower’ valve actuation system that softens the opening and anticipation of the electronic butterfly valves, guaranteeing greater stability in the race and on the tracks.
The cycle part is formed by a SHOWA BFF fork (Balance Free Front Fork) at the front, while rear suspension duties are covered by the horizontal Back-link rear suspension with an adjustable Showa BFRC lite (Balance Free Rear Cushion) monoshock. For the brakes, Kawasaki continues to trust Brembo and in their radial M50 opposed four-piston calipers.
The Ninja ZX-10R already received a hefty dose of electronic aids in its latest revision. in 2023 still has an IMU developed by Bosch which manages S-KTRC traction control with cornering, launch control, integrated braking plus engine brake control and selectable power modes, as well as a semi-automatic transmission and electronic cruise control. Riders can also connect their Smartphone to the TFT instrumentation through the Kawasaki Rideology app.
Another novelty that Kawasaki introduced two years ago in its ZX-10 range is the downforce that its front now generates, 17% higher than the previous model thanks to the incorporation of small but effective spoilers under the headlights and the ram-air intake. The price of the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R 2023 in Spain is 22.500 eurosand will be available in Lima Green/Ebony (Green/Black) or in a Pearl Robotich White/Metallic Diablo Black (White/Black) combination.
Next to the R model, those of Akashi will also offer the ZX-10RR variant, renewed in 2023. In essence, it remains the same bike as last year: based on the ZX-10R, this RR version mounts lighter Marchesini wheels and has some improvements to its engine with racing use in mind, highlighting the precision lightweight connecting rods Pankl, Pankl low friction pistons and adapted piston pins. With these changes, the bike gains 1 hp of power and delivers 204 hp, now at 14,000 rpm. (800 rpm more than the engine of the ZX-10R), and reaches 214 hp at 14,000 rpm with the ram-air fully operational.
For this 2023, and thinking of increasing its performance in WorldSBK, Kawasaki has installed in this version ZX-10RR a revolutionary Variable Admission System (VAI). Positioned inside the airbox, the VAI uses a set of movable intake funnels to modify the height of the main intake cone.
When the VAI funnels are raised, intake air is bypassed from the system for optimal high-rpm performance, and when they are in their lowest position, intake air is passed through the higher intake funnels, for increased performance at low and medium speed. The movement of the funnels is regulated by servos to maximize performance at any speed. In summary, the bike better manages the air that reaches the engine and, consequently, it will offer more thrust in any revs, especially in the middle part of the rev counter.
Buyers of the 2023 ZX-10RR will receive their bike with the VAI system set to a higher static position, with no ability to adjust it. According to Kawasaki, this setup “It will be all that many pilots need,” although it also offers -as an option- the possibility of buying the rest of the parts that allow you to activate and take advantage of the VAI in all its splendor.
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This kit will include a Specific competition ECU, wiring harness and subcontroller. VAI will not come activated as standard, and Kawasaki has made it clear that the system will not be usable on public roads.
As usual, the 2023 Kawasaki ZX-10RR will only be available in an all-green Lime Green finish, and its PVP in Spain will be 32,399 euros.