Kawasaki will be bringing WSBK-influenced changes to the 2016 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R, the company said in a press statement today, thus confirming earlier reports about a new superbike for the upcoming model year.
Kawasaki says that the new model will have a direct link to the World Superbike Championship winning machine that is being campaigned by both Jonathan Rea and Tom Sykes at the moment.
The new ZX-10R will feature a “subtle yet highly effective” change to the cowling design, in addition to new suspension and braking components, but Team Green is quick to say though, this is not a ground-up new bike from Kawasaki.
“This is not a ‘clean sheet’ design as the current Ninja ZX-10R is such a good base to develop from,” said Project Leader for KHI, Yoshimoto Matsuda.
Instead, it is likely that the is set to capitalize on Jonathan Rea’s looming World Superbike Championship win.
Kawasaki would also benefit by producing a refined ZX-10R for customers if it wants to continue developing the WSBK race bike, as World Superbike’s technical rules have become extremely strict.
“With the new model we have focussed our development resources on an overall engineering and performance improvement. We are proud of the result; it means a significant advance in terms of both chassis and engine performance as well as providing the platform to introduce new, state of the art rider aids and other technology,” added Matsuda.
“The input the KHI development team has received from the Kawasaki Racing Team, and riders, Jonathan Rea and Tom Sykes has created what we are sure many will feel is the most competitive and potent Ninja ZX-10R yet. A motorcycle equally at home on the race track or as a highly responsive daily riding road machine.”
We won’t have to wait long to see the WSBK-influenced Ninja ZX-10R, as Kawasaki says the machine will debut at a special press event in Catalunya this October. Until then.
Source: Kawasaki
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