The Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10RR Is Coming to the USA

The Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10RR is a homologation special, through and through, with only 1,000 units (upgraded from the 500 announced in Germany) set to go into production worldwide. And now today, we learn that this special snowflake will come to the US market, as a 2017 model.

For those that don’t remember the bike’s INTERMOT release, the ZX-10RR comes with a bevy of engine upgrades, as well as a special “Winter Test” livery, up-and-down quick-shifts, forged aluminum Marchesini wheels, and single-seat riding accommodations.

The 2017 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10RR won’t be cheap though, with US pricing set at $18,899 MSRP. After the jump, we have some lovely high-resolution photos of the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10RR going around my home track, of Portland International Raceway.

Earning that extra “R” in its name, the 2017 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10RR gets a modified cylinder head, complete with a higher lift on the camshaft, along with reinforced crankcases for durability. The engine tappets also get a diamond-like-coating (DLC) surface, which reduces friction and mechanical loss – especially in racing tune.

On the chassis end of things, seven-spoke forged aluminum Marchesini wheels are added to the package, which Kawasaki says imprvoes the handling and overall weight reduction.

For better braking performance, Brembo M50 brake calipers have been added, along with grooved Brembo rotors and radial master cylinder. The curb weight of the US-spec Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10RR remains at 454 lbs.

On the electronics side, the ZX-10RR gets the Kawasaki Quick Shifter (KQS), which adds up and down quick-shifts. A five-axis IMU has also been added (with the sixth yaw axis being virtually calculated), which is hooked into the traction control, cornering ABS, and other electronic rider aids, for added safety and performance.

Last year’s Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R was already a pretty stout superbike platform, as we saw in the World Superbike Championship.

With the modifications made to the 2017 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10RR, Team Green is investing in its WSBK program further, and giving enthusiasts a pretty robust machine for the track and the street.