Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R 2019

Overview

Kawasaki might have the all-new generation of the Ninja ZX-10R now on sale in Malaysia. However, it has decided to continue selling the previous generation ZX-10R alongside the new iteration as well. This particular Ninja ZX-10R still continues to be a hot favourite among the enthusiasts as a sharp and precise but friendly track tool, making it one of the most practical supers ports out there.  This particular version of the Ninja ZX-10R retails at RM 98,934 and is being offered in two color options – white and green.

Design

Even after the all-new generation Ninja ZX-10R is on sale with a revamped design, this previous generation model still has got the killer stance. And sharpness in its overall design enough to turn many heads.

At the front, the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R has got a rakish front fairing with angular headlamps, which are separated by a big rectangular air vent for the ram air input. Above this air vent is positioned a small pilot lamp, and above this pilot lamp is placed a large curvaceous transparent visor. The rear view mirrors come with turn indicators integrated within them.

The Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R has got a huge fairing which extends all the way sideways, thus partially covering up the engine as well as exhaust pipes. The minimalist design for the fuel tank as well as side cowls, with the full frame on display, looks edgy, and the same can be said about the wide and highly-placed tailpiece as well.

At the rear, the ZX-10R has got a futuristic looking LED tail lamp cluster with integrated turn indicators in it. The short rear fender, as well as fat rear tyre, accentuates the muscularity of the motorcycle.  The bike comes with an old-school 3-spoke design for the alloy wheels and we would have loved to see a better design for them given the contemporary appeal of the rest of the bike.

The two-part fully digital instrument console on the ZX-10R looks ultra cool, with a rainbow-like display for the tachometer on the upper portion and the rest of the data including speedometer, odometer, trip meters, clock and other data on the lower portion.

Ride & Handling

Sitting on a twin spar cast aluminium frame, the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R comes equipped with Showa's Advance 43 mm inverted balance free front forks with external compression chamber, compression and rebound damping and spring preload adjustability, and top-out springs at the front. At the rear, the motorcycle comes with horizontal back-link with new-spec Showa BFRC lite gas charged monoshock, piggyback reservoir, compression and rebound damping and spring preload adjustability, and top-out spring.

As expected, for the honed riding experience, the ZX-10R’s overall ride quality is on a stiffer side to make sure the handling experience of it is at its sharpest best. For the best braking experience, the Ninja ZX-10R is fitted with dual 330mm disc brakes at the front and a single 220mm disc brake at the rear.

Engine & Fuel Consumption

This particular version of the Kawasaki ZX-10R is powered by the same four-stroke, liquid-cooled, inline four, fuel injected 998 cc engine of the current version. However, it misses out on many changes which have been executed for the latest generation model, which is why it pumps out lesser performance numbers than the latter.

The engine on this ZX-10R produces a maximum power output of 200 PS and a peak torque output of 112 Nm, considerably lesser than what the new generation model produces. Mated to a 6-speed gearbox, the short gear ratios of the transmission make the motorcycle’s exhilarating top end performance a joyful experience to explore.

Braking & Safety

This pre-generation Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R misses out on most of the sophisticated electronic riding aids of the new generation model. Even then, the motorcycle comes equipped with the essentials like traction control, three riding modes, and ABS.

Verdict

This previous generation Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R might lose out on the novelty aspect, with many of the seasoned riders opting for the latest generation model. However, at RM 6,000 lesser than the latter, this ZX-10R offers a lot friendlier riding experience with slightly toned down power delivery and lesser electronic riding aids than the latest version It still looks a million bucks with a sharper and more futuristic design language than the current generation bike, which makes it even more charming.