The new Kawasaki ZX-10R has been launched in India at Rs 14.99 lakh (ex-showroom, India.) Late last year, Kawasaki updated its flagship supersport, the Ninja ZX-10R and its feature-packed sibling, the ZX-10RR. The base model has now made its way to our market.

• Features revised styling, chassis and updated Euro5/BS6 engine

• Gets new 4.3-inch TFT display with Bluetooth connectivity

For 2021, the Kawasaki ZX-10R features cosmetic and mechanical changes.

2021 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R: design

The Kawasaki Ninja H2's sharp design cues seem to have been the inspiration behind the new Ninja ZX-10R. The twin-LED headlamps are placed on either side of the central ram intake tunnel and lend the ZX an aggressive face. Kawasaki has cleverly integrated the winglets (first time in the 10R) inside the side fairings and claims it helps improve downforce by 17 percent. The tail section looks sharp as ever and, on the whole, the design exudes a fair amount of aggression. 

2021 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R: chassis and ergonomics

Kawasaki has also revised the chassis. Firstly, the wheelbase has gone up by 10mm. This was done by incorporating a new swingarm that’s 8mm longer (with a 1mm lower pivot point), while the lowered triple clamp has led to greater front fork offset, contributing to the longer wheelbase. The fully-adjustable Showa Balance Free Fork and rear monoshock also feature tweaked internals and the result of these changes is improved handling.

Kawasaki has also tweaked the ergonomics on the new ZX-10R to result in a more committed riding position. The foot pegs are set 5mm higher, clip-ons are 10mm further forward, while the triple clamp itself has been lowered.

2021 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R: engine

The 998cc, inline-four engine has been updated to meet the Euro 5/BS6 emission norms, with the help of a revised exhaust system and catalytic converter. The engine is paired to a 6-speed gearbox with shorter first, second and third gears and a larger (by two teeth) 41-tooth rear sprocket for quicker acceleration.

2021 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R: electronics

As far as electronics are concerned, the Bosch six-axis IMU governs the traction control, riding modes (three standard and four customisable), cornering ABS and more. The settings can be accessed via the new, Bluetooth connectivity enabled 4.3-inch TFT display. It also gets cruise control as standard, as well as engine-braking control, launch control, a quickshifter and electronic Öhlins steering damper.

2021 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R: price and availability

The new ZX-10R has been priced at Rs 14.99 lakh, making it just Rs 1 lakh more expensive than the model it replaces (all prices, ex-showroom, India). At this price point, the ZX-10R is one of the most affordable litre-class supersport in our country.