BRINGING THE ULTIMATE WORLD SUPERBIKE DERIVED TECHNOLOGY TO THE NINJA SUPERSPORT FAMILY - Kawasaki
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New Model Press Release December 1, 2017
DO NOT RELEASE BEFORE DECEMBER 1, 2017
2018 KAWASAKI NINJA® ZX™-10R SE
BRINGING THE ULTIMATE WORLD SUPERBIKE
DERIVED TECHNOLOGY TO THE NINJA®
SUPERSPORT FAMILY
For 2018, Kawasaki takes supersport motorcycles to
the next level by introducing the Ninja® ZX™-10R
SE, boasting the latest in suspension technology and
delivering the same sheer engine performance that
has claimed FIM Superbike Manufacturers
Championship each of the last three years.
The all-new Ninja ZX-10R SE features an array of
upgrades, including highly advanced Kawasaki
Electronic Control Suspension (KECS) that takes
track-ready suspension with superb damping
character offering an increased level of ride comfort
on the street.
Kawasaki unveiled the latest championship winning Ninja® ZX™-10R platform in 2016 and with each
successive year continues to refine it with engineering advancements leading to our most well-rounded
sportbike model, the 2018 Ninja ZX –10R SE.
The 2018 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R SE:
• NEW highly advanced Kawasaki Electronic Control Suspension (KECS) that
automatically adjusts damping for street riding or circuit riding
• Seven-spoke multi-directional forged aluminum Marchesini® wheels
• Updated KQS (Kawasaki Quick Shifter) allows for ultra quick clutchless shifting
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With the ultimate focus on outperforming the competition, the Ninja ZX-10R SE is the a premier street
bike that will preform on the track.
SUSPENSION
• NEW Kawasaki Electronic Control Suspension (KECS)
The Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R SE motorcycle is built to take the rider’s confidence to the next level and
has a clear performance advantage over its competition with Kawasaki Electronic Control Suspension
(KECS). The front end consists of a Showa Balance Free Fork (BFF), which was derived from World
Superbike competition and debuted in 2016 on a mass-production motorcycle with the Ninja® ZX™-
10R sportbike.
The 2018 Ninja ZX-10R SE features front and rear suspension settings that have been strategically
developed and premium wheels and tires, and ensure smooth weight transfer during both deceleration
and acceleration.
A key feature with the Showa BFF is that the design of the hydraulic system eliminates the pressure
balance fluctuations typically found in conventional forks. With the BFF, the damping valves are located
in one place – outside the fork legs in the damping force chamber. This allows the entire surface of the
fork pistons to push the hydraulic fluid toward the valves in the damping force chamber, with nitrogen
gas in the compression chamber pushing back against the oil, helping to maintain the balanced
pressure inside the fork tube.
The rear shock absorber is a Showa Balance Free Rear Cushion (BFRC) unit that is also derived from
World Superbike competition. Just like the forks, the rear shock has a separate damping force chamber
that houses the compression and rebound damping. By separating them, it again allows the entire
damping piston to focus on hydraulic fluid movement. There is also external spring preload adjustment.
The result is increased traction and superior shock absorption.
Compression and rebound damping for both the forks and shock are generated (and adjusted)
electronically via the all-new KECS system that is controlled by a solenoid valve with direct actuation
and allows for extremely quick reaction time. Riders can choose from three modes: road, track, and
manual. The road and track modes allow for the rider to select their base settings based on the
conditions that they are riding. Manual mode allows riders to tailor the rebound and compression
damping base settings to suit preference and/or riding style. Manual setting has 15 levels of
adjustability for rebound and compression damping and is selected electronically via the instrument
panel. KECS adjusts the damping for vehicle speed, stroke speed, and deceleration in all three modes.
The forks and shock have built-in stroke sensors that provide real-time stroke speed and compression
information. The sensor coils provide input to the KECS ECU every millisecond. This is complemented
by information provided by the IMU (acceleration/deceleration) every 10 milliseconds, and the FI ECU
(vehicle speed) every 10 milliseconds. The KECS ECU then directs current to the solenoids to adjust
damping as required by the situation.
Kawasaki’s KECS, coupled with Showa’s BFF and BFRC suspension components, delivers added
confidence when cornering and assures the tires feel planted.
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TRANSMISSION
• Clutchless upshifts & downshifts via KQS
The Ninja ZX-10R SE is configured with the same cassette-type, close-ratio transmission as the Ninja
ZX-10R motorcycle. The gear ratios are idealized for optimum circuit riding performance. Short ratios
for second through sixth gear deliver strong, yet controllable, acceleration when exiting corners. The
slipper clutch in conjunction to the close ratios help ensure stable downshifts.
Formerly, the Ninja ZX-10R allowed clutchless, auto-blip downshifts only through fitment of race kit
parts; now the Ninja ZX-10R SE provides that as a standard feature. This allows quick upshifts and
downshifts without the need of a clutch or the need to match RPMs, resulting in quicker gear changes.
WHEELS, TIRES AND BRAKES
• Seven-spoke forged Marchesini® aluminum wheels
The Ninja ZX-10R SE is fitted with seven-spoke, multi-directional forged aluminum wheels, which were
jointly developed with Marchesini. These wheels contribute to lighter handling – especially when
changing direction. They offer a balance of high rigidity and a significantly reduced moment of inertia
(thanks to a design that centralizes mass at the hubs).
These Marchesini wheels can also be used on standard Ninja ZX-10R models. Parts necessary for
compatibility, such as front brake discs and speed sensor ring, will be made available as Kawasaki
Genuine Accessories.
The Ninja ZX-10R SE is outfitted with high performance Bridgestone Battlax RS10 tires, which includes
120/70 ZR17 front and 190/55 ZR17 rear sizing.
The Ninja ZX-10R SE motorcycle has been fitted with a Brembo® front braking system. This includes
the very high specification M50 aluminum monobloc four-piston front calipers (with 30mm opposed
pistons) and Brembo® front rotors. The rotors are cross-drilled and have a circumferential groove in the
outer edge to aid heat dissipation.
COLORS
Ninja ZX-10R SE – Metallic Flat Spark Black/Metallic Matte Graphite Gray
MSRP
Ninja ZX-10R SE $21,899
ACCESSORIES
Kawasaki offers a full line of genuine accessories for the 2018 Ninja ZX-10R SE that allows customers
to enhance performance, customize styling, and add extra protection to their motorcycle. Kawasaki
worked very closely with Akrapovic to develop a performance slip-on muffler system that reduces
weight and provides World Superbike styling. A factory paint matched seat cowl offers a custom look to
those in search of one. To enable easy access to the rear end of the motorcycle, Kawasaki Genuine
Accessories is offering a billet aluminum Bobbin Set, to provide work stand lift points that mount to the
swingarm. A number of new protection items were added to the Kawasaki Genuine Accessories line up:
frame slider set, front axel sliders, and tank & knee pad set, all aimed at keeping the fit and finish of the
Ninja ZX-10R pristine. For storage protection, Kawasaki Genuine Accessories offers a premium and
deluxe Ninja bike cover.
3/4ABOUT KAWASAKI
Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. (KHI) started full-scale production of motorcycles over a half century
ago. The first Kawasaki motorcycle engine was designed based on technical know-how garnered from
the development and production of aircraft engines, and Kawasaki’s entry into the motorcycle industry
was driven by the company’s constant effort to develop new technologies. Numerous new Kawasaki
models introduced over the years have helped shape the market, and in the process have created
enduring legends based on their unique engineering, power, design and riding pleasure. In the future,
Kawasaki's commitment to maintaining and furthering these strengths will surely give birth to new
legends.
Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. (KMC) markets and distributes Kawasaki motorcycles, ATVs, side x
sides, and Jet Ski watercraft through a network of almost 1,100 independent retailers, with close to an
®
additional 7,400 retailers specializing in general purpose engines. KMC and its affiliates employ nearly
3,100 people in the United States, with approximately 250 of them located at KMC's Foothill Ranch,
California headquarters.
Kawasaki’s tagline, “Let the good times roll.®”, is recognized worldwide. The Kawasaki brand is
synonymous with powerful, stylish and category-leading vehicles. Information about Kawasaki’s
complete line of powersports products and Kawasaki affiliates can be found on the Internet at
www.kawasaki.com.
Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A.
26972 Burbank, Foothill Ranch, CA 92610
Tel: 949-770-0400 I www.kawasaki.com
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