Kawasaki has released the first teaser image of the upcoming 2016 Ninja ZX-10R. The promotional image somewhat reminds us of the Ninja H2/H2R teasers. But it’s not just the promotional campaign that the upcoming ZX-10R will borrow from the Ninja H2/H2R. The new generation Ninja ZX-10R is likely to borrow certain design, mechanical and technological elements from its supercharged sibling. While it is still not officially revealed, and we are taking a wild guess here, the teaser image hints at a Ninja H2 style Mirror Coated Black paint job clubbed with the trademark Kawasaki green colour on the 2016 ZX-10R.
The upcoming Ninja ZX-10R, similar to the current generation model, will draw inspiration from Kawasaki’s World Superbike Championship motorcycle. Kawasaki will continue the development of the road going Ninja ZX-10R concept with the imminent unveiling of a new model featuring a host of updates influenced by the Kawasaki Racing Team. The development of the 2016 Ninja ZX-10R has received inputs from Jonathan Rea and Tom Sykes and Kawasaki believes that they have created the most competitive and potent Ninja ZX-10R yet. Its notable that the ZX-10R, even its current-gen incarnation is an extremely potent machine, and is almost there with the top dogs in the class with a rated output of 210 hp (with RAM air). Does that mean that the new generation motorcycle will be the new king of the segment? While Kawasaki is still tight lipped about that aspect, we cannot resist rubbing our hands in anticipation.
Current generation Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R
Possessing a direct link to the Superbike that Tom Sykes successfully campaigned to secure the 2013 WSBK Championship, and that was subsequently honed to take Jonathan Rea to great success in the current season, the new litre class Ninja displays only some of its many changes on the surface – such as the updated cowl shape – with other tweaks becoming apparent only as you give that teaser image a close look. The new gen superbike will also get a comprehensive upgrade of the suspension components and will adopt a premium grade braking system.
Speaking about the upcoming Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R, Yoshimoto Matsuda Project Leader for KHI says, “This is not a “clean sheet” design as the current Ninja ZX-10R is such a good base to develop from. 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.”
Current generation Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R
“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,” Matsuda further added.
The added components and technologies will add to the cost of production and the upcoming 2016 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R will be more expensive than the current generation model. We expect the prices to be at par with competitors and hover between Rs 25-30 lakh in India. Journalists from around the globe will get to see the 2016 Ninja ZX-10R up close for the very first time in October at an exclusive media launch hosted with the Kawasaki Racing Team present at the event in Barcelona, Spain.
Not a good trend – bikes getting increasingly expensive, beyond point of reason.
Simply cramming motorcycles full of electronics and hiking prices, not only putting these machines further out of reach, they're also building in planned obsolescence.
Circa year 2021 :
owner: My R1 isn't running right.
mechanic: which model, saar?
owner: 2015
mechanic: saar, sell that bike for scrap. parts not coming from company only, even 2017 ECU not working in earlier year bikes.
owner: you're telling to scrap a 25 lac rupee bike ?
mechanic: what to do saar, no parts, and so much electronic we mechanics can't tell head or tail when bike don't start after valve adjust. Company says to reset the ECU, but bade saab says not to use battery , bole customers ECU burn out saying 5volt and 12volt different.
owner: I should have bought an Enfield. the joys of pure mechanical things.