2017 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10RR ABS | First Look Review

Based on the new-for-2016 ZX-10R, the RR gets engine upgrades, an updated quickshifter, forged wheels and a solo seat.
Based on the new-for-2016 ZX-10R, the RR gets engine upgrades, an updated quickshifter, forged wheels and a solo seat.

After winning the World Superbike Championship in 2015 and 2016, Kawasaki has sharpened its liter-class sword for 2017 with the new Ninja ZX-10RR. Based on the new-for-2016 Ninja ZX-10R—which Kawasaki called “the most track-focused sportbike ever”—the double-R is street legal but is purpose-built to deliver fast lap times on a racetrack.

Read our 2016 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R first look review

The Ninja ZX-10RR comes in Kawasaki Racing Team: Winter Test Edition livery, the same paint scheme that the Kawasaki WorldSBK team uses during off-season testing.
The Ninja ZX-10RR comes in Kawasaki Racing Team: Winter Test Edition livery, the same paint scheme that the Kawasaki WorldSBK team uses during off-season testing.

To improve performance, the Ninja’s potent liquid-cooled, DOHC, 16-valve, 998cc in-line four gets stronger, reinforced engine cases, redesigned cylinder heads to provide clearance for race-kit high-lift cams and a Diamond-Like Carbon coating on valve tappets to reduce mechanical loss. An updated Kawasaki Quick Shifter allows clutchless downshifts in addition to upshifts and new seven-spoke forged Marchesini wheels are lighter, stronger and shod with Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP tires. The ZX-10RR has a single seat with a new, aerodynamic cover that replaces the passenger seat.

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The 998cc in-line four gets stronger cases, increased cam clearance and DLC-coated tappets.
The 998cc in-line four gets stronger cases, increased cam clearance and DLC-coated tappets.
The Ninja ZX-10RR gets forged Marchesini wheels shod with Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP tires.
The Ninja ZX-10RR gets forged Marchesini wheels shod with Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP tires.

Like the Ninja ZX-10R, the RR has the latest suite of electronics, with power modes, a five-axis IMU, Kawasaki Cornering Management Function (KCMF), Sport-Kawasaki TRaction Control (S-KTRC), Kawasaki Launch Control Mode (KLCM), Kawasaki Engine Brake Control (KEBC) and Kawasaki Intelligent anti-lock Brake System (KIBS). Suspension consists of a Showa Balance Free Fork and Balance Free Rear Cushion shock, both fully adjustable, and the front brakes are top-shelf Brembo M50 monobloc radial calipers.

The 2017 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10RR ABS comes in Kawasaki Racing Team: Winter Test Edition livery, the same paint scheme that the Kawasaki WorldSBK team uses during off-season testing. MSRP is $18,899 and availability is TBD.

 

 

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