Kawasaki Ninja Zx-10r
KAWASAKI NINJA ZX-10R
BEST USED BIKES
KAWASAKI
NINJA ZX-10R
$10,999 (`04) to $12,999-$13,199 (`10)
$4000 (`04) to $7060 (`10)
BASIC SPECS: The Ninja ZX-10R 998cc inline-four utilizes a one-piece crankcase/ cylinder arrangement offering increased rigidity and weight savings. Its stacked close-ratio six-speed gearbox layout allows the compact engine to be more optimally located as a stressed member within the twin-spar aluminum frame. Ram air, downdraft throttle bodies, titanium valves and exhaust, magnesium engine covers, slipper clutch, radial-mount calipers, and lightweight wheels are among the 10R’s many race-derived features. Compact and light among its peers, the agile chassis boasts a wheelbase dimension rivaling that of middleweight sportbikes of the time.
WHY IT’S DESIRABLE: The debut 10R model redefined power-to-weight ratios and the overall physical size of liter-class sportbikes. With a penchant for unweighting the front under hard acceleration, it could be a thrilling handful ridden near the limits. In 2006, styling updates distinguished by an under-tail exhaust along with a host of refinements aimed at making it a more user-friendly platform were made. Updates in ’08 reverted to the single-side exhaust, angular aesthetics, and introduced more relaxed chassis geometry along with Kawasaki Ignition Management, a precursor to today’s sophisticated traction control.
DON: The ZX-10R shuffled the performance hierarchy and remained competitive when faced with the all-new 2004 Honda CBR1000RR and Yamaha YZF-R1 generational updates in 2007 and ’09. The much-lauded 2KB Suzuki CSX-R1000 proved a very formidable literclass foe as well.
