The 2016 Kawasaki ZX-10R KRT was launched in Spain recently. The bike is the closest thing to a WSBK factory bike that you can lay your hands on claims Kawasaki. It has been developed in WSBK which saw the manufacturer bag the last two titles. Kawasaki Factory Rider, Tom Sykes is supposed to have helped develop this bike. It might look similar to the previous iteration from the outside, but it is pretty darn new from within!

With WSBK rules getting more stringent to make the race motorcycles similar to the motorcycles we ride on road, manufacturers were expected to do what they do best. Make the road going motorcycles closer to the current WSBK spec bikes, to get the upper hand in the world championship. And Kawasaki is the first of the manufacturers to bite the bullet by updating the Zx-10R. The completely updated motorcycle looks similar (or even identical) to the previous iteration, but the bike is completely revamped from the inside to make it a real update.

Starting with the 998cc engine which gets all new internals in the form of new pistons, camshafts, lighter crankshaft, cylinder head, redesigned valve porting, a 25 percent bigger airbox and thicker engine sidewalls. This has helped the 2016 Kawasaki ZX-10R mill put out a rumoured 207bhp, though the company hasn’t given an official figure yet.

The ZX-10R also gets updated electronics, this allows control of engine power, with full power getting 100%, while low power gets only 60%. The mid level gives low power till 50% throttle, and if you twist it beyond that it gives full power! The bike uses a Bosch Inertia Measurement Unit, which has a six-axis measurement unit. Five are from different sensors on the bike, while the sixth is the proprietary software of Bosch. The rider can adjust traction control, launch control and even engine braking. The ABS is also linked to the engine’s electronic control to gauge engine braking and thus apply the precise amount of braking power to the front wheel. This is a first on a road bike according to Kawasaki. Another electronic feature is the Cornering Management function, which coordinates Traction Control and the braking system to ensure the rider stays on course through the corner.

Suspension on the bike is a completely new Showa setup. There is a Showa Balance Free Fork on the front, while the  rear employs a Showa Balance Free Rear Cushion. This technology has trickled down directly from WSBK claims Showa and Kawasaki.

The rider now sits 7.5mm closer to the steering head, while the swing-arm length has been increased by 15.8mm, this helps in better control and comfort for the rider, which results in faster lap times claims Kawasaki.

Highlights of the 2016 Kawasaki Zx-10R include –

• NEW More powerful 998cc in-line four-cylinder 16-valve engine
• NEW Lighter crankshaft allows quicker revving and increased low-mid-range power
• NEW Pistons, head design, camshaft profiles and air box for better response and power
• NEW Computer-controlled electronic throttle valve delivers precise control
• NEW Lightweight titanium exhaust system
• NEW Close-ratio, cassette-type transmission is ideally suited to racing and gives strong corner exit acceleration
• NEW Chassis with new steering head position, swingarm rigidity and length, longer wheelbase creates balanced handling
• NEW Front cowl provides better aerodynamics, improves high-speed handling, reduces rider buffeting
• NEW Showa Balance Free Fork (BFF) and Balance Free Rear Cushion (BFRC) derived directly from World Superbike racing, first-time used on a mass-production motorcycle
• NEW Brembo M50 monobloc front calipers, 330mm Brembo rotors and master cylinder provide increased braking power, feel and heat dissipation
• NEW Electronics suite utilizes a Bosch five-axis IMU for KEBC Kawasaki Engine Braking Control, KLCM Kawasaki Launch Control Mode, KIBS Kawasaki Intelligent anti-lock Braking System, Corner Management Function, S-KTRC Sport Kawasaki TRaction Control and KQS Kawasaki Quick Shifter
• NEW Kawasaki Racing Team-inspired KRT Edition color scheme combining Lime Green and Ebony paint
• NEW Metallic Matte Carbon Grey finish

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS OF 2016 KAWASAKI ZX-10R KRT

POWER
Engine      4-stroke, 4 cylinder, DOHC, 4-valve, Liquid-cooled
Displacement      998cc
Bore x Stroke 76.0 x 55.0mm
Compression ratio 13.0:1
Fuel System        DFI® with four 47mm Keihin throttle bodies with oval sub-throttles, two injectors per cylinder
Ignition          TCBI with digital advance and Sport-Kawasaki Traction Control (S-KTRC)
Transmission 6-speed
Final Drive Sealed chain
Electronic Rider Aids Kawasaki Launch Control (KLCS), Kawasaki Intelligent Braking (KIBS), Kawasaki Sport Traction Control (S-KTRC), Kawasaki Engine Braking Control (KEBC), Quick Shifter (KQS)

PERFORMANCE
Front Suspension / Wheel Travel 43mm inverted Balance Free Fork, adjustable stepless rebound and compression damping, spring preload adjustability/4.7 in
Rear Suspension / Wheel Travel  Horizontal back-link with Balance Free gas-charged shock, stepless, dual-range (low-/high-speed) compression damping, stepless rebound damping, fully adjustable spring preload/4.5 in
Front Tire    120/70 ZR17
Rear Tire   190/55 ZR17
Front Brakes   Intelligent Braking (KIBS), Brembo dual semi-floating 330mm discs with dual radial mounted monobloc 4-piston calipers
Rear Brakes   KIBS-controlled, single 220mm disc with aluminum single-piston caliper

DETAILS
Frame Type  Aluminum perimeter
Rake/Trail   25.0°/4.2 in
Overall Length  82.3 in
Overall Width  29.1 in
Overall Height  45.1 in
Ground Clearance  5.7 in
Seat Height   32.9 in
Curb Weight454.2 lb**
Fuel Capacity  4.5 gal
Wheelbase  56.7 in
Color Choices    Lime Green/Ebony