Kawasaki Racing Team’s World Champions Jonathan Rea and Tom Sykes have unveiled the new Ninja ZX-10RR at the Intermot International Motorcycle Show in Cologne, Germany. Once again, the new road-going machine uses technology developed in the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship.

With WorldSBK Championship success in 2013 and, most recently, in 2015, the Ninja ZX-10R package is a proven race winner. Now Kawasaki is taking the next logical step in the litre class Supersports arena and has created the Ninja ZX-10RR, a machine focused on podium potential and street exclusivity. With its RR logo on the right side engine cover and resplendent in the evocative Kawasaki Racing Team black and white ‘Winter Test’ livery, a host of engineering and performance features set the single seat machine apart from its peers.

Featuring a modified cylinder head equipped to take higher lift racing camshafts and new reinforced crankcases for increased durability, the RR also benefits from tappets with DLC low friction surface coating for reduced mechanical loss – essential on a race tuned engine.

In terms of chassis upgrades, the lightweight forged aluminum Marchesini wheels reduce un-sprung weight while the combination of Brembo M50 monobloc calipers, laterally grooved Brembo disc rotors plus a Brembo radial pump master cylinder and steel braided hoses ensure that braking performance is of track quality as standard.

The addition of down as well as up gear selection on the KQS Kawasaki Quick Shifter is a welcome feature as is the race kit accessory option of head pipe angle and rear pivot point adjustment. Matched to the impressive Showa advanced balanced free front fork the horizontal Back-link, BFRC lite gas-charged shock with piggyback reservoir offer a wide range of adjustability to suit any road or race track environment.

In terms of road riding sophistication, the ZX-10RR is equipped with an IMU offering six degrees of machine attitude measurement and an impressive number of advanced rider aids including sports traction control, electronic engine brake control, launch control, intelligent anti-lock brakes and Kawasaki’s KCMF cornering management function ensuring riders hit their chosen apex every time.

Taking the existing Ninja ZX-10R with its race focused reduced inertia engine to the next level, the new Ninja ZX-10RR – which is limited to just 500 units across the whole of Europe -  looks destined to feature prominently in Superstock and Superbike paddocks during 2017 as well as in the garages of a lucky few discerning street focused riders.