Three 2019 ZX-10Rs revealed
Updated Kawasaki superbike family targets track aggression
Kawasaki have revamped the ZX-10R for 2019 with even more power in a bid to retain the World Superbike title, equipping it with a valvetrain that will allow it to rev harder, for longer. But while this might be good for serious track riders and racers, don’t expect it to transform the bike’s on-road performance.
There are three versions, the ZX-10R, the ZX-10RR and the SE, and the key change for 2019 is the adoption of fingerfollower valve actuation, replacing tappet-style valves. First appearing on a superbike in BMW’s 2010 S1000RR, and most recently Suzuki’s GSX-R1000, fingerfollower valve actuation saves weight, reducing the mass of the system by 20%. This allows the motor to spin-up more rapidly and sustain high rpm more reliably. The design also allows the valves a larger range of movement, enabling the use of more aggressive cams, which have contributed to a 3bhp power gain for 2019.
The new valve train is common to all three models, while the 500-bike limited edition ZX-10RR gets new con-rods to aid high-rpm performance. The Pankl titanium rods save more than 400g compared to the standard bike’s, decrease the crankshaft moment of inertia by 5% and increase the rev limit by 600rpm. The SE retains its semiactive suspension, boasts the updated engine from the base model, and Kawasaki’s new antiscratch paint. The bidirectional quickshifter previously on the RR and the SE is now on all three bikes, and ‘Performance’ variants will be available of all three. The R will cost £14,799, the SE £19,449, and the RR £21,199.