Kawasaki’s ZX-10R gets an RR version

Kawasaki has revealed its 2017 ZX-10RR. A ZX-10R with knobs on, if you get our point. But there’s only going to be 500 of these bikes made – so if you want one, get buying and quick.

Basically, this is a WSB-spec (ish) upper-flight version of the superbike that gets a modified cylinder head equipped to take higher lift racing camshafts and new reinforced crankcases for increased durability.

The RR also gets tappets with DLC low-friction surface coating for reduced mechanical loss – essential on a race-tuned engine.

For the chassis tweaking, the ZX-10RR gets lightweight forged aluminium Marchesini wheelsw to reduce unsprung weight while the combin nation of Brembo M50 monobloc calipers, laterally grooved Brembo disc rotors plus a Brembo radial pump master cylinder and steel braided hoses ups the braking performance.

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

In terms of road riding, the ZX10RR comes equipped with an IMU brain giving 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 antilock brakes and Kawasaki’s KCMF cornering management function (cornering ABS).