Kawasaki ZX-10R - 2004 Model Information

Kawasaki are introducing their long awaited entry into the litre-class with the new Ninja ZX-10R, and they are claiming it has been worth the wait.

Kawasaki are claiming the highest power-to-weight ratio in the class with 175 horsepower (184 with ram-air) @ 11,700rpm and a dry weight of 170 kilograms.

Powering the beast is a new liquid-cooled, DOHC, 16-valve, in-line four featuring a sophisticated automotive-style fuel injection system with 43 mm throttle bodies, dual throttle valves and fine-atomising injectors.

* Intake air is routed via the central Ram Air duct and through the frame tubes to the airbox. A duct between the frame and the air cleaner prevents ingress of water.

* Compact air cleaner fits snugly between the frame rails, allowing use of a seamless, high-capacity, flat-bottomed fuel tank. Flow analysis was also used to ensure efficient air flow inside the airbox.

* Butterfly valve located in the cast titanium collector of the exhaust system ensures smooth, linear power delivery at all rpm.

* One-piece cylinder/crankcase design, compact rear-mounted generator, compact cylinder head and “stacked” tri-axis transmission crankshaft layout allows an amazingly compact and lightweight engine, permitting the crankshaft location to be idealized and the bike’s centre of gravity to be lowered, thereby contributing to the bike’s highly responsive handling characteristics. The engine is short enough to fit below the twin beams of the frame, allowing the 10R to have the narrow compactness of a 600-class machine.

* Single valve springs use oval-section wire to realise short springs and a compact cylinder head design.

* Camshafts are machined from forged billets of SCM420K steel for light weight and high strength.

* Lightweight magnesium engine covers contribute to the engine’s low weight.

* Newly designed liquid-cooled oil cooler with internal aluminium finning is lightweight and keeps oil temperatures under control.

* All-titanium exhaust system and oval-section muffler with titanium internals and a 1 mm thick aluminium cover designed for light weight.

* Close-ratio 6-speed transmission designed to give the 10R impressive performance on the racetrack and on twisting roads.

* Adjustable back torque limiter fitted to the clutch helps prevent wheel hop under rapid deceleration.

* Sloshing analysis was used to develop baffles for the oil pan for better performance under heavy braking. A sub oil pan helps reduce windage by keeping the oil location low, and also helps lower the oil temperature.