Kawasaki reveals more powerful 2019 Ninja ZX-10R, SE, and limited-edition RR

Flagship superbike range updated for 2019

Kawasaki has revealed the 2019 Ninja ZX-10R lineup in Japan with a slew of upgrades. The Japanese brand's flagship superbike range will make its way around the world starting next month in October, 2018. New SE and limited-edition RR trims will also return, along with the base ZX-10R KRT Replica.

All ZX-10R models receive updated 998cc four-bangers with improved components and redesigned cylinder heads wearing red-painted covers. The most significant change comes in the form of finger-follower valve actuation designed by Kawasaki’s WorldSBK and MotoGP engineers. The new valve train shaves weight, affords faster acceleration, allows for more aggressive cam profiles, and can better sustain higher RPMs. The tech has already been seen in the superbikes of BMW and Suzuki, and Kawasaki has even put it into the new 2019 KX450F motocrosser. These revisions collectively bring the power output of the ZX-10R from 200 PS to 203 PS at 13,500 rpm.

The 2019 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R, RR, and SE are each equipped with 43 mm Showa BFF forks, a BFRC lite shock, 330 mm Brembo dual front discs, and a single 220 mm rear disc. All three models now come with bi-directional Kawasaki Quick Shifters (KQS) for clutchless gear shifting, which was previously only available for the RR and SE trims. Each bike features a fuel capacity of 17 L and a seat height of 835 mm.

The base 2019 ZX-10R KRT Replica will come with revised graphics and a color combination of Lime Green, Ebony, and Metallic Graphite Gray. The sporty liter bike produces 114.9 Nm of torque at 11,200 rpm, and weighs 206 kg wet.

Meanwhile, 500 units of the 2019 ZX-10RR will be sold worldwide. This exclusive, track-focused baby comes with forged Marchesini wheels, performance-boosting Pankl titanium connecting rods, and suspension settings that are optimized for highly aggressive riding. Its output has been bumped up to 204 PS, with 115.7 Nm of torque at 11,500 rpm. While the previous RR was blacked out, the new one comes in bright Lime Green.

The range-topping ZX-10R SE shares its power output with the base ZX-10R, but comes with Kawasaki Electronic Control Suspension (KECS) co-developed with Showa. It also gets forged Marchesini wheels and the H2’s Highly Durable Paint. The self-healing cosmetic chemistry supposedly clears the bike's own hide by absorbing minor scratches. The additional equipment on the SE trim adds 2 kg for a curb weight of 208 kg. It will be available in a color scheme of Metallic Carbon Gray, Neutron Silver, and Lime Green.

Kawasaki has yet to release the pricing of the new 2019 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R range, but the company does list the Philippines as one of the countries for introduction.