The Kawasaki Ninja dianggap sebagai rentetan jentera supersport yang paling berjaya. Nama itu sendiri telah menjadi definisi sejati bagi sebuah sportbike, dengan golongan bukan peminat sering merujuk kepada mana-mana sportbike, tanpa mengira pengeluar, sebagai Ninja.
Walau bagaimanapun, status ikonik motosikal ini bukan tanpa sebab, kerana hingga hari ini, Ninja ZX-10RR adalah kompetitif dalam Kejohanan Dunia Superbike.
Untuk merayakan kejayaan ini, Kawasaki telah melancarkan versi terhad Ninja ZX-10RR yang dipanggil Edisi Ujian Musim Sejuk. Terdapat Edisi Ujian Musim Sejuk superbike pada masa lampau, biasanya dilancarkan menjelang akhir tahun di mana kebanyakan bahagian di hemisfera utara mengalami musim sejuk.
Namun, Edisi Ujian Musim Sejuk 2024 Ninja ZX-10RR kini lebih istimewa, dengan hanya 25 unit yang akan dikeluarkan. Setiap motosikal telah direka dan disiapkan oleh Kawasaki Racing Team (KRT), dan mematuhi standard yang ketat pasukan perlumbaan.
Pemilik bertuah Edisi Ujian Musim Sejuk 2024 akan mendapat motosikal yang dilapisi dengan livery yang serupa dengan motosikal WSBK KRT Ninja Ujian Musim Sejuk. Terdapat juga plat bernombor di pelindung tangki, serta sistem ekzos dari Akrapovic.
Untuk melengkapkan semuanya, pemilik motosikal baru ini akan mendapat pas VIP untuk dua orang untuk mengakses mana-mana pusingan WSBK 2024 pilihan mereka. Pas istimewa ini memberikan akses ke paddock semasa pusingan WSBK pilihan anda, serta akses VIP ke kemudahan dan kotak Pasukan Perlumbaan Kawasaki. Anda juga akan mendapat lawatan berpandu ke KRT Box, dan berpeluang berjumpa dengan pelumba Team Green, Alex Lowes dan Axel Bassani.
Selain daripada faedah istimewa dan ciri-ciri tambahan pada ZX-10RR Edisi Ujian Musim Sejuk, motosikal ini merupakan jentera yang cukup power. Ia menyampaikan kuasa sebanyak 214 daya kuda hasil daripada enjin empat silinder sejajar sejajar 998cc, cecair sejuk, injeksi bahan api. Tork dinilai pada 119Nm, memberikan pecutan yang mantap.
Ciri-ciri lain termasuk satu set elektronik komprehensif seperti quick shifter, traction control dan just cornering management. Ada juga cruise control dan skin full-colour TFT.
Secara semulajadi, motosikal bertaraf ini akan menarik caj premium yang cukup tinggi, dan ZX-10RR Edisi Ujian Musim Sejuk bukanlah pengecualian. Harganya ialah 33,000 euro, yang bermaksud kira-kira MYR167,000 pada waktu penulisan ini.
Hanya 25 unit akan dijual, dengan 10 dikhaskan untuk pasaran Perancis. Belum ada berita samada motosikal ini akan tiba di Malaysia, tetapi tidak akan menjadi pilihan yang baik untuk berspekulasi jika saya di tempat anda.
The Kawasaki Ninja stands as an epitome of success within the supersport bike realm, with its name becoming synonymous with sportbikes for enthusiasts worldwide. Even today, the Ninja ZX-10RR continues to assert its dominance in the Superbike World Championship, maintaining its competitive edge.
In a nod to this triumph, Kawasaki has introduced an exclusive version of the Ninja ZX-10RR known as the Winter Test Edition. While previous superbikes have seen Winter Test Edition releases, the 2024 Ninja ZX-10RR Winter Test Edition takes exclusivity to a new level, with a mere 25 units slated for production. Crafted under the meticulous standards of the WSBK Kawasaki Racing Team (KRT) technical department, each bike promises a unique blend of design and performance.
Owners of the 2024 Winter Test Edition are in for a treat, receiving a bike adorned in a livery reminiscent of the WSBK KRT Ninja Winter Test bike. The limited edition also boasts a numbered plate on the tank protector and features an Akrapovic exhaust system. As a cherry on top, purchasers will be granted a two-person VIP pass, allowing access to any 2024 WSBK round of their choice. This special pass grants entry to the paddock, VIP access to Kawasaki Racing Team hospitality and boxes, a guided tour of the KRT Box, and an opportunity to meet Team Green’s racers, Alex Lowes and Axel Bassani.
Beyond these exclusive perks, the ZX-10RR Winter Test Edition stands as a formidable machine on its own. Powering this beast is a 998cc, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, inline-four cylinder engine, delivering an impressive 214 horsepower and 119Nm of torque.
Equipped with advanced electronics, including a quick shifter, traction control, and cornering management, the bike ensures a thrilling and controlled ride. Additional features include an Ohlins steering damper for maximum control, built-in cruise control for road comfort, and a large, full-color TFT display providing essential ride statistics.
Undoubtedly, such a high-performance machine commands a premium, and the ZX-10RR Winter Test Edition is no exception, priced at 33,000 euros (approximately MYR167,000). With only 25 units available, including 10 reserved for the French market, the exclusivity of this model adds to its allure. The chances of Malaysians getting their hands on one is extremely low, especially with Kawasaki Malaysia focusing on fast moving models rather than ultra-exclusive models such as the ZX-10RR Winter Test Edition.
Beberapa jam sebelum aksi pembukaan tirai Kejuaraan Superbike Dunia (WSBK) berlangsung di Aragon, Kawasaki Racing Team (KRT) kini berdepan isu ‘rev limit’.
Hal ini kerana FIM telah membuat pusingan U untuk tidak memperuntukkan ‘rev limit’ 15,100rpm diberikan kepada KRT sekaligus memaksa pasukan itu mematuhi ‘rev limit’ yang ditetapkan pada 14,600rpm seperti yang diumumkan sebelum ini.
Situasi ini lantas memberi kesan kepada KRT, Puccetti Racing, Pedercini Kawasaki dan Orelac Racing yang telah pun tiba di Sepanyol bagi menghadapi musim 2021 WSBK bersama jentera ZX-10RR 2021.
Keputusan FIM itu memaksa Kawasaki untuk menala semula enjin baharu dengan ‘rev limit’ berada pada 15,100rpm untuk kembali kepada 14,600rpm setelah mendapati tidak banyak komponen baharu didapati pada ruangan enjin.
Berikut ‘rev limit’ yang telah ditetapkan FIM bagi semua pengeluar yang beraksi di WSBK musim 2021:
Kawasaki ZX-10RR 2021 – 14,600rpm
Ducati V4 – 16,100rpm
Yamaha R1 – 14,950rpm
BMW M 1000 RR – 15,500rpm
Honda CBR1000RR-R – 15,600rpm
BMW M 1000 RR 2021 telah mendapat pelbagai komponen baharu sekaligus Suruhanjaya Teknikal Antarabangs (CTI) membenarkan ‘rev limit’ berada pada 15,500rpm berbanding 14,900rpm pada musim lalu.
Bagaimanapun, isu ‘rev limit’ ini dijangka tidak akan memberi kesan kepada usaha Jonathan Rea untuk memburu kejuaraan dunia WSBK ketujuh musim ini.
Jonathan Rea muncul pelumba terpantas dalam sesi ujian bebas yang dijalankan di Aragon bersama beberapa jentera MotoGP lain.
Pertahan juara Kejuaraan Superbike Dunia (WSBK) itu muncul pelumba terpantas selepas 65 lap dalam sesi ujian pertama di Motorland, mengatasi pelumba uji Yamaha dan KTM, Cal Crutchlow dan Dani Pedrosa.
Rea yang menunggang Kawasaki ZX-10RR mencatat masa terpantas 1 minit 49.338 saat diikuti Crutchlow (YZR-M1) dengan 1m49.460s
Rakan sepasukan Rea, Alex Lowes, muncul pelumba ketiga terpantas dengan 1m49.470s diikuti Pedrosa (RC16) dengan 1m49.912s.
Crutchlow yang menunggang jentera ‘factory’ MotoGP cuba mengatasi catatan masa Rea namun gagal.
Berikut adalah catatan masa Ujian Bebas hari pertama:
Kawasaki is probably reeling in shock from Alvaro Bautista and the Ducati V4 R’s dominance in WorldSBK.
They are also upset that Ducati used MotoGP technology in the V4 R.
They’ve hinted that there’ll be a new Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10RR for the 2020 season.
Kawasaki had kept their faith in the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10RR for the 2019 WorldSBK season. The bike had won four titles in a row, after all.
But the combination of the Ducati V4 R and Alvaro Bautista laid everything bare, destroying the entire field. It’s not good lose face this way so a new ZX-10RR must be in the works for 2020.
It was bound to happen as Kawasaki Racing Team (KRT) Senior Engineer Ichiro Yoda told German website Speedweek.
Kawasaki isn’t happy about Ducati building a number of special, homologation models that are far removed from the “normal” V4. To them, it’s going against the spirit of WorldSBK and thus has stuck to the slightly hotted-up Ninja ZX-10R, which became the ZX-10RR.
However, one has to remember that WorldSBK rules actually encourage this route. A factory needs to build 250 homologation specials in the first year, followed by another 250 in the next. The sales price is capped at € 40,000.
The question is if Kawasaki wants to really go down this route. The superbike segment is shrinking but there are still plenty of interested parties. But Kawasaki is the only one among the Japanese Big Four who are not involved in MotoGP. Consequently, they will definitely need to respond to the Ducati V4 R in WorldSBK, and that means a new ZX-10RR.
Kawasaki Racing Team, atau singkatannya, KRT, dengan secara rasminya telah memperkenalkan jentera perlumbaan mereka bagi siri WorldSBK musim 2018, Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10RR 2018.
Kedua-dua penunggang pasukan tersebut, Rea dan Sykes, akan mempertahankan kejuaraan dan kemenangan perlumbaan mereka di atas jentera dengan kemasan grafik yang serba baru.
Motosikal ZX-10RR telah merangkul begitu banyak kemenangan perlumbaan serta kejohanan sejak diambil alih oleh kumpulan yang bertapak dari Barcelona, Provec, pada tahun 2012.
The Kawasaki Racing Team or KRT has officially unveiled their WorldSBK 2018 challenger that is the 2018 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10RR.
Both Rea and Sykes are looking to defend their titles and race wins with brand new bikes and liveries.
The ZX-10RR has been gaining a lot of race wins and championships ever since Barcelona-based Provec outfit took over in 2012.
The Kawasaki Racing Team (KRT) has officially launched their 2018 WorldSBK title challenger in the form of the super competitive 2018 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10RR. The unveiling by KRT was held at the KRT headquarters located near Barcelona together with their star riders, Jonathan Rea and Tom Sykes. (more…)
Sebuah dokumentari berdurasi 45 minit mengenai hidup Jonathan Rea dan bagaimana dia menggondoli tiga takhta WorldSBK telah ditayangkan oleh BBC.
Klip berkenaan mempamerkan bagaimana penunggang berusia 30 tahun itu berjaya mencapai kejayaan tersebut dan pada masa yang sama menjaga keluarganya sewaktu sedang menjelajah dan di antara pusingan perlumbaan.
Rea adalah satu-satunya penunggang WorldSBK setakat ini yang telah memenangi kejohanan WorldSBK sebanyak tiga kali berturut-turut.
A 45-minute documentary showing the life of Jonathan Rea on how he won three WorldSBK titles was released by BBC.
The clip showcases how the 30 year old has managed to do so while taking care of his family on the road and in between rounds.
Rea is the only WorldSBK rider so far to have won three WorldSBK championships in a row.
BBC has just released a 45-minute documentary on the 2017 WorldSBK World Champion, Jonathan Rea. Dubbed “3 in a Row”, the clip shows how the 30 year old from Northern Ireland managed to win three FIM Superbike World Championships in a row while maintaining his status as a loyal husband and caring father of two lovely children. (more…)
The Kawasaki ZX-10R has been dominating the WSBK Championship.
It has been built with winning the championship from the outset.
The 2018 Ninja ZX-10RR revealed at EICMA seeks to continue the dominance.
There’s much to learn from the cut-throat world of racing. Almost every modern-day technology on a motorcycle available to the public was trickled down from racing. That applies not only to sportbikes and race replicas but also to all types of motorcycles from the tyres up.
Motorcycle frames, chassis, engine power delivery, materials, and the way they look, were born out of the necessity to trump the competition in races and ultimately championships.
There are two premier racing classes in the racing world, namely MotoGP and World Superbike.
The motorcycles that race in MotoGP are thoroughbred prototypes, meaning they do not share similarities with motorcycles that are available to the buying public, although the technologies may soon find their way to road-going models.
The World Superbike Championship (WSBK) on the other hand, is production based. But what does that mean?
Being production-based means the machines racing around the world on weekends must be based on bikes that are available to you and I when we visit the bike shop. To be eligible for WSBK competition, the manufacturer must produce a certain amount of motorcycles similar to the one they’d be campaigning with – this process is called “homologation”. The minimum number of homologation models to be produced depends on the total output of the manufacturer – the bigger they are, the more homologation models they have to produce.
While the racebikes aren’t 100% stock, they are much closer to production machines than one might think, since they have to conform to certain stipulations laid out by WSBK. Among them: Frame design and dimensions (therefore chassis dimensions such as rake, trail and wheelbase), the engine’s cylinders’ dimensions, throttle body size, and bodywork dimensions and look must not be altered.
Thus, in order for their bikes to be competitive on the track, manufacturers must create homologation specials that are already imbued with high performance – or shall we say, ready to race. Think of the difference between the standard ZX-10R and ZX-10RR Racing and you get the picture.
2017 ZX-10RR
It’s not only customers who reap the enjoyment of these engineering marvels. Because it truly goes both way as they are also beneficial to the riders too.
Kawasaki has won the World Superbike Championship five times times, including four in the last five years (2013, 2015, 2016, 2017, plus the first in 1993).
Scott Russel
Kawasaki for one is a manufacturer who’s never afraid to push engineering boundaries.
Tom Syke’s 2013 championship-winning ZX-10RR had actually been carried over from 2011. The 2013 model is well-known for its exceptionally linear power delivery, great handling, good ergonomics and advanced K-STRIC traction control electronic package. That meant Sykes and co had something good to work on from the beginning. The ZX-10RR’s 998cc was in fact so good that Colin Edwards’ CRT MotoGP team used it in 2013 MotoGP season.
Tom Sykes in Donington Park, 2013
Sykes was close to defending his title in 2014, but ultimately losing out to Sylvain Guintoli by an agonizing six points due to a single retirement in Malaysia.
The 2015 Ninja ZX-10R wasn’t changed much in terms of hardware, testament to how well it was designed from the outset. It was this year that Jonathan Rea won his first WSBK crown, in his first full season on a Kawasaki. Rea amassed a total of 548 points at season’s end, 132 more than the next rider, Chaz Davies on the Ducati.
Jonathan Rea, 2015
Kawasaki revamped the Ninja ZX-10R in 2016, after taking cues from both factory riders Rea and Sykes. Project leader, Yoshimoto Matsuda even said that his team wasn’t looking at the aesthetics so much as improving the bike’s mechanicals.
The engine had gone on to develop 197 bhp, while weight was reduced to 205 kg. The crankshaft and primary gear were lightened to reduce inertia. The steering head was moved 7.5mm closer to the rider for better control. The swingarm was elongated by 15.8mm to put more weight on the front wheel and reduce wheelies. Both the steering head angle and swingarm pivot are adjustable.
2016 Ninja ZX-10R
Rea went on to dominate the 2016 season and successfully defend his title.
Jonathan Rea, 2015
For 2017, Kawasaki brought back the Ninja ZX-10RR in Winter Test black and single seat. The biggest change was to the engine, where the new cylinder head was designed to readily accept the high lift cams in the race kit. Only 500 units were built.
2017 Ninja ZX-10RR
On the track, Rea decimated the field to win his third successive title, to become only the second rider to have achieved the feat.
Jonathan Rea at Assen, 2017
Kawasaki has also revealed the 2018 Ninja ZX-10RR during EICMA (complete with snowflake logos). Again, because the bike is already so good, almost no changes were made except for cosmetic ones. Will Rea and Sykes dominate again in 2018? It’ll be unwise to bet against them.
2018 Ninja ZX-10RR
That’s the main appeal of the Kawasaki ZX-10RR, as it’s made to dominate on the track from the time it went out of the factory’s doors. As such, customers will get their hands on the best sportbike in the world.
