2021 Kawasaki ZX-10RR First Look
Rennie Scaysbrook | November 24, 2020
As the base model Kawasaki ZX-10R got a host of updates for 2021, so too does the Kawasaki ZX-10RR. The homologation special, designed primarily so Jonathan Rea can keep braining them in WorldSBK, is limited to just 500 units worldwide and will sell in the U.S. for a very healthy $28,999.
There’s no difference in power figures to the ZX-10RR and the base model ZX-10R, with power quoted at 201 hp and 85 lb-ft of torque for the Euro model (we still don’t know what the U.S. spec will pump out). The good news is the motor is now Euro5 compliant, so the emissions police will have to come up with more regulations (which they surely will), before there’s any danger to the Kawasaki’s longevity.
Inside the engine, however, there are some differences. On top, the intake funnels to the airbox have turfed, a new camshaft has been fitted, along with new intake and exhaust springs. Pankl titanium conrods have been employed, and the pistons now use one less ring than the base model.
The name of game here is trying to increase the speed at which the engine revs up, thus getting to peak power faster. These changes have also given the RR rider an extra 500 rpm to play with.
As for the wheels, these are now lovely Marchesini forged aluminum items wrapped in Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP rubber.
As for the body, you get the same aero package as the base ZX-10R that Kawasaki claims will give you 17 percent more downforce than in 2020. However, you can only get it wrapped in Kawasaki green for the paint, with no KRT edition for the RR available.
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