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Kawasaki ZX-10R (2008-current)

View all Kawasaki ZX-10Rs for sale (10)

Detail	Value
New price	£8,950
Engine size	998cc
Power	185.4bhp
Top speed	186mph
Insurance group	17

	MCN ratings	Owners' ratings
Overall
Engine
Ride & Handling
Equipment
Quality & Reliability
Value

MCN overall verdict

The new Kawasaki ZX-10R scores an easy five out of five; it surely must be the fastest production 1000cc bike of the current crop. But this ZX-10R is not all about Kawasaki’s new blistering engine and head-banging attitude, it’s controllable and handles much better than the previous ZX-10R and despite the blistering pace is actually easier to ride. Not for the faint hearted, the new ZX-10R is a true superbike for the road.

How does the road going Kawasaki ZX-10R compare against the racing version

Watch the Kawasaki ZX-10R take on the Suzuki GSX-R1000, Honda's CBR1000RR and Yamaha's YZF-R1

Watch Kawasaki's ZX-10R take on a Yamaha's R1

Watch the full track test of the Kawasaki ZX-10R

MCN rating
Owners' rating

If you want torque and bottom end power then look away now. However if you want arm ripping acceleration and a 1000cc engine that seems to rev like a 600 you’ll be wanting the all-new ZX-10R. Kawasaki is quoting nearly 200bhp with ram air, more than last year’s bike which was never a slow bike.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

Even though the latest Kawasaki ZX-10R is actually heavier than last year, it doesn’t feel it. The shape of the motorcycle is much thinner which makes the bike feel lighter and more manoveable. Its wheelbase has been increased and the rake has been stretched which adds stability, yet the ZX-10R still turns with ease. However, make sure that steering damper is turned up.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

Kawasaki was the first manufacturer to fit a back torque limiter or slipper clutch, and it’s the same again for the new ZX-10R. There’s also radial brakes, petal discs, fully adjustable suspension front and rear and an Ohlins steering damper as standard. Also, don’t forget Kawasaki new Kawasaki Ignition Management system, which is designed to reduce wheel spin under extreme circumstances.

Click here for the 10 best parts for the Kawasaki ZX-10R, as recommended by real owners at ZX-10R.net.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

As the latest ZX-10R is brand new, it’s near impossible to comment on the motorcycle’s reliability. However there haven’t been any problems with previous models, and Kawasaki engines are generally regarded as bullet proof. On face value there is high level of quality materials used and recent high mileage Kawasakis we’ve ran on the MCN fleet have coped with everything, even a few freezing salt ridden winters.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

The new Kawasaki ZX-10R is competitively priced, looks the part and on first impressions from the launch looks like its going to be the fastest 1000cc sports motorcycle out there. So if you want the fastest you are going to have to pay the price. Still you can always sleep with peace of mind, as build quality is now a match for the Honda and second hand prices shouldn’t plummet, depending on its bad boy reputation.

Insurance group: 17

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2008: All-new model launched.

None.

Specifications

Top speed	186mph
1/4-mile acceleration	10.6 secs
Power	185.4bhp
Torque	83.3ftlb
Weight	169kg
Seat height	830mm
Fuel capacity	17 litres
Average fuel consumption	40mpg
Tank range	150 miles
Insurance group	17

Engine size	998cc
Engine specification	16v transverse four, 6 gears
Frame	Aluminium back bone
Front suspension adjustment	Preload, compression and rebound
Rear suspension adjustment	Preload, compression and rebound
Front brakes	2 x 310mm with radial four piston calipers
Rear brake	220mm disc
Front tyre size	120/70 x 17
Rear tyre size	190/55 x 17

Examples for sale nowSee all current ads for this bike

Kawasaki
ZX-10R

5600 miles

£5,699

Kawasaki
ZX-10R

11008 miles

£5,799

Kawasaki
ZX-10R

3103 miles

£6,499

Kawasaki
ZX-10R

1 miles

£9,999

Kawasaki
ZX-10R

4000 miles

£5,499

Owners' Overall Rating (6 reviews)

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zx10r cracking bike

mickp40

Average rating

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Ride and Handling
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Engine

best bike ive rode faster than my 12r and easy to ride fast

22 September 2009
I Love this beast

Nuvem

Average rating

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Ride and Handling
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Had a ZX7R 11 yrs ago and became a fan of Kawa... Also had Duke 998 and R1 ...05!! Bought a ZX10 couple mounths and done 2.5k and I can tell this bike its about heart. I felt in love with this beast. It rides like devil but you you are in control all the way. Race ready engine, brakes to cope and HUGE FUN. Outstanding bike *****

22 August 2009
09 ZX10r

jocasaja

Average rating

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Ride and Handling
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Engine

I have now done 2500 miles, and this bike is terrific. The rear diablo corsa III still has at least another 500 miles in it and it is keeping its profile. I have fitted a Fuel end can - which fitted well and looks good - sounds great as well - baffle out - lovely throaty tone without being silly loud. However in disconnecting the cables from the servo - servo motor knackered but I bought an Ivans Eliminator from SG Motosports which stops the fi warning lights from flashing. It is not the most comfortable bike, but if you can get into a relaxed thrash mode then it is fine for an hour or two. Planning to tour Germany and Holland in the late summer. The gearbox is fantastic, smooth clutchless shifts even from 1st to 2nd. However this bike is all about its amazing engine - fantastic machine

02 June 2009
zx10r

jocasaja

Average rating

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had my black zx10 for a week - now done 300 miles. I tried the fireblade, but found this fitted me better. I am impressed with the build quality and I even like the looks. Got a really good deal on an 08 bike, which I think looks better than the 09 which has a silly silver piece each side. Fitted an R&G tail tidy and have a double bubble screen on order. My nephew has just bought an 09 repsol blade which looks and sounds great, but I prefer the ergonomics of the zx and also think the engine is smoother and stronger. They are all bloody marvellous really

31 March 2009
one evil beast

kwackadave

Average rating

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ive had mine since last april and its got 16k miles on so far only problem ive got is the build quality the winter has made almost all metal corrode but i love every second on it

18 March 2009
zx-10r

ianzx10

Average rating

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Quality and Reliabilty
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Engine

Awesome bike with a brilliant engine, done 6k miles, it's focused, but so it should be. A terrific, comfortable road bike that handles well and goes like stink!

31 July 2008