KAWASAKI ZX-10R (2006 - 2007) Review

At a glance

Owners' reliability rating: 4.4 out of 5 (4.4/5)
Annual servicing cost: £620
Power: 181 bhp
Seat height: Medium (32.5 in / 825 mm)
Weight: Low (386 lbs / 175 kg)

Prices

New N/A
Used £4,000 - £4,500

Overall rating

Next up: Ride & brakes
4 out of 5 (4/5)

Slightly more user friendly than the psycho C-model Kawasaki ZX-10R of 2004/05 but the latest Kawasaki ZX-10R is still a pretty extreme, track focused missile. Competitive in the 1000cc sports category, so obscenely fast and fine handling. Kawasaki ZX-10R  headlights not to everyone’s taste visually but it’s a look that gets cars out of the way sharpish.

2006-2007 Kawasaki ZX-10R D used buyers' guide

For some the lively ‘04 model was a little too racy, which meant Kawasaki tried to calm things down with the 06 model. The styling was changed; it got little wider, fatter and heavier thanks to the twin exiting exhausts under the seat. These also gave the 06 ZX-10R the nickname ‘the wheelbarrow’. Nick Morgan says “We had so much trouble getting power out of the engine, and couldn’t get the lazy chassis to handle. The cylinder heads were different, it was harder to tune, but they had fixed the generator problems of the first bike thankfully.”

The engine was similar to the predecessor with the same peak power, however a damper came as standard and it wasn’t as race focused. Despite being the least popular model it shouldn’t be underestimated; it’s lazier handling meant it was stable and easier to ride, it was also roomier.

Ride quality & brakes

Next up: Engine
4 out of 5 (4/5)

The latest Kawasaki ZX-10R is so much better behaved on bumpy roads than its predecessor. Quick and effortless to turn, stable and easy to change line mid-corner, the Kawasaki ZX-10R comes with Ohlins steering damper as standard. You’ll still need to be a dedicated, experienced rider if you want to push hard on the track and a mad man to do it on the road on a Kawasaki ZX-10R.

Engine

Next up: Reliability
4 out of 5 (4/5)

173bhp (181 with ram air) pushing a compact 175kg is never going to be anything other than f-f-f-f-flippin’ fast. And that’s exactly what the Kawasaki ZX-10R is. It revs extremely rapidly and you appreciate the slick gear change as you whiz through the ratios. Third gear power wheelies on the Kawasaki ZX-10R? Naturally.

Reliability & build quality

Next up: Value
4 out of 5 (4/5)

No regular problems – with proper maintenance the Kawasaki ZX-10R engine should run forever. You can’t thrash a motorcycle like this regularly. If buying a Kawasaki ZX-10R look for crash damage, signs of theft and clues it’s been a race bike or track day machine. Paperwork should provide clues so read it all.

Value vs rivals

Next up: Equipment
4 out of 5 (4/5)

The Kawasaki ZX-10R is a blistering machine for a reasonable price. Better still plenty are sold at a discount. Even thought the GSX-R1000 is a better machine Kawasakis have a cult following which keeps used prices high. Kawasaki ZX-10R servicing and tyres aren’t cheap, insurance ditto but considering the Ferarri crushing performance, the Kawasaki ZX-10R a bargain. Find a Kawasaki ZX-10R for sale.

Equipment

3 out of 5 (3/5)

There are sports bikes you can tour on and some that make it hard work. The riding position on the Kawasaki ZX-10R makes it one of the latter. It’s a head-down, neck craning experience. The Kawasaki ZX-10R is reasonably well equipped for a supersport, digital console includes a lap timer. Read reviews of parts for a Kawasaki ZX-10R.

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

Specs

Engine size 998cc
Engine type 16v inline-four, 6 gears
Frame type Backbone/twin tube aluminium
Fuel capacity 17 litres
Seat height 825mm
Bike weight 175kg
Front suspension Preload, rebound, compression
Rear suspension Preload, rebound, compression
Front brake Twin 300mm discs
Rear brake 220mm disc
Front tyre size 120/70 x 17
Rear tyre size 190/55 x 17

Mpg, costs & insurance

Average fuel consumption 40 mpg
Annual road tax £117
Annual service cost £620
New price -
Used price £4,000 - £4,500
Insurance group 17 of 17
How much to insure?
Warranty term Two year unlimited mileage

Top speed & performance

Max power 181 bhp
Max torque 85 ft-lb
Top speed 182 mph
1/4 mile acceleration 10.7 secs
Tank range 145 miles

Model history & versions

Model history

2004: Original C-model Kawasaki ZX-10R launched.
2006: D-suffix Kawasaki ZX-10R with projector headlights replaces the Kawasaki ZX-10R 'C’.
2007: Model discontinued.

Other versions

None.

MCN Long term test reports

Long term update: Can I ‘Un-Euro 4’ the ZX-10R?

Long term update: Can I ‘Un-Euro 4’ the ZX-10R?

For 2017 new bikes will have to be Euro 4 compliant – cleaner and more efficient. It’s the reason so many manufacturers have compliant bikes this year and we’ll see even more rolled out at the bike shows this autumn. Euro 4 is the reason the new Ducati’s baby Panigale has spouted ugly pipes and why

Read the latest report

Owners' reviews for the KAWASAKI ZX-10R (2006 - 2007)

18 owners have reviewed their KAWASAKI ZX-10R (2006 - 2007) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.

Review your KAWASAKI ZX-10R (2006 - 2007)

Summary of owners' reviews

Overall rating: 4.4 out of 5 (4.4/5)
Ride quality & brakes: 4.2 out of 5 (4.2/5)
Engine: 4.6 out of 5 (4.6/5)
Reliability & build quality: 4.4 out of 5 (4.4/5)
Value vs rivals: 4.4 out of 5 (4.4/5)
Equipment: 4.2 out of 5 (4.2/5)
Annual servicing cost: £620
5 out of 5 Kwakatastic
06 February 2023 by Bonkey

Year: 2006

Annual servicing cost: £50

Changed brakes suspension some electronics & removed decathlon. I double dare you to even attempt to try it on with me n my 10r we will leave u in dust as always!!! 30plusgrand ducati's and all others "all the gear n no idea" is such a true phrase!

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

I've lots of old injuries racing football fighting etc just need to adjust ya arse now n again

Engine 5 out of 5

She's superfast n will b as gd as any newer bike for a lot more years to come.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

A brilliant bike last and fast forever with a few small tweaks, I like this bike better than I did my blueprinted zx9r.

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

Oil n filter naff all else needs doing n lube ⛓️ which I do myself of course

Equipment 4 out of 5

Change shock to ttx36 n ohlins internals from will at ftr

Buying experience: From my m8 6months old for £5200 in 2007.

3 out of 5 Disappointing
02 February 2023 by Blackhill

Year: 2006

Quite disappointing. The steering is ponderous, the brakes are very poor for a high performance bike and the engine is lacking on the road. Having to keep a litre bike above 7k RPM is daft.

Ride quality & brakes 3 out of 5

Suspension is OK, but the brakes only seem to compress the front end and hardly slow the bike. Ride quality and stability are fine, but they've probably gone to far compared with the original ZX-10R

Engine 3 out of 5

Not good enough for a litre bike, and a tall 1st gear only amplifies the problem.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

It scrubs up well and the quality of finish is good.

Value vs rivals 3 out of 5

The frame design, which doesn't seem to do anything for the handling, also makes engine access difficult.

Equipment 4 out of 5

What you'd expect of a sports bike. It's not really a category by which you judge a sports bike.

4 out of 5 On the wild side.
14 December 2020 by Crumpy

Year: 2007

Ok! I've owned this super low (8000) km example for 12 months and I'm of two minds about this bike. The engine is a ripper, decent amount of grunt and a psycho top end. It feels planted in a corner and pretty stable on the gas. (Ohlins steering damper nothing more than a marketing exercise, does nothing !) But like most litre superbikes, road manners are a compromise. Close ratio (supertall 1st gear) is great on track but makes stop start low speed commuting a pita. Also makes a mockery of speed limits. The bike runs hot in traffic and can cook your goolies. The mirrors are useless and too small. The gearbox is ok but not as slick as my 9r and not in the same league as the Fireblade or Gixer. The fuel economy is poor especially when your on it and the lack of fuel gauge can catch you out. Kawasaki engineers must have been smoking the hoochy when they designed the front brakes. They stop ok but the lever travel is something else. Very disconcerting until you get used to them. Not good enough and definitely not on par with the competition. The bike does vibrate a bit but I wouldn't say its excessive or at least not as bad as some others have claimed. The styling is, well of course subjective but the front end grows on you. In profile it's a smart looking machine. The twin underseat pipes arenot as ugly as the modern incarnation of manga inspired cartoon exhausts that seem to be in vogue atm. So am I going to keep it. Sadly probably not. While it is a joy to ride on the fast stuff, getting there, not so much.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

Houston we have a problem!

Engine 5 out of 5

Sounds awesome on the gas, makes me smile everytime I hit 8k

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

-

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5
Equipment 5 out of 5

Engine, engine, engine. Did I mention that engine!

4 out of 5
26 July 2020 by Denis

Year: 2006

Use for track days only, great power and a great positive front wheel feeling.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5
Value vs rivals 4 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5
5 out of 5 The worst and best of the ZX-10R
19 August 2018 by Jason Callow or Largey1000

Version: D6F

Year: 2006

Annual servicing cost: £1,200

Worst: - Not the best looking but can be improved. Best: - Unbelievable value for money. Highly recommended mega and the cheapest 1000cc weapon for the money.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

Suspension and brakes were good until I got better and then the cracks started to appear. Suspension went soggy at 30000 miles resulting in cans touching the tyre at Pembrey and then the brakes at 35000. FTR Sususpension Revalve, Re-Spring, Service and fit K-Tech Cartridge kit sorted the suspension transformed it completely absolutely mega and retained stock looks. Accossato master cylinder, Braided lines, EBC HH and Fluid change done the same for the brakes meaning one finger from any speed. Comfortable all day on track including open pit days, tiredness gets me before discomfort.

Engine 4 out of 5

Very, very fast but is quite two-strokey in it's delivery. I'be gotta keep it above 6000rpm to stay on the power. Can also be a bit slow to pick-up out of really slow corners like Melbourne loop at Donington compared to some of the newer 1000s. Top-end is absolutely mental love it.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Mine's done 45000 miles and you wouldn't know it, regular cleaning keeps it looking good. Keep on top of the servicing and you're good to go and go and go, more than capable of keeping up with the new 1000s.

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

MIne's strictly used as a trackday bike so at the end of every third event it has new tyres and oil/oil filter. Has the big service Valve Clearance, Fluid change, Throttle bodies etc every 24 months. I do 12 - 14 track days a year in the Inters/Fast class, so not bad really considering what it is capable of, always under estimated by the newer bike owners.

Equipment 4 out of 5

As it's an older model put some money aside for brakes and suspension it will make a much bigger difference than you can appreciate and is a better option than fitting Race cans etc. I spent £1300 in total on brakes/suspension and gained approx. 3 seconds on smaller tracks and 8 seconds on the bigger ones. Love how it surprises the newer stuff and Michelin Power RS or Pirelli Diablo Rosso Corsa's are the business.

Buying experience: Bought from a Hinkley Kawasaki (excellent) who had it up for £4400 but ended up doing a part-ex deal with an SV1000S meaning I spent £1100 and got it for £3100. The deal was based on me buying it without being Valeted, Serviced, Mot'd or Warranted as it was always going to be a track bike.

4 out of 5
22 November 2016 by Jack

Year: 2007

Its a ZX-10R LE in Red, and thats what really makes it stand out. Bike is very reliable as a daily rider, its much cooler in terms of engine temp compared to my other bikes. Engine is balanced and smooth.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5
Engine 4 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 4 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5
5 out of 5
19 September 2015 by tyrone

Year: 2007

silky smooth acceleration

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5

sweet

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

never missed a beat

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 5 out of 5
5 out of 5 What an engine
30 May 2012 by dazw22

I said after going to Ducati I would never get an IL4 again. I doubt I'll go back to Ducati now! The engine on this thing is astonishing, there is fantastic torque at a reasonably low rate of revs and the top end I haven't got near yet scares me half to death! Handling is great, nice and light after manhandling the Duke around. I've sorted the crap standard brakes with Goodridge lines, Brembo pads, new fluid and a good clean of the calipers so now she stops which is good because this thing is fast.Looks like the previous owner has ridden in winter so a few of the fasteners and parts are a little discoloured but nothing bad. Fantastic bike if your thinking about it.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 3 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5
5 out of 5 silky and mental !!
04 March 2009 by Scooboo81

Just got One of these in January'09, love it...the performance is just mind blowing, handling is on the right side of light/ sharp. gives a little shake on the fast bumps but nothing that would scare you. Engine picks up from nothing...and is silky smooth, I love it, nice and comfy too....well compared to my old 748 I had it is!!And in black will the carbon cans it just looks mean and screams get out of the way!!Go and get one, I did...and I'm grinning from ear to ear everytime I turn that key !!

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5
Value vs rivals 4 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5
5 out of 5 2006 ZX-10R
07 November 2008 by Karlasaki

The main difference between my old '98 ZX-9R and my new 2006 ZX-10R is the handling and engine. The ZX-10 is so much more powerful, and it has midrange that even the grunty ZX-9R can't match. The chassis' USD forks are class and it even takes pillion in comfort! The brakes are perfect and I think its the best looking 1000cc ever! Mods: Akrapovics, DHM crash bungs, Kawasaki screen, braided lines. (Metallic Raw Titanium is the best colour ever!)

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 4 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5
5 out of 5 Mental !!!!!!!
01 September 2008 by 1batfink

If you want ballisctic speed this is the bike for you! Pure grin factor

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 5 out of 5
4 out of 5 crazy
16 June 2008 by mark...l

hi had my 10 for nearly a year now only fault is the stand BEWARE theres not enought lean angle kawasaki said theres not a problem with them bollocks mine fell when it was 3 days old apart from that its awsome ive just fitted a powercommander ill let yous know how i get on

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 2 out of 5
5 out of 5 Kwakafatha
23 February 2008 by manlow

I have had litre bikes and two busa's. I bought a black 10R brand spankers and only had it two weeks after running it in and it got blown over on my drive. Don't ask me how, i've lived here for 11 years and the sidestand marks are evident for all the previous bikes but it still blew over. Dont get it. anyway, £655 later and it's back to its original beauty! Love the bloody thing, cant wait for some dry weather to thrash the tits off it.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 5 out of 5
5 out of 5 blakkwak
05 July 2007 by blakkwak

BOUGHT BIKE MARCH 16 2006 SUPERB SPEED MACHINE COVERED 12000 MILES THIS IS A PROPER MANS BIKE WHICH MIGHT VIBRATE A BIT ARE THEY MEN OR MICE TRY BTO14 TYRES ABSOLUTELY STUNNING GRIP & 4000 MILES NOT HANGING ABOUT EITHER SUPERB BIKE BRING ON THE ZX10RR

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 5 out of 5
5 out of 5 Love this bike
21 September 2006 by VioXtreme

I purchased my 2006 zx-10r about 2 months ago after my zx-6r was stolen. This bike is awesome. Handles like a dream ( I actually think it holds a line better than the 6 ) and is fast as hell. I dont have any of the vibration problems that others are talking about, and I love the looks (mine is black). Strengths: Power, Its comfortable for a sport bike, Handling, Looks, Sounds good. Weaknesses: Fuel mileage isnt near as good as the 6r. Insurance is high.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5
5 out of 5 A GREAT BIKE SPOILED
26 August 2006 by dcruise

WHAT A SHAME KAWASAKI HAVE RUINED THIS BIKE. GREAT POWER, SUPERB HANDLING, EXCELLENT BRAKES, O.K LOOKS. IS A SHAME I CAN'T USE IT. WHY! BECAUSE OF AN AWFUL VIBRATION THAT SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE 06 BIKE. 'WHITE FINGER' WITHIN 30 MILES. YES THAT BAD. I'VE NOW P.X IT. AS I SAID 'A GREAT BIKE SPOILED'. Strengths: EVERYTHING (APART FROM VIBES) THE FASTEST BIKE I'VE RIDDEN. INCLUDES R1, GIXER 1000, FIREBLADE E.T.C. HANDLES TOO. NOT THE BEST LOOKER, BUT BETTER WITH END CANS AND TAILTIDY. Weaknesses: VIBRATIONS, VIBRATIONS, VIBRATIONS. FAILED TO START DUE TO KEY IMMOBILISER, WHAT A SHAME THAT VIBES SPOILED THE FUN.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5
1 out of 5 What an awful bike a right dog
07 July 2006 by emjauk

Bought the bike 1st of April, have done 2000 miles on it & won't be doing anymore. It has been back to the dealers due to the awful vibration through the whole bike that results in your arms & legs going numb after 30 miles on it. Have been told it the way the bike is made. Well they want to make it some people can enjoy riding it. Went on an R1 today to compare, did 100 miles, what a dream. I would steer clear of this bike unless you like having 'white finger'. Strengths: It's looks.  Weaknesses: That it has a design fault which results in the air box resting on the throttle bodies which causes the whole bike to vibrate.

Ride quality & brakes 1 out of 5
Engine 1 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 1 out of 5
Value vs rivals 1 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5
5 out of 5 Top Bike! Massive power! Changed a couple of things, double bubble, alarm, tail tidy, cotton reels
19 June 2006 by piggywig

Bought the bike brand new back in May, ran it in nice and steady and it's now covered 1300 miles and is getting stronger and faster every time I ride it. Haven't had the chance to 'play' with any other bikes as of yet, will have to wait my chance! Had a ZX9RE1 before, which was and still is a fantastic bike, but doesn't have the power this thing has, the 10 just piles on speed so quickly, it's staggering. 9 is easier to get off the line as the 10 just wheelies through all the gears until your doing about 120, (2nd) but even then the front wheel is very light. As for power and speed, well lets just say 160 in 4th is only just at the red line......half revs in top equate to 101mph.... Handling is very light, turn in is much quicker than the 9. Just about to change the tires from Dunlop Qualifiers to Diablo Corsas which have a different profile, will have to wait and see if it changes the handling characteristics that much. Strengths: Turbine like power, massive amounts of it, looks, (well Iike it), colour (looks best in Ti) Handling. Go buy one!! Weaknesses: Mirrors, getting very used to looking at mu elbows, original screen (need a double bubble) tank range compared to the 9. Why oh why do Kawasaki not put a cat1 alarm on as standard instead of just an immobiliser.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5
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