ZX-10RR POWER AT A PRICE

Bending WSB’s rulebook used to be the domain of Ducati with their various homologation specials that bore only a visual resemblance to their road-going siblings. Extra capacity, high spec engine internals, even a different bore and stroke was all fair game for the Bologna manufacturer in order to secure that top step. And now Kawasaki have got in on the rule-bending act with their new 2019 ZX-10R range – and more specifically the homologation special ZX-10RR. Although considering their recent domination of the championship, you have to wonder why they have decided to improve what already seems to be the best bike on the grid being ridden by the best rider…

Making very little apology for the fact that they have updated the ZX-10R solely with the intention of overcoming WSB’s rules, Kawasaki have essentially taken a look at how to increase the Ninja’s rev limit. Why? The WSB rules currently state that you can only run 3% more revs than the road bike has (the 2018 RR has a 14,250rpm limit so that’s 14,700rpm in race trim) and then