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Sportbikes

2008Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R

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The 2008 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R is a track-focused superbike designed for experienced riders seeking maximum performance. Known for its potent 998cc inline-four engine and aggressive styling, this machine excels on both road and circuit. Its advanced fuel injection and sophisticated ignition system deliver responsive power ideal for serious sportbike enthusiasts.

Capacity
998.0 ccm
Engine
In-line four, four-stroke
Gearbox
6-speed
Dry weight
178.7 kg
Seat height
822 mm
Power
179.6 HP (132.1 kW)
⇄ Compare with another bike + Add to garage All model years

What’s new for the 2008 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R

vs the 2007
Spec20072008
Dry weight 175.1 kg (386.0 pounds) 178.7 kg (394.0 pounds)
Seat height 813 mm (32.0 inches) 822 mm (32.4 inches)
Front suspension 43mm inverted cartridge fork with adjustable preload, stepless rebound and compression damping adjustments / 4.7 in. 43mm inverted fork with DLC coating, adjustable rebound and compression damping, spring preload adjustability and top-out springs / 4.7 in.
Rear suspension Uni-Trak® with adjustable preload, stepless rebound and compression damping adjustments, adjustable ride height / 4.9 in. Uni-Trak® with top-out spring, stepless, dual-range (high/low-speed) compression damping, stepless rebound damping, fully adjustable spring preload / 4.9 in.
Compression 12.7:1 13.0:1
Other years 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested
Speed 79Agility 49Comfort 55Off-road 5Touring 45Road manners 80
Off-road & trail5%
Cornering65%
City riding35%
Daily riding40%
Touring45%
Two-up55%
Track70%
Best for
Built primarily as a straight-line speed and long-distance high-performance machine rather than a nimble corner-carving trackday weapon.
Built for
A brute-force in-line four hyper-sport bike that blends drag-strip acceleration with surprising highway comfort and stability.
Not ideal for
Not a good fit for new riders, off-road use, tight urban commuting, or anyone seeking a lightweight, flickable corner-carver.

Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.

Will it fit you?

Worked out in your browser - nothing is sent to us
At 822mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with balls of both feet on the 2008 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R, with a cramped knee angle of around 70 degrees and a forward-leaning riding position.

Assumes about 30mm of suspension sag once seated. This is an approximation from category-typical geometry, not a measurement of this bike or of you - sit on one before you buy.

More bikes at 821-900 mm — Long Legs →

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Full specifications

Engine
Capacity
998.0 ccm
Power
179.6 HP (132.1 kW)
EPA Certificate No.
8KAXC.998AAB-019
EPA CO Emissions
2.1 CO g/km
Torque
113.8 Nm (11.6 kgf-m)
Engine type
In-line four, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio
1.0050 HP/kg (dry)
Bore x stroke
76.0 x 55.0 mm
Compression
13.0:1
Cooling system
Liquid
Fuel system
Injection
Starting
Electric
Ignition
TCBI with digital advance and Kawasaki Ignition Management System (KIMS)
Aspiration
Naturally aspirated
Valves per cylinder
4
Lubrication system
Forced lubrication, wet sump with oil cooler
Transmission
Gearbox
6-speed
Transmission type
Manual
Final drive
Chain
Clutch
Wet multi-disc, manual
Performance
0-60 mph
3.10 seconds
0-100 km/h (0-62 mph)
3.20 seconds
Dimensions & weight
Wheelbase
1415 mm
Overall length
2088 mm
Overall width
709 mm
Overall height
1133 mm
Seat height
822 mm
Dry weight
178.7 kg
Wet weight
208.0 kg
Fuel capacity
17.00 litres
Ground clearance
124 mm
Chassis & suspension
Frame
Semi-double cradle, high-tensile steel
Front suspension
43mm inverted fork with DLC coating, adjustable rebound and compression damping, spring preload adjustability and top-out springs / 4.7 in.
Rear suspension
Uni-Trak® with top-out spring, stepless, dual-range (high/low-speed) compression damping, stepless rebound damping, fully adjustable spring preload / 4.9 in.
Front wheel travel
119 mm
Rear wheel travel
140 mm
Rake (fork angle)
25.5°
Trail
109 mm
Brakes & wheels
Front brakes
Double disc
Front brakes diameter
310 mm
Rear brakes
Single disc
Rear brakes diameter
220 mm
Front tyre
120/70-ZR17
Rear tyre
190/55-ZR17
Other
Color options
Lime Green / Flat Super Black, Metallic Diablo Black, Candy Plasma Blue / Flat Super Black
Fuel Tank Material
Metal

Compiled from manufacturer documentation and user contributions, corrected on an ongoing basis. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.

What changed, year to year

Differences highlighted
Specification 200520082011201620222027
Capacity 998 cc 998 cc 998 cc 998 cc 998 cc 998 cc
Dry weight 170 kg 179 kg 198 kg 198 kg — 193 kg
Seat height 826 mm 822 mm 813 mm 813 mm 835 mm 826 mm
Fuel capacity 17 L 17 L 17 L 17 L 17 L 17 L

Illustrative - generated automatically by diffing the year records already on file, not a manufacturer-published changelog.

Rider Reviews

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Rider rating

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Common questions

What is the engine size of the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R?

The 2008 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R has a Capacity of 998.0 ccm (60.90 cubic inches).

What engine power does the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R have?

The 2008 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R has a Power of 179.6 HP (132.1 kW).

How many gears does the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R have?

The 2008 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R has a Gearbox of 6-speed.

What is the torque of the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R?

The 2008 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R has a Torque of 113.8 Nm (11.6 kgf-m or 83.9 ft.lbs).

How much does the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R weigh?

The 2008 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R has a Dry weight of 178.7 kg (394.0 pounds).

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