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Sportbikes

2018Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R

★ 5.0
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The 2018 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R is a track-focused superbike built for experienced riders who want World Superbike technology on the road. Its 998 cc in-line four delivers 200 hp at 13,000 rpm, backed by launch control, sport traction control and Balance Free suspension. It's best known for its racing pedigree and razor-sharp, uncompromising performance.

Capacity
998.0 ccm
Engine
In-line four, four-stroke
Gearbox
6-speed
Wet weight
206.0 kg
Seat height
835 mm
Power
200.0 HP (146.0 kW) @ 13000 RPM
⇄ Compare with another bike + Add to garage All model years ⚠ Recalls listed (2)

What’s new for the 2018 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R

vs the 2017
Spec20172018
Front suspension 43 mm inverted fork with rebound and compression damping, spring preload adjustability and top-out springs 43mm inverted Balance Free Fork, adjustable stepless rebound and compression damping, spring preload adjustability
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 89Agility 59Comfort 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 835mm, a rider of 175cm with a 79cm (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with balls of both feet on the 2018 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R, with a cramped knee angle of around 75 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 →

Find bikes that fit your height →

Range and running costs

Worked out in your browser - nothing is sent to us

Based on the maker's published fuel consumption and tank size. Real-world figures depend on how and where you ride, and the last litres of a tank are reserve. Prices shown greyed are examples - type your own.

Full specifications

Engine
Capacity
998.0 ccm
Power
200.0 HP (146.0 kW) @ 13000 RPM
CO2 Emissions
148 CO2 g/km
EPA Certificate No.
JKAXC.998AAE-004-R01
EPA Est. Fuel Consumption
6.30 L/100km (37.3 US mpg)
EPA CO Emissions
0.9 CO g/km
Torque
113.5 Nm (11.6 kgf-m) @ 11600 RPM
Engine type
In-line four, four-stroke
Fuel consumption
5.90 litres/100 km (16.9 km/l)
Power/weight ratio
0.9709 HP/kg (wet)
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 Sport-Kawasaki Traction Control (S-KTRC)
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
3.20 seconds
0-100 km/h (0-62 mph)
3.40 seconds
Dimensions & weight
Wheelbase
1440 mm
Overall length
2090 mm
Overall width
740 mm
Overall height
1145 mm
Seat height
835 mm
Wet weight
206.0 kg
Fuel capacity
17.00 litres
Ground clearance
145 mm
Dry weight
Not on record - add it
Chassis & suspension
Frame
Twin spar, cast aluminium
Front suspension
43mm inverted Balance Free Fork, adjustable stepless rebound and compression damping, spring preload adjustability
Rear suspension
Horizontal Back-link with gas-charged shock and top-out spring. Compression damping
Front wheel travel
119 mm
Rear wheel travel
140 mm
Rake (fork angle)
27.0°
Trail
107 mm
Brakes & wheels
Front brakes
Double disc. Floating discs. Optional ABS.
Front brakes diameter
310 mm
Rear brakes
Single disc. Optional ABS.
Rear brakes diameter
220 mm
ABS
Optional
Front tyre
120/70-ZR17
Rear tyre
190/55-ZR17
Other
Color options
Metallic Matte Fusion Silver/Metallic Flat Spark Black
Comments
154,4 kW (210 PS) at 13.000 with RAM air. Small windscreen. Kawasaki Launch Control Mode (KLCM), Kawasaki Intelligent anti-lock Brake System (KIBS), Kawasaki Sport Traction Control (S-KTRC), Kawasaki Engine Braking Control, Kawasaki Quick S
Fuel Tank Material
Metal
Comments
154,4 kW (210 PS) at 13.000 with RAM air. Small windscreen. Kawasaki Launch Control Mode (KLCM), Kawasaki Intelligent anti-lock Brake System (KIBS), Kawasaki Sport Traction Control (S-KTRC), Kawasaki Engine Braking Control, Kawasaki Quick Shifter (KQS) (upshift only), Kawasaki Corner Management Function (KCMF).

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 200520112016201820222027
Capacity 998 cc 998 cc 998 cc 998 cc 998 cc 998 cc
Dry weight 170 kg 198 kg 198 kg — — 193 kg
Seat height 826 mm 813 mm 813 mm 835 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.

Safety Recalls

⚠ 2 recalls may apply
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSIONNov 2020 · 20V676000

Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. (KMC) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Ninja H2 SX, Ninja H2 SXSE, and 2019-2020 Ninja H2 SXSE+ motorcycles. In the event of a gear misengagement the engine electronic control unit (ECU) programming doesn't have the capability to suppress high RPM during transmission. If the transmission gears are not properly engaged while shifting into 4th or 5th gear, high engine RPM can cause the output gears of 4th or 5th to fracture when the gears re-engage.

Risk: Damaged gears and the inability to shift can cause the engine to lock up, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: KMC will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the FI-ECU software, free of charge. Owners are advised to not ride their motorcycle until the repair has been completed. The recall began November 16, 2020. Owners may contact KMC customer service at 1-866-802-9381. KMC's number for this recall is MC20-10.

STRUCTURE:MOTORCYCLE:KICKSTAND/CENTER STANDAug 2018 · 18V580000

Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. (Kawasaki) is recalling certain 2018 Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX SE (ZXT02BJ) motorcycles. The pin for the center stand spring may have been improperly welded, and, as a result, the pin may shift or fall off resulting in the spring detaching and the center stand dropping to the ground unexpectedly and dragging while riding.

Risk: The dragging center stand can cause a loss of control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Kawasaki will notify owners, and dealers will replace the left center stand bracket, free of charge. Owners may contact Kawasaki customer service at 1-866-802-9381. Kawasaki's number for this recall is MC18-05.

These recalls cover some 2018 bikes of this model. Whether one applies to a specific bike, and whether the repair has already been done, depends on its VIN — check your VIN with NHTSA or ask a dealer.

Source: NHTSA. View all Kawasaki recalls →

Rider Reviews

5.0
★★★★★
Rider rating
MotorcycleDB

The 2018 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R is a powerful and versatile motorcycle that offers superb performance on both the track and the street. With its 998cc engine, advanced electronics, and high-quality components, this bike delivers impressive acceleration, precise handling, and excellent stopping power. The ZX-10R also features a sleek and aggressive design that turns heads wherever it goes. Whether you're a seasoned rider looking for a competitive edge on the race circuit or a street rider who craves adrenaline-pumping speed, the 2018 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R is a fantastic choice.

In conclusion, the 2018 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R is a top-of-the-line sportbike that offers an exhilarating riding experience. Its combination of power, performance, and style make it a standout motorcycle in its class. Whether you're a speed enthusiast or a trackday rider, the ZX-10R is a fantastic option that delivers on all fronts. With its cutting-edge technology and aggressive design, this bike is sure to satisfy even the most demanding riders. If you're in the market for a high-performance motorcycle that commands attention, the 2018 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R is a fantastic choice.

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Common questions

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

The 2018 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 2018 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R has a Power of 200.0 HP (146.0 kW) @ 13000 RPM.

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

The 2018 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R has a Gearbox of 6-speed.

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

The 2018 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R has a Torque of 113.5 Nm (11.6 kgf-m or 83.7 ft.lbs) @ 11600 RPM.

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

The 2018 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R has a Wet weight of 206.0 kg (454.2 pounds).

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