The Kawasaki ZX-10RR - Legendary Machine for Racing

The homelogation of motorcycles for racing has led to some of the most legendary machines in history. And now Kawasaki – keen to keep the edge in the World Superbike Championship – has done the same.

The Kawasaki ZX-10RR is the natural successor to old models like the ZXR750R and the ZX-7RR, featuring a limited production run and a raft of technical changes you’re really not likely to notice until the motorcycle has been tuned to full race specification.

On the outside there isn’t much to see – just some RR stickers and the firm’s winter test paint job. Underneath, however, a lot of work has been done. The engine has a new cylinder head and a beeled up-bottom end to make it more tune-able.

There are also forged Marchesini wheels, just as on the new Honda Fireblade SP2, and Brembo M50 Monobloc brakes. As on the rest of next year’s ultra-high-spec motorcycles, there’s a multi-directional auto-blipping quickshifter to cope with clutchlless gear changes and, just as on those old homologation specials of yore, the head angle and swingarm pivot pint can be adjusted once the race kit is fitted.

It’s set to be a limited edition. Kawasaki says that 500 will be sold next year in Europe – enough to homologate the motorcycle. It’s not clear it that;s the entire quota or if more of he machineses will be made to supply countries outside of Europe. Many are sure to end up in the hands of international or national race teams, though, so the number of road-going Kawasaki ZX-10RR’s will be significantly lower.