In 2010, the Japanese motorcycle manufacturer released the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R, a sports motorcycle that, compared to its 2009 predecessor, featured only slight changes which included the updated Ohlins steering damper, recessed headlights into the fairing, and the individual fairing center section pieces molded into one piece.
In addition, the bike featured the upper, side, and center fairings in an aggressive style, while the cockpit inner covers enhanced aerodynamic efficiency and appearance.
Also, the bike received a refinement to the shift ratchet assembly for less friction, improved shifting feel, and more positive gear changes but also received slightly longer throttle cables inside a plastic throttle housing that improved throttle action for even more control.
In the power department, the 2010 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R had its soul in a 998cc four-stroke four-cylinder liquid-cooled engine that came in a lightweight, narrow, and compact package with a lightweight crankshaft that maintained the same inertia as heavier designs but saved some weight.
Also, the fuel-injected engine featured secondary fuel injectors that improved power output and characteristics at high rpm. As for the power figures, the 2010 model delivered an output power of 188 hp at 12,500 rpm, 200 hp with the ram air intake working at full potential, and 113 Nm (83 lb-ft) of torque with a peak at 8,700 rpm.
With a wet weight of 208 kg (458 lbs) and set in motion by a six-speed manual transmission, the bike reached a top speed of 292 kph (181 mph).