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Edition:
Kawasaki ZX-10 R Ninja - [2018]
This edition of the Kawasaki ZX-10 R Ninja is the 6 speed | Manual version and was first brought out in 2018. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 2019 Yamaha XSR 700 XTribute and the 2018 Kawasaki KLX 250 Camo.This particular Kawasaki ZX-10 has a 998cc Liquid cooled, Two stroke, Transverse Petrol powerplant with 4 cylinders and Electronic Fuel Injection.
An alternative Transverse engine, Sport style motorbike includes the Norton Superlight SS - [2020]
The 2018 ZX-10 shares its Transverse engine and Sport style configuration with the likes of the 2020 Norton Superlight SS and the 2019 Norton Superlight Twin. Alternatively, if you're looking for other bikes which share the ZX-10's Sport style with a similar size of engine then how about the 2020 Norton Superlight SS | 2020cc.2019 Norton Superlight Twin | 2019cc.
Weighing in at 204 kgs (449 lbs) this makes the Kawasaki ZX-10 R Ninja in the same weight category as the 2025 Yamaha Tenere 700 Rally or the 2025 Yamaha Tenere 700, give or take 50kg.
The 2018 Kawasaki ZX-10 shares the same bhp with the Kawasaki ZX-10 RR Ninja Limited Edition - [2024]
In terms of power the 998cc 16 valve Transverse 4 cylinder engine produces 200 bhp (149 kW) @ 13000 rpm similar to the 2024 Kawasaki ZX-10 RR Ninja Limited Edition [204 bhp (152 kW) @ 14000 rpm] or the 2024 Honda CBR 1000 RR-R Fireblade [215 bhp (160 kW) @ 14000 rpm].
The DOHC Two stroke unit throws out torque of 83.6 lb-ft (113.4 Nm) @ 11600 rpm placing it alongside motorbikes of similar performance figures such as the 2025 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT [68.5 lb-ft (93.0 Nm) @ 7000 rpm] and the 2025 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+ [68.5 lb-ft (93.0 Nm) @ 7000 rpm].
If one combines the weight with power or torque performance for the Kawasaki ZX-10 you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.
The 2017 Norton V4 RR 1200 has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the 2018 Kawasaki ZX-10 R Ninja.
The 2018 Kawasaki ZX-10 R Ninja has a Power to weight ratio of 980.3 bhp per ton and 410.2 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 2018 ZX-10 competing with the 2017 Norton V4 RR 1200 [1005.0 bhp\ton] and the 2017 Norton V4 SS 1200 [1005.0 bhp\ton].
If you agree with the late great Carroll Shelby, then arguably an even better indicator of potential performance is Torque. Factor weight into the equation and you end up with - Torque per ton, with the Kawasaki ZX-10 generating around 410.2 lb-ft per ton. If you're curious as to what other motorbikes have as much torque to weight then look no further than the 2010 Honda CBR 1000 RR Fireblade Tricolour HRC [434.9 lb-ft per ton] and the 2012 Honda CBR 1000 RR Fireblade Casey Stoner Reps [434.9 lb-ft per ton].
With a 0-60mph time of 3.8 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 3.9 secs, this makes the Kawasaki ZX-10 R Ninja similar in acceleration to the 2024 Kawasaki ZX-10 RR Ninja Limited Edition (3.8 secs) and the 2024 Kawasaki ZX-10 RR Ninja (3.8 secs). This Kawasaki ZX-10 R Ninja also competes in terms of 0-60 mph and 0-100km/h with the 2018 Honda CB 250 R Neo Sports Cafe (0.0 secs) and the 2020 Norton Superlight SS (0.4 secs).
Quarter Mile time is a close race between the 2018 Kawasaki ZX-10 R Ninja and the 2021 Kawasaki ZX-10 R Ninja
When talking about the performance of the 2018 Kawasaki ZX-10 R Ninja on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 10.1 secs @ 0 mph. Bikes with a similar performance down the quarter mile can be found in the 2021 Kawasaki ZX-10 R Ninja (10.1 secs) and the 1993 Kawasaki ZZR 1100 D (10.1 secs).
The 2018 version of the Kawasaki ZX-10 R Ninja has a maximum speed of 147mph.
Top Speed of the 2018 ZX-10 equals the 2007 Suzuki GSX-R 600 DOHC
If maxing out your bike on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster at the top end than the 2018 Kawasaki ZX-10 R Ninja then how about a 2007 Suzuki GSX-R 600 DOHC (158 mph) and the 2007 Suzuki GSX-R 600 TT (158 mph).
