The 2026 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R received a refresh this year. The superbike adds features you would expect on a modern model in this rarified genre, so let’s go over them.
- The styling is sharper than ever. The ram-air intake has been moved, and the headlight reconfigured, giving the ZX-10R a new face. The fairing is more angular with sightlines that run from the front of the bike to the tail section. The side cowls are larger are larger and the tail section’s wedge shape tapers more aggressively. The Lime Green version gets Blue 24 accents—a classic Kawasaki racing colorway.
- Kawasaki engineers enhanced the ram-air intake’s performance. It’s not above the new headlight, and focuses the airflow with resin fins as it makes its way to the airbox. Kawasaki stylists added gloss-black paint around the intake to evoke the fangs of a predator.
- The winglets make their presence known like never before on a Ninja. Dispensing with the fairing-integrated previous-generation winglets, the 2026 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R gets broad winglets that increase downforce by 25 percent while only increasing drag by 0.3 percent compared to last year. To make sure you don’t miss them, the winglets get the Blue 24 paint on the Lime Green version. If you want to ride incognito, the ZX-10R is available in black, or as Kawasaki color coordinators call it—Metallic Matte Graphenesteel Gray/Metallic Spark Black/Pearl Storm Gray.
- With the additional downforce, the chassis has been modified. The swing arm pivot is 2mm higher, and the Showa BFF fork legs sit 2mm lower in the triple clamp. Along with new linkage for the Showa BFRC-Lite shock, the changes provide more rear-wheel traction and enhance steering with the back wheel on the track. The fork gets new damping settings, while the shock has a 2.5 percent lighter spring and changes in the damping rates for 2026.
- The Bridgestone tires have been upgraded. The RS11s have been replaced by newer Racing Street RS12 rubber.
- A five-inch TFT dash has been fitted to the 2026 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R. The dash is compatible with Kawasaki’s Rideology The App Motorcycle smartphone app. Features include route logging and the ability to input ride mode settings prior to a ride. Optional software features include navigation and voice command with a helmet headset.
- The headlight is all new. The low beams use projector technology to focus the light, while the high beams and position lights use reflectors to provide a broader throw.
- The 2026 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R ABS will be available after the new year starts. There’s also a non-ABS version for track day aficionados. We expect that Kawasaki will have set an MSRP by then.
2026 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R ABS Specs
ENGINE
- Type: Inline-4
- Displacement: 998 cc
- Bore x stroke: 76.0 x 55.0 mm
- Compression Ratio 13.0:1
- Maximum power: 190 horsepower @ 11,500 rpm
- Maximum torque: 83 lb-ft @ 11,300 rpm
- Valvetrain: DOHC; 4 vpc
- Fueling: Four 47mm throttle bodies
- Transmission: 6-speed w/ quickshifter
- Final drive: Sealed chain
CHASSIS
- Frame: Twin-spar aluminum
- Steering damper: Öhlins
- Front suspension; travel: Fully adjustable 43mm inverted Showa BFF; 4.7 inches
- Rear suspension; travel: Linkage-assisted, fully adjustable Showa BFRC-Lite piggyback reservoir shock; 4.2 inches
- Tires: Bridgestone Battlax Racing Street RS12
- Front tire: 120/70-17
- Rear tire: 190/55-17
- Front brake: 330mm discs w/ Brembo M50 4-piston calipers
- Rear brake: 220mm disc w/ single-piston caliper
- ABS: Cornering ABS
DIMENSIONS and CAPACITIES
- Wheelbase: 57.1 inches
- Rake: 25.0 degrees
- Trail: 4.1 inches
- Seat height: 32.5 inches
- Fuel tank capacity: 4.5 gallons
- Curb weight: 463 pounds (non-ABS: 457 pounds)
COLORS
- Lime Green/Blue 24
- Metallic Matte Graphenesteel Gray/ Metallic Spark Black/Pearl Storm Gray
PRICES
- 2026 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R: $TBA MSRP
- 2026 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R ABS: $TBA
2026 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R Photo Gallery
