India’s Most Affordable Litre-class Bike Has Reached Dealerships

The 2021 Kawasaki ZX-10R has arrived at dealerships after almost a month of its India launch. Priced modestly at Rs 14.99 lakh (introductory, ex-showroom), the ZX-10R undercuts all other litre-class bikes in India by a considerable margin, even the Ducati Panigale V2 and the soon-to-arrive Aprilia 660s. Deliveries of the 10R are in full swing, and one can book the motorcycle for a token of Rs 50,000. 

The 2021 ZX-10R features several updates over the previous bike, making it a complete package. The most noticeable design change is at the front, with the bike taking on a Kawasaki H2-like appearance. A split full-LED headlamp replaces the halogen unit. The front fascia also features integrated aerodynamic scoops that increase downforce by 17 percent, as claimed by the Japanese giant. At the back, the taillight remains unchanged, but aerodynamic spoilers have been added, probably for appeal. It is offered in two colours: Lime Green and Flat Ebony.

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 The next big update comes in the electronics department. The BS6 10R features a new 4.3-inch TFT display and switchgear. These let you navigate the extensive electronics suite including cornering ABS, engine braking control, launch control, quickshifter, rider modes, and traction control. The flagship Kawi gets seven rider modes (three standard, and four rider-customisable), a five-level traction control system, and cruise control.

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 The 10R continues to employ the same 998cc, inline-four motor, but it now gets a new titanium exhaust system and a revised catalytic converter, making it BS6-compliant. It puts out 213PS and 115Nm. A six-speed gearbox with slipper clutch and a bi-directional quickshifter is also present. Kawasaki has also altered the gear-ratios of the 10R and the first three gears are shorter than before, thus improving acceleration.

Other updates for 2021 include revised ergonomics for a more committed riding posture, slightly different suspension tune for better track riding, and new sprockets for a peppier final drive. It continues to employ the same braking hardware and the same suspension setup (a USD fork and the monoshock, both adjustable and sourced from Showa) as before.