Intermot show: Kawasaki’s ZX-10R gets an RR version (think of it as an old-style homologation racing special on the road)

Intermot show: Kawasaki’s ZX-10R gets an RR version (think of it as an old-style homologation racing special on the road).

Now we like this! Kawasaki has revealed its 2017 ZX-10RR. A ZX-10R with knobs on. If you get our point. But there’s only going to be 500 of these bikes made – so if you want one, get buying and quick.

Basically, this is a WSB-spec (ish) upper-flight version of the superbike that gets a modified cylinder head equipped to take higher lift racing camshafts and new reinforced crankcases for increased durability, the RR also gets tappets with DLC low friction surface coating for reduced mechanical loss – essential on a race tuned engine.

For the chassis tweaking, the ZX-10RR gets lightweight forged aluminum Marchesini wheels to reduce un-sprung weight while the combination of Brembo M50 monobloc calipers, laterally grooved Brembo disc rotors plus a Brembo radial pump master cylinder and steel braided hoses ups the braking performance.

The addition of down as well as up gear selection on the KQS Kawasaki Quick Shifter is a welcome feature as is the race kit accessory option of head pipe angle and rear pivot point adjustment. Matched to the Showa advanced balanced free front fork the horizontal Back-link, BFRC lite gas-charged shock with piggyback reservoir offers a wide range of adjustability.

In terms of road riding the ZX-10RR is equipped with an IMU offering six degrees of machine attitude measurement and an impressive number of advanced rider aids including sports traction control, electronic engine brake control, launch control, intelligent anti-lock brakes and Kawasaki’s KCMF cornering management function.