KAWASAKI ZX-10R (2011 - 2015) Review

At a glance

Owners' reliability rating: 4.1 out of 5 (4.1/5)
Annual servicing cost: £150
Power: 197 bhp
Seat height: Medium (32.0 in / 813 mm)
Weight: Medium (437 lbs / 198 kg)

Prices

New N/A
Used £5,800 - £7,300

Overall rating

Next up: Ride & brakes
4 out of 5 (4/5)

Thanks to the original 2004 Kawasaki ZX-10R, the name evokes thoughts of rip-roaring power and handling best suited to race circuits.

While that may have been the case of the original model, subsequent versions were diluted to the point that they were regarded as decent on the road superbikes but not up to competition from the likes of the Honda Fireblade, the tech-laden Yamaha R1 or the almighty BMW S1000RR.

The 2011 Kawasaki ZX-10R was the bike to change this. It was the first of the Japanese bikes to come out fighting against the all-conquering BMW, which was launched in 2009.

MCN first rode the bike at Qatar’s Losail circuit and the Kawasaki’s superb blend of handling, braking, usable power and decent suspension certainly impressed, but was it better than the BMW?

At 198kg fully gassed, the ZX-10R had the better power to weight ratio, and it wasn’t as intense to ride as the BMW which suited a lot of riders.

2011-2016 Kawasaki ZX-10R F used buyers' guide

 The modern day ZX-10R, laden in rider aids and technological advances like power modes and ABS, was also the first Japanese superbike to come with traction control as standard. It worked, and worked well.

BSB Team owner Nick Morgan loves it. “It’s a brilliant bike, the proof has been in the results worldwide, and lap records have tumbled here in the UK. It’s so damn fast, a very quick bike. With a pipe and power commander you’re tapping on the door of 200bhp and that is at the back wheel. We can push race engines to over 210bhp easily and CRT engines are closer to 225bhp, without a stupid amount of expensive work.”

The engine and chassis have proven their credentials on track, winning the BSB title, just missing out on the WSB crown and taking wins in road racing. In a typical Kawasaki trend the 2013 ZX10-R makes big power, making it the only Japanese bike to come close to the BMW S1000RR’s monster power. However it does lack a little real world mid-range compared to Japanese rivals. Some early models had recalls for rectifiers so make sure everything has been done. Also check for any crash damage. Frames can crack easily even in low speed crashes while swing-arms are also weak if hit in the wrong way by a kerb for example.

This bike is so good, in fact, that it made it into our expert guide to used bargain superbikes.

Ride quality & brakes

Next up: Engine
4 out of 5 (4/5)

Up front, a pair of Showa 43mm USD Big Piston Front forks which allowed big braking action from the 310mm petal discs with 4-piston calipers while retaining the ability to soak up bumps and deliver bags of feedback.

At the back was a ‘horizontally’ mounted shock. Although not actually as horizontal as the name suggested, the shock and the linkages were mounted above the swingarm which helped with mass centralisation. It also kept it away from the heat of the exhaust, preventing inconsistent suspension performance due to temperature changes.

The end result was a bike whose handling harks back to early 90s ZX and ZX-R 750cc WSB bikes where front end stability and feel was top notch and the bike is able to be hauled around effortlessly.

Engine

Next up: Reliability
4 out of 5 (4/5)

Kawasaki claimed the 2011 ZX-10R produced 197.3bhp at the crankshaft with 82.7ftlb of torque and that’s exactly how it felt to ride. It accelerated hard all the way from low revs to the redline, and that was good news for road users who would do most of their riding well below the limiter.

The engine was all-new for 2011, with a taller stacked gearbox to reduce size and maximise mass centralisation. The cylinders are offset by 2mm to the crank to reduce thrust forces and enable shorter, lighter pistons to be used.

A secondary balancer shaft kept vibes to a minimum until near peak revs. Bigger dual-butterfly injectors ensured the bike kept pulling at high rpm. The Factory installed downpipes were very well made (and good looking) but many owners will have added an aftermarket end can.

Reliability & build quality

Next up: Value
4 out of 5 (4/5)

The 2011 Kawasaki ZX-10R was a reliable and well put together machine. The support-less fairing screen was a great looking addition – albeit a bit short for taller riders. The front brake was much less prone to fade issues after prolonged use than in previous models.

Just after the launch of this bike there was a recall for Kawasaki to fix engine issues, but the firm didn't lose a single bhp from its output as a result. Any used bikes on sale should have already had this problem fixed under warranty.

Value vs rivals

Next up: Equipment
4 out of 5 (4/5)

The 2011 Kawasaki ZX-10R was launched with a price of £11,699 (plus £1000 for ABS) which made it £1 cheaper than the BMW S1000RR. The Kawasaki has held its value well, but you can find a used 2011-2015 Kawasaki ZX-10R for sale for around £8000.

Equipment

4 out of 5 (4/5)

You got a ‘horizontally’ mounted rear shock, Showa BPF forks, wavy discs, adjustable footrest height and traction control.

If you went for the ABS model, you also got a Sport ABS mode for the track which made it less intrusive.

In the modern world of TFT dashes, the LED bar graph tachometer looks a little dated, but it stands up compared to other bikes of the same age. The dash had a race mode which displayed different information info for track use too, which was a nice touch.

The ZX-10R’s traction control system was stunning. It relied on front and rear wheel speeds matched to rpm, throttle position, gear selected and other sensors to predict tyre slippage and alter ignition/fuel settings to balance acceleration against loss of traction.

Switchable power modes were changed via bar mounted controls, but greater power delivery could be instantly accessed according to throttle position.

Specs

Engine size 998cc
Engine type Liquid-cooled, DOHC, 16v four-stroke in-line four. Six gears
Frame type Cast ally beam frame and swingarm
Fuel capacity 17 litres
Seat height 813mm
Bike weight 198kg
Front suspension Fully adjustable
Rear suspension Fully adjustable
Front brake 310mm petal discs with 4-piston calipers
Rear brake 240mm disc with single-piston caliper
Front tyre size 120/70 x 17
Rear tyre size 190/55 x 17

Mpg, costs & insurance

Average fuel consumption 34 mpg
Annual road tax £117
Annual service cost £150
New price -
Used price £5,800 - £7,300
Insurance group 17 of 17
How much to insure?
Warranty term Two year unlimited mileage

Top speed & performance

Max power 197 bhp
Max torque 82.7 ft-lb
Top speed 184 mph
1/4 mile acceleration -
Tank range 128 miles

Model history & versions

Model history

The original ZX-10R (C1H) was introduced in 2004 and was a snarling, unrelenting and quite honestly terrifying machine. it was updated to the D6F version in 2006, and then further revised in 2008 to the E8F model.
This is an all new model for 2011.

Other versions

2011: ZX-10R ABS, ABS version of 2011 model (£12,962)

MCN Long term test reports

Long term update: Can I ‘Un-Euro 4’ the ZX-10R?

Long term update: Can I ‘Un-Euro 4’ the ZX-10R?

For 2017 new bikes will have to be Euro 4 compliant – cleaner and more efficient. It’s the reason so many manufacturers have compliant bikes this year and we’ll see even more rolled out at the bike shows this autumn. Euro 4 is the reason the new Ducati’s baby Panigale has spouted ugly pipes and why

Read the latest report

Owners' reviews for the KAWASAKI ZX-10R (2011 - 2015)

18 owners have reviewed their KAWASAKI ZX-10R (2011 - 2015) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.

Review your KAWASAKI ZX-10R (2011 - 2015)

Summary of owners' reviews

Overall rating: 4.2 out of 5 (4.2/5)
Ride quality & brakes: 4.4 out of 5 (4.4/5)
Engine: 4.4 out of 5 (4.4/5)
Reliability & build quality: 4.1 out of 5 (4.1/5)
Value vs rivals: 4 out of 5 (4/5)
Equipment: 4.5 out of 5 (4.5/5)
Annual servicing cost: £150
5 out of 5 Hard to beat
24 July 2024 by Geordie Bee

Year: 2013

Annual servicing cost: £100

Best features: power (especially after a remap), handling, reliability. Worst features: Standard gearing too high, brakes ok on road but need upgrading for track riding, standard electronic steering damper isn't up to the job. I have owned this bike for 8 years now and have made a few little tweaks over the years to get it spot on. Now I don't think there is anything I would trade it in for.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

I knocked one star off because there were a few things I needed to do on the bike to get it just right. I upgraded the front brake master cylinder to an Accossato unit and fitted braided hoses. Brakes are now how they should be for such a fast bike. Replaced the steering damper control unit with the Ohlins 'race' version. Fitted a one tooth smaller gearbox sprocket. Decat exhaust and remap. Nitron rear shock.

Engine 5 out of 5

Quite top-endy. Its ok at lower revs, quite rideable. But above 8000 rpm all hell breaks loose

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Camchain tensioner sticks occasionally, easily sorted. The bike has never let me down though.

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

I do my own servicing. Goes through tyres, brake pads and fuel like you would expect for a bike like this. Not exactly an economical runabout.

Equipment 5 out of 5

This is pre-IMU tech, but the traction control works well. Sportsmart TTs and M9RRs seem to suit it well.

Buying experience: Bought it from my wife. She drove a very hard deal, but I knew the bike had been looked after.

4 out of 5 A sword for the worthy
16 October 2023 by GreenScary

Year: 2011

Great engine when singing up top. Handles great when you get used to the fork front feel. The suspension sprung for lightweights and front brakes typical too soft and squishy.

Ride quality & brakes 3 out of 5

Spongy no matter what, when hot.

Engine 4 out of 5

Above 9500 its silky delirious power all the way to the top. A jerky switch down low. Not happy in traffic without clutch dancing.

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

Fuel pump or seals will die eventually.

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

Most things can be done at home.

Equipment 4 out of 5

All the electronics you could need. A fuel gauge would have been nice instead of an annoying screen flashing FUEL at you.

5 out of 5 dfolta@gmail.com
13 October 2023 by dfolta@gmail.com

Version: Abs

Year: 2013

Annual servicing cost: £300

After 10 years of ownership in over 40,000 mi driven on it I still love it like the day I bought it. She did me well for racing in a circuit with CCS and ASRA. The dollar value for what you received in 2013 was far superior to anything else out there.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 5 out of 5
5 out of 5
14 May 2021 by John

Year: 2011

Not for the faint hearted

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 5 out of 5
5 out of 5 Kawasaki ZX-10R bike review
06 April 2019 by MasterDave

Year: 2013

Annual servicing cost: £55

Best sport bike I have owned.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Engine 4 out of 5

The power is great, but change the rear sproket to a plus 3 to bring down the power band from 7k rpm

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 5 out of 5

Track mode

Buying experience: Dealer brand new 11800 USD in 2013

5 out of 5 The highest spec machine in its class. And Beautiful too.
29 March 2018 by D MIFSUD

Version: KRT Performance

Year: 2016

Annual servicing cost: £120

This bike has it all, incredible spec, stunning looks, fantastic build quality and an unbelievable engine. For me it beats all the other standard 1000cc superbikes hands down.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

Fantastic ride thanks to the Plush high quality suspension. Tech package works well, steering damper excellent. The best mirrors I've ever used on a sports bike.

Engine 5 out of 5

Predictable and smooth in low revs and absolutely insane in high revs. Ballistically terrifying combined with the perfect street bike. Spend £200 on a decat pipe and you get and extra 15bhp, taking it to an on-paper 220-odd bhp.

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

Extremely well made. Built to last. The odd fairing rattle now and then.

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

Cheap to service, bulletproof build quality. Not bad on fuel. Very practical.

Equipment 5 out of 5

Has everything found in the best spec bikes and more. 3 Power modes, 5 levels of lean sensitive Traction Control, cornering ABS, Wheelie control, 3 levels of launch control, ability to change engine breaking, Quick shifter (that you can switch off), with an ECU Flash you get an autoblipper, Also very intuitive placed switch gear that includes a lap timer. Also comes with metal brake lines, top of the range big disc Brembo brakes, Bridgestone Battleaxe tyres and the Showa balance free gas powered suspension developed for the WSBK.

Buying experience: Kawasaki comes with an excellent 2-year warranty that can be extended.

5 out of 5 Beautiful Beast!
13 June 2017 by Krish

Version: KRT

Year: 2016

Annual servicing cost: £150

People envy you for owning this. Even girls would come up and say she is a beauty. I come from 2007 ZX10R and riding 2016 puts a big smile on my face. This is a beast, beauty and a fun machine!. Thanks to the quickshifter and 207bhp you are way ahead of your friends :) and the riding experience turns you into a fast rider. Biggest fun is, the way this machine takes corners. It's designed to take corners and it is best at it. Especially if you don't have to put so much effort. Here is a picture of her http://puu.sh/wiKX4/edb9e0b68e.jpg

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5

Remove cat & put an akro! you will love each gear, especially first and 2nd sounds sooo lovely. On a motorway it feels like you are on a track :)

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

Maintaining this baby is little expensive but we all have one expensive hobby so yeah i don't expect her to be cheap!

Equipment 5 out of 5

Buying experience: Dealer. Went smooth.

5 out of 5
03 February 2016 by Stevo zx10r

Year: 2013

Annual servicing cost: £150

Having owed an 05 and 08 in knew the 13 plate bike was going to be good. Wow what a bike, so easy to ride fast with the electronics keeping it safe and sounded great with link pipe and aftermarket exhaust fitted. A top bike if you love your sports bikes but be prepared to buy tires, getting through 2 front and 3 rear tires in 5,500 miles. Just sold the bike this week and looking forward to getting the 2016 ZX10r

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

Only used on sunny days to have fun. Always got off smiling even after 100 mile rides.

Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Never missed a beat, but i always had it garaged and on a trickle charger after a brand new zx636 battery failed after 6 months and was not covered under warranty.

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5
Equipment 5 out of 5

The traction control was great and saved the day more then once. Fitted RnG crash bungs and rad cover for piece of mind, tail tidy, screen and carbon front fender for looks plus link pipe and can for the amazing sound.

5 out of 5
22 December 2015 by lozza

Version: 30th anniversary edition

Year: 2014

de-cat it and have it flashed and your life will pass before you @180 give your suspension the dave moss treatment change the screen for a zero gravity version dump the stock 016's and fit some RS10's crack the throttle and hang on for dear life nuff said!

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 4 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5
2 out of 5 Wish i had kept my blade
18 July 2013 by giw320

Don't know who wrote the test but they couldn't have tested it properly!! repeated 170mph braking with no fade utter crap. Bought a new 2012 non abs model a couple of months ago standard brakes are shocking. if you are thinking of track use budget for a Brembo master cylinder and replacement calipers from an 08 Blade otherwise midway thro a 20 min session the lever is back to the bars ??? that was with EBC dot5 fluid and HH pads. Screen wobbles like mad and does your head in. Steering damper as stock is useless and you have to replace or get it re-valved so it actually does what it should. Fairing is so close to the levers that if you have your leavers turned down you end up hitting the fairing with your fingers. Feel like I have wasted 11K.

Ride quality & brakes 3 out of 5
Engine 4 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 2 out of 5
Value vs rivals 1 out of 5
Equipment 3 out of 5
4 out of 5 Good but not perfect
28 February 2012 by souroush

very easy to handle and lovely to listen to . handlebars are a bit low for me and there is nothing can be done about it.the first gear as said is too tall. had to change the front sprocket to get the old vicious Kawa out of the Bike. couple of minor quality issues with the fairing and wiring but nothing seriously annoying. no room for a Satnav apart from the tank lead which can be distracting and is not suggested.overall a lovely Bike . definitely on the right track to win some places both on the track and the market.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Engine 4 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 5 out of 5
2 out of 5 Traction control problem
28 February 2012 by

Bought a used 2011 ZX-10R with approx 2300 miles on it from a main dealer. Negative Screen wobbles quite a bit. Within the first 30 miles of owning the bike, problems with the traction control surfaced. After a total of approximately 40 miles the bike had cut out, wouldn't restart for several minutes and all traction control lights and amber dashboard light flashing. Positive Loads of room, felt quite comfortable for the short time it worked. Front brake is immense.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5
Engine 4 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 1 out of 5
Value vs rivals 3 out of 5
Equipment 5 out of 5
5 out of 5 GET TO THE DEALERS NOW GET A DEAL
18 August 2011 by sportsboyuk

I tested this bike and have to say its improved over the years this is a fantastic motorcycle as is the 1000 SX i tested. I had Allen Padget and his wife at the house such lovely people and passionate about there motorcycles and there customers RARE these days customer service 100% talk to ALLEN PADGET at AUTORAMA APRILIA/KAWASAKI say Jamie sent you and get a deal. dont do it next week do it now best time to buy.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5
4 out of 5 Nice surprise
30 May 2011 by tman39a

Got a 30 min ride on an ABS version and i was pleasantly surprised....great engine, friendly suspension and overall quite comfy...nice and easy to pootle about on so could commute. Hate the rev counter...distracting even in daylight and would never see myself needing the TCS etc on the road....however was happy to get back on my ZZR1400...no gadgets, straight forward dash and oodles of low end power.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5
Engine 4 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 3 out of 5
Value vs rivals 3 out of 5
Equipment 2 out of 5
5 out of 5 Brilliant
27 May 2011 by dave80h

Thought I'd add this to even up the balance as people are putting on reviews who haven't even ridden the bike. Took one out for an afternoon in the wet and thought it was amazing. Handles well, feels so light compared to my wee 600. Inspires confidence and puts a huge smile on your face, the roar from the Ram Air is like music to your ears. Sod it, I'm buying one!!!!

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 4 out of 5
Equipment 5 out of 5
4 out of 5 Back To Something Like 2004 At Last!!
27 December 2010 by HardRider51

Looks like Kawasaki has wised up. Mind you, if they re-released the 2004/2005 model with a steering damper as the 2011 bike they would probably take top bike again. LOL!!!!

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5
Value vs rivals 4 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5
5 out of 5 All Kawasakies are rubbish????
24 December 2010 by SUPERSTARDJ01

What JKLM? you are talking crap, I have a zx6r and have never had an issue with ever nor friends that have a Kawasaki.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 5 out of 5
1 out of 5 !Warning! Don't Buy Kawasaki Bikes! Garbage!
18 December 2010 by jkim

I owned a previous model 09 ZX10 brand new. Was horrified upon first oil change, "low pressure oil Warning" lamp was on for 3 minutes, starving upper engine of oil! Turns out ZX6's, EX500's and Vulcan's also have problems pumping oil after oil changes. I also discovered my bike was pulling to the right because poor engineering allowed a .60th of an inch gap, causing forks to bend in, causing fork seals and bushings to wear premarturely. This also caused bike to pull to the right. All and all, Kawasaki's make great performing bikes but as far as quality and reliability, fit and finish, I would never recommend anybody buying Kawasakis. Kawasaki Consumer services were also nasty and mean, hung up the phone on me. Not to mention this new 2011 model there is a tech hold and rumor has it bad rings and cylinders wear our prematurely. Doesn't surprise me as kawasaki's are the worse bikes in my opinion.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Engine 1 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 1 out of 5
Value vs rivals 1 out of 5
Equipment 5 out of 5
Back to top