Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R 2016 vs. Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R SE 2018

The Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R model year 2016 and the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R SE model year 2018 are both supersport motorcycles with similar technical specifications. They both have an inline four-cylinder engine with a bore of 76 mm and a stroke of 55 mm. The engine power is 200.1 HP in both models, with a torque of 114.3 Nm in the 2016 model and 113.5 Nm in the 2018 model. The compression ratio is 13 in both models, and they both have a displacement of 998 ccm.

In terms of suspension, both models have upside-down telescopic forks at the front and a swing arm with a monoshock at the rear. The suspension adjustments include compression, preload, and rebound. The rear suspension material is aluminum, and the frame is also made of aluminum in both models.

Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R 2016

The braking system in the front consists of double disks with radial and petal technology in the 2016 model, while the 2018 model has radial technology. The dimensions and weights of the tires are the same in both models, with a front tire width of 120 mm and a rear tire width of 190 mm. The wheelbase is slightly longer in the 2018 model, measuring 1440 mm compared to 1415 mm in the 2016 model. The seat height is also higher in the 2018 model, measuring 835 mm compared to 813 mm in the 2016 model. Both models have a fuel tank capacity of 17 liters.

The strengths of the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R 2016 include its great chassis geometry, high-quality chassis components, very good brakes, and a wide range of electronics on board. On the other hand, the weaknesses of this model include a cockpit that is not quite optimal readable.

Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R SE 2018

The strengths of the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R SE 2018 include great confidence in a well-functioning package, surprisingly great ride comfort even during brisk laps on the Nordschleife due to its electronic chassis, and very good components at all corners and ends. The geometry, chassis, and steering dampers of the 2018 model simply fit really well. It is also described as powerful and rev-happy in the upper rev range. However, the weaknesses of the 2018 model include long gearing with little pressure in the rev range, which requires more gear changes than one would like to make on a 1000cc motorcycle. The information on the display is also not large enough in hectic situations, and the overall impression appears high-quality but is no longer up-to-date.

In conclusion, both the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R 2016 and the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R SE 2018 have similar technical specifications and strengths in terms of chassis and components. However, the 2018 model offers improved ride comfort and better overall performance. The 2016 model has a slight advantage in terms of cockpit readability, while the 2018 model has some weaknesses in terms of gearing and display information.