Kawasaki Ninja ZX-RR
The Ninja ZX-RR is a race bike from Kawasaki, which raced in the MotoGP world championship. The bike made its debut towards the end of the 2002 MotoGP season with riders Australia's Andrew Pitt and Japan's Akira Yanagawa.
 | |
| Manufacturer | Kawasaki |
|---|---|
| Production | 2002–2009 |
| Predecessor | Kawasaki KR500 |
| Class | MotoGP |
| Engine | 798cc four-stroke inline-four DOHC (2007–2008) |
In 2004 Shinya Nakano joined the team and got ZX-RR's first podium with a third place at the Japanese Grand Prix. In 2005, Olivier Jacque scored a second place at the Chinese Grand Prix. The next year Nakano finished second at the Dutch TT. In 2007, Randy de Puniet scored a second place at the Japanese Grand Prix. In 2008 John Hopkins and Anthony West rode the machine.
The ZX-RR struggled in 2008, with the best results being two fifth-place finishes from John Hopkins in Portugal and Anthony West in Brno. Hopkins and West blamed both a lack of feeling in the front end and rear traction on corner exit. Previous ZX-RRs have been difficult to ride, but beyond the limited statements by the riders it is unclear what the problems with the 2008 bike were.
At the end of the 2008 season, Kawasaki announced its retirement from the MotoGP world championship. However, Forward Racing decided to take over a ZX-RR which Marco Melandri would drive in the 2009 season. He managed to score the fourth and last second place for Kawasaki. At the end of the season however, Forward Racing withdrew from MotoGP and Melandri moved to the Superbike World Championship.
Riders
2002: Andrew Pitt
2003: Garry McCoy, Alex Hofmann, Andrew Pitt
2004: Shinya Nakano, Alex Hofmann
2005: Shinya Nakano, Olivier Jacque, Alex Hofmann
2006: Shinya Nakano, Randy de Puniet
2007: Randy de Puniet, Anthony West, Olivier Jacque, Fonsi Nieto (1 race), Akira Yanagawa (1 race)
2008: John Hopkins, Anthony West, Jamie Hacking (1 race)
2009: Marco Melandri Hayate Racing Team
2014: Héctor Barberá (starting 13 races) and Mike Di Meglio Avintia Racing[Note 1]
Specifications
| 2006 | 2007-2008 | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | ||
| Type | Kawasaki four-stroke | |
| Configuration | Inline four-cylinder | |
| Induction System | DOHC, four valves per cylinder | DOHC Pneumatic system, four valves per cylinder |
| Displacement | 990 cc | 798 cc |
| Fuel | Elf Moto 4S GP 102 RON unleaded | |
| Lubricants | Elf Vent Vert Saeryoku 冴強 10W-50 Kawasaki genuine racing oil | |
| Lubrication | Wet sump | |
| Fuel System | Electronic Fuel Injection | |
| Exhaust System | Four-into-two-into-one | Titanium, four-into-two-into-one |
| Maximum Power | In excess of 240 bhp (180 kW) | In excess of 200 bhp (150 kW) |
| Maximum Speed | In excess of 320 km/h (200 mph) | In excess of 300 km/h (190 mph) |
| Transmission | ||
| Gearbox | Six speed, cassette type | |
| Primary Drive | Gear | |
| Clutch | Dry multi-plate slipper clutch | |
| Final Drive | Chain | |
| Chassis | ||
| Frame | Aluminium twin-spar | |
| Front Suspension | Inverted telescopic forks | |
| Rear Suspension | Monoshock | Unit-trak Monoshock |
| Steering Damper | Hydraulic Adjustable | |
| Bodywork | Carbon Fibre | |
| Wheels | Front: 16.5 inch Rear: 16.5 inch | |
| Tires | Bridgestone | |
| Brakes | ||
| Front | 2 x 314 mm carbon discs, 2 x radial mount, monoblock, four piston calipers | |
| Rear | 1 x 203 mm ventilated steel disc, 1 x four piston caliper | 1 x 200 mm ventilated steel disc, 1 x two piston caliper |
| Dimensions | ||
| Wheelbase | Variable | 1,460 mm (57 in) |
| Overall Length | 2,090 mm (82 in) | 2,080 mm (82 in) |
| Castor (Rake/Trail) | Variable | |
| Seat Height | 850 mm (33 in) | |
| Dry Weight | Over 145 kg (320 lb) | Over 148 kg (326 lb) |
| Fuel Capacity | 22 l (4.8 imp gal; 5.8 US gal) | 21 l (4.6 imp gal; 5.5 US gal) |
| Key Suppliers | ||
| Fuel: Elf Lubricants: Elf Tires: Bridgestone Brakes: Brembo Exhaust System: Akrapovic Data Acquisition System: 2D Datarecording Suspension: Öhlins Clutch: FCC Spark Plugs: NGK Sprockets: AFAM Chain: EK | ||
Note
- Bike badged as the Avintia GP14, reportedly based on the 2007-2009 body with some input from Kawasaki.