2010 Kawasaki ZX-10R Ninja vs 2010 KTM RC8R 1190

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2010 Kawasaki ZX-10R Ninja 2010 Kawasaki ZX-10R Ninja

Sport

Engine
Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.
Power
138.3 kW / 188 hp @ 12500 rpm
Top Speed
292.0 km/h / 181.4 mph
Weight
208 kg / 458.5 lbs
2010 KTM RC8R 1190 2010 KTM RC8R 1190

Sport

Engine
Four stroke, 75°V-twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Power
167.6 hp / 122.4 kW) @ 10250 rpm
Top Speed
271.4 km/h
Weight
182 kg / 405.23 lb (no fuel)
Full Specifications
General
Year20102010
Make ModelKawasaki ZX-10R NinjaKTM RC8R 1190
Dimensions
Seat Height880 mm / 34.6 in805 mm / 825 mm
Wheelbase1415 mm / 55.7 in1425 mm / 56.1 in
Ground Clearance125 mm / 4.9 in110 mm / 4.3 in
Height1135 mm / 44.6 in-
Length2110 mm / 83 in-
Width710 mm / 27.9 in-
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight179 kg / 394.6 lbs182 kg / 405.23 lb (no fuel)
Fuel Capacity17 Litres / 4.4 us GAL16.5 Litres / 3.5 gal
Wet Weight208 kg / 458.5 lbs-
Performance
Top Speed 292.0 km/h / 181.4 mph271.4 km/h
Max Power 147.1 kW / 200 hp @ 12500 rpm167.6 hp / 122.4 kW) @ 10250 rpm
Max Torque113 Nm / 11.5 kgf-m @ 8700 rpm12.5 kgf-m / 90.7 ft.lbs @ 8000 rpm
Standing Start ¼ Mile10.5 sec10.8 sec
Engine
Displacement998 cc / 60.9 cu-in1195 cc / 73.0 cu-in
Engine DetailFour stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.Four stroke, 75°V-twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Bore x Stroke76 x 55 mm105 x 69 mm
Compression Ratio12.7:113.5 :1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooledLiquid cooling
Engine Lubrication-, SAE 10W-50
Engine Management- Keihin EMS
Fuel InductionDFI with 43mm Keihin throttle bodies with oval sub-throttles, two injectors per cylinder-
Fuel Mixture-Keihin EFI (throttle body 52 mm (2.05")) Control 4 V/DOHC
IgnitionTCBI with digital advance and Kawasaki Ignition Management System (KIMS) -
LubricationForced lubrication, wet sump with oil cooler-
Lubrication System- lubrication with 3 Eaton pumps
StarterElectric Electric
Drivetrain
ClutchWet multi-disc, manualWet multi-disc clutch, operated hydraulically
Final DriveSealed chain17:37 | Chain 5/8 x 5/16" X Ring
Final Drive Ratio 2.412 (41/17)-
Gear Ratios1st 2.600 (39/15) 2nd 2.053 (39/19) 3rd 1.737 (33/19) 4th 1.550 (31/20) 5th 1.400 (28/20) 6th 1.304 (30/23)-
Primary Drive- 40:76
Transmission / Drive6 Speed 6 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeBackbone/Twin-tube, aluminium (Pressed/die-cast composite structure)Chromium-Molybdenum trellis frame, powder-coated Subframe Aluminium
Suspension - Front43mm inverted fork with DLC coating, adjustable rebound and compression damping, spring preload adjustability and top-out springs43mm WP Upside down adjustable
Suspension - RearBottom-Link Uni-Trak® with top-out spring, stepless, dual-range (high/low-speed) compression damping, stepless rebound damping, fully adjustable spring preloadWP shock, fully adjustable
Rake25.5°-
Steering Angle27°-
Trail110 mm / 4.3 in97 mm / 3.82 in
Wheel Travel - Front120 mm / 4.7 in120 mm / 4.7 in
Wheel Travel - Rear125 mm / 4.9 in125 mm / 4.9 in
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front2x 310mm discs 4 piston calipers2x 320mm discs 4 piston calipers
Brakes - RearSingle 220 mm disc 1 piston caliperSingle 240mm disc
Tyres - Front120/70 ZR17120/70 ZR17
Tyres - Rear190/55 ZR17190/55 ZR17

Verdict

Winner on specs

2010 KTM RC8R 1190

The 2010 KTM RC8R 1190 edges out the 2010 Kawasaki ZX-10R Ninja thanks to its lighter kerb weight, lower seat height and larger displacement. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2010 Kawasaki ZX-10R Ninja - Advantages

  • Fuel injection: Precise fuelling, better cold-start reliability, and lower maintenance requirements.
  • More ground clearance: 125 mm vs 110 mm - better clearance over rocks and obstacles.

2010 KTM RC8R 1190 - Advantages

  • Lighter: 182 kg vs 208 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
  • Lower seat height: 805 mm vs 880 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • Larger displacement: 1195 cc vs 998 cc - more cubic capacity means broader torque delivery and greater low-end pull.

2010 Kawasaki ZX-10R Ninja vs 2010 KTM RC8R 1190 - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2010 Kawasaki ZX-10R Ninja and 2010 KTM RC8R 1190?
The 2010 Kawasaki ZX-10R Ninja uses Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder., while the 2010 KTM RC8R 1190 is powered by Four stroke, 75°V-twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.
Which is lighter, the 2010 Kawasaki ZX-10R Ninja or the 2010 KTM RC8R 1190?
The 2010 KTM RC8R 1190 is lighter at 182 kg compared to 208 kg for the 2010 Kawasaki ZX-10R Ninja - a difference of 26 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2010 Kawasaki ZX-10R Ninja or the 2010 KTM RC8R 1190?
The 2010 KTM RC8R 1190 has the lower seat at 805 mm, making it more accessible. The 2010 Kawasaki ZX-10R Ninja sits higher at 880 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 2010 Kawasaki ZX-10R Ninja or the 2010 KTM RC8R 1190?
Both are strong choices. The 2010 Kawasaki ZX-10R Ninja has the edge in fuel injection and greater ground clearance, while the 2010 KTM RC8R 1190 stands out for lighter kerb weight and lower seat height. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.