In the late 1980s if you wanted a fast bike, you wanted a Kawasaki ZX10. Its 165mph top speed and 10.1sec quarter mile put this Kawasaki bike head and shoulders above the competition. That it looked good, was comfortable to ride and its ‘E Box’ perimeter frame was race inspired, created a very complete package.
The ZX10 ‘Tomcat’ was part of Kawasaki’s high performance Ninja sport bike range. Key to its success was its high-revving 135bhp 4cyl 16valve 1litre engine and that unusually named E Box frame. This clever design gave the ZX10 a very good strength to weight ratio that could handle the high lateral loads typical of a bike with this level of performance. Its performance and style, backed by renowned Kawasaki reliability, made the ZX10 a best seller in the 1litre plus sector.
For a bike built to ride hard for maximum thrills, it is rare to find a low mileage example like this and one in such good, original condition. The extensive history of this three owner bike supports the miniscule mileage of just over 20,000 and the condition reflects it. There are a few small signs that this is a 34 year old bike but it is highly presentable and ready to be enjoyed.
The ZX10 was only available for a couple of years and this bike is from the first year of production. Part of Kawasaki’s Ninja line of sports bikes, it was the firm’s flagship of the time and specially developed to be the world’s fastest bike. The firm’s renowned focus and attention to detail delivered just that: when new, no bike anywhere was faster.
The 1litre engine at the heart of the ZX10 was key to that performance, but it was the bike’s construction that really made those headline numbers possible. Utilising perimeter frame technology popularised by racing bikes, the clever E-Box frame is designed to connect the steering head to the swing arm in the shortest possible length for maximum rigidity. This construction gives the ZX10 high strength without significant weight penalties. The unusual E-Box moniker reflects the egg-shaped design of the main beam embracing the engine and is a nod by Kawasaki’s engineers to the egg box, a humble object that is light yet strong.
The ZX10’s performance got buyers into Kawasaki showrooms but it was the bike’s on-road manners that got them handing over cash. Contemporary reviewers called it ‘versatile and comfortable’ and it was lauded for its smooth delivery, excellent brakes and serious punch between 8,000rpm and 11,000rpm. Perhaps most surprising is that this is a comfortable bike in which to cover long distances. The ride is pliant and there is plenty of space for luggage.
With just three owners from new, the most recent since 2013, the condition of this ZX10 reflects its very low documented mileage. There are some age-related marks that are only visible when viewing the photographs up very close.
Moving around the bike, there are some light scuff marks on the offside mirror, light paint delamination on the leading edge of the tank cowl, chips on the offside edge of the tank cowl, and a mark on the offside lower engine cover. The offside exhaust has three small chips on it.
At the rear of the bike there is a small mark beneath the brake light.
On the nearside there is a small chip on the lower engine cover and a scuff on the seat lock. Judging by the paint beneath the rearmost lock catch it is possible that this area has been resprayed at some point, something that the buyer may wish to check with the Seller. There is a small paint chip on the lower engine cover and a small number of chips on the top edge of the aluminium frame. On the front cowling there is a crack approximately 3cm long. A small number of stone chips are visible on the front of the bike. Overall it appears to be in very good condition and looks highly presentable in its original ZX10 red and white livery.
The MOT history verifies the mileage and indicates minimal use in recent years – just 1,000 miles since 2012. The MOT runs to February 2023 but since the last one had no advisories and the bike has covered just 10 miles in that time, this should not pose an issue to the buyer.
The Mechanics
Reliable four stroke, 4cyl DOHC 16v Kawasaki engine
6spd gearbox
20,706 miles from new supported by history
Kawasaki’s single minded focus on creating the world’s fastest bike is obvious when you read the specification of this ZX10: the 4cyl, 16valve 1litre engine pushes out 137bhp through its 6spd gearbox, powering this stylish bike on to 165mph. Riders with sufficient commitment and courage can achieve the quarter mile in a scintillating 10.3secs.
The engine’s party piece, though, lies in its delivery. The ZX10 is relatively docile up to 8,000rpm. Push it beyond that and things get exciting: the 8,000-11,000rpm range is pulse-quickening and part of the reason why the ZX10 became the world’s best selling 1litre plus bike.
There was also another reason. This is a Kawasaki. The firm’s focus and attention to detail means its engines and bikes are built to a very high standard and consequently have a reputation for being virtually bulletproof. This is a bike that can survive being driven hard.
That is something that this bike appears to have avoided, thankfully. The general condition, the low owners and mileage and the miniscule use in recent years indicate that this bike has been enthusiast owned. Despite the limited use the Seller states that it has been regularly serviced and maintained and the standard of presentation seems to reflect this.
Summary
The Kawasaki ZX10 was a landmark bike for the late 1980s. The fastest bike in the world and built using Kawasaki’s superb quality and engineering, it is fast becoming a modern classic.
Most are likely to have been enjoyed and driven hard. This one is different. The low owners, low miles and limited recent use indicate careful enthusiast owners and the general condition reflects this. It is ready to use and enjoy.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
