Defying all logic: Kawasaki is the best Japanese motorbike in the 2026 World Superbike Championship

Ducati dominated the 2026 Superbike World Championship with the new V4R in a way no other motorbike had done since the production-based world championship was founded in 1988. Bimota established itself as the second force, whilst BMW also contended for podium places at the odd race. Japanese motorbikes were rarely seen competing at the front of the field.

It came as a surprise that Kawasaki, of all manufacturers, achieved the best results for a Japanese make, with Garrett Gerloff finishing 10th in the overall standings. This was because the ZX-10RR’s base design dates back to 2009, even though there have been many evolutions over the years. Furthermore, the Texan was the only Kawasaki rider.

By way of comparison: the Yamaha R1 was launched in 2015 (and entered the World Championship from 2016) and there were four factory bikes. As the most recent model from the Land of the Rising Sun (2020), the Honda CBR1000RR-R was ridden by two riders.

“We definitely had some highs and a few lows, but overall I’m satisfied with the whole team and the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10RR,” emphasised Gerloff. “I feel that we’ve got the most out of the bike, and I’m quite happy with a place in the top 10 of the championship. Next year, I definitely want to make great progress and come back stronger to fight for better placings. We’ll recover during the off-season, train hard and come back ready for 2027.”

Garrett Gerloff blickt zufrieden auf seine Superbike-WM 2026 zurück

Foto: Puccetti Racing

The fact that the season finale was held at Jerez – a circuit where Kawasaki struggles – put a damper on the final impression.

“I really gave it my all and feel that the team provided me with a good bike,” said the 31-year-old. “After the Superpole qualifying session, my starting position really made life difficult for me. I tried to make up a few places, but it was just too hard. I’m sorry for the team.”