Bridgestone's BATTLAX RACING STREET RS12 Selected as Original Equipment for Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R
Kawasaki's new flagship Ninja ZX-10R will come from the factory with Bridgestone's BATTLAX RACING STREET RS12 tire, which Bridgestone says gives the Supersport bike top road-legal dry grip.
- approximately 116,000
- more than 150
What Happened
Bridgestone announced on September 3, 2026, from Tokyo that its premium BATTLAX RACING STREET RS12 tire will be fitted as original equipment to Kawasaki's new flagship Ninja ZX-10R Supersport motorcycle. The motorcycle is described as a champion Supersport machine that continues to evolve for riders who push the limits and serves as a base vehicle for professional racing. Bridgestone says the supply arrangement followed Kawasaki's evaluation of the RS12, which was developed to match the powerful performance of the bike.
According to the release, the Ninja ZX-10R maintains performance proven in the Superbike World Championship while improving emission performance, and the powerful engine enhances the bike's potential on the circuit. Newly designed large winglets increase front-end contact feel during cornering, and improved chassis geometry provides outstanding controllability. Under the 'From Circuit to Street' concept, the BATTLAX RACING STREET RS12 offers the highest level of dry grip in the road-legal BATTLAX lineup, incorporating technologies proven in motorcycle endurance races with a particular emphasis on dry grip.
- Optimized combination of a newly developed compound and tread pattern
- Maintains high grip performance even after multiple laps
- Superior dry grip and stable cornering help maximize the Ninja ZX-10R's performance
- Designed for a wide range of conditions from sport riding on dry, winding roads to circuit tracks
Bridgestone states that the tire gives riders safety and peace of mind and contributes to the value Kawasaki delivers through its models. The company frames the deal as part of its premium BATTLAX strategy and its corporate commitment 'Emotion: Committed to inspiring excitement and spreading joy to the world of mobility,' found in the 'Bridgestone E8 Commitment.' Bridgestone says it will continue to provide 'Riding Excitement' 10, 20 years down the line.
Previously from Bridgestone Corporation
In late June 2026, Bridgestone said it would supply its BATTLAX HYPERSPORT S23 tire as original equipment for Yamaha's new YZF-R7 Supersport motorcycle, enhancing performance and wet handling. This Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R announcement follows that Yamaha deal.
Background drawn from MotorClaw's earlier coverage of Bridgestone Corporation's official releases.
Why this matters
For Kawasaki and its riders, original-equipment tires are chosen to match a bike's performance, and Bridgestone says the RS12 was developed for the Ninja ZX-10R's powerful engine. The tire brings the highest dry grip in Bridgestone's road-legal BATTLAX lineup and stable cornering, helping on dry winding roads and circuits. For Bridgestone, the agreement supports its premium BATTLAX strategy and its 'Bridgestone E8 Commitment' goal of providing riding excitement for years ahead.
Terms in This Story
- Original equipment (OE)
- Components such as tires that the manufacturer fits on a new vehicle before it reaches customers.
- Supersport
- A class of high-performance, production-based motorcycles used for sport riding and racing.
- Dry grip
- Traction a tire delivers on dry pavement, which affects cornering, braking and lap times.
Summarised from the linked release; details can be imperfect — always verify against the original source.