2002 marked Kawasaki’s return to the Grand Prix stage after an absence of 20 years. Competing in the new MotoGP class, the Ninja ZX-RR made progress each year, scoring its first podium in the capable hands of Shinya Nakano at the Japan GP in 2004. Development continued, and by 2005, the Ninja ZX-RR was a regular top 10 finisher. The Ninja ZX-RR scored 2^nd place finishes at the China GP in 2005 (O. Jacque), Dutch GP in 2006 (Nakano), and Japan GP in 2007 (R. de Puniet). In the intense competition, the machine achieved a very high state of development.

* Photo shows 2008 Ninja ZX-RR