Saturday, July 9, 2011

Kawasaki ZX-14 Ninja

This page is all about the Kawasaki's latest flag ship motorcycle the also known as the ZX-14 or ZZR1400. Just released in early 2006 to certain parts of the world the new bike indeed lives up to the Kawasaki name of the past I.e. Lots of power. Claimed to be the most powerful production motorcycle to date its specifications and reviews have all been positive. It is what it's predecessor the ZX-12R should have been. Further more I think I'm going to buy one...

The only thing that isn't top spec is the overall look of the bike. It doesn't look daring enough and where the design is different, namely front on it looks odd. Sure it follows the Kawasaki design concept and attempts to differentiate its models from the other manufacturers but I don't think they have done enough. That said we should be thankfully that they have tried to do something different with the motorcycle but why do you think Ferrari, Porsche, Aston Martin and Lamborghini are bespoke cars? It's not just their performance but also they look great.

Note that it is 1352cc so it should really be called the ZX-13! However I'm sure I don't need to explain why they didn't call it that - though I don't see the point. Speaking of which I have a problem with its advertising & PR. Their heavily promoting their aviation experience in the design of this bike - why didn't they do that with the ZX-12 then? A monocoque frame has more to do with cars than aeroplanes - bikes, buyers in this category are generally enthusiasts - we know the difference difference between 'planes, trains and automobiles'. Apart from the dubious PR I love the multi-media movies and wall-papers that have now been released. Nice to know they've made the effort and we should support this sort of stuff. The best part is that the pricing is finally competitive!

Kawasaki ZX-14 Ninja

Engine : In-line 4 cylinder 4 stroke DOHC
Bore : 81.0 mm
Stroke : 61.0 mm


Displacement : 1352 cc
Compression ratio : 12.0 : 1
Air Cleaner :
Starter : Electric
Lubrication : Wet sump
Fuelling : EFI with Mikuni 44mm Throttle Bodies (4)
Overall length : 2160 mm
Overall Width : 720 mm
Height : 1170 mm
Wheel base : 1490 mm
Ground clearance :
Seat height : 800 mm
Dry weight : 215 kg
GMV :


Gearbox : 6 speed constant mesh Wet multi-plate hydraulic clutch
Secondary reduction ratio 2.352 Drive chain Primary reduction ratio 1.541 (94/61)

Gear ratios :
1 - 2.625 (42/16)
2 - 1.947 (37/19)
3 - 1.545 (34/22)
4 - 1.333 (32/24)
5 - 1.154 (30/26)
6 - 1.036 (29/28)
Final reduction ratio 2.412 (41/17)

Suspension (front) : 43mm inverted cartridge fork with adjustable preload, stepless rebound and compression damping adjustments / 4.6 in.

Suspension (rear) : Uni-Trak® with adjustable preload, stepless rebound and compression damping adjustments, adjustable ride height / 4.8 in.

Caster :
Trail :
Steering angle :
Turning circle : 23' 94mm

Brakes / Tyres / Tyre Pressures: FRONT: 310mm Dual floating petal discs with four-piston callipers
REAR: 250mm Single Petal Disc
Front 120/70 ZR17 Bridgestone BT014
Rear 190/50 ZR17 Bridgestone BT014
ABS available in some countries!
Fuel tank : 22 Litres
Fuel consumption : Est. 7lt per 100kms
Exhaust : 4 into 2 into 2 (standard)

The narrow engine, monocoque frame, and fuel tank provide a slim rider interface and a relaxed sport riding position. It is compact without being cramped, with its easy-to-reach bar position, low-set footpegs for ample legroom and a low seat height and narrow seat front to easily plant both feet on the ground when stopped. Comfort levels are high enough to cause riders to think they’re on a dedicated sport tourer — until the Ninja ZX-14’s throttle is twisted. When that happens, all confusion disappears, like so many competitors in the rear view mirrors.

Uninterrupted fairing lines give the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14 a smooth, flowing appearance from front to rear, due in part to the monocoque frame, which goes over the engine and doesn’t protrude through the cowling. Quadruple projector beam headlights adorn the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14’s front fairing, immediately beneath its menacing ram air intake duct. The turn signals are cleanly integrated into the fairing and rear cowl, with a unique “V” design LED tail lamp capping off a sleek, aerodynamic package that reinforces Kawasaki’s aircraft heritage.

The Ninja ZX-14’s blend of power, handling and style perfectly illustrates the potent technological know-how of Kawasaki’s highly-trained engineers.
Authentic Kawasaki Accessories are available through Kawasaki dealers.

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