It’s back. 1441cc, aggressive styling, a new aluminium monocoque frame, piston jet system for better cooling and lubrication, Ram air induction, KTRC traction control and a typical Kawasaki love for madness complete the new edition to one of the most loved sport bikes of all time. When it was first launched in 2006 the Kawasaki Ninja ZZR1400 was the most powerful sport bike in the world, more powerful than even the legendary Suzuki GSX1300R also called the Hayabusa (the name is shared by the Japanese peregrine falcon). Now the original 1351 cc engine has been modified to a whooping 1441 cc and generates loads of horsepower more that the original version.
All new in the 2012 edition– The massively more powerful 1,441cc inline-four engine features a 4mm longer stroke, reworked cylinder head assembly, polished ports and lighter, stronger pistons for more power across the rev range. KTRC traction-control system features three different modes for varying conditions and is controlled by a handy switch assembly on the left handlebar. All-new slipper clutch assembly controls rear-wheel torque effects while braking and downshifting. All-new exhaust system features tapered and reshaped head pipes and an all-new muffler assembly for low noise and emissions. Redesigned aluminum monocoque frame is narrow, strong and rigid. All-new swingarm assembly is longer and features strengthening gussets to cope with the engine’s newfound power. Transmission gears are more durable thanks to new temperature and surface treatments. All-new bodywork package builds upon the slick aesthetic image of the previous machine, includes a rear seat cowl and adds better air management to the mix for improved rider and passenger comfort. All-new 10-spoke wheels are more than 3 pounds lighter in total than the previous machine’s units; this reduces unsprung weight, which aids handling and maneuverability. New disc material and pads improve the 14R’s radial-mount braking system. Revised suspension settings front and rear add wheel control and compliance to an already plush ride. Higher overall finish quality than before, including hidden bodywork fasteners
Suck, Squeeze, Bang, Blow– Central ram air duct in the newly shaped fairing draws cooler, higher-pressure air from the face of the fairing and efficiently guides it through the larger and more efficient air cleaner and into the reworked engine for maximum power output. New throttle body assembly featuring 44mm throttle bodies is fitted with ISC valve and sub-throttle valves controlled by the ECU. They provide precise response, smooth DFI® performance, automatic idle speed adjustment, and help the bike meet Euro III emissions requirements now and into the future. Revised intake tract porting optimizes flow characteristics. Injectors deliver lateral spray at a 20-degree angle to disperse the finely atomized fuel over a wide area. Fine-atomizing injectors produce a 75-micron droplet size. 32-bit ECU works with dual throttle valve system to further enhance throttle response and control. Rider selectable High & Low maps offer a choice between full power and approximately 50 percent power output to help suit changing conditions. Digital Timing Advance enhances low and mid-range power. Individual spark plug-mounted ignition coils fire each of the four spark plugs independently to achieve the optimum timing for that cylinder. ECU includes an idle speed control system for easier starting and warm-up. All-new exhaust header assembly has tapered-diameter pipes for optimal power production and power delivery characteristics. Newly designed mufflers offer lower noise emissions and, due to the dual catalyzers, are cleaner than before. Airflow into the exhaust from the large secondary air ports in the cylinder head and head cover, plus a third honeycomb catalyzer in the collector, help meet strict Euro III emissions standards. Internal silencer construction minimizes impact of emissions regulations while maintaining impressive top-end power.
Handling, Chassis, Suspension and Brakes– Lightweight monocoque frame is a hollow aluminum box that arches over the engine from the steering head to the swingarm pivot. It is narrow, strong, rigid and very light. Engine is positioned forward in the frame, with the slightly longer wheelbase and front/rear weight balance carefully designed to achieve high-speed stability and responsive handling. Revised internal settings for the inverted and multi-adjustable 43mm cartridge-type fork allow more wheel control and improved ride compliance. Reshaped petal-type design brake discs provide better cooling and enhanced warp resistance. Radial mounted four-piston front brake calipers use improved brake pads and offer greater rigidity than traditional caliper mounting to improve brake feel. A separate brake pad is used for each piston. Individual pads provide increased cooling efficiency and can absorb more heat without deforming so they maintain a consistent brake feel longer. KTRC traction-control system features three different modes for varying conditions. Modes are controlled by a handy switch assembly on the left handlebar and are indicated on the LCD cockpit display.
Bodywork- The new Kawasaki ZZR1400 is much more aerodynamic than its predecessor addressing the issue that made it slower than the slightly less powerful Hayabusa when it was first launched. Standard rear-seat cowl adds aesthetic appeal. Both the front and rear turn signals are integrated into the bodywork and have clear lenses to enhance appearance. Quadruple projector beam headlights in the new fairing give the ZX™-14 a distinctive new look. The outer lights contain position lamps and high beams, while the low beams are located in the center lamps. Lightweight Denso radiator with dual fans and high-density cores provides maximum cooling efficiency.
Instrumentation and Display– New black-faced dual analog speedometer and tachometer are easy to read. Multi-function LCD digital display includes an odometer, two trip meters, fuel gauge, gear position indicator, clock, and many other variables, including traction-control information via a 7-segment LCD indicator. Programmable shift indicator lamp illuminates at pre-set rpm to signal rider upshift. Programmable clutch engagement lamp illuminates at pre-set rpm to signal the rider to engage the clutch. Controller Area Network (CAN) interface between the gauges uses fewer wires yet allows a greater volume of information, such as estimated fuel mileage, to be exchanged.
2012 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14R Specs as reported by Ultimate Motorcycling:
- Engine: Four-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, four valve per cylinder, inline-four
- Displacement: 1,441cc
- Bore x stroke: 84.0 x 65.0mm
- Compression ratio: 12.3:1
- Fuel system: DFI with four 44mm Mikuni throttle bodies
- Ignition: TCBI with Digital Advance
- Transmission: Six-speed
- Final drive: X-Ring chain
- Rake / trail: 23 degrees / 3.7 in.
- Front tire: 120/70 ZR17
- Rear tire: 190/50 ZR17
- Wheelbase: 58.3 in.
- Front suspension / wheel travel: 43mm inverted cartridge fork with adjustable preload, 18-way compression and 15-way rebound damping adjustment / 4.6 in.
- Rear suspension / wheel travel: Bottom-link Uni-Trak® and gas-charged shock with adjustable preload, stepless rebound and compression damping adjustments, adjustable ride height / 4.9 in.
- Front brakes: Dual semi-floating 310 mm petal discs with dual radial-mounted four-piston calipers
- Rear brakes: Single 250mm petal disc with twin-piston caliper
- Overall length: 85.4 in.
- Overall width: 30.3 in.
- Overall height: 46.1 in.
- Ground clearance: 4.9 in.
- Seat height: 31.5 in.
- Curb weight: 584.3 lbs.
- Fuel capacity: 5.8 gal.
- Color: Metallic Spark Black, Candy Surf Blue,
- Golden Blazed Green with special graphics (SE)
- MSRP standard / special edition: $14.699
- Warranty: 12 Months
2012 Kawasaki Color Options/MSRP:
- Metallic Spark Black / $14,699
- Candy Surf Blue / $14,699
- SE Golden Blaed Green with graphics / $14,89
For more information log on to the the Kawasaki Website.