Introduction
It’s
gotta be ugly competing against the ZX™-14 year
after year. When it arrived on the big-bore
sportbike stage in 2006, the big Ninja® blew
everyone’s minds – owners, journalists and
competitors – with its incredible thrust,
sport-tourer comfort, agile handling and
aerodynamic full-coverage bodywork. Continuous
refinement has kept the 14 a step ahead of the
competition, all while filling enthusiasts’ face
shields with wild, ear-to-ear grins.
Fortunately for
Kawasaki fans (and unfortunately for the
competition), there’s no letting up for 2012.
Not only is the newly R-designated Ninja ZX-14R
massively more powerful, it’s also almost
entirely new, with more of the character, design
excellence, and finesse you’ve come to expect
from Team Green™ – the company that’s been
building legendary open-class motorcycles for
more than 40 years.
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Features
- 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 and adds better
airmanagement 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
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Technical Specifications
Engine:
Four-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, four valve per
cylinder, inline-four
Displacement: 1,441 cc
Bore x Stroke: 84.0 x 65.0 mm
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 Size: 120/70 ZR17
Rear Tire Size: 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)
Warranty: 12 months
Good Times™ Protection Plan: 12, 24, 36 or 48
months
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