Kawasaki ZX-9R

The 2002 Ninja ZX-9R benefits from a variety of improvements to engine, chassis and styling to further boost its performance on the street, at the track and in the showroom.

Although the liquid-cooled, 16-valve, DOHC power unit remains fundamentally unchanged, a variety of detail improvements further broaden its performance envelope. A 10% increase in crank mass coupled with new CVKD semi-flat-slide carbs and a redesigned exhaust collector improve low-rpm and medium rpm throttle response and torque, while also achieving more linear power characteristics. Mid-range response and off-corner acceleration are claimed to be significantly smoother, with no degradation to the explosively powerful top end rush for which this machine is famous. While absolute power levels remain about the same, power accessibility has been noticeably improved. Additionally, off-idle hesitation has been virtually eliminated.

Feeding this potent engine is Kawasaki's famous Twin Ram Air system, which delivers significant power increases in the upper speed ranges. To further enhance the 9R's performance at the track and on winding roads, the chassis benefits from extensive modifications, foremost of which is a new, stronger frame with an additional solid top motor mount and increased gusseting added beneath the main beams just aft of the steering head. Most obvious of the chassis improvements though, is the new truss swingarm running a new linkage which, while sharing the same pivot to axle length of the earlier unit, is significantly more rigid. The front fork has also received attention in the form of increased pitch and reduced offset and both front and rear suspension units run with stiffer springs. This comprehensive package of chassis modifications further enhances the 9R's already formidable handling performance.

Another major improvement which, at first glance, may seem puzzling is the switch from the earlier 6-piston brake calipers to a pair of light weight Nissin 4-piston units. Extensive testing has revealed that these 4-pot calipers offer improved feel at the lever with no reduction in braking power and more even pad wear.

Not only does the new ZX-9R handle and perform like a new machine, it looks like one to, thanks to a new rear seat cowl, a new front fender and new graphics. Complementing the new seat is a more rakish upswept angle to the muffler that further enhances the 9R's cornering clearance.

Model		Kawasaki ZX-9R (ZX900-F1)
Engine Type		4-stroke In-Line Four
Displacement		899 cm³
Bore and Stroke		75.0 x 50.9 mm
Compression ratio		12.2:1
Valve system		DOHC, 16 valves
Carburettor		Keihin CVKD40 x 4 (K-TRIC)
Ignition		Digital
Starting		Electric
Cooling		Liquid with twin fans
Lubrication		Forced lubrication, wet sump
Transmission		6-speed, return
Primary drive		Gear
Final drive		Sealed Chain
Clutch		Wet, multi-disc
Type		Perimeter, pressed-aluminium with detachable rear sub-frame
Suspension	front	46 mm cartridge fork with stepless rebound and compression damping and spring preload adjustability
	rear	Bottom-Link Uni-Trak with gas-charged shock, stepless rebound and compression damping, spring preload adjustability and ride height adjustment
Wheel travel:	front	120 mm
	rear	135 mm
Tyre:	front	120/70 ZR17 M/C (58W) T/L
	rear	190/50 ZR17 M/C (73W) T/L
Caster (rake)		24°
Trail		97 mm
Front brake		Dual semi-floating 320 mm discs
Front caliper		Opposed 4-piston calipers
Rear brake		Single 220 mm disc
Rear caliper		Single-piston caliper
Overall length		2,058 mm
Overall width		747 mm
Overall height		1,152 mm
Wheelbase		1,417 mm
Ground clearance		158 mm
Seat height		827 mm
Dry weight		186 kg
Fuel capacity		18 litres
Maximum power		143 horsepower @ 11,000 rpm
Maximum torque		101 Nm @ 9,200 rpm
RRP		$17,290