Kawasaki Unveils the 2012 Ninja ZX-14R ABS
Kawasaki has lifted the covers off its newest flagship super-sports motorcycle and what they claim is the fastest accelerating motorcycle in the world – the 2012 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14R ABS.
Boasting the most powerful production motorcycle engine ever plus a host of technological enhancements like 3 Mode KTRC (Kawasaki TRaction Control), selectable Power Modes and optimized ABS settings, the 2012 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14R is reclaiming the ground it once held when the ZZR1100 was the king of the road.
Kawasaki claim the 2012 ZX-14R is the fastest accelerating production motorcycle on the planet with the most powerful production motorcycle engine ever in the form of a new 1,441 cc four-cylinder DOHC power-plant producing 147.2kW, or 197hp in the old money.
Compared to its predecessor, the new engine is claimed to offer more torque at all rpm and substantially more power in the mid-high range. Acceleration from 4,000 rpm and up is said to be notably stronger. Torque is strong enough to pull away from lights in almost any gear and at 2,000 rpm there is 9.5 kgf.m of torque available with this figure jumping significantly from 3,000 rpm however fuel economy is not sacrificed with the new model’s fuel consumption claimed to be 8% better than its predecessor.
KTRC (Kawasaki TRaction Control) offers 3 Modes (+ off) that covers a wide range of conditions and 2 stage Power Mode selection offers Full Power + Low Power (about 75% of Full). Optimised ABS settings improves ABS performance on bumpy road conditions.
The new 2012 Ninja ZX-14R is also easier to ride thanks to a slimmer seat front facilitating an easier reach to the ground plus the convenient multi-function button on the handle enables scrolling through LCD modes without removing a hand from the grip.
New engine, new frame, new electronics, lighter wheels, sportier suspension settings, the addition of ABS, more aggressive styling, longer and stronger swing-arm, the addition of a back-torque limiter…the list of new additions and refinements to the 2012 Ninja ZX-14R is substantial.
Kawasaki is confident that the new Ninja ZX-14R will be very well received in Australia upon its anticipated release in January 2012. The new model will be available in Australia in Golden Blazed Green or Spark Metallic Black.
Engine – Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke In-Line Four, 1441 cm³
Bore and Stroke 84.0 x 65 mm
Compression ratio 12.3:1
Valve system DOHC, 16 valves
Fuel system Fuel injection: Ø 44 mm x 4 (Mikuni)
Starting Electric
Transmission 6-Speed, return
Clutch Wet multi-disc, manual
Frame Type Monocoque Aluminium
Wheel travel:
front 117 mm
rear 124 mm
Tyre:
front 120/70ZR17M/C (58W)
rear 190/50ZR17M/C (73W)
Caster (rake) 23°
Trail 93 mm
SUSPENSION
Front:
Type 43 mm inverted fork with top-out springs
Compression damping 18-way
Rebound damping 15-way
Spring preload Fully Adjustable
Rear:
Type Bottom-Link Uni-Trak with gas-charged shock
Compression damping Stepless
Rebound damping Stepless
Spring preload Fully adjustable
BRAKES
Front:
Type Dual semi-floating 310 mm petal discs with ABS
Caliper Dual radial-mount, opposed 4-piston, 4-pad
Rear:
Type Single 250 mm petal disc with ABS
Caliper Opposed, twin-piston
Overall length 2,170 mm
Overall width 770 mm
Overall height 1,170 mm
Wheelbase 1,480 mm
Ground Clearance 125 mm
Seat height 800 mm
Curb mass 268 kg
Fuel capacity 22 litres