No company knows more about In-line Fours than Kawasaki. From the early Z1 to ourfactory MotoGP bikes, our knowledge about the parallel four-cylinder engine isunsurpassed. The virtues of this design are many: powerful, smooth running and verycompact, if it's a Kawasaki superbike, it has to be an In-Line four. Each component of thisamazing engine was thoroughly developed to deliver the perfect balance of power, torqueand ridability.
-All-new engine evolved from that of the Ninja ZX-12R and ZX models features a bore andstroke of 84 x 61 mm.
-Layout was carefully planned to maintain acompact engine. Engine width isapproximately the same as that of the12R
-Twisting the throttle on the ZX gives thekind response you would expect from alarge-bore machine: a seamless spread ofawesome torque, right 'round the dial.
-The use of smaller diameter (44 mm)throttle bodies than the 12R along with33.4 mm intake valves and 28.3 mmexhaust valves speeds up flow in theintake tracts, delivering instant and veryprecise throttle response.
-Thanks to the fuel injection and thoroughengine tuning, response is extremelysmooth, making it easier to enjoy theZX's impressive performance.
-The torque delivery is very linear, so there is no "power band" per se, but riders will noticethe "afterburner range" from 6,000 rpm onwards.
-The sheer amount of available torque makes pulling away from lights in almost any gearpossible. (At 2,000 rpm, there is 10 kgfm of torque available!)
-Contributing to the engine's impressive low- and mid-range torque is a stainless steel 4-into-1-into-2 exhaust system featuring a large expansion box just downstream from thecollector. A catalyser located inside the muffler ensures that emissions standards are met.
-Already in perfect primary balance, the ZX engine uses a secondary balancer to tameunwanted vibrations, resulting in an extremely smooth engine.
-An oil-pressure cam chain tensionerensures optimum cam chain tension at alltimes and reduces engine noise.
-Direct-actuation shift lever is lighter thanconventional linkage-type arrangementsand offers a more direct feel.
-High engine power and torque means riders do not have to shift as often - no matter whatgear you are in, there is always enough power on tap. (Another benefit is that riding atlower rpm yields better fuel economy.)
The ZX-14 runs Kawasaki's next generation aluminium monocoque frame. Rock steadyat speed, and offering responsive handling characteristics, this advanced chassis designstrikes an ideal balance between sport riding, and high-speed work on the highway.
-All-new aluminium monocoque frame represents a further evolution of the frame first usedon the Ninja ZX-12R. This advanced design makes possible a very slim, compactpackage.
-Already inherently more rigid than twin-spar frames, with the engine rigid-mounted themonocoque's torsional rigidity is further increased. Using the engine as a stressedmember allows the frame to be made lighter.
-The new frame integrates many of the earlier 12R frame's separate components, greatlyreducing the number of frame parts and the frame's weight. The steering head is amassive gravity casting (contributing to thehigh rigidity), the main monocoque sectionis a pressing, and the swingarm pivotsection is vacuum casting.
-Using multiple construction methods allowsthe frame to be made very stiff wherestiffness is needed and more flexible whereflexibility is needed. Being able to controlthe wall thickness of the variouscomponents makes it possible to attain alight frame with an idealised stiffnessbalance.
-Like the 12R, the airbox and battery arelocated in the frame, which contributes tothe compact layout and masscentralisation.
-Our engineers made full use of the design freedom given them by the engine's compactsize. The engine's position forward in the frame, the wheelbase and front/rear wheel weightbalance were all carefully chosen to achieve both high-speed stability and responsivehandling.
-The wheelbase of the ZX-14 is shorter than that of the ZX-12 but longer than that ofthe Ninja ZX-12R.
Inverted 43 mm cartridge fork and New Uni-Trak linkage rear suspension complement thehighly rigid frame, offering both great controllability at high speeds and superb road holdingability when sport riding in the hills.
-Engine and chassis components were alldesigned to maximise mass centralisation.
-The combination of the monocoque framewith rigid-mounted engine and a masslocated at the centreline gives the ZXextreme stability at high speeds.
-Fuel reservoir is located at the rear of the"tank" and extends below the seat, furthercontributing to the centralised mass.
-Newly designed wheels feature centre ribswhich are slightly offset so that tyrebalance weights can be located at thewheel centreline.
Ergonomics & Aerodynamics
-Despite its long and low appearance, the ZX offers a very relaxed sport riding position.Compact without being cramped, the bars are positioned so that riders do not have tostretch to reach them.
-The narrow engine, monocoque frame andwaisted fuel tank make it easy to keep kneesclose together when riding.
-Low-set footpegs give ample legroom.
-The low seat height and narrow seat frontmake it easy to reach the ground whenstopped at lights.
-A depression in the fuel tank cover facilitatestucking in behind the screen.
-Use of compact radial-mount master cylindersfor both the clutch and brake levers, combinedwith sculpted indents in the side of the tankcover, ensure there is plenty of room for therider's hands when manoeuvring at lowspeeds. Steering angle is an ample 30 inboth directions.
-The ZX's multifunctional aerodynamics package reduces drag, adds stability at highwayspeeds and keeps you out of the wind when sport riding in the hills.
-Even tandem riding was considered, 14evinced by the purposely moulded tailcowl which accommodates the pillion'slegs for lower drag and greater comfort.
The ZR exudes an aura of power and assurance found only in the world's mostpowerful machines. As befits its flagship status, the ZZR offers a combination of avantgardedesign, meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail. Whether parked in front ofa caf or zooming effortlessly down the highway, this is a machine people will notice.
-The ZX-14's bodywork gives it extremely long and low styling. The front cowl extendswell over the front wheel and the fairing almost hides the front wheel.
-All the lines of the bike move from front to rear, giving the bike an impression of speedeven when it standing still.
-Because the monocoque frame goes over the engine and does not protrude through thefairing, an uninterrupted fairing design is possible.
-Quadruple projector beam headlights 17adorn the ZX's front cowl. The outerlights contain position lamps and the highbeams. Low beams are in the two centrelamps. All four beams on creates enoughlight to turn night into day.
-Central Ram Air duct like that of the Ninjasupersport bikes gives the ZX aconsistent Kawasaki face.
-Twin mufflers are reminiscent of the 18ZX-10, another legendary Kawasakiflagship.
-Front and rear turn signals are integratedinto the fairing and rear cowl. Clear lenseswith orange bulbs contribute to the highquality appearance.
-All-new LED tail lamp features a unique "V"design. This view of the bike and thequadruple projector beams in your rearviewwill be the most common views of theZZR on the move.
-Raised "Kawasaki" and model emblems contribute to the classy styling.
-Fuel tank features a flush-surface tank cap.
-A small under-cowl forward of the rear wheel contributes to the bike's flowing lines.(Available in certain markets on models not fit with a centre stand.)
-A tandem seat cover (depending on market, this is an optional part) complements theaerodynamic styling. Removing the cover reveals the seat beneath.
-Nestled in the canopy is an instrumentcluster with dual analogue-stylespeedometer and tachometer. Whitefaces make them easy to read.
-Multi-function LCD digital display includesa fuel gauge, gear position indicator,odometer, clock and numerous modesincluding dual trip meters, current andaverage fuel consumption, remainingrange and battery voltage.
-Programmable shift and clutchengagement lamps illuminate at pre-setrpm to let the rider know when to shift orengage the clutch.
-Use of high-speed CAN (Controller Area Network) interface between the meter and theECU reduces the number of cables (reducing weight) and allows a greater volume ofinformation (e.g. fuel consumption) to be exchanged.
-The ZX-14's large-diameter petal brake discs, radial-mount front calipers and a radialmountbrake master cylinder offer impressive braking performance and superb feel.
-Models with front and rear ABS (available in certain markets) offer an added degree ofbraking reassurance.
Radial Clutch Master Cylinder
Hydraulically operated clutch features a radial-mount clutch master cylinder for worry-free,silky smooth clutch operation.
-Idling Speed Control system contributes to easy starting.
-Lightweight Denso radiator with high-density cores provides efficient cooling.
-Immobiliser function incorporated into the ignition switch on most non-American modelshelps prevent theft.
-Large-volume fuel tank maximises playtime between fill-ups.
-A centre stand (depending on market, this is an optional part) eases routine maintenancechores. A grip below the seat makes it easy to lift the bike onto the stand.