awasaki ZX-9R Ninja

Kawasaki's 2000/01 ZX-9R will have more power, less weight and better handling due to many significant refinements. The bike also is far better looking - incorporating dual headlights nd a single Ram Air scoop at the front of the fairing.

The most significant changes include an increase in compression ratio from 11.8 to 12.2:1 (claimed to provide more torque across the rev range and sharper throttle response), an improved Ram Air system, larger air box, new Keihin CVRD 40 mm semi-flat slide carburetors (claimed to deliver sharper throttle response, stronger acceleration and easier starting) and detailed chassis improvements for improved handling.

The fork offset was reduced from 35 to 30 mm, and the steering head moved forward to maintain the same wheelbase (for quicker steering while retaining the stability of the old bike). Rake remains the same, while trail has been increased from 93 to 97 mm.

In order to further improve handling and feedback from the tires (one of the complaints about last years 9R), Kawasaki made some significant, detailed improvements to the chassis. In addition to the fork offset and trail changes described above, stronger main beams and 12 mm longer steering head pipe increase stiffness in the steering head area and overall frame rigidity. Kawasaki even went so far as to change the head bearings from a tapered style to a ball bearing style for improved steering qualities (i.e., better feedback). Additionally, the swingarm pivot shaft diameter was increased 5 mm and both the front and rear axle diameter have been increased by 5 mm.

Kawasaki didn't stop with these changes. Further refinements include a larger, 190-section rear tire and, to snuff out complaints about the front brake, Kawasaki increased the disc diameters from 296 mm to 310 mm.

Both the fork and shock have been modified for better performance.  Other refinements were aimed at reducing the weight of the bike, which should be slightly lighter - in part due to a redesigned cylinder block (saving 2.2 pounds).

Kawasaki's refined ZX-9R should be a wonderful bike, although slightly heavier than Yamaha's R1 and Honda's new CBR 929. Nevertheless, the new 9R will be far more bike than most of us can handle, and Kawasaki's well-deserved reputation for comfortable rider ergonomics and ample wind protection make the 9R, perhaps, the right choice for the "real world". We'll have to wait and see when the rider reviews come in, but Kawasaki seems to have carefully refined an outstanding motorcycle in the 2000 ZX-9R.

The Kawasaki Ninja ZX-9R revolutionized the big-bore sportbike class with its light weight, compact chassis and incredible performance. Entering the new millennium, Kawasaki again ups the ante with new 2000 ZX-9R.   

All new electroplate aluminum cylinder block is two pounds lighter, higher compression ratio, cam timing and the cam profile for increased torque across the rev range, longer intake tract and longer, larger-diameter exhaust aids power delivery and 16-bit microprocessor for more accurate adjusted timing. New Keihin 40mm downdraft carburetors for improved throttle response,

Kawasaki Ram Air system with larger, projecting intake duct, aluminum frame with 10mm wider main spars and a 12mm longer steering head. A new bolt-on aluminum sub-frame, hexagonal extruded aluminum swingarm with internal ribbing, front fork offset, and new UNI-TRAK linkage ratio. New calibration for the 46mm inverted fork, rear ride height adjuster, larger diameter 310mm semi-floating front disc, six-inch wide rear wheel, aerodynamic fairing with dual multi-reflector headlights and a new compact electronic speedometer, and odometer with LCD display.

Built to Deliver Performance

For years Kawasaki NINJA® motorcycles have defined the sportbike market and represented the company’s long-standing performance heritage. The 2001 Kawasaki NINJA motorcycle line-up gives motorcyclists a variety of ways to experience Kawasaki’s legendary performance, from the most powerful NINJA ever to entry-level models that can still deliver plenty of thrills to seasoned veterans.

The NINJA ZX-12R is the flagship model in the NINJA motorcycle line-up and is the most radical embodiment of race-proven technology that Kawasaki has ever produced. Quite simply, the ZX-12R was built to deliver the lightest weight and highest power-to-weight ratio of any machine in its class.

The very first NINJA was a 900cc machine, and the ZX-9R carries on the tradition of providing open-class power in a lightweight, nimble package. This is the model that became the first production motorcycle to break the nine-second barrier in the enthusiast magazines’ quarter-mile testing.

In recent years Kawasaki has dominated the AMA/Prostar Motorcycle Drag Racing Series, with Kawasaki Drag Racing’s Rickey Gadson winning three consecutive AMA/Prostar 750 Superbike National Championships, and teammate Marty Ladwig winning the 1999 600cc SuperSport title.

Kawasaki Road Racing uses the NINJA ZX-7R as the base for its AMA U.S. Superbike Championship assault and it has carried team rider Eric Bostrom to victory. Bostrom also won on the NINJA ZX-6R that kept him
near the top of the 2000 600cc SuperSport Series all season long. The ZX-6R has also been highly acclaimed in the enthusiast press, winning several 2000-model 600cc sportbike comparisons and being chosen “Best Middleweight Streetbike” in Cycle World magazine’s annual Ten Best Bikes feature.

For those looking for NINJA performance at an economical price, Kawasaki has three models. The NINJA ZX-6 features SuperSport championship-winning performance in an extremely comfortable and user-friendly package, while the NINJA 500R and 250R models provide excellent entries to the NINJA motorcycle fold.

No matter which NINJA motorcycle it is, customers can always count on getting a motorcycle that performs.