Kawasaki ZZ-R 1400

The S-KTRC system offers three different modes of operation, which riders can select according to surface conditions, rider preference and skill level: Level 1 for max-grip track use, Level 2 for intermediate use, and Level 3 for slippery conditions. An LCD graph in the newly designed instrument cluster displays how much electronic intervention is occurring in real time and a thumb switch on the left handlebar pod allows simple, on-the-go mode changes.

The system also incorporates an advanced Power Mode system that allows riders to choose the amount of power – and the character of delivery – available from the engine. Besides the standard full-power mode are Medium and Low settings. In Medium mode, performance varies according to throttle position and engine rpm; at anything less than 50 percent throttle opening, performance is essentially the same as in Low mode; at more than 50 percent, riders can access additional engine performance. All three S-KTRC settings are available in each of the three Power Mode settings.

And the motorcycle so capably managed by all of this trick electronic wizardry? It was completely redesigned from 2010 to ’11.
It all starts with the ZX-10R ABS’s all-new inline-four, easily the most advanced engine to ever emerge from a Kawasaki factory. Like last year’s potent ZX-10R engine, the new powerplant is a 16-valve, DOHC, liquid-cooled inline-four displacing 998cc via 76 x 55mm bore and stroke dimensions. But that’s where the similarity stops, as the new mill boasts a handful of engineering changes designed to optimize power, power delivery, center of gravity and actual engine placement within the chassis.

A primary goal of Kawasaki engineers was linear power delivery and engine manageability throughout all elements of a corner: the entry, getting back to neutral throttle at mid-corner, and heady, controllable acceleration at the exit. Peak torque was moved to a higher rpm range, which helped to smooth the power peaks and valleys that can make it difficult for racers and track day riders to open the throttle with confidence.

Larger intake valves (31mm vs. 30mm), wider – and polished – intake ports, and completely revised exhaust porting all allow better breathing, more controllable power delivery and less engine braking, just the thing to smooth those racetrack corner entries and exits. Higher-lift camshafts built from lighter-yet-stronger chromoly steel (instead of cast iron on the previous model) and featuring revised overlap further contribute to optimized engine braking and more controllable power delivery. Newly designed lightweight pistons feature shorter skirts and mount to lighter and stronger connecting rods, each of which spin a revised crankshaft made of a harder material and featuring stronger pins and journal fillets. Compression moves to a full 13.0:1.

There’s more, including a totally revamped crankshaft/transmission shaft layout that contributes to a higher center of mass – and improved handling via better mass centralization – by locating the crankshaft approximately 10 degrees higher relative to the output shaft. There’s even a secondary engine balancer assembly this year, which allows a number of vibration-damping parts to be simplified, contributing to weight savings. A smaller and dramatically lighter battery helps drop even more weight, as does a lighter ECU and fuel pump.

A race-style cassette transmission allows simple trackside ratio changes and offers a host of improvements for 2011. These include closer spacing for 4th, 5th and 6th gears and the fine tuning of the primary and final reduction ratios for less squat/lift during acceleration and deceleration, which allows more precise suspension tuning in back. An adjustable back-torque limiting clutch assembly is fitted, helps reduce driveline shock during downshifts and offers an even higher level of corner-entry calmness.

Cramming all that fuel and air into this amazing new engine is a ram air-assisted fuel injection system featuring larger throttle bodies (47 vs. 43mm) and sub-throttle valves, a larger capacity airbox (9 vs. 8 Litres), secondary injectors that improve top-end power characteristics, and a redesigned ram-air intake that’s positioned closer to the front of the bike for more efficient airbox filling and increased power.

The final piece of the ZX-10R ABS’s power-production formula is a race-spec exhaust system featuring a titanium header assembly, hydroformed collectors, a large-volume pre-chamber containing two catalyzers and a highly compact silencer. Due to the header’s race-spec design, riders and racers looking for more closed-course performance need only replace the muffler assembly.

With the engine producing a massive quantity of usable and controllable power, engineers looked to the chassis to help refine handling and overall road/track competency even further. An all-new aluminum twin-spar frame was designed, an all-cast assemblage of just seven pieces that features optimized flex characteristics for ideal rider feedback, cornering performance and lighter weight than last year’s cage. Fewer pieces mean fewer welds, which contributes to a cleaner, more aesthetically pleasing look. Like the frame, the new alloy swingarm is an all-cast assembly, with idealized rigidity matching that of the frame itself.

Chassis geometry was juggled to offer the best possible stability and handling quickness. Rake, at 25 degrees, is a half-degree steeper than on the 2010 machine, while trail has been reduced from 110 to 107mm. This slightly more radical front end geometry, and the quicker, lighter handling it allows, was made possible largely from the new engine’s more controllable power, engine placement and the CG differences it generated, and the frame and swingarm’s newfound flex characteristics.

Highly advanced suspension at both ends helped as well. Up front is a 43mm open-class version of the Big Piston Fork (BPF) found on last year’s comparo-dominating Ninja ZX-6R. Featuring a piston design nearly twice the size of a conventional cartridge fork, the BPF offers smoother action, less stiction, lighter overall weight and enhanced damping performance on the compression and rebound circuits. This added compliance results in more control and feedback for the rider – just what you need when carving through a rippled sweeper at your local track or negotiating a decreasing-radius corner on your favorite backroad.

There’s big suspension news in back, too. Replacing the vertical Uni-Trak® system of the 2010 ZX-10R is a Horizontal Back-link suspension design that positions the shock and linkage above the swingarm. Benefits include better mass centralization, improved road holding, compliance and stability, smoother action in the mid-stroke (even with firmer settings), better overall feedback and cooler running. The design also frees space previously taken by the linkage assembly below the swingarm, space now used for the exhaust pre-chamber, which allows a shorter muffler and, again, better mass centralization. The fully adjustable shock itself features a piggyback reservoir and dual-range (low- and high-speed) compression damping.

All-new gravity-cast three-spoke wheels are significantly lighter than the hoops fitted to the 2010 bike, and combine with the very latest in brake technology – Tokico radial-mount calipers grasping 310mm petal discs up front and a 220mm disc and lightweight single-piston caliper in back. The result is powerful stops with plenty of rider feedback and the added confidence of the KIBS ABS system.

Finally, Kawasaki engineers wrapped all this new technology in bodywork as advanced and stylish as anything on this side of a MotoGP grid. Shapes are more curved than edged this year, and the contrasting colored and black parts create a sharp, aggressive image. Line-beam headlights enable the fairing to be made shorter, while LED turn signals are integrated into the mirror assemblies. Convenient turn-signal couplers allow easy mirror removal for track-day use, while the rear fender assembly holding the rear signal stalks and license plate frame is also easily removable for track days. High-visibility LED lamps are also used for the tail and position lights.

Instrumentation is totally new as well; the unit highlighted by an LED-backlit bar-graph tachometer set above a multi-featured LCD info screen with numerous sections and data panels. A wide range of information is presented, including odometer, dual trip meters, vehicle speed, fuel consumption, Power Mode and S-KTRC level indicators, low fuel, water temperature and much more. For track use, the LCD display can be set to “race” mode which moves the gear display to the center of the screen.

The new ZX-10R ABS’s ergonomics have been fine tuned for optimum comfort and control, with a slightly lower saddle, adjustable footpegs positioned slightly lower and forward relative to last year, and clip-ons with a bit less downward angle. This is a hard-core sportbike you can actually take on a weekend ride – and be reasonably comfortable doing so. And because it’s more than 10 pounds lighter than last year’s bike, the new ZX-10R ABS will be much more manageable in whatever environment you choose to ride it in.

The old saying, “power is nothing without control” is certainly apt where open-class sport bikes are concerned. But when you factor in all the engine, chassis, ergonomic and anti-lock braking control designed into the 2011 Ninja ZX-10R ABS, you begin to realize you’re looking at one very special motorcycle – one that will prove to you time and time again why it’s arguably the most advanced sportbike ever.

2011 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14 motorcycle model Features

Key Features
- 1,352cc inline-four with DFI® provides smooth power while producing impressive amounts of horsepower
- Lightweight aluminum monocoque frame is narrow, strong and rigid
- Radial-mounted front brake calipers and radial-pump front brake master cylinder combine for superior braking power and control
- Six-speed transmission
- Fully adjustable suspension allows for excellent control and feedback
- Hydraulic clutch offers precise clutch engagement and optimal feel
- Natural yet aggressive ergonomics
- Multi-function LCD instrumentation offers a wealth of information and is easy to read
- Standard rear seat cowl adds to bike’s aerodynamic styling

1,352cc Four-cylinder, DOHC Engine
- Tuned to provide smooth power across a very wide rev range while producing impressive horsepower numbers
- Chrome composite-plated aluminum cylinder bores are lightweight, durable, and quickly carry heat away from the combustion chamber and piston for supreme durability at high power outputs
- Carefully designed engine is compact and narrow
- Low mechanical noise via special piston profile and urethane insulation sheet on the inside of the magnesium chain cover

High-flow Exhaust System
- Airflow into the exhaust from the large secondary air ports in the cylinder head and head cover, plus a third honeycomb catalyzer in the collector, help meet strict Euro III emissions standards
- Internal silencer construction minimizes impact of emissions regulations while maintaining impressive top-end power
- Exhaust connecting tube entrances are designed to enhance low-rpm response

Gear-driven Dual Engine Balancers
- Already in perfect primary balance, the engine features dual secondary balancers that virtually eliminate unwanted vibrations for extremely smooth operation and reduced rider fatigue

Ram Air Induction
- Central ram air duct draws cooler, higher-pressure air from the face of the fairing and efficiently guides it through the air cleaner and into the engine for maximum power output

Digital Fuel Injection
- 44mm Mikuni throttle bodies are fitted with sub-throttle valves controlled by the ECU to provide precise response, smooth DFI performance and help meet Euro III emissions requirements
- Intake porting optimizes flow characteristics
- Injectors deliver lateral spray at a 20-degree angle to disperse the finely atomized fuel over a wide area
- Fine-atomizing injectors produce a 75micron droplet size
- 32-bit ECU works with dual throttle valve system to further enhance throttle response and control

Digital Ignition
- Digital Timing Advance enhances low- and mid-range power
- Individual spark plug-mounted ignition coils fire each of the four spark plugs independently to achieve the optimum timing for that cylinder
- ECU includes an idle speed control system for easier starting and warm-up

Radial Pump Clutch Master Cylinder
- Hydraulic clutch features a radial-pump clutch master cylinder for smooth and precise clutch engagement and optimal feel

Next-generation Monocoque Aluminum Frame
- Lightweight monocoque frame is a hollow aluminum box that arches over the engine from the steering head to the swingarm pivot. It is narrow, strong, rigid and very light
- Frame’s cast aluminum sections – steering head and swingarm pivot areas – are produced via a die-casting process for weight savings
- Rigidly mounted engine is a stressed frame member, which increases the frame’s torsional rigidity and saves approximately four pounds
- Engine is positioned forward in the frame, with the wheelbase and front/rear weight balance carefully designed to achieve high-speed stability and responsive handling
- Massive head pipe casting contributes to frame rigidity
- Frame houses the air box and air filter in a space-saving design that simplifies air cleaner maintenance
- Battery is also housed within the frame and is easily accessible through the back side of the frame

Suspension
- Inverted 43mm cartridge-type front fork utilizes damping rates that offer firm initial action to resist front-end dive when braking
- Stepless damping adjustment improves suspension performance
- Excellent control and feedback from fully adjustable bottom-link Uni-Trak® rear suspension
- Linkage rates allow linear suspension action
- Bottom-link design helps create a lower center of gravity, which makes the motorcycle more nimble
- Wheel rim center ribs are slightly offset so tire balance weights can be located precisely along the wheel’s centerline

Radial-mount Calipers and Petal-type Discs
- Radial mounted four-piston front brake calipers offer greater rigidity than traditional caliper mounting to improve brake feel
- A separate brake pad is used for each piston. Individual pads provide increased cooling efficiency and can absorb more heat without deforming so they maintain a consistent brake feel longer
- Petal-type design brake discs provide better cooling and warp resistance
- Radial-pump front brake master cylinder improves brake performance and lever feel

Wind Tunnel-designed Bodywork
- Monocoque frame is positioned over the engine so the sleek fairing is uninterrupted by protruding frame spars, adding to the extremely long and low styling
- Both the front and rear turn signals are integrated into the bodywork and have clear lenses to enhance appearance
- Quadruple projector beam headlights give the ZX-14 a distinctive front fairing. The outer lights contain position lamps and high beams, while the low beams are located in the center lamps
- Lightweight Denso radiator with high-density cores provides maximum cooling efficiency

Full Instrumentation
- White faced dual analog speedometer and tachometer are easy to read
- Multi-function LCD digital display includes an odometer, two trip meters, fuel gauge, gear position indicator and clock
- Programmable shift indicator lamp illuminates at pre-set rpm to signal rider upshift
- Programmable clutch engagement lamp illuminates at pre-set rpm to signal the rider to engage the clutch
- Controller Area Network (CAN) interface between the gauges uses fewer wires yet allows a greater volume of information, such as estimated fuel mileage, to be exchanged

Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14 motorcycle model Technology

Engine

No company knows more about in-line fours than Kawasaki. From the early Z-1 to our factory MotoGP bikes, our knowledge about the in-line four-cylinder engine is unsurpassed. The virtues of this design are many: powerful, smooth running and very compact, if it's a Kawasaki superbike, it has to be an in-line four.

Each component of this amazing engine was thoroughly developed to deliver the perfect balance of power, torque, and ridability. Twisting the throttle on the ZX-14 gives the kind of response you would expect from a large bore machine; a seamless spread of awesome torque, right 'round the dial.

Big, 1352cc displacement features a bore and stroke of 84 x 61 mm.

Revised intake porting provides optimum flow characteristics.

Revised piston profiles contribute to reduced mechanical noise.

New cylinder head and cylinder head cover have larger secondary air ports (increased approximately 20%), making it easier to get more air into the exhaust system for cleaner emissions. The electric Air Switching Valve (ASV) can also handle more air volume.

Windage ports between cylinders reduce pumping losses for increased power output.

The monocoque frame is sealed to form the ram-air airbox contributing to the compact layout.

New urethane sheet added to the inside of the magnesium chain cover also helps reduce mechanical noise.

Already in perfect primary balance, the ZX-14 engine uses a secondary balancer to tame unwanted vibrations, resulting in an extremely smooth engine.

Three-phase generator is crankshaft mounted for reduced drive losses.

The crankshaft, input shaft, and output shaft are arranged in a tri-axis to create a very compact engine length.

Digital fuel injection features ECU controlled sub-throttles to smooth throttle response for "carb like" action. The result is much better rider control and ease of operation.

Intake breathes through four massive, 44mm throttle bores for high air flow at top engine loads.

New, fine-atomising injectors with droplet size of 75? increase lateral spray angle from 15o to 20o, dispersing atomised fuel over a wider area resulting in improved power, smoother operation and excellent fuel mileage.

Automatic Idle Speed Control system contributes to easy starting.

Twin mufflers (each with honeycomb catalyzer) provide ample volume for creating the engines massive power and meeting exhaust emission standards.

New internal muffler construction. Capacity ratio of the first and third chambers was adjusted, as were the lengths of the pipes projecting from the baffle plates

In addition to the already existing honeycomb catalysers in each muffler, a new third honeycomb catalyser was added in the collector.

Entrances to the connecting pipes (joining header pipes 1-4 & 2-3) were enlarged approximately 75% to compensate for the new collector shape (addition of the third honeycomb catalyser). This change in particular resulted in enhanced torque characteristics, especially in the low rpm range.

Slick shifting six-speed transmission feeds power to the rear wheel.

Direct-actuation shift lever is lighter than conventional linkage-type arrangements and offers a more direct feel.

Hydraulically operated clutch features a radial-mount clutch master cylinder for worry-free, silky smooth clutch operation.


Chassis

The Ninja ZX-14 runs Kawasaki's exclusive aluminum monocoque frame. Rock steady at speed, and offering responsive handling characteristics, this advanced chassis design strikes an ideal balance between sport riding, and high-speed running on the highway.

Our engineers made full use of the design freedom given to them by the engine's compact size. The engine's position forward in the frame, the wheelbase and front/rear wheel weight balance were all carefully chosen to achieve both high-speed stability and responsive handling.

Aluminum monocoque frame represents a further evolution of the frame first used on Kawasaki's KR500 racer then in production on the Ninja ZX-12R. This advanced design makes possible a very slim, compact package.

Fuel mass is located at the rear of the "tank" and extends below the seat, further contributing to the centralized mass.

Already inherently more rigid than twin-spar frames, with the engine rigid-mounted the torsional rigidity is further increased. Using the engine as a stressed member allows the frame to be made lighter.

New die-casting process for the main frame sections results in a lighter frame.

Massive head pipe casting also contributes to the high rigidity.

Bolt-on, aluminum rear sub-frame includes tall side plates contributing to the unique styling and creating a very narrower mid-section.

Monocoque frame design creates a void inside the frame that is used to house various electrics including the M-F battery.

The hollow section of the frame behind the steering head serves duty as the airbox for the ram-air system.

The combination of the monocoque frame with rigid-mounted engine and a mass located at the centerline gives the ZX-14 extreme stability at high speeds.

Chassis is narrow through the middle for superior rider control.

Engine and chassis components were all designed to maximize mass centralization.

Inverted, 43 mm cartridge fork uses a large diameter, hollow axle for light weight and precise steering feedback.

Fork includes adjustments for compression damping, rebound damping, and ride height.

Uni-trak linkage rear suspension complements the highly rigid frame, offering both great controllability at high speeds and superb road holding ability when sport riding in the hills.

Gas charged piggy back reservoir shock includes adjustments for compression damping, rebound damping, and spring preload.

Formidable front brake performance is further enhanced with a radial-pump master cylinder that offers superb feel at the lever.

Semi-floating, drilled, petal style, 310 mm front brake rotors are gripped by Nissin, radial mount, 4-piston, 4-pad calipers.

Rear brake features 250 mm, drilled, petal style rotor and 2-piston caliper for additional stopping power and improved braking feel.

Wheels feature center ribs that are slightly offset so that tire balance weights can be located at the wheel centerline.

Brakes/Wheels

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Formidable front brake performance is further enhanced with a radial-pump master cylinder that offers superb feel at the lever.

Use of four individual brake pads promotes even heat distribution across each pad virtually eliminating fade due to pad warpage at high temperatures.

Rearbrake features 250mm, drilled, petal style rotor and 2-piston callipers for additional stopping power and improved braking feel.

Newly designed wheels feature centre ribs that are slightly offset so that tire balance weights can be located at the wheel centreline.

Ergonomics

In spite of the ZX-14's awesome performance, the machine is surprisingly non-intimidating. This is due as much to the seamless power delivery, as it is to the smooth ride and its rider-friendly ergonomics. On the ZX-14, the typical weekend jaunt leaves the rider refreshed and invigorated.

Despite its long and low appearance, the ZX-14 offers a very relaxed sport riding position.

Compact without being cramped, the bars are positioned so that riders do not have to stretch to reach them.

Low-set footpegs give ample legroom.

The low seat height and narrow seat front make it easy to reach the ground when stopped at lights.

The narrow engine, monocoque frame, and waisted fuel tank make it easy to keep knees comfortably close together when riding.

A depression in the fuel tank cover facilitates tucking in behind the screen.

Aerodynamics & Styling

The ZX-14 exudes an aura of power and assurance found only in the world's most powerful machines. As befits its flagship status, the ZX-14 offers a combination of avant garde design, meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail. Whether parked in front of a café 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 extends well 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 speed even when it standing still.

Because the monocoque frame goes over the engine and does not protrude through the fairing, a smooth, uninterrupted fairing design is possible.

The ZX-14's multifunctional aerodynamics package reduces drag, adds stability at highway speeds and keeps you out of the wind when sport riding in the hills.

Raised "Kawasaki" and model emblems contribute to the classy styling.

Long front fender with aerodynamic side wings contributes to the ultra high speed potential of the ZX-14.

Fuel tank features a flush-surface tank cap.

A small under-cowl forward of the rear wheel contributes to the bike's flowing lines. This under-cowl is removed when fitting the optional center stand.

LED tail lamp features a unique "V" design. This will be the most common view of the ZX-14 on the move.

Front and rear turn signals are integrated into the fairing and rear cowl. Clear signal lenses with orange bulbs contribute to the high quality appearance.

Standard equipment solo seat cover complements the aerodynamic styling. Removing the cover reveals the seat beneath.

Quadruple projector beam headlights adorn the ZX-14's front cowl. The outer lights contain position lamps and the high beams. Low beams are in the two center lamps.

All four beams on (when HI beam selected) creates enough light to turn night into day.

Central Ram Air duct like that of other Ninja models gives the ZX-14 a consistent Kawasaki face.

Instrumentation

Nestled in the canopy is an instrument cluster with LCD information centre and dual electric analog gauges for speedometer and tachometer.

White meter faces with black lettering makes the meters easy to read in daylight. Meter faces look black with white lettering and the meter needles glow red at night.

Multi-function LCD digital display includes:

- coolant temperature gauge
- gear position indicator
- fuel level gauge
- average fuel mileage
- instant fuel mileage
- fuel range
- battery voltage
- shift indicator light (rpm programmable)
- engage rpm indicator light (rpm programmable)
- dual, A/B trip meters
- odometer
- digital clock

Multi-function LCD digital display language can be set for English or French. Display can also be set for Litres , US gallon, or Imperial gallon.

Shift and engage indicator lights can be set individually for bright, dim, blinking, or off.

Use of CAN interface between the meter and the ECU reduces the number of cables and allows a greater volume of information (e.g. fuel consumption) to be exchanged.

CAN (Controller Area Network) is the latest generation On Board Diagnostics interface system.

Anti-theft circuit built into the ignition switch and ECU prevents hotwiring by joy riders.

Quadruple projector beam headlights adorn the ZX-14's front cowl. The outer lights contain position lamps and the high beams. Low beams are in the two center lamps.

All four beams on (when HI beam selected) creates enough light to turn night into day.

Front and rear turn signals are integrated into the fairing and rear cowl. Clear signal lenses with orange bulbs contribute to the high quality appearance.

Central Ram Air duct like that of other Ninja models gives the ZX-14 a consistent Kawasaki face.