Overview
For more than 40 years, Kawasaki has shocked and awed the motorcycle world with its big-bore streetbikes. This year is no different, as Kawasaki’s awe-inspiring Ninja® ZX™-14 flagship continues the tradition begun by its legendary forefathers.
The ZX-14’s 1,352cc DOHC inline-four is a 16-valve, liquid-cooled engine that’s awesomely powerful and supremely smooth, thanks in part to dual gear-driven engine counterbalancers. Its six-speed transmission shifts smoothly thanks to its hydraulic clutch and puts the power to the ground nicely, building power seamlessly from idle all the way to redline.
The ZX-14’s chassis is every bit the equal of its amazing engine. Using an advanced version of Kawasaki’s unique aluminum monocoque design, the frame is lightweight and very strong. Suspension at both ends – a fully adjustable 43mm inverted fork up front and a similarly adjustable shock in back with ride-height adjustability – offers a compliant, comfortable ride.
Of course, stopping all that power is important too. The ZX-14 handles this by way of radial mounted front brake calipers biting on petal-type discs. Combine that with the radial pump master cylinder and you have strong braking power with excellent control.
The narrow engine, monocoque frame and fuel tank provide a slim rider interface and a relaxed sport riding position. Its easy-to-reach bar position, low-set footpegs and a low and narrow seat allows even shorter riders to plant both feet on the ground when stopped.
Uninterrupted fairing lines give the ZX-14 a smooth, flowing aesthetic image, all of which is made possible by the narrow frame/engine design that’s completely hidden by the cowling. Quadruple projector beam headlights adorn the ZX-14’s fairing immediately beneath its menacing ram air intake duct. Turn signals are cleanly integrated into the fairing and standard rear seat cowl, with a unique “V” design LED tail lamp capping off a sleek, aerodynamic package that reinforces Kawasaki’s aircraft heritage.
source: http://kawasaki.com - technical video ZX14 on youtube
The ZX-14’s 1,352cc DOHC inline-four is a 16-valve, liquid-cooled engine that’s awesomely powerful and supremely smooth, thanks in part to dual gear-driven engine counterbalancers. Its six-speed transmission shifts smoothly thanks to its hydraulic clutch and puts the power to the ground nicely, building power seamlessly from idle all the way to redline.
The ZX-14’s chassis is every bit the equal of its amazing engine. Using an advanced version of Kawasaki’s unique aluminum monocoque design, the frame is lightweight and very strong. Suspension at both ends – a fully adjustable 43mm inverted fork up front and a similarly adjustable shock in back with ride-height adjustability – offers a compliant, comfortable ride.
Of course, stopping all that power is important too. The ZX-14 handles this by way of radial mounted front brake calipers biting on petal-type discs. Combine that with the radial pump master cylinder and you have strong braking power with excellent control.
The narrow engine, monocoque frame and fuel tank provide a slim rider interface and a relaxed sport riding position. Its easy-to-reach bar position, low-set footpegs and a low and narrow seat allows even shorter riders to plant both feet on the ground when stopped.
Uninterrupted fairing lines give the ZX-14 a smooth, flowing aesthetic image, all of which is made possible by the narrow frame/engine design that’s completely hidden by the cowling. Quadruple projector beam headlights adorn the ZX-14’s fairing immediately beneath its menacing ram air intake duct. Turn signals are cleanly integrated into the fairing and standard rear seat cowl, with a unique “V” design LED tail lamp capping off a sleek, aerodynamic package that reinforces Kawasaki’s aircraft heritage.
source: http://kawasaki.com - technical video ZX14 on youtube
