2012 Ninja ZX-14R ABS

2012 Ninja ZX-14R ABS

The 2012 Ninja ZX-14R is the World's Fastest & Most Powerful Production Motorcycle

Directly descended from the original Ninja, Kawasaki’s newest flagship Ninja is the ultimate blend of Extreme Excitement and Everyday Versatility. 

Not only is the ZX-14R the world’s fastest accelerating production motorcycle, but superb handling and balanced performance (care of advanced technology and numerous comfort features) ensure riders are equally at home carving up twisty roads in the hills, heading across the border to meet friends for lunch or deftly weaving through city traffic, as they are hurtling down the dragstrip. 

The Ninja ZX-14R proudly stands at the head of Kawasaki’s Ninja line-up, but its almighty performance makes it the King of All Sport Bikes.


Ninja ZX-14R ABS 2012

STRONGEST ACCELERATING PRODUCTION MOTORCYCLE ON THE PLANET

Designed to settle the issue of supremacy in the flagship class once and for all, the Ninja ZX-14R’s new engine boasts an increased displacement and thorough engine tuning to deliver heady levels of power and unrivalled acceleration. 

The step up in performance over its predecessor is readily apparent, with more available torque across the rev range and substantially higher upper-end power. 

And with the notably stronger acceleration, twisting the throttle past 4,000 rpm may result in a sensation not entirely unlike that experienced by astronauts breaking free from the Earth’s gravitational pull.
Ninja ZX-14R Ram Air Ninja ZX-14R ABS 2012 Power Ninja ZX-14R ABS 2012 fuel

Ram Air Induction

A central Ram Air duct feeds cool, high-pressure air from the front of the fairing in a direct path through the air cleaner and into the engine for maximum power output - As speed increases, so does the air pressure, effectively force-feeding the engine.

Kawasaki's Most Powerful Engine Yet

Increased displacement and thorough engine tuning ensure the all-new 1,441 cm3 liquid-cooled, 4-stroke In-Line Four produces unparalleled levels of power and torque!

Compared to its predecessor, the new engine offers more torque at all rpm, and substantially more power in the mid-high range. Acceleration from 4,000 rpm and up is notably stronger.

Increased Fuel Efficiency

Despite the increased displacement, more advanced ECU programming gives the Ninja ZX-14R better fuel efficiency than its predecessor.  Careful adjustment of fuel volume and ignition timing when speed is constant improves fuel consumption by approximately 8% – an achievement realised without compromise to driveability

 

ADVANCED ELECTRONIC RIDING AIDS

While the Ninja ZX-14R’s mighty engine performance was intended to be experienced unfiltered, riders may elect to take advantage of the some of the advanced electronic riding aids provided to suit riding conditions or preference.

 Ninja ZX-14R ABS 2012
Ninja ZX-14R ABS 2012 traction control Ninja ZX-14R ABS 2012 mode-select

3-Mode KTRC (Kawasaki TRaction Control)

The KTRC system offered on the Ninja ZX-14R combines the best elements of Kawasaki’s two traction control systems, S-KTRC and KTRC.  Three modes cover a range of riding conditions, offering either enhanced sport riding performance or the peace of mind to negotiate slippery surfaces with confidence.

Riders can choose from three modes.  Modes 1 and 2 prioritise maximum forward acceleration (like the S-KTRC system on the 2011 Ninja ZX-10R). 

Mode 3 is similar to the KTRC system offered on the 2010 1400GTR ABS, providing rider reassurance by facilitating smooth riding on slippery surfaces.  Riders may also elect to turn the system off.

Power Mode Selection

A choice of Full Power or Low Power modes allows riders to set power delivery to suit preference and conditions. Low Power mode limits output to approximately 75% of Full Power and uses a milder throttle response.  (Reduction of both power and throttle response varies according to engine speed (rpm), throttle position and gear position.)

A choice of Full Power or Low Power modes allows riders to set power delivery to suit preference and conditions. 

Low Power mode limits output to approximately 75% of Full Power and uses a milder throttle response.  (Reduction of both power and throttle response varies according to engine speed (rpm), throttle position and gear position.)
12ZX1400F_329GRNARFA00D_C_903_602_90

SPORTIER HANDLING. SAME SUPERB HIGH-SPEED STABILITY

With the new Ninja flagship, Kawasaki engineers wanted to keep the same general handling character (light & neutral) and relaxed, sport riding position of the predecessor, but to give it a sportier edge.

A new frame with completely revised chassis rigidity, sportier suspension with improved absorption performance and firmer bottoming resistance, and lighter wheels with new tyres enabled them to achieve their goal.

The Ninja ZX-14R sheds its weight as soon as it gets underway, it is easier to become one with the bike, neutral handling is complemented by increased feedback from the chassis (which facilitates sport riding), and the suspension’s increased road holding helps realise sportier handling while ensuring rock steady high-speed stability.
Ninja ZX-14R ABS 2012 ergonomics Ninja ZX-14R ABS 2012 swing-arm Ninja ZX-14R ABS 2012 suspension

Ergonomics

While basic geometry is inherited from its predecessor, rigidity of the aluminium monocoque frame was completely revised to suit the new engine’s greater output.  Deceptively, the frame looks unchanged, but more than half of its components are new.

The new gunfighter-style seat contributes to both design impact and ergonomics.  Its sculpted shape provides hip support during strong acceleration.

Slimmer at the front, it also facilitates the reach to the ground when stopped at lights.

Stronger, Longer Swingarm

Gusseting on the swingarm increases rigidity to match the greater output.

Swingarm is 10 mm longer to suit the new final gear ratio.  (This also contributes to the slightly longer wheelbase.)

Sportier Suspension Settings

Stiffer springs for both the front fork and rear suspension deliver a firmer, sportier feel.  Along with the new springs, damping settings were also revised to suit the significantly greater output.
Ninja ZX-14R ABS 2012 style

PRESENCE & PRECISION: IMPOSING APPEARANCE FROM AFAR. IMPECCABLE QUALITY UP CLOSE

Like its predecessor, the Ninja ZX-14R exudes an aura of power and assurance found only in the world’s most powerful machines.  Its essential character is maintained, making its lineage clear for all to see, but where the design of its predecessor favoured curved lines and rounded surfaces, the new design combines curves with sharp edges that create dynamic surfaces. 

Unlike the recent trend in supersport and super-naked design towards mass-forward designs with minimalist tails, a voluminous tail design and more balanced approach to front-rear impact ensure that Kawasaki’s latest Ninja flagship cuts an imposing figure from any angle.  And befitting a flagship model, extra care with fit & finish and attention to detail result in a machine that is equally impressive when viewed from a more intimate proximity.
Ninja ZX-14R ABS 2012 aero Ninja ZX-14R ABS 2012 multi function display Ninja ZX-14R ABS 2012 carry

Fit & Finish, Attention to Details

As much as possible, cowling fasteners are placed out of sight.  Bodywork is connected using hidden hooks, or with fasteners located on the inside surface.  With the bodywork’s excellent fit, this results in a clean, uninterrupted surface.

Multi-function Instrumentation

Features on the multi-function display include a fuel gauge, gear position indicator, odometer, clock and dual trip meters.

Numerous modes including current and average fuel consumption, remaining range, battery voltage and the newly added external air temperature are all controlled using a multi-function button located at the left handle.

KTRC (3 modes + OFF), Power Mode (2 modes) and initial instrument settings (language, clock set, etc) are also controlled using the multi-function button.

Increased Carrying Convenience

The 2012 Ninja ZX-14R features retractable luggage hooks that tuck in neatly at the rear of the front seat.  These are complemented by two hooks on the passenger tail grip.

Idealised hook placement (not too close together) enables large-sized items to be securely attached to the rear seat.
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Engine
Type Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke In-Line Four
Displacement 1,441 cm³
Bore and Stroke 84 x 65 mm
Compression ratio 12.3:1
Valve system DOHC, 16 valves
Fuel system Fuel injection: ø44 mm x 4 (Mikuni)
Ignition Digital
Starting Electric
Lubrication Forced lubrication, wet sump with oil cooler
Transmission 6-speed, return
Final drive Sealed Chain
Primary reduction ratio 1.556 (84/54)
Gear ratios:
1st 2.611 (47/18)
2nd 1.947 (37/19)
3rd 1.545 (34/22)
4th 1.333 (32/24)
5th 1.154 (30/26)
6th 1.036 (29/28)
Final reduction ratio 2.471 (42/17)
Clutch Wet multi-disc, manual
Frame Type Monocoque, aluminium
Wheel travel:
front 117 mm
rear 122 mm
Tyre:
front 120/70ZR17M/C (58W)
rear 190/50ZR17M/C (73W)
Caster (rake) 23°
Trail 93 mm
Steering angle (left/right) 31° / 31 °
Suspension
Front: 43 mm inverted fork with top-out springs
Compression damping 18-way
Rebound damping 15-way
Spring preload Fully adjustable
Rear: Bottom-Link Uni-Trak with gas-charged shock and top-out spring
Compression damping Stepless
Rebound damping Stepless
Spring preload Fully adjustable
Brakes
Front: Dual semi-floating 310 mm petal discs
Caliper Dual radial-mount, opposed 4-piston, 4-pad
Type Single 250 mm petal disc
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 Includes full fuel tank
Fuel capacity 22 litres
Maximum power 147.2 kW {200 PS} / 10,000 rpm
Maximum power with Ram Air 154.5 kW {210 PS} / 10,000 rpm
Maximum torque 162.5 N·m {16.6 kgf·m} / 7,500 rpm

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