Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14

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Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14

Manufacturer:	Kawasaki
Production:	2006 - present
Predecessor:	Kawasaki Ninja ZX-12R
Class:	Sport bike

The Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14, named Kawasaki ZZR1400 in Europe and Japan, is the flagship model in Kawasaki's sport bike lineup and their most powerful model;^[1] it was unveiled at the Tokyo 2005 show.^[2] It was introduced for the 2006 model year at a MSRP of $11,500 USD ($16,000 CAD)^[3] as a replacement for the ZX-12R in some markets, however the ZX-12R remains available to consumers in Europe.^[4] It competes with the Honda CBR1100XX and the Suzuki GSX1300R, but surpasses them in acceleration and handling,^{[citation needed]} and led to rumors of Suzuki updating its Hayabusa.

The Ninja can accelerate to 100 kilometers per hour (62mph) from a standing start in under 2.5 seconds,^[5] and is capable of completing a standing quarter mile in about 9.83 seconds.^[6] Top speed is restricted electronically to 300 kilometers per hour (187 mph) according to a gentlemen's agreement between Kawasaki and Suzuki.^{[citation needed]} This limit has been in effect on both Kawasaki and Suzuki hyper sport motorcycles since 2001, when both companies realized that the speed wars between both said companies would only serve to bring about government regulation.

Although the ZX-14 has almost unprecedented straight line performance, its relatively hefty weight means that it still cannot seriously challenge the current 1000 cubic centimeter sportbike class in a racetrack environment (including Kawasaki's own ZX-10R).^{[neutrality disputed]} Softer suspension than the average 1000 cc sportbike suggest the bike was designed with more of a nod toward comfort and drivability than it's 1000 cc counterparts. This is also suggested by the factory settings of the secondary throttle plate, which significantly reduces low rpm power, thereby making the bike more manageable when driving at legal speeds.

[edit] Specifications

All specifications are manufacturer claimed.^[7]

Engine configuration: 1,352 cc Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke In-Line Four, 84 Bore x 61 mm stroke, 12:1 compression ratio, DOHC, 16 valves, fuel injection, digital ignition, electric starting
Output: 140 kw (190 ps)(187 hp) @ 9,500 rpm; 147.1 kw (200 ps)(197 hp) @ 9,500 rpm with RAM air; 154 N/m (113.5 lb/ft) @ 7,500 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed, return
Frame: Monocoque, aluminum, 23° Rake/ 94 mm Trail, 30° steering angle on both sides
Suspension: 43 mm inverted fork, 117 mm travel; Bottom-Link Uni-Trak with gas-charged shock, 122 mm travel
Tires: 120/70ZR17M/C front, 190/50ZR17M/C rear. Bridgestone BT-014 std fitment.
Brakes: dual semi-floating 310 mm petal discs front, single 250 mm petal disc, opposed 2-piston rear
Dimensions: 218 kg (474 lb) dry weight, L 2,170 mm x W 760 mm x H 1,170 mm, 1,460 mm wheelbase, 800 mm seat height, 22 L fuel capacity
Regulations: Automatic Headlights On (AHO), EURO 2 EU emission limit