The ZZR1400, also sold as the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14 and ZX-14R, is a motorcycle in the Ninja sport bike series and became Kawasaki’s most powerful sport bike when it appeared in 2006. It was introduced at the 2005 Tokyo Motor Show and replaced the ZZ-R1200 of 2002–2005.
Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14 at a glance
| Maker | Kawasaki |
|---|---|
| Also called | ZZR1400, Ninja ZX-14, ZX-14R from 2012 |
| Introduced | 2005 Tokyo Motor Show |
| Model year | 2006 onwards |
| Replaced | Kawasaki ZZ-R1200 (2002–2005) |
| 0–60 mph | 2.5 seconds |
| Top speed | electronically limited to 186 mph (299 km/h) |
| Quarter mile, 2006 test | 9.783 seconds at 147.04 mph |
| 2008 | minor update |
| 2012 ZX-14R | larger engine, power modes, traction control, slipper clutch |
| Best test quarter mile | 9.47 seconds (Cycle World, corrected) |
Based on one source, the English Wikipedia article on the Ninja ZX-14.
History of the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14
The ZX-14 was introduced at the 2005 Tokyo Motor Show and released for the 2006 model year as a replacement for the ZZ-R1200. It was capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in 2.5 seconds, and its top speed was electronically limited to 186 mph (299 km/h) under the agreement between the major Japanese and European manufacturers. Even so, it earned the nicknames King of the Quarter Mile and Hayabusa Killer, and it appeared in the tenth season of the television programme Fifth Gear on 30 October 2006.
Road-test figures
Motorcycle USA tested the bike in its issue of 10 October 2006 and recorded 1.713 seconds to 60 feet, 4.349 seconds to 330 feet, 6.447 seconds and 117.39 mph over the eighth mile, and 9.783 seconds at 147.04 mph over the quarter mile.
2008 and the 2012 ZX-14R
2008 brought a minor update. The 2012 ZX-14R was a second-generation revision: a larger displacement for more horsepower, two variable power modes, Kawasaki traction control and an ignition-management system taken from the ZX-10R, plus cosmetic updates, incremental chassis changes, revised suspension internals and a slipper clutch for the first time. The new engine had polished ports, cams with more lift and longer duration, lighter higher-compression pistons cooled by a new oil jet system, strengthened con-rods and crankshaft, a stronger tensioner and cam chain, heat-treated gearbox gears, a second radiator fan, and larger, less restrictive exhaust headers and mufflers. Motorcyclist recorded Rickey Gadson’s quarter mile at 9.64 seconds and 149.83 mph on a standard bike, and Cycle World a corrected 9.47 seconds at 152.83 mph plus 0 to 60 mph in 2.6 seconds.
Design and features
- Most powerful Kawasaki of 2006: the flagship of the Ninja range when it was launched.
- Limited top speed: 186 mph (299 km/h) under the industry agreement, like its rivals.
- Quarter-mile reputation: nicknamed King of the Quarter Mile and Hayabusa Killer.
- 2012 ZX-14R: more capacity, traction control, power modes and a slipper clutch.
Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14 versions
- ZX-14 / ZZR1400 (2006 onwards): the original model, updated in 2008.
- ZX-14R (2012 onwards): larger engine, electronics and chassis revisions.
The ZX-14 replaced the Ninja ZX-12R as Kawasaki’s flagship, and its engine family also powers the 1400GTR. More models are in the Kawasaki collection.
Video: Kawasaki ZZR1400 – 300 km/h Autobahn
Video by MotoMika on YouTube.
Sources
- Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14, English Wikipedia: launch, performance, test figures, 2012 revision
