Since its debut in 2006 the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14 has been all regarding performance. Being one amongst the fastest production bikes on the market wasn’t enough, as Kawasaki has outdone itself once more with sweeping revisions to the large Ninja. For 2012 the newly designated ZX-14R is hitting dealerships with performance upgrades highlighting the numerous redesign for the open-class monster.
The headlining changes on the 2012 ZX-14R are focused on its Inline-Four engine. Displacement is increased through a 4mm stroke addition to present the ’12 ZX-14R an eye-popping total of 1441cc. The combustion chambers are reshaped in conjunction with the intake ports to maximise performance. The camshafts feature revised profiles with a strengthened cam chain, permitting the engine to resist high rpm levels. The pistons have conjointly seen changes to extend their strength whereas at a similar time shedding weight.
One of the foremost highlights may be a new oil jet cooling system that gives constant lubrication beneath every piston. Engine compression is currently twelve.3:1 and as a result connecting rods are re-designed with stronger material. The crankshaft main journals are 2mm thicker compared to the past model, and a brand new air cleaner has 100 percent a lot of surface space and four-hundredth larger airflow capability.
The fuel injection system is additionally updated with automatic idle adjustment and lower emissions. Spent fuel 2012 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14R
A new handlebar-mounted toggle switch lets riders instantly opt for performance settings.
exits an altered exhaust system, with the new style that includes larger header pipes, reshaped mufflers and a sophisticated catalyzer. Kawasaki claims that each one of those upgrades translate into a lot of power across the complete rev vary, with the foremost noticeable gains claimed to come back within the mid-high rpm vary (specifically 4000 rpm onward).
Aside from adding a lot of power underneath the seat, the new ZX-14R conjointly aims to regulate it higher with a dual-driven counterbalancer. built to enrich the 4mm longer stroke dimensions, the setup is reported to balance power output.
While the new model retains its former chassis style, over 1/2 its aluminum castings and forgings are changed. The rear swingarm is additionally 10mm longer, and therefore the result's an overall alloy frame that's abundant stiffer in places. Kawi states the supposed goal was to stay the previous ZX-14’s light-handling characteristics whereas increasing its sportiness.
Suspension is additionally upgraded, with the 43mm inverted fork and adjustable single shock receiving improved bottoming resistance and internal settings. whereas the weight of the bike is up, the employment of 10-spoke wheels helps scale back unsprung weight by three.3 pounds. Brakes have conjointly been upgraded with a lot of rigid material and altered pads.
The new ZX-14R is additionally equipped with a slipper clutch and a KTRC traction management and ignition system, that facilitate to account for its new worth tag of $14,699. Included within the system are 3 completely different riding profiles: full power, medium power and a 3rd possibility for low traction conditions. The profiles are simply accessible to the rider via a bar-mounted toggle switch, with the system’s overall standing displayed on the cockpit’s LCD screen. The bike’s slipper clutch helps scale back wheel-hop and negative torque effects related to downshifting and braking.
The exterior options are totally upgraded with a a lot of aggressive nose section and a quad-headlight assembly. in conjunction with the large Ninja’s a lot of angular and flowing shapes, the ZX-14R keeps its hallmark facet fairing fin style – now accentuating the lines for a a lot of dramatic look. The tail section has conjointly seen modifications with faired-in flip signals and a brand new seat cowl. Meanwhile, the seat itself has been reshaped to supply a lot of thigh support.
A quick look down reveals new instrument controls. The ’12 ZX-14R includes a brand new multi-function toggle switch and choose button on the left handlebar that provides full access to system functions. Riders will flick thru a spread of LCD screens, providing on-demand access to fuel consumption, remaining vary, battery voltage, temperature, traction management and far a lot of.