| | | | 2006 Kawasaki ZZR 1400 aka Nija ZX 14 |  Written: 12/09/2005 : 13:21. Read 107765 times (70/day). | Hayabusa killer?
Update: "Paris Mondial du deux roues" pictures
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From legendary machines like the Z1 and GPZ900R to modern hyper-bikes like the ZZ-R1100, Kawasaki's flagship machines have set the performance standards that others have followed. This tradition continues with the incredible new ZZR1400, a machine which delivers as yet unheard of levels of performance and excitement.
The Aura of Power
Powered by an all-new engine (1352cc, bore x stroke is 84x61mm) force-fed with Ram Air and fuel injection, the ZZR1400 churns out unheard of levels of thrust. This is Kawasaki's most powerful power plant ever and marks the start of a new engine generation. Yet in spite of the ZZR1400's incredible performance, careful engine tuning allows almost anyone to enjoy the bike's softer, more rider-friendly side. And it is this duality that makes the big ZZR such a tantalising machine to own and ride.
This engine width is approximately the same as that for the ZX12R.
Twisting the throttle on the ZZR gives the kind response you would expect from a largebore
machine: a seamless spread of awesome torque, right ’round the dial.
 Thanks to the fuel injection and thorough engine tuning, response is extremely smooth, making it easier to enjoy the ZZR’s impressive performance.
The torque delivery is very linear, so there is no power band” per se, but riders will notice the “afterburner range” from 6,000 rpm onwards.
The sheer amount of available torque makes pulling away from lights in almost any gear possible. (At 2,000 rpm, there is 10 kgƒm of torque available!)
Next Generation Aluminium Monocoque Frame
Impressive as the ZZR's engine performance is, it is the lightweight handling qualities which will favourably impress so many riders. Never has a 'big bike' offered such responsive handling. The secret? Kawasaki's next generation aluminium monocoque frame. Already inherently more rigid than twin-spar frames, with the engine rigid-mounted the monocoque's torsional rigidity is further increased. Lightweight and very stiff, this sophisticated frame gives the bike both responsive handling qualities and incredible highway stability.
The wheelbase of the ZZR1400 is shorter than that of the ZZR1200 but longer than that of the Ninja ZX-12R.
Last Evolution of Kawasaki Aerodynamics
For a combination of high-speed stability and low drag, the ZZR1400 features an advanced aerodynamics package based on Kawasaki's many years of developing high-performance aircraft. Whether zooming cross-continent or carving up esses in the mountains, the ZZR slips through the air with finesse.
Unmistakable Presence
As befits its flagship status, the ZZR offers an avant-garde design. All the lines of the bike move from front to rear, giving the bike an impression of speed even when it standing still. Quadruple projector beam headlights adorn the ZZR's front cowl. The outer lights contain position lamps and the high beams. Low beams are in the two centre lamps. All four beams on creates enough light to turn night into day. Central Ram Air duct like that of the Ninja supersport bikes gives the ZZR a consistent Kawasaki face.
Excellent Comfort
Despite its long and low appearance, the ZZR offers a very relaxed sport riding position. Compact without being cramped, the bars are positioned so that riders do not have to stretch to reach them. The narrow engine, monocoque frame and waisted fuel tank make it easy to keep knees close together when riding. Low-set footpegs give ample legroom.
ABS
The ZZR1400's large-diameter petal brake discs, radial-mount front calipers and a radial-mount brake master cylinder offer impressive braking performance and superb feel. Models with front and rear ABS offer an added degree of braking reassurance.
Dual semi-floating 310 mm petal discs with Dual radial-mount, opposed 4-piston, 4-pad for front brakes.
Single 250 mm petal disc Opposed 2-piston for rear brakes.
Summary
Whether accelerating like a jet on afterburner or slicing effortlessly up a curvy mountain road, gobbling up the miles on the way to lunch across the border or moving deftly through traffic on the way to work, the ZZR1400 leaves all other big-bore road burners far behind.
Again, Kawasaki sets the standards for two-wheel excitement.
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