Kawasaki 2002 Ninja ZX-9R

Improved engine response, sharper handling, updated styling

The 1984 Kawasaki NINJA® 900R was the world’s first production 16-valve, liquid-cooled, in-line four-cylinder motorcycle, and it was also the world’s first stock motorcycle to exceed 150 mph when evaluated under timed track conditions, putting Kawasaki at the forefront of the next generation of motorcycles. For 2002, Kawasaki continues to extend its performance heritage with the new Kawasaki Ninja® ZX-9R. Combining Open-class performance and real-world versatility, the newest ZX-9R delivers improved engine response, sharper handling, and updated styling in a trim, 404 lb. (claimed) chassis.

Four new Keihin 40mm downdraft semi-flat-slide carburetors deliver excellent throttle response and are equipped with the Kawasaki Throttle Responsive Ignition Control (K-TRIC) system. Linked to the ignition system, K-TRIC adjusts ignition timing for all throttle settings. A 16-bit microprocessor accurately adjusts timing from sensors at both the carburetors and the crankshaft.

Spent gases exit via a four-into-two-into-one exhaust system with a lightweight, all-titanium muffler equipped with the Kawasaki Clean Air System catalyzer (with the exception of California models, which have a stainless-steel unit and an additional catalyzer for reduced

emissions).

On all models, the exhaust system benefits from an extended divider plate just aft of the collector for increased mid-range response. And the muffler was repositioned for additional cornering clearance and a more aggressive appearance.

The short-wheelbase aluminum frame now features a front engine mount that’s closer to the steering head to improve the engine’s ability to function as a stressed member of the frame and increase rigidity. The angle of the detachable aluminum sub-frame was also modified to accommodate the new streamlined seat and tail section. The ZX-9R’s passenger grab rails were dispensed with, in favor of a lighter-weight seat strap - go figure. A cowling that converts the cockpit into a solo seat is standard fare.

The extruded-aluminum swingarm features a hexagonal structure with ribbing for reduced weight and exceptional rigidity, and a brace was added to increase stiffness by 20 percent. Kawasaki’s Bottom Link UNI-TRAK® system features linkage ratios that provide a linear progression of damping and spring rates on the fully adjustable single shock as the suspension is compressed. For 2002, the lower link mount was moved forward and linkage rates were changed to provide an even more linear feel.

The shock comes equipped with a ride-height adjuster that allows for fine-tuning the chassis to suit specific conditions. Damping settings have been modified to accommodate the stiffer chassis, and the shock reservoir was repositioned to provide clearance for the new swingarm. Also new is the stepless damping adjuster, which uses a check valve for improved damping performance.

Up front, damping settings in the 46mm cartridge fork were also modified to match the stiffer chassis and rear suspension settings. Offset was reduced to positively affect handling and pitch was increased to provide extra cornering performance and stability. Like the rear shock, the fork now features the new stepless damping adjuster. The ZX-9R’s dual front disc brakes are even larger for 2002, with 320mm semi-floating discs clamped by opposed four-piston calipers, while the rear brake holder is designed to save weight. The rear wheel has a six-inch wide rim that allows a wide rear tire for better traction, while both front and rear axles have a large diameter and are hollow for increased rigidity and light weight. Also contributing to the ZX-9R’s rolling resistance is a new 525 chain that replaces the 530 version.

With extensive refinements throughout, the newest NINJA ZX-9R combines the virtues of Open-class power, all-day riding comfort and Superbike handling.

899cc, High-Compression Four-Cylinder Engine
·          Aluminum electroplated cylinders are light, resist wear and improve heat dispersion
·          New semi-flat-slide Keihin CVKD40 carburetors provide better response at low- to midrange rpm
·          Increased crank mass for better performance at low rpm
·          The size of the flywheel is reduced, and its cover is aluminum instead of magnesium for easy modification
Titanium Muffler (non-CA models)
·          Titanium muffler case is used on “49-state” models
·          Divider plate just aft of the collector was extended for increased mid-range response
·          Newly upswept muffler aids in cornering clearance and enhances overall appearance
Liquid Cooling
·          The automatic fan is offset to the left behind the curved radiator to save space and keep the engine cooler in various conditions
·          The temperature gauge reads in actual degrees and includes an LED warning light
New Tail section
·          Passenger grab rails eliminated for a lighter, leaner look with a new seat strap instead
·          Standard fare includes a cowling that converts the cockpit into a solo affair for a more streamlined look
Lightweight Aluminum Perimeter Frame
·          The frame has no down tubes to save weight
·          New front engine mount near the steering head adds rigidity and improves the engine’s role as a stressed frame member
·          Lightweight, removable, aluminum sub-frame re-angled to suit new seat and tailsection
Extruded Aluminum Swingarm
·          Massive extruded aluminum beams are welded together for extra rigidity and less weight for good handling under extreme conditions
·          A brace was added to the swingarm to increase stiffness by 20 percent
46mm, Fully Adjustable, Conventional Cartridge-Type Front Fork
·          Front fork is lightweight for high performance, compliant for rider comfort, and rigid for extraordinary handling
·          Damping settings modified to match stiffer chassis
·          Offset reduced for improved handling
·          Fork pitch increased to increase cornering performance and stability
·          New stepless damping adjuster uses a check valve instead of a needle valve for improved performance
Fully Adjustable Rear Shock
·          Rear shock settings modified to match the stiffer chassis
·          UNI-TRAK® lower link mount moved forward and linkage rates changed to provide more linear feel
·          Shock reservoir repositioned to accommodate new swingarm brace
·          New stepless damping adjuster uses a check valve instead of a needle valve for improved performance
Lightweight Disc Brakes Minimize unsprung weight, for sharp, precise handling
·          New four-piston calipers provide better feel and decrease weight
·          Rotor size increased from 310mm to 320mm Lightweight Chain
·          A 525 chain replaces the 530 unit used previously to reduce weight and rolling resistance

2002 NINJA® ZX-9R SPECIFICATIONS

Engine: 4-stroke, DOHC, inline four, 16 valves
Displacement: 899cc
Starting: Electric
Bore x Stroke: 75.0 x 50.9mm
Compression ratio: n/a
Cooling: Liquid
Carburetion: Keihin CVKD40 x 4
Ignition: Digital with Kawasaki Throttle Responsive Ignition Control (K-TRIC) Transmission: 6-speed
Frame: Aluminum perimeter design
Rake/trail: 24 degrees/3.8 in.
Suspension, front: 46mm Cartridge Fork with Adjustable Preload 12-Way ... Compression and 12-Way Rebound Damping Adjustability
Suspension, rear: UNI-TRAK® with Piggyback Reservoir Shock, Threaded Preload Adjustment, 20-Way Compression, 20-Way Rebound Damping Adjustments
Wheel travel, front: 4.7 in.
Wheel travel, rear: 5.3 in.
Tire, front: 120/70ZR17 Tubeless Radial
Tire, rear: 190/50ZR17 Tubeless Radial
Brakes, Front/Rear: Dual Hydraulic discs/Single Hydraulic Disc
Overall length: 80.7 in.
Overall width: 28.7 in.
Overall height: 46.1 in.
Ground clearance: 6.3 in.
Seat height: 33.3 in.
Dry weight: 409.2 lbs.
Fuel capacity: 5.0 gal.
Wheelbase: 56.6 in.
Colors: Lime Green/Black Pearl, Candy Gold Spark/Black Pearl


ZX-9R
	Motorsports-Network.com