2006 Kawasaki ZX-14
Kawasaki sets out to re-establish their performance image
2006 NINJA®
ZX™14
An exciting new Kawasaki nobody was expecting
Sleek aerodynamics, unmatched power,
strong acceleration, and stability combine to provide balance to the company’s
latest flagship. If ever a brand of motorcycles was defined by the sheer power
emanating from its long history of record-breaking sportbikes, Kawasaki would
certainly be on the podium. If ever a brand would be expected to rightfully incorporate
the meaning of the word “ultimate” into its newest flagship, Kawasaki would fit
the bill. That’s just what the company has done with the Ninja® ZX™14, a 1352cc
powered motorcycle that is the company's most powerful ever.
Kawasaki engineers and designers have created a motorcycle that turns its Ram Air and fuel-injected engine into the core of a powerful, torque-producing, aerodynamic stunner that will draw attention from onlookers whether on the road, or parked on the roadside. Wrapped in a choice of Passion Red, Ebony, or Candy Thunder Blue, the new ZX-14 makes blending into the scenery nearly impossible. It accelerates with ease and handles with assurance.
This most powerful of all Kawasaki-branded motorcycles was created to do everything right. Right from the beginning. Its aerodynamics reminds users that Kawasaki is indeed an aircraft maker. The blending of form, power, and handling characteristics have delivered a unit that is said to be extremely well balanced in performance.
This all new in-line four has evolved from the Ninja ZX-12R and features a bore and stroke of 84 x 61mm packed into a purposefully designed compact outline that minimizes engine width, leaving it at virtually the same width as the 12R. A twist of the throttle delivers a seamless spread of torque that is so linear, the “power band,” per se, ceases to exist. Riders will pay particular attention to the impressive response that kicks in once the motor exceeds 6,000 rpm. Those that have ridden prototypes of the newest Kawasaki flagship marvel at the engines torque output. The engine uses a secondary balancer to tame unwanted vibrations, and a direct-actuation shift lever is lighter than conventional linkage-type set-ups, offering a more direct feel.
The ZX-14’s chassis design is the equal of its power plant. It is an advanced version of Kawasaki’s unique
aluminum monocoque frame, lightweight and very strong. This sophisticated
approach gives the ZX-14 a responsive handling quality and excellent highway
stability. By utilizing this frame technology, engineers were able to
concentrate on delivering, as mentioned, a very slim, compact package.
Inherently more rigid than twin-spar frames, and with the engine rigid-mounted,
the monocoque’s strength is greatly increased.
With the engine positioned forward in the frame, engineers were able to carefully select the wheelbase and front/rear wheel weight balance to achieve both high speed stability and responsive handling. The ZX-14 uses an inverted 43mm cartridge fork and new Uni-Trak® linkage rear suspension to complement the highly rigid frame, thus offering both great controllability at high speeds and superb road holding when sport riding on twisting roads.
The engineers and designers sought to combine the utmost elements of today’s motorcycle technologies, yet still provide a package that is both approachable—and usable. The ZX-14 is claimed to deliver seamless power, a smooth ride, and friendly ergonomics. Together, these characteristics are manifested in a ride that is surprisingly non-intimidating, yet still maintains the heart of the rebel so much a part of Kawasaki’s brand heritage.
Offering a very relaxed sport riding position, it is compact without being cramped, and the bars are positioned so riders don’t have to stretch to reach them. The narrow engine, monocoque frame, and fuel tank make it easy for the rider to keep his knees close together. Footpegs are low-set to give ample legroom and the low seat height and narrow seat front make planting your feet on the ground a cinch.
And while the rider is stopped, the motorcycle will be the center of attention. Because the monocoque frame goes over the engine and doesn’t protrude through the fairing, the fairing design lines are uninterrupted, giving it a smooth, flowing appearance, from front to rear. Quadruple projector beam headlights adorn the ZX-14’s front cowl, with the outer lights containing position lamps and high beams. Low beams are located in the two center lamps. The front and rear turn signals are integrated into the fairing and rear cowl, and the all new LED tail lamp features a unique “V” design.
Additional features:
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New instrument cluster with easy-to-read, white-faced dual analogue speedometer and tachometer.
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Shift indicator light and clutch engagement light.
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New multi-function LCD digital display includes fuel gauge, gear indicator, dual trip meters, odometer, and clock.
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Large diameter petal brake discs, radial mount front calipers and a radial pump brake master cylinder for impressive braking performance and superb feel.
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Hydraulically operated clutch features a radial mount clutch master cylinder for worry-free, silky smooth clutch operation.
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Fuel tank features a flush-surface tank cap.
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Idling speed control system contributes to easy starting capability.
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Lightweight Denso radiator with high-density cores provides efficient cooling.
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Massive head pipe casting contributes to frame rigidity.
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Airbox located in the frame, contributing to a compact layout.
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Engine and chassis components designed to maximize mass centralization.
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Newly designed wheels feature center ribs which are slightly offset so that tire balance weights can be located at the wheel centerline.
This model is still under final
development and model specifications are not yet available.
Click here for a large image of the machine. You can
post this on your wall as you wait for the machine to arrive in dealerships.
Expected arrival March 2006
MSRP (USA):
$11,499
