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1998 Kawasaki Ninja Model Overview

All-New ZX-9R Takes Aim at Open Class
ZX-9R Details
Kawasaki is set to have two Open-class performance leaders with the introduction of the all-new NINJA ZX-9R motorcycle. The 899cc Twin Ram Air inducted engine produces the horsepower to put this machine in the ZX-11's top speed ballpark. With less engine mass and a new lightweight frame, the ZX-9R still retains a middleweight feel.

New ZX-6R Set For Middleweight Crown
ZX-6R Details
When Kawasaki first introduced the NINJA ZX-6R motorcycle three years ago, it was widely acclaimed for its street-going and competitive capabilities that broke magazine performance records previously held by 750cc machines. For 1998 the ZX-6R gets even better with improvements to produce more horsepower out of an already potent engine, a new lighter and shorter frame for improved handling, and a new 46mm inverted front fork.

ZX-11 Carries Kawasaki Performance Banner High
As the biggest NINJA model in the line-up, the ZX-11 has long carried the Kawasaki performance banner high. Although the ZX-11 is the fastest production motorcycle in the 1/4 mile, having recorded a 10.25-second, 137 mph run in Cycle World magazine testing, and is among the magazine's fastest ever in top speed, it's designed to please its rider in a variety of situations with suspension tuning and an ergonomic layout designed to provide a smooth, comfortable and extremely competent ride on the highway or winding back roads.

Swathed in deep black, aerodynamically slippery bodywork with a portion of the massive twin-span aluminum frame visible, the ZX-11 exudes a powerful yet elegant presence. The compact four-cylinder 1052cc liquid-cooled engine with 16 valves and dual overhead cams backs it up.

Large 40mm carburetors feed the compact combustion chambers through ultra-short Straight Shot Intake ports that increase horsepower and provide instant throttle response. Kawasaki's Twin Ram Air induction system pressurizes the airbox with cool, dense air and, as speeds increase, more fuel mixture is packed into the cylinders for stronger power at highway speeds. Extra-large exhaust silencers help add to the engine's power output while producing a throaty growl that signals this NINJA means business. A gear-driven engine balancer smoothes engine vibration for increased rider comfort.

The engine is hung in a twin-spar frame, made from lightweight welded sheet and hollow cast aluminum pieces, that is extremely rigid for precise handling. Aluminum is also used throughout the UNI-TRAK® rear suspension system that progressively increases the damping and spring rate forces on the single shock as the suspension is compressed. Small bumps get light damping while big bumps get more damping to provide a smoother ride with more comfort, better steering and high-speed handling control.

At the front, a 43mm conventional fork with adjustable preload and rebound damping provides exceptional rigidity and control. Opposed four-piston caliper brakes with 320mm front discs provide incredible stopping power to match the big NINJA motorcycle's ability to accelerate. The single, large-diameter rear disc also features an opposed-piston caliper.

There is also a 6.3-gallon fuel tank that allows extended rides. Other fine details include new handlegrips for increased rider comfort, push-to-cancel turn signals with international symbols to clarify usage, dual trip meters, digital clock, lockable fairing compartments, helmet locks, centerstand, rear grab rail and pop-out tie-down hooks.

ZX-7R Has Championship Heritage
The NINJA ZX-7R motorcycle is built to perform, and what a performance it has made on the AMA Superbike circuit. Doug Chandler took a Team Muzzy/Kawasaki prepared ZX-7R to the 1996 AMA Superbike Championship.

At the heart of this champion is a 748cc ultra-short stroke inline four cylinder engine that pumps out the power. The short stroke and large bore configuration helps increase reliability at high engine rpm and allows for more tuning capability for racing applications. Direct actuation valve train components allow a straight shot to the intake port for maximum breathing through the quartet of 38mm carburetors at high rpm. Moderate exhaust valve timing produces strong midrange power where it's needed on the street. Gasses are expelled through a 4-into-2-into-1 exhaust system.

A pair of large, mean-looking air intakes at the front of the aerodynamic fairing feed the ZX-7R's Twin Ram Air Induction system. This induction system, combined with a steep carburetor downdraft angle and Straight Shot Intake ports, increases volumetric efficiency for more power.

Engine power reaches the wide rear wheel through a six-speed transmission with involute splines on the input and output shafts for easy shifting with less backlash. Second through sixth gears have five undercut engagement dogs to further improve shift feel and increase gear strength.

The lightweight aluminum twin spar perimeter frame was designed using computer-aided technology. Lightweight sheets of aluminum alloy are pressed to shape, then welded together to produce remarkable strength and low weight. An aluminum rear sub-frame also keeps the weight down yet provides the strength to carry passengers.

The same engineering techniques were used to design the hollow cast and pressed aluminum hybrid swingarm. Lightweight aluminum components are used in the UNI-TRAK rear suspension system that produces progressively stiffer damping and spring rates as the fully adjustable rear shock is compressed. Front suspension is handled by a fully adjustable 43mm inverted cartridge fork.

Competition-level braking is achieved through the use of 320mm semi-floating front discs clamped by powerful opposed six-piston calipers at the front. The rear brake features a 230mm disc and opposed-piston caliper.

The ZX-7R is cloaked in a slick fairing with a slim profile and low drag coefficient painted in either bright Kawasaki lime green or purplish black mica.

ZX-6 Offers Balanced Performance
Kawasaki's NINJA ZX-6 motorcycle strikes a nice balance between all-out performance and civil streetability. With the Twin Ram Air Induction system and aluminum perimeter frame, the ZX-6 resembles its competition-ready sibling but sacrifices some of the high-tech features that make the ZX-6R an AMA Supersport contender. Although the ZX-6 doesn't have all of cutting-edge technology of the Supersport-ready ZX-6R, it more than makes up for in everyday street-going comfort and performance at an affordable price.

The ZX-6 engine shares several traits with the high-performance 6R powerplant, like dual overhead cams that actuate four extra-light valves per cylinder. Each valve has a slim 4mm stem to minimize port blockage and reduce reciprocating mass and, combined with the Straight Shot ports and Twin Ram Air Induction system, helps increase volumetric intake efficiency for more power and quick throttle response. A digital capacitor discharge ignition (CDI) system, that never needs adjustment, ignites the fuel mixture.

Like its race-replica sibling, the ZX-6 has a lightweight aluminum perimeter frame made from welded aluminum sheet. Each frame section is only as thick as absolutely necessary to provide maximum rigidity at minimum weight. The ZX-6 also features an extruded aluminum swingarm and UNI-TRAK rear suspension system, while the 41mm front fork provides exceptional rigidity. Dual floating front disc brakes with opposed four-piston calipers and a 240mm rear disc provide excellent stopping power.

The aerodynamic fairing is designed to minimize drag while providing plenty of wind protection for the rider. Although the ZX-6 gives up some things that would make it competition ready, it adds features that make it ideal for the everyday commute like a thickly padded seat, dual tripmeters, digital clock and small lockable storage compartment in the fairing. With these convenience features, the ZX-6 is a street performer that will satisfy a wide range of riders in the everyday world of commuting and weekend pleasure trips.

Two Economical Options For Entering the NINJA
The NINJA 250R and NINJA 500R combine many of the hi-tech designs found on their race-replica siblings with sporty styling in a more economical package. This makes them perfect starting points for budding motorcyclists or those who want NINJA performance at bargain prices.

Both models are powered by liquid-cooled, in-line twin cylinder four-stroke engines with dual overhead cams actuating four valves per cylinder. At lower revs both engines deliver smooth, predictable power that is good for helping novice riders gain confidence.

Although the power characteristics may be novice friendly, this doesn't mean that experienced riders won't find either the NINJA 250R or 500R inspiring. At higher revs these engines produce surprising performance that let riders take command of their situations.

What makes these NINJA motorcycles a real blast on any road is their light weight and compact designs that make them to easy to handle. They both have confidence-inspiring low seat heights and Kawasaki's UNI-TRAK progressive rear suspension system found on the larger-displacement NINJA models. Both are finished in classic NINJA motorcycle styling with aerodynamic fairings, easy-to-read instrumentation, pop-up bungee hooks and coolant temperature gauges. The NINJA 500R also gets ZX-7 styled turn signals, taillight and minors, and the headlight and handlebar switches from the ZX-6.

The NINJA 250R and 500R offer sportbike buyers an attractive alternative in Kawasaki performance.

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