Kawasaki ZZR1400 (2006 - 2011)

fatbast
Reviewed: 09 May 2013

ballistic but fairly nimble

smooth torquey engine, decent brakes and comfort, effortless overtakes

suspension only average, bit too fast for many roads

powerful distinctive missile

JohnV
Reviewed: 24 April 2012

Awesome bike, monumental power but useable and a joy to ride

The bike is a fantastic tool, regardless of the power the electronic aids make the bike hugely enjoyable. The ZZR1400 can be thrown into corners with confidence knowing the traction control will manage any over exuberant acceleration whilst being able to comfortably eat up mile after mile. All of the changes result in a stunning motorcycle with blistering pace, power and torque being as comfortable tourer suitable for any occasion

everything compared is dull

All that power does seem monumental and potentially daunting to some, however a raft of electronics have been installed to make all the performance manageable and importantly usable. The restrictor is based on speed and not rpm, and works by slowing the ignition timing so that the restriction is barely noticeable. Anti-lock brakes come as standard and are phenomenal at stopping the bike without being too intrusive. There is even a two-way power mode switch that can be operated on the move restricting power by 75%. Traction control on sports bikes is still a contested subject, but for a hyperbike such as this, it is a requirement. The Hayabusa does not have this facility and falls much behind the ZZR1400 because of it, not only for usability but safety. The Kawasaki traction control system (KTRC) operates in three modes, which again can be manipulated on the move when the throttle is closed. For the confident (and clinically insane), the system can be turned off completely unlike the ABS. Again as for the ABS, the KTRC acts as a confidence inspiring safety barrier and does not intrude on your riding enjoyment. full review at http://kawasakireviews.blogspot.co.uk

200Bob
Reviewed: 17 April 2012

I BOUGHT AN ORIGINAL IN 2006 AND KEPT IT FOR FOUR YEARS, TWO 1000CC SPORTS BIKES LATER I BOUGHT A 2012 ZZR

Comfortable, fast and a commanding sight on the road. This bike gets respect. It has a superb set of dashboard features giving all the information you need, I especially like the remaining fuel range readout. Obviously the fastest accelerating bike on the planet (MCN) is quick but the 2012 model also handles very well (even better than the 2006 model which was good) with revised suspension, lighter wheels and the new Bridgestone S20 tyres. It also has traction control, ABS and switchable power levels. Getting back onto a ZZR after nearly two years riding other bikes was like coming home.

I'm not in love with the analogue speedo, especially since it has rather small white letters on a black face. A digital speed readout would be better and easier to see at a glance. This bike picks up speed so fast you have to concentrate to stay on the right side of the law, a bigger easier-to-read display would be a good thing to have.

This is a bike that will tour, scratch and break speed records as well as being a great daily ride. I love it.

Dootes
Reviewed: 24 March 2011

very powerful, comfortable, and still carves up the curves

that motor, effortless torque in a nimble chassis

bars too low, pegs too high, same ole story

I put 2 sets of bar risers on (stacked) and a zero gravity double bubble screen and some scorpion slip ons...super duper sports touring

Graham Mazza
Reviewed: 05 February 2011

Need to get from A to B at warp speed? Look no further.

- Jack of all trades
- Makes triple digit speeds easy
- Turbine-like motor
- Tonnes of data from display

- Master of none
- Makes triple digit speeds TOO easy
- Soggy suspension
- Runs hot in traffic

To borrow a term from the car world, this bike is a true Grand Tourer. Effortless speed, decent comfort, and gadgets that make covering ground a joy. It can both tour and carve corners, and does so with a menace that few bikes can match.

The trouble is that it isn't a perfect touring bike (can feel a bit cramped after 6+ hours, tank range is merely average), nor is it a perfect back-road scratcher (suspension gets overwhelmed and pitches, needs muscle in the tight stuff).

The motor is obviously the star of the show, with creamy urge everywhere. Where 1000cc sportbikes are like being shot out of a cannon, this is more like surfing a tidal wave. It's less urgent, but effortlessly builds and builds until the scenery disappears from your rapidly narrowing tunnel vision. That said, it needs to be revved past 8,000 to really get a move on.

I lied a bit above when I called it a jack of all trades, master of none. It's an absolute master of long sweepers. The long wheelbase means it's as steady as the Rock of Gibraltar at partial lean and big speed.

I ended up selling mine for two reasons: First, I spend the vast majority of my time on very twisty day rides so a pure sportbike suited me better. Second, massive speeds were all too easy, and it was only a matter of time before I got banned.

If you do more long distance work than me, and want something that'll be respectable when chasing vanishing points, few bikes can touch the big ZZR. I even like the looks.