ZZR1400 (2012 - present) review
Warp-speed contintent cruiser that handles better than you'd think possible
Thinking about it, the new ZZR1400 has to be the most-hyped motorcycle in history. In the run up to the release of this new model we've been bombarded with press releases, teaser videos, dyno charts and head-to-heads with the Hayabusa. Kawasaki's drag-racer Rickey Gadson has eulogised the new model and, rather boldly, Kawasaki claim it's the 'king of all sports bikes' and 'the world's fastest accelerating production motorcycle'.
Kawasaki have thrown everything at it except a touch of modesty. Which is all very well, but it does set the ZZR1400 up to be a disappointment. Unless it really is something quite special.
Well now it's time to find out.
The new ZZR1400 was launched at the Nardò Ring, a closed-doors testing facility in the south of Italy. It features a 7.8 mile perfectly round, four-lane high-speed ring and inside this massive high-speed bowl are various other proving grounds, including a handling circuit, drag strips and more. A petrolhead's dream and the perfect place to put the new ZZR1400 through its paces.
The list of changes to this new model is as long Inspector Gadget's arm, but the main points include a new engine, with a capacity hike from 1,352cc to 1,441cc, KTRC - Kawasaki's traction control, the same as used on the Versys 1000 and very similar to that on the ZX-10R, adjustable power modes, a stiffer frame, longer swimgarm and revised, yet familiar styling. Kawasaki claim 200bhp @ 10,500rpm but 210bhp @ 10,500rpm with the addition of RAM air.
Oh and it's heavier too, but only by a couple of kilograms. You see, despite the 1.4kg Kawasaki have managed to shave off the weight of the wheels, all that extra engine requires stronger engine internals, a larger radiator and a stronger chassis but what's a few kilograms between friends?
Sat on the bike it feels firmer than the previous model, even under my meagre 11-stones, it doesn't sag, it feels more sportsbike than sportstourer.
Thinking about it, the new ZZR1400 has to be the most-hyped motorcycle in history. In the run up to the release of this new model we've been bombarded with press releases, teaser videos, dyno charts and head-to-heads with the Hayabusa. Kawasaki's drag-racer Rickey Gadson has eulogised the new model and, rather boldly, Kawasaki claim it's the 'king of all sports bikes' and 'the world's fastest accelerating production motorcycle'.
Kawasaki have thrown everything at it except a touch of modesty. Which is all very well, but it does set the ZZR1400 up to be a disappointment. Unless it really is something quite special.
Well now it's time to find out.
The new ZZR1400 was launched at the Nardò Ring, a closed-doors testing facility in the south of Italy. It features a 7.8 mile perfectly round, four-lane high-speed ring and inside this massive high-speed bowl are various other proving grounds, including a handling circuit, drag strips and more. A petrolhead's dream and the perfect place to put the new ZZR1400 through its paces.
The list of changes to this new model is as long Inspector Gadget's arm, but the main points include a new engine, with a capacity hike from 1,352cc to 1,441cc, KTRC - Kawasaki's traction control, the same as used on the Versys 1000 and very similar to that on the ZX-10R, adjustable power modes, a stiffer frame, longer swimgarm and revised, yet familiar styling. Kawasaki claim 200bhp @ 10,500rpm but 210bhp @ 10,500rpm with the addition of RAM air.
Oh and it's heavier too, but only by a couple of kilograms. You see, despite the 1.4kg Kawasaki have managed to shave off the weight of the wheels, all that extra engine requires stronger engine internals, a larger radiator and a stronger chassis but what's a few kilograms between friends?
Sat on the bike it feels firmer than the previous model, even under my meagre 11-stones, it doesn't sag, it feels more sportsbike than sportstourer.
