The mission of Kawasaki’s flagship Ninja® ZX™-14 is not unlike that of an exotic supercar — to project the awesome power and technology of its parent company in rapid fashion, every time the throttle is twisted. It may not cost a million dollars or have a V-12 engine, but the ZX-14’s 1352cc fuel-injected inline-four is the closest thing on two wheels. Its monocoque chassis and wind-tunnel developed body represent the cutting edge of sportbike design. The ZX-14’s systems are designed to allow riders to exploit the full potential of man and machine, while effortlessly dispatching all challengers.
Despite ever-tightening noise and emissions regulations; the ZX-14 has continued to set the pace of sportbike excellence ever since its domineering debut. Intake and exhaust systems permit it to comply with strict emissions and noise regulations, even as its massive low-end torque, mid-range thrust and legendary Ninja peak power place it at the top of the sportbike food chain.
Secondary air ports in the cylinder head and its cover flow clean air into the exhaust system and boost the efficiency of the three honeycomb catalyzers employed in the exhaust system. These devices, combined with a wide dispersal of atomized fuel from the fine-atomizing fuel injectors and optimized flow characteristics through the intakes, allow the ZX-14’s 1352cc engine to offer strong performance, yet still meet the toughest motorcycle emissions regulations.In lieu of a more-restrictive exhaust system, the ZX-14 meets noise standards by producing minimal internal mechanical noise. A special piston profile and a urethane insulation sheet on the inside of the magnesium chain cover help quiet the engine and permit a freer flowing exhaust for greater power.
The ZX-14’s chassis design is every bit the equal of its power plant. Using an advanced version of Kawasaki’s unique aluminum monocoque design, its frame is lightweight and very strong. Die cast aluminum sections on the main frame make for lighter parts, keeping the weight down even more on the slim and compact frame.
The narrow engine, monocoque frame, and fuel tank provide a slim rider interface and a relaxed sport riding position. It is compact without being cramped, with its easy-to-reach bar position, low-set footpegs for ample legroom and a low seat height and narrow seat front to easily plant both feet on the ground when stopped. Comfort levels are high enough to cause riders to think they’re on a dedicated sport tourer — until the ZX-14’s throttle is twisted. When that happens, all confusion disappears, like so many competitors in the rear view mirrors.
Uninterrupted fairing lines give the ZX-14 a smooth, flowing appearance from front to rear, due in part to the monocoque frame, which goes over the engine and doesn’t protrude through the cowling. Quadruple projector beam headlights adorn the ZX-14’s front fairing, immediately beneath its menacing ram air intake duct. The turn signals are cleanly integrated into the fairing and rear cowl, with a unique “V” design LED tail lamp capping off a sleek, aerodynamic package that reinforces Kawasaki’s aircraft heritage.
Engine
No company knows more about in-line fours than Kawasaki. From the early Z-1 to our factory MotoGP bikes, our knowledge about the in-line four-cylinder engine is unsurpassed. The virtues of this design are many: powerful, smooth running and very compact, if it’s a Kawasaki superbike, it has to be an in-line four.
Each component of this amazing engine was thoroughly developed to deliver the perfect balance of power, torque, and ridability. Twisting the throttle on the ZX-14 gives the kind of response you would expect from a large bore machine; a seamless spread of awesome torque, right ’round the dial.
Big, 1352cc displacement features a bore and stroke of 84 x 61 mm.
Revised intake porting provides optimum flow characteristics.
Revised piston profiles contribute to reduced mechanical noise.
New cylinder head and cylinder head cover have larger secondary air ports (increased approximately 20%), making it easier to get more air into the exhaust system for cleaner emissions. The electric Air Switching Valve (ASV) can also handle more air volume.
Windage ports between cylinders reduce pumping losses for increased power output.
The monocoque frame is sealed to form the ram-air airbox contributing to the compact layout.
New urethane sheet added to the inside of the magnesium chain cover also helps reduce mechanical noise.
Already in perfect primary balance, the ZX-14 engine uses a secondary balancer to tame unwanted vibrations, resulting in an extremely smooth engine.
Three-phase generator is crankshaft mounted for reduced drive losses.
The crankshaft, input shaft, and output shaft are arranged in a tri-axis to create a very compact engine length.
Digital fuel injection features ECU controlled sub-throttles to smooth throttle response for “carb like” action. The result is much better rider control and ease of operation.
Intake breathes through four massive, 44mm throttle bores for high air flow at top engine loads.
New, fine-atomising injectors with droplet size of 75µ increase lateral spray angle from 15o to 20o, dispersing atomised fuel over a wider area resulting in improved power, smoother operation and excellent fuel mileage.
Automatic Idle Speed Control system contributes to easy starting.
Twin mufflers (each with honeycomb catalyzer) provide ample volume for creating the engines massive power and meeting exhaust emission standards.
New internal muffler construction. Capacity ratio of the first and third chambers was adjusted, as were the lengths of the pipes projecting from the baffle plates
In addition to the already existing honeycomb catalysers in each muffler, a new third honeycomb catalyser was added in the collector.
Entrances to the connecting pipes (joining header pipes 1-4 & 2-3) were enlarged approximately 75% to compensate for the new collector shape (addition of the third honeycomb catalyser). This change in particular resulted in enhanced torque characteristics, especially in the low rpm range.
Slick shifting six-speed transmission feeds power to the rear wheel.
Direct-actuation shift lever is lighter than conventional linkage-type arrangements and offers a more direct feel.
Hydraulically operated clutch features a radial-mount clutch master cylinder for worry-free, silky smooth clutch operation.
Chassis
The Ninja ZX-14 runs Kawasaki’s exclusive aluminum monocoque frame. Rock steady at speed, and offering responsive handling characteristics, this advanced chassis design strikes an ideal balance between sport riding, and high-speed running on the highway.
Our engineers made full use of the design freedom given to them by the engine’s compact size. The engine’s position forward in the frame, the wheelbase and front/rear wheel weight balance were all carefully chosen to achieve both high-speed stability and responsive handling.
Aluminum monocoque frame represents a further evolution of the frame first used on Kawasaki’s KR500 racer then in production on the Ninja ZX-12R. This advanced design makes possible a very slim, compact package.
Fuel mass is located at the rear of the “tank” and extends below the seat, further contributing to the centralized mass.
Already inherently more rigid than twin-spar frames, with the engine rigid-mounted the torsional rigidity is further increased. Using the engine as a stressed member allows the frame to be made lighter.
New die-casting process for the main frame sections results in a lighter frame.
Massive head pipe casting also contributes to the high rigidity.
Bolt-on, aluminum rear sub-frame includes tall side plates contributing to the unique styling and creating a very narrower mid-section.
Monocoque frame design creates a void inside the frame that is used to house various electrics including the M-F battery.
The hollow section of the frame behind the steering head serves duty as the airbox for the ram-air system.
The combination of the monocoque frame with rigid-mounted engine and a mass located at the centerline gives the ZX-14 extreme stability at high speeds.
Chassis is narrow through the middle for superior rider control.
Engine and chassis components were all designed to maximize mass centralization.
Inverted, 43 mm cartridge fork uses a large diameter, hollow axle for light weight and precise steering feedback.
Fork includes adjustments for compression damping, rebound damping, and ride height.
Uni-trak linkage rear suspension complements the highly rigid frame, offering both great controllability at high speeds and superb road holding ability when sport riding in the hills.
Gas charged piggy back reservoir shock includes adjustments for compression damping, rebound damping, and spring preload.
Formidable front brake performance is further enhanced with a radial-pump master cylinder that offers superb feel at the lever.
Semi-floating, drilled, petal style, 310 mm front brake rotors are gripped by Nissin, radial mount, 4-piston, 4-pad calipers.
Rear brake features 250 mm, drilled, petal style rotor and 2-piston caliper for additional stopping power and improved braking feel.
Wheels feature center ribs that are slightly offset so that tire balance weights can be located at the wheel centerline.
Brakes/Wheels
Formidable front brake performance is further enhanced with a radial-pump master cylinder that offers superb feel at the lever.
Use of four individual brake pads promotes even heat distribution across each pad virtually eliminating fade due to pad warpage at high temperatures.
Rearbrake features 250mm, drilled, petal style rotor and 2-piston callipers for additional stopping power and improved braking feel.
Newly designed wheels feature centre ribs that are slightly offset so that tire balance weights can be located at the wheel centreline.
Ergonomics
In spite of the ZX-14’s awesome performance, the machine is surprisingly non-intimidating. This is due as much to the seamless power delivery, as it is to the smooth ride and its rider-friendly ergonomics. On the ZX-14, the typical weekend jaunt leaves the rider refreshed and invigorated.
Despite its long and low appearance, the ZX-14 offers a very relaxed sport riding position.
Compact without being cramped, the bars are positioned so that riders do not have to stretch to reach them.
Low-set footpegs give ample legroom.
The low seat height and narrow seat front make it easy to reach the ground when stopped at lights.
The narrow engine, monocoque frame, and waisted fuel tank make it easy to keep knees comfortably close together when riding.
A depression in the fuel tank cover facilitates tucking in behind the screen.
Aerodynamics & Styling
The ZX-14 exudes an aura of power and assurance found only in the world’s most powerful machines. As befits its flagship status, the ZX-14 offers a combination of avant garde design, meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail. Whether parked in front of a café or zooming effortlessly down the highway, this is a machine people will notice.
The ZX-14’s bodywork gives it extremely long and low styling. The front cowl extends well over the front wheel and the fairing almost hides the front wheel. All the lines of the bike move from front to rear, giving the bike an impression of speed even when it standing still.
Because the monocoque frame goes over the engine and does not protrude through the fairing, a smooth, uninterrupted fairing design is possible.
The ZX-14’s multifunctional aerodynamics package reduces drag, adds stability at highway speeds and keeps you out of the wind when sport riding in the hills.
Raised “Kawasaki” and model emblems contribute to the classy styling.
Long front fender with aerodynamic side wings contributes to the ultra high speed potential of the ZX-14.
Fuel tank features a flush-surface tank cap.
A small under-cowl forward of the rear wheel contributes to the bike’s flowing lines. This under-cowl is removed when fitting the optional center stand.
LED tail lamp features a unique “V” design. This will be the most common view of the ZX-14 on the move.
Front and rear turn signals are integrated into the fairing and rear cowl. Clear signal lenses with orange bulbs contribute to the high quality appearance.
Standard equipment solo seat cover complements the aerodynamic styling. Removing the cover reveals the seat beneath.
Quadruple projector beam headlights adorn the ZX-14’s front cowl. The outer lights contain position lamps and the high beams. Low beams are in the two center lamps.
All four beams on (when HI beam selected) creates enough light to turn night into day.
Central Ram Air duct like that of other Ninja models gives the ZX-14 a consistent Kawasaki face.
InstrumentationNestled in the canopy is an instrument cluster with LCD information centre and dual electric analog gauges for speedometer and tachometer.
White meter faces with black lettering makes the meters easy to read in daylight. Meter faces look black with white lettering and the meter needles glow red at night.
Multi-function LCD digital display includes:
- coolant temperature gauge
- gear position indicator
- fuel level gauge
- average fuel mileage
- instant fuel mileage
- fuel range
- battery voltage
- shift indicator light (rpm programmable)
- engage rpm indicator light (rpm programmable)
- dual, A/B trip meters
- odometer
- digital clock
Multi-function LCD digital display language can be set for English or French. Display can also be set for litres, US gallon, or Imperial gallon.
Shift and engage indicator lights can be set individually for bright, dim, blinking, or off.
Use of CAN interface between the meter and the ECU reduces the number of cables and allows a greater volume of information (e.g. fuel consumption) to be exchanged.
CAN (Controller Area Network) is the latest generation On Board Diagnostics interface system.
Anti-theft circuit built into the ignition switch and ECU prevents hotwiring by joy riders.
Quadruple projector beam headlights adorn the ZX-14’s front cowl. The outer lights contain position lamps and the high beams. Low beams are in the two center lamps.
All four beams on (when HI beam selected) creates enough light to turn night into day.
Front and rear turn signals are integrated into the fairing and rear cowl. Clear signal lenses with orange bulbs contribute to the high quality appearance.
Engine: Four-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, four valve per cylinder, inline-four
Displacement: 1,352cc
Bore x stroke: 84.0 x 61.0mm
Compression ratio: 12.0:1
Fuel system: DFI® with four 44mm Mikuni throttle bodies
Ignition: TCBI with Digital Advance
Transmission: Six speed
Final drive: X-Ring chain
Rake / trail: 23 degrees / 3.7 in.
Front Tire: 120/70 ZR17
Rear Tire: 190/50 ZR17
Wheelbase: 57.5 in.
Front suspension / wheel travel: 43mm inverted cartridge fork with adjustable preload, 13-way compression and 11-way rebound damping adjustment / 4.6 in.
Rear suspension / wheel travel: Bottom-Link UNI-TRAK® and gas-charged shock with adjustable preload, stepless rebound and compression damping adjustments, adjustable ride height / 4.8 in.
Front Brakes: Dual semi-floating 310 mm petal discs with dual radial-mounted four-piston calipers
Rear Brakes: Single 250mm petal disc with twin-piston caliper
Overall length: 85.4 in.
Overall width: 29.9 in.
Overall height: 46.1 in.
Ground clearance: 4.9 in.
Seat height: 31.5 in.
Curb weight: 566.7 lbs.
Fuel capacity: 5.8 gal.
Color: Candy Persimmon Red, Metallic Titanium/Metallic Spark Black
Warranty 12 months
Good Times™ Protection Plan
