2006 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14

2006 Kawasaki Ninja® ZX-14

KAWASAKI NINJA® ZX™-14 COMBINES THE BEST OF EVERYTHING TO DELIVER SERIOUS MOTORCYCLISTS THAT ELUSIVE ULTIMATE” RIDE Sleek aerodynamics, unmatched power, acceleration, and stability combine to provide balance to companys 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 hold that mantel. If ever a brand would be expected to rightfully incorporate the meaning of the word ultimate” into its newest flagship street carver, Kawasaki fits the bill. Thats just what the company has done with the Ninja® ZX™-14, a 1352cc motorcycle that is its most powerful ever, and succeeds in setting the performance standards for others to follow. 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, handles with assurance, and exudes an aura unmatched by anything else on the street. 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 debut unit that is so balanced in all aspects that the wordultimateseems barely adequate to describe it. 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 this newest Kawasaki flagship marvel at the torque response that makes pulling away from a total stop in almost any gear a possibility. 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 for the rider. The ZX-14s chassis design is every bit the equal of its power plant. It is an advanced version of Kawasakis unique aluminum monocoque frame, lightweight and very strong. This sophisticated approach gives the ZX-14 a responsive handling quality and incredible 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 monocoques 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 hill roads. Does this ultimate combination of engine performance and chassis design make the Kawasaki ZX-14 rider-friendly? The engineers and designers sought to combine the utmost elements of todays motorcycle technologies, yet still provide a package that is both approachableand usable. The ZX-14 delivers 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 Kawasakis brand heritage. Offering a very