Kawasaki Zx-14r
Kawasaki ZX-14R
RIDING IMPRESSION
As of now, everything else is officially slow
KAWASAKI HAS DONE it again. The 2012 ZX-14R may look a lot like its predecessor, the “R”-less ZX-14, but it is far from a minor restyle. Nope, what Kawasaki has done here is produce the most-powerful and fastestaccelerating production motorcycle ever built. Period.
Our first ride on the new 14R was at a dragstrip, and it resulted in a 9.91-second, 149-mph run—all with a completely stock bike running pump gas, as well as standard tire pressures and ride height. An hour earlier, world champion drag-racer Rickey Gadson had reeled off a 9.64-second pass, also at 149 mph. For a showroomstock motorcycle, this is mind-blowing performance.
To raise the 14’s displacement from 1352cc to 1441, Kawasaki stroked last year’s engine 4mm, then gave it a 12.3:1 compression ratio and an 11,000-rpm redline. Those and several other tuning changes have resulted in some astonishing dynamometer numbers: 192 rear-wheel horsepower and 113 footpounds of torque.
So, it’s no wonder that when flat-out acceleration is on the menu, the ZX-14R is a raging beast. During our top-speed testing, the 14 quickly and easily reached its electronically limited 185mph top speed, but it didn’t eke out the last few mph like most production bikes do; it pulled wickedly hard right up until it slammed into the rev limiter. Along the way, it hit 175 mph in just a halfmile—in fifth gear!
To help riders manage all that power, the 14R offers three modes of traction control (four if you count Off). Modes 1 and 2 are safety nets that blunt wheelspin and wheelies. Mode 3 enables the rider to navigate the slickest road conditions without drama. Plus, a slipper clutch helps smooth sloppy downshifts and soften the effects of high-rpm throttle closures.
Kawasaki also gave the 14 Full Power and Low Power modes. Both run the same off the bottom, but the horsepower chart begins to differ at 6500 rpm in Low mode, which ultimately delivers three-quarters of the output of Full Power mode.
Flandling is impressive, too, especially for a bike this heavy (545 pounds dry). Steering is neutral, stability excellent and the 14R is definitely in its element through smooth, fast sweepers.
Credit a chassis that was significantly revised over Gen One. The monocoque frame is 50-percent brandnew, the swingarm is 10mm longer and the front and rear KYB suspension wears firmer springs, with revised damping to match. It’s fitted with killer brakes, too. Radial-mount Nissin calipers up front clamp 310mm discs, and the 58.3-inch wheelbase is long enough to make the rear brake very useful. So, braking power and feel are outstanding on both ends. ABS is not an option, but Kawasaki may include it on future 14Rs.
In no uncertain terms, this metallic-green ZX-14R proves that the glory of performance motorcycles continues. For just under $15,000, Kawasaki has once again produced the hardestaccelerating mass-production vehicle on Earth.
Superman’s superbike Faster than a speeding bullet Prompts childish and irresponsible behavior Prompts childish and irresponsible behavior Scares newbies in the first two gears Scares everyone else after that
