Kawasaki ZX 14R.

Kawasaki ZX 14R.

The Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14 is currently Kawasaki’s most powerful sportbike motorcycle.It remains on-top for 2013, reigning as the undisputed king of the sportbike world. New optional ABS brakes complement its amazing comfort and usability on the street and help increase its appeal to a wide range of riders. It has to be tough competing against a machine like the ZX-14R, year after year and continuous refinements have kept it several steps ahead of the sportbike competition, all while filling enthusiasts’ face shields with wild, ear-to-ear grins.

Kawasaki stroked last year’s 1352cc engine 4mm to get a 1441cc powerplant with a 12.3:1 compression ratio. Redline is 11,000 rpm.The engine is mated on a six-speed transmission and you also get a KTRC traction-control system that features three different selectable modes. Each mode can be easily selected using a convenient switch mounted on the left handlebar.

Kawasaki has taken this marvelous engine, which can produce 40 miles per gallon when ridden conservatively  plus a 5.8 gallon tank and combined it with a glass smooth-shifting 6-speed transmission mated to a slipper clutch (the clutch lever is easy-to-pull thanks to hydraulics), all wrapped within a monocoque aluminum frame with 3-way adjustable front and rear suspension.

Riding the 2013 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14R in the canyons reveals it to be eager to turn in and surprisingly willing to respond to changes in rider inputs at almost any point in the turn like a much smaller bike. Guiding it through all the familiar twisties on Mulholland Highway proves that it can lean in aggressively, hold or tighten its line at will, and respond neutrally to trail braking with the front brakes. Sure, it’s no 600, but once the apex is reached, the brutal, snarling drive out of the corners and acceleration must be experienced to really be appreciated.

Handling is impressive for a bike this heavy (545 pounds dry on the CW scale). Steering is neutral, stability excellent and the 14R is definitely in its element through smooth, fast sweepers. On a tight road, you’ll never forget you’re on a big un’, but it is really easy to ride fast and rolls down to full lean with little effort.

The 2013 Ninja ZX-14R starts at $14,999, right in line with expectations for a member of the 1400cc class of 2013 sport bike motorcycles (the average price is $14,999). A 12-month factory warranty from Kawasaki helps protect new buyers.

Specifications:

Engine                            Four-stroke.

Displacement                 1,441 cc

Bore x Stroke                 84.0 x 65.0 mm

Compression Ratio        12.3:1

Transmission                 Six-Speed

Fuel System Type          Fuel Injected

Starter                            Electric

Rake/Trail                      23 degrees / 3.7 in.

Front Tire Size               120/70 ZR17

Rear Tire Size               190/50 ZR17

Wheelbase                    58.3 in.

Valve Configuration       DOHC

Valves                           16

Valves Per Cylinder       4

Overall length                85.4 in.

Overall width                  30.3 in.

Overall height                46.1 in.

Ground clearance         4.9 in.

Seat Height                   31.5 in.

Curb Weight                 590.9 lbs.

Fuel Capacity               5.8 gal

Warranty                      12 months.