Ninja ZX-14R (MY21) – Kawasaki

The 2021 Ninja ZX-14R’s ultra-powerful 1441cm³ inline four-cylinder engine puts it in a class all its own. Add in our most advanced electronics system, including traction control, ABS and power mode selection and with an innovative monocoque frame, and stunning bodywork, and the ZX-14R is a phenomenon that you must experience to believe. The 2019 Ninja ZX-14R Special Edition (Brembo Öhlins) is the flagship model with many extra features; Brembo Radial Pump Front Brake Master Cylinder, Radial Mount Brembo M50 Calipers and 310 mm Brembo Discs with a Öhlins TTX39 Rear Shock Absorber, Golden Blazed Green with Metallic Carbon Grey paint, drilled green fork caps, drilled billet grey alumite steering nut and stainless steel rings on the dash meters which feature new dot pattern meter faces and two available background colours for the LCD Screen (black or white) can be selected according to rider preference.

ENGINE

A choice of Full Power or Low Power modes allows riders to set power delivery to suit preference and conditions. Low Power mode limits output to approximately 75% of Full Power and uses a milder throttle response. (Reduction of both power and throttle response varies according to engine speed (rpm), throttle position and gear position.) Combining the various KTRC and Power Mode options, riders have eight combinations from which to choose. For example, an experienced rider on dry pavement might choose Full Power and KTRC Mode 1 for sport riding. On a wet and/or slippery road surface, Low Power and KTRC Mode 3 might be selected. Each system can be set independently to best suit rider skill/preference, riding location and road conditions.

SUSPENSION AND BRAKES

Where chosen to deliver a firm, sporty feel. Settings are such that the majority of the suspension action takes place higher in the stroke (rather than closer to the bottom of the stroke with the suspension almost fully compressed). The result is that absorption and road holding performance are both excellent, contributing to both a sporty handing character and high speed stability. Dual radial-mounted M50 Brembo cast aluminium monobloc calipers grip the front disc. A a pair of massive ø310 mm Brembo semi-floating discs with a thickness of t5.5 mm deliver superb braking force. The stainless steel rotors offer high rigidity and contribute to excellent brake feel. Grooves running down the centre of the outer edge of the discs increase their surface area for greater heat dissipation.

Enhancing the already mighty performance the Ninja ZX-14R Brembo Öhlins Special Edition features a TTX39 rear shock. Working together with Öhlins, a top-of-the-line TTX rear suspension unit was developed especially for this model. Renowned for its quality and high performance, the Öhlins shock is an excellent complement to the capabilities of Kawasaki’s flagship model.

• Supple suspension action provides excellent damping and provides increased riding comfort and sportier handling in the hills.
• Increased rear stability also contributes to a more planted feel at the front, adding to increased rider confidence when riding on the circuit. Superb feedback from the road.
• On highway the bike feels even more stable at speed, and lane changes are executed more easily.
• Around town, the supple suspension absorbs bumps with ease, adding ot the Ninja ZX-14R’s sublime ride comfort.
• Remote preload adjuster makes it easy to adjust without special tools to suit tandem riding or luggage.

FRAME

Sculpted by the wind, the Ninja ZX-14R’s bodywork offers high aerodynamic performance that reduces drag, and contributes to stability and wind protection at highway speeds. A central Ram Air duct feeds cool, high-pressure air from the front of the fairing in a direct path through the air cleaner and into the engine for maximum power output – as speed increases, so does the air pressure, effectively force-feeding the engine. Aggressive, larger-volume tail features an LED taillight and integrated rear turn signals. When viewed from the rear, the tail cowl, rear tyre and twin silencers have good visual and spatial balance. Large-volume silencers contribute to the dramatic impact of the rear. Their pentagonal design enables the requisite silencer volume while enabling a deep bank angle. The Ninja ZX-14R exudes an aura of power and assurance found only in the world’s most powerful machines. Unlike the recent trend in supersport and super-naked design towards mass-forward designs with minimalist tails, a voluminous tail design and more balanced approach to front rear impact ensure that Kawasaki’s latest Ninja flagship cuts an imposing figure from any angle. The gunfighter-style seat contributes to both design impact and ergonomics. Its sculpted shape provides hip support during strong acceleration. Slimmer at the front, it also facilitates the reach to the ground when stopped at lights. Features on the multi-function display include analogue-style speedometer, external air temperature, fuel gauge, gear position indicator, odometer, clock & trip meters. Numerous modes including current and average fuel consumption, range, battery voltage are controlled using a multi-function button located at the left handle.