by Mark
To say Kawasaki are shouting about their 2012 ZZR1400 is perhaps an understatement.
According to Kawasaki the new motorcycle will be the “fastest accelerating production motorcycle on the planet”.
There’s more torque at all rpm, ‘significantly’ more power in mid-high rpm range though some reports saying it could be pushing 220 bhp are sadly off the mark.
Kawasaki have given a Ram-Air figure of 207hp which is still significantly over the current 187bhp so capacity has also been increased from 1,352cc to 1,441cc.
Traction control with three modes, power mode selection giving you full power or around 70% of full power are also included as is a back-torque limiter designed to stop the back wheel skipping.
Kawasaki have a new aluminium monocoque frame and a new swing arm to cope with the raise in power from the engine.
Kawasaki are saying the bike is the “King of all sport bikes” which is a massive statement but then they also say that the torque is strong enough to pull away from lights in almost any gear: at 2,000 rpm there is 9.5 kgf.m of torque available! And this figure jumps significantly from 3,000rpm.
Specifications
Engine
- Engine type Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke In-Line Four
- Displacement 1,441 cm³
- Bore x stroke 84.0 x 65.0 mm
- Compression ratio 12.3:1
- Valve/Induction system DOHC, 16 valves
- Fuel system Fuel injection: ø44 mm x 4 (Mikuni)
- Ignition Digital
- Starting Electric
- Lubrication Forced lubrication, wet sump with oil cooler
Drivetrain
- Transmission 6-speed, return
- Final Drive Sealed chain
- Primary reduction ratio 1.556 (84/54)
- Gear ratios: 1st 2.611(47/18)
- Gear ratios: 2nd 1.947 (37/19)
- Gear ratios: 3rd 1.545 (34/22)
- Gear ratios: 4th 1.333 (32/24)
- Gear ratios: 5th 1.154 (30/26)
- Gear ratios: 6th 1.036 (29/28)
- Final reduction ratio 2.471 (42/17)
- Clutch Wet multi-disc, manual
Frame
- Frame type Monocoque, aluminium
- Wheel travel, front 117 mm
- Wheel travel, rear 124 mm
- Tyre, front 120/70ZR17M/C (58W)
- Tyre, rear 190/50ZR17M/C (73W)
- Rake/Trail 23°/ 93 mm
- Steering angle, left / right 31°/ 31°
Suspension
- Suspension, front Type: 43 mm inverted fork with top-out springs
- Compression damping: 18-way
- Rebound damping: 15-way
- Spring preload: Fully adjustable
- Suspension, rear Type: Bottom-Link Uni-Trak with gas-charged shock
- Compression damping: Stepless
- Rebound damping: Stepless
- Spring preload: Fully adjustable
Brakes
- Brakes, front Type: Dual semi-floating 310 mm petal discs
- Caliper: Dual radial-mount, opposed 4-piston, 4-pad
- Brakes, rear Type: Single 250 mm petal disc
- Caliper: Opposed, twin-piston
Dimensions
- Dimensions (L x W x H) 2,170 mm x 770 mm x 1,170 mm
- Wheelbase 1,480 mm
- Ground Clearance 125 mm
- Seat height 800 mm
- Curb Mass 268 kg
- Fuel capacity 22 litres
Performance
- Maximum power 147.2 kW {200 PS} / 10,000 rpm
- Maximum power with RAM Air 154.5 kW {210 PS} / 10,000 rpm
- Maximum torque 162.5 Nm {16.6 kgf•m} / 7,500 rpm
