Category:
Hyperbike / Sport Tourer
Target Audience:
Performance enthusiasts, sport tourers, riders seeking ultimate power and comfort
Key Competitors:
Suzuki Hayabusa (GSX1300R), BMW K1300S, Honda CBR1100XX Blackbird (previous generation)
Vehicle Attributes:
Blistering acceleration, high top speed, comfortable riding position for long distances, advanced aerodynamics
Manual Value:
Authoritative resource for maintaining and repairing the flagship Kawasaki motorcycle
Engine:
Full engine overhaul, top-end, bottom-end, lubrication, cooling, fuel injection, ignition
Transmission:
Clutch operation, gearbox disassembly and assembly, shift drum and fork inspection
Chassis:
Frame inspection, steering, suspension (front forks, rear shock), wheel bearing replacement
Brakes:
Brake system servicing, hydraulic component replacement, ABS troubleshooting (if applicable)
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, lighting, starting system, charging system, ECU diagnostics, sensor testing
Fuel System:
Fuel pump testing, injector cleaning and replacement, evaporative emission control system
Exhaust System:
Catalytic converter inspection, muffler replacement, exhaust leak diagnosis
Bodywork:
Fairing removal and installation, seat adjustment, body panel alignment
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug servicing, chain adjustment
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, fault code interpretation, component testing procedures
Repair:
Complete step-by-step repair instructions for all major components and systems
Disassembly Assembly:
Detailed procedures for engine, transmission, suspension, and electrical component disassembly and reassembly
Adjustment:
Carburetor synchronization (if applicable to specific market variants), throttle cable adjustment, clutch lever adjustment
Depth:
Comprehensive (dealer-level)
Diagnostic Tools:
References to specific diagnostic tools and procedures for electronic systems
Engine Type:
Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC, 16-valve, inline-four
Displacement:
1352 cc (82.5 cubic inches)
Bore X Stroke:
84.0 x 61.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
12.0:1
Power Output Ps:
180 PS @ 9000 rpm (standard, without RAM Air)
Power Output Hp:
178 hp @ 9000 rpm (standard, without RAM Air)
Power Output Ram Air:
190 PS (187 hp) @ 9000 rpm (with RAM Air induction)
Torque Nm:
145 Nm (106.9 lb-ft) @ 7000 rpm (standard, without RAM Air)
Top Speed:
Electronically limited to 186 mph (300 km/h) in most markets, potentially higher if de-restricted.
Fuel Delivery:
Fuel injection with two injectors per cylinder (down-draft and side-draft)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded premium gasoline (minimum 91 octane RON recommended)
Ignition System:
Digital CDI, dual ignition
Oil Type:
SAE 10W-40 or 10W-50, API SG or SH, JASO MA certified synthetic motorcycle oil
Oil Capacity W Filter:
4.2 Liters (4.4 US qt)
Oil Capacity W O Filter:
3.8 Liters (4.0 US qt)
Coolant Type:
Kawasaki Coolant or equivalent; 50/50 mix of ethylene glycol and distilled water
Coolant Capacity:
2.9 Liters (3.1 US qt)
Type:
6-speed, constant mesh
Clutch Type:
Wet, multi-disc, assist and slipper clutch
Gear Ratios:
1st: 2.600 (39/15), 2nd: 1.933 (29/15), 3rd: 1.500 (30/20), 4th: 1.277 (29/20), 5th: 1.100 (22/20), 6th: 0.964 (27/28)
Fluid Type:
API GL-4 SAE 80W gear oil (for gearbox)
Fluid Capacity:
0.9 Liters (0.95 US qt)
Length:
2170 mm (85.4 in)
Height:
1170 mm (46.1 in)
Wheelbase:
1460 mm (57.5 in)
Ground Clearance:
135 mm (5.3 in)
Seat Height:
785 mm (30.9 in)
Dry Weight:
215 kg (474 lbs)
Curb Weight:
260 kg (573 lbs) (with all fluids and a full tank of fuel)
Fuel Tank Capacity:
22 Liters (5.8 US gal)
Front Suspension Type:
43mm inverted telescopic fork with stepless rebound and compression damping, and spring preload adjustability
Rear Suspension Type:
Bottom-link Uni-Trak with adjustable preload, stepless variable compression and rebound damping
Front Tire:
120/70ZR17 M/C (58W)
Rear Tire:
190/50ZR17 M/C (73W)
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
5-bolt pattern (typical for this class of motorcycle)
Crash Test Ratings:
N/A (Motorcycle safety is assessed differently than automobiles; focus is on design and rider aids)
Braking System:
Dual semi-floating 310 mm discs with 4-piston radial-mount calipers (front); Single 250 mm disc with 2-piston caliper (rear)
ABS:
Available on some models/markets (e.g., ABS models, often designated as ZZR1400 ABS or Ninja ZX-14R ABS for later models, but standard on some 2008-2011 variants)
Lighting:
Dual Halogen headlights, LED taillight
Aerodynamics:
Advanced fairing design for wind protection and stability at high speeds
Instrumentation:
Digital speedometer, analog tachometer, fuel gauge, clock, dual trip meters, gear position indicator, maintenance reminder.
Lighting Tech:
Twin multi-reflector headlamps for superior nighttime illumination.
Engine Management System:
Digitally controlled fuel injection and ignition timing optimize power delivery and emissions.
Connectivity Features:
N/A (No integrated Bluetooth or smartphone connectivity on this model generation).
First Service:
1000 km (600 miles) or 1 month (whichever comes first) - Includes oil and filter change, inspection of all systems.
Major Service Interval:
6000 km (4000 miles) or 6 months - Includes valve clearance checks, spark plug replacement, brake fluid change, coolant change, fuel filter inspection.
Chain Maintenance:
Clean and lubricate chain every 500 km (300 miles) or after riding in rain. Adjust chain slack every 1000 km (600 miles).
Clutch Fluid:
DOT 4 (for hydraulic clutch systems).
Common Wear Items:
Clutch plates (due to high torque), chain and sprockets, tires, brake pads.
Potential Electrical:
While generally reliable, owners should be aware of proper battery maintenance and connections, especially for extended storage. Faulty rectifier/regulator is a common motorcycle issue across brands.
Engine Performance Related:
Some owners report a slight dip in acceleration in the mid-range before RAM air kicks in effectively; this is characteristic of the engine's power delivery. Proper fuel quality is crucial for consistent performance.
Oil Filter Example:
Kawasaki OEM: 16097-0004 (or equivalent aftermarket like K&N KN-111, HiFloFiltro HF111)
Air Filter Example:
Kawasaki OEM: 11013-0020 (or equivalent aftermarket like K&N KA-1406)
Manufacturer:
Kawasaki Heavy Industries Motorcycle & Engine Company
Heritage Focus:
Known for performance-oriented motorcycles, particularly inline-four engines and the Ninja sportbike lineage.
Predecessor:
Kawasaki ZZ-R1200 (or Ninja ZX-12R in some markets), which held the 'fastest production motorcycle' title briefly.
Generation Launch:
The ZZ-R1400 (or Ninja ZX-14) was introduced in 2006 as a successor to the ZX-12R and was positioned as the ultimate hyperbike.
Updates 2008-2011:
Minor updates likely included ECU remapping for emissions or performance, graphics, and potentially suspension refinements across these model years. The core platform remained largely consistent.
Production Locations:
Primarily manufactured in Japan.
Industry Accolades:
The ZZ-R1400/Ninja ZX-14 was widely acclaimed upon its release for its performance, comfort, and technological sophistication, often winning comparisions against rivals.
Motorcycle Press Reviews:
Consistently praised by motorcycle publications for its blend of hyperbike performance and sport-touring capability.