Engine
The engine now has a longer stroke (+4mm) which raises the displacement to 1441cc. The inline-four DOHC engine, with a fully ported cylinder head, redesigned camshafts coupled with more efficient combustion chamber shapes and a higher compression ratio result in more power and torque. Add to that list smoother operation, thanks to the dual gear-driven balancers with revised balance weights and dual secondary balancers that reduce unwanted vibrations. Stronger cam chain and tensioning system offers a higher degree of durability. Chrome composite-plated aluminum cylinder bores are lightweight, durable, and quickly carry heat away from the combustion chamber and piston for better durability at high power outputs. Kawasaki says the newly designed engine is compact and narrow, which allows the rest of the machine to be smaller, lighter and more nimble. The mechanical noise from the engine is reduced by the use of a special piston profile and urethane insulation sheet on the inside of the magnesium chain cover.
Piston jet system sprays a continuous stream of cooling lubrication to the underside of each piston for cooler running temperatures and better durability. We are wondering what the ‘Wider Bypass Holes’ are, if you do have an idea please drop a comment below.
KTRC
The Ninja ZX-14R’s KTRC traction control/ignition management system offers three different modes to maximize traction and ridability in several different environments – wet and dry conditions bookending the possibilities. Rider selectable High & Low maps offer a choice between full power and approximately 50 percent power output to help suit changing conditions. This multi-function switch assembly on the left handlebar allows riders to easily toggle between KTRC modes and other information; riders can easily monitor which mode they’re in on a seven-segment bar graph on the LCD info screen.
Other Changes
All-new back-torque limiting “slipper” clutch assembly controls rear-wheel torque effects while braking and downshifting or coasting to minimize wheel hop, chatter and reduce rider stress. All-new 10-spoke wheels are more than 3 pounds lighter in total than the previous machine’s units, this reduces the unsprung weight, a satisfying achievement for any chassis designer, which aids handling and maneuverability.
All-new exhaust system features tapered and reshaped head pipes and an all-new muffler assembly for low noise and emissions. New disc material and pads improve the 14R’s radial-mount braking system. There’s also the ZX-14R SE (Special Edition) fitted with highly polished wheels, silver-painted calipers, special green paint and flame graphics.
Instrument Console
Sitting bang in the middle of the stunning speedo and tachometers, the LCD display gives the rider information through a number of scrollable screens. Using a switch on the left handlebar the rider can scroll through a multitude of modes, including fuel consumption, range, battery power, traction-control mode and much more.
2012 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14R 2011 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14
