2012 Kawasaki Ninja® ZX™-14R

2-mode Digital Ignition

• Rider selectable High and Low maps offer a choice between full power and approximately 50 percent power output to help suit changing conditions
• Individual spark plug-mounted ignition coils fire each of the four spark plugs independently to achieve the optimum timing for that cylinder
• Digital Timing Advance enhances low and mid-range power
• ECU includes an idle speed control system for easier starting and warm-up

Aggressive New Bodywork

• Quadruple projector beam headlights in the new fairing give the ZX™-14 a distinctive new look. The outer lights contain position lamps and high beams, while the low beams are located in the center lamps.
• Monocoque frame is positioned over the engine so the sleek new fairing is uninterrupted by protruding frame spars, adding to the extremely long and low styling
• Standard rear-seat cowl adds aesthetic appeal
• New fairing venting offers improved engine-heat control for more comfort for rider and passenger
• Both the front and rear turn signals are integrated into the bodywork and have clear lenses to enhance appearance
• Lightweight Denso radiator with dual fans and high-density cores provides maximum cooling efficiency

Digital Fuel Injection

• New throttle body assembly featuring 44 mm throttle bodies is fitted with ISC valve and sub-throttle valves controlled by the ECU. They provide precise response, smooth DFI® performance, automatic idle speed adjustment, and help the bike meet Euro III emissions requirements now and into the future.
• Revised intake tract porting optimizes flow characteristics
• 32-bit ECU works with dual throttle valve system to further enhance throttle response and control
• Fine-atomizing injectors produce a 75-micron droplet size
• Injectors deliver lateral spray at a 20-degree angle to disperse the finely atomized fuel over a wide area

Full Instrumentation

• Controller Area Network (CAN) interface between the gauges uses fewer wires yet allows a greater volume of information, such as estimated fuel mileage, to be exchanged
• Multi-function LCD digital display includes an odometer, two trip meters, fuel gauge, gear position indicator, clock, and many other variables, including traction-control information via a 7-segment LCD indicator
• New black-faced dual analog speedometer and tachometer are easy to read
• Programmable shift indicator lamp illuminates at pre-set rpm to signal rider upshift
• Programmable clutch engagement lamp illuminates at pre-set rpm to signal the rider to engage the clutch

Gear-driven Dual Engine Balancers

• Already in perfect primary balance, the 14R’s engine design features dual secondary balancers that virtually eliminate unwanted vibrations for extremely smooth operation and reduced rider fatigue
• Revised balance weights keep the newly dimensioned engine (more stroke) in ideal balance, resulting in improved comfort for riders and passengers

KTRC Traction Control

• Modes are controlled by a handy switch assembly on the left handlebar
• KTRC traction-control system features three different modes for varying conditions
• Modes are indicated on the LCD cockpit display

New 1,441 cc, 4-cylinder, Liquid-cooled, DOHC Engine

• Chrome composite-plated aluminum cylinder bores are lightweight, durable, and quickly carry heat away from the combustion chamber and piston for supreme durability at high power outputs
• Longer-stroke design, revised (and ported) cylinder heads, lighter pistons, higher compression and more radical camshafts provide more torque and power throughout the rev range
• More durable temperature and surface treatments allow the transmission gears to better harness the new engine’s prodigious power production
• Newly designed engine is compact and narrow, which allows the rest of the machine to be smaller, lighter, and more nimble
• Piston jet system sprays a continuous stream of cooling lubrication to the underside of each piston for cooler running temperatures, more constant power production and better durability
• Crankshaft main journals are 2 mm thicker (now 40 mm) for added durability
• Low mechanical noise via special piston profile and urethane insulation sheet on the inside of the magnesium chain cover
• Stronger cam chain and tensioning system offers a higher degree of durability at stratospheric rpm levels

New Back-torque Limiting “Slipper” Clutch

• Radial-pump hydraulic clutch master cylinder offers smooth and precise engagement and optimal feel at the lever
• All-new back-torque limiting “slipper” clutch assembly controls rear-wheel torque effects while downshifting or coasting to minimize wheel hop, chatter, and reduce rider stress

New for 2012

• Higher overall finish quality than before, including hidden bodywork fasteners
• All-new exhaust system features tapered and reshaped head pipes and an all-new muffler assembly for low noise and emissions
• All-new swingarm assembly is longer and features strengthening gussets to cope with the engine’s new found power
• Revised suspension settings front and rear add wheel control and compliance to an already plush ride
• New disc material and pads improve the 14R’s radial-mount braking system
• All-new 10-spoke wheels are more than 3 pounds lighter in total than the previous machine’s units; this reduces unsprung weight, which aids handling and maneuverability
• Massively more powerful 1,441 cc inline-four engine features a 4 mm longer stroke, reworked cylinder head assembly, polished ports and lighter, stronger pistons for more power across the rev range
• Redesigned aluminum monocoque frame is narrow, strong, and rigid
• All-new bodywork package builds upon the slick aesthetic image of the previous machine, includes a rear seat cowl and adds better air management to the mix for improved rider and passenger comfort
• Transmission gears are more durable thanks to new temperature and surface treatments
• KTRC traction-control system features three different modes for varying conditions and is controlled by a handy switch assembly on the left handlebar
• All-new slipper clutch assembly controls rear-wheel torque effects while braking and downshifting

New-generation Monocoque Aluminum Frame

• Many of the frame’s new cast aluminum sections – steering head and swingarm pivot areas – are produced via a die-casting process for weight savings
• Rigidly mounted engine is a stressed frame member, which increases the frame’s torsional rigidity and saves weight vs. traditional designs
• Massive head pipe casting contributes to frame rigidity
• Engine is positioned forward in the frame, with the slightly longer wheelbase and front / rear weight balance carefully designed to achieve high-speed stability and responsive handling
• Lightweight monocoque frame is a hollow aluminum box that arches over the engine from the steering head to the swingarm pivot. It is narrow, strong, rigid, and very light.
• Longer swingarm adds high-speed stability and is gusseted to better cope with the new engine’s power production
• Battery is also housed within the frame and is easily accessible through an aluminum frame cover
• Frame houses the air box and air filter in a space-saving design that simplifies air cleaner maintenance

Ram Air Induction

• Central ram air duct in the newly shaped fairing draws cooler, higher-pressure air from the face of the fairing and efficiently guides it through the larger and more efficient air cleaner and into the reworked engine for maximum power output

Reshaped Petal-type Discs with Radial-mount Calipers

• Radial mounted four-piston front brake calipers use improved brake pads and offer greater rigidity than traditional caliper mounting to improve brake feel
• A separate brake pad is used for each piston. Individual pads provide increased cooling efficiency and can absorb more heat without deforming so they maintain a consistent brake feel longer.
• Reshaped petal-type design brake discs provide better cooling and enhanced warp resistance
• Radial-pump front brake master cylinder improves brake performance and lever feel

Revised High-flow Exhaust System

• Newly designed mufflers offer lower noise emissions and, due to the dual catalyzers, are cleaner than before
• All-new header assembly has tapered-diameter pipes for optimal power production and power delivery characteristics
• Airflow into the exhaust from the large secondary air ports in the cylinder head and head cover, plus a third honeycomb catalyzer in the collector, help meet strict Euro III emissions standards
• Internal silencer construction minimizes impact of emissions regulations while maintaining impressive top-end power

Suspension

• Revised internal settings for the inverted and multi-adjustable 43 mm cartridge-type fork allow more wheel control and improved ride compliance
• Linkage rates allow linear suspension action and greater wheel control
• Bottom-link design helps create a lower center of gravity, which makes the motorcycle more nimble
• Excellent control and feedback from the fully adjustable bottom-link Uni-Trak® rear suspension
• Stepless damping adjustment improves suspension performance