Latest Cars And Bikes Reviews

Archive for the ‘Kawasaki Bikes’ Category

The 2011 Ninja ZX-14, which comes to challenge Suzuki’s coveted Hayabusa, is powered by a 1,352cc liquid-cooled, DOHC, four valve per cylinder, inline-four engine. The power is channeled through a hydraulic clutch and six speed transmission, down to the 190/50 ZR17 rear tire. The exact horsepower and torque figures of the Ninja ZX-14 are irrelevant, but a track day will tell you anything there is to know. As for the brakes, what we do know is that each piston in the calipers has its own brake pad, which increases cooling efficiency and decreases the chance deforming due to heat.

Engine

No company knows more about in-line fours than Kawasaki. From the early Z-1 to our factory MotoGP bikes, our knowledge about the in-line four-cylinder engine is unsurpassed. The virtues of this design are many: powerful, smooth running and very compact, if it’s a Kawasaki superbike, it has to be an in-line four. Each component of this amazing engine was thoroughly developed to deliver the perfect balance of power, torque, and ridability. Twisting the throttle on the ZX-14 gives the kind of response you would expect from a large bore machine; a seamless spread of awesome torque, right ’round the dial.

Chassis

The Ninja ZX-14 runs Kawasaki’s exclusive aluminum monocoque frame. Rock steady at speed, and offering responsive handling characteristics, this advanced chassis design strikes an ideal balance between sport riding, and high-speed running on the highway. Our engineers made full use of the design freedom given to them by the engine’s compact size. The engine’s position forward in the frame, the wheelbase and front/rear wheel weight balance were all carefully chosen to achieve both high-speed stability and responsive handling. Aluminum monocoque frame represents a further evolution of the frame first used on Kawasaki’s KR500 racer then in production on the Ninja ZX-12R. This advanced design makes possible a very slim, compact package.

Brakes/Wheels

Formidable front brake performance is further enhanced with a radial-pump master cylinder that offers superb feel at the lever. Use of four individual brake pads promotes even heat distribution across each pad virtually eliminating fade due to pad warpage at high temperatures.Rearbrake features 250mm, drilled, petal style rotor and 2-piston callipers for additional stopping power and improved braking feel. Newly designed wheels feature centre ribs that are slightly offset so that tire balance weights can be located at the wheel centreline.

Ergonomics

In spite of the ZX-14′s awesome performance, the machine is surprisingly non-intimidating. This is due as much to the seamless power delivery, as it is to the smooth ride and its rider-friendly ergonomics. On the ZX-14, the typical weekend jaunt leaves the rider refreshed and invigorated. Despite its long and low appearance, the ZX-14 offers a very relaxed sport riding position. Compact without being cramped, the bars are positioned so that riders do not have to stretch to reach them. Low-set footpegs give ample legroom. The low seat height and narrow seat front make it easy to reach the ground when stopped at lights.The narrow engine, monocoque frame, and waisted fuel tank make it easy to keep knees comfortably close together when riding. A depression in the fuel tank cover facilitates tucking in behind the screen.

Aerodynamics & Styling

The ZX-14 exudes an aura of power and assurance found only in the world’s most powerful machines. As befits its flagship status, the ZX-14 offers a combination of avant garde design, meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail. Whether parked in front of a café or zooming effortlessly down the highway, this is a machine people will notice. The ZX-14′s bodywork gives it extremely long and low styling. The front cowl extends well over the front wheel and the fairing almost hides the front wheel. All the lines of the bike move from front to rear, giving the bike an impression of speed even when it standing still.

The ZX-14′s multifunctional aerodynamics package reduces drag, adds stability at highway speeds and keeps you out of the wind when sport riding in the hills.Raised “Kawasaki” and model emblems contribute to the classy styling. Long front fender with aerodynamic side wings contributes to the ultra high speed potential of the ZX-14.

Fuel Tank

A small under-cowl forward of the rear wheel contributes to the bike’s flowing lines. This under-cowl is removed when fitting the optional center stand. LED tail lamp features a unique “V” design. This will be the most common view of the ZX-14 on the move. Front and rear turn signals are integrated into the fairing and rear cowl. Clear signal lenses with orange bulbs contribute to the high quality appearance.

2011 Kawasaki ZZR 1400 Features

Key Features
- 1,352cc inline-four with DFI® provides smooth power while producing impressive amounts of horsepower
- Lightweight aluminum monocoque frame is narrow, strong and rigid
- Radial-mounted front brake calipers and radial-pump front brake master cylinder combine for superior braking power and control
- Six-speed transmission
- Fully adjustable suspension allows for excellent control and feedback
- Hydraulic clutch offers precise clutch engagement and optimal feel
- Natural yet aggressive ergonomics
- Multi-function LCD instrumentation offers a wealth of information and is easy to read
- Standard rear seat cowl adds to bike’s aerodynamic styling

1,352cc Four-cylinder, DOHC Engine
- Tuned to provide smooth power across a very wide rev range while producing impressive horsepower numbers
- 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
- Carefully designed engine is compact and narrow
- Low mechanical noise via special piston profile and urethane insulation sheet on the inside of the magnesium chain cover

High-flow Exhaust System
- 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
- Exhaust connecting tube entrances are designed to enhance low-rpm response

Next-generation Monocoque Aluminum Frame
- 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
- Frame’s 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 approximately four pounds
- Engine is positioned forward in the frame, with the wheelbase and front/rear weight balance carefully designed to achieve high-speed stability and responsive handling
- Massive head pipe casting contributes to frame rigidity
- Frame houses the air box and air filter in a space-saving design that simplifies air cleaner maintenance
- Battery is also housed within the frame and is easily accessible through the back side of the frame

Suspension
- Inverted 43mm cartridge-type front fork utilizes damping rates that offer firm initial action to resist front-end dive when braking
- Stepless damping adjustment improves suspension performance
- Excellent control and feedback from fully adjustable bottom-link Uni-Trak® rear suspension
- Linkage rates allow linear suspension action
- Bottom-link design helps create a lower center of gravity, which makes the motorcycle more nimble
- Wheel rim center ribs are slightly offset so tire balance weights can be located precisely along the wheel’s centerline

Wind Tunnel-designed Bodywork
- Monocoque frame is positioned over the engine so the sleek fairing is uninterrupted by protruding frame spars, adding to the extremely long and low styling
- Both the front and rear turn signals are integrated into the bodywork and have clear lenses to enhance appearance
- Quadruple projector beam headlights give the ZX-14 a distinctive front fairing. The outer lights contain position lamps and high beams, while the low beams are located in the center lamps
- Lightweight Denso radiator with high-density cores provides maximum cooling efficiency.

The Z1000SX offers street riding excitement wrapped in seductive full-fairing styling that embodies its sporty performance. Add a number of convenience features and the result is a unique package more than able to satisfy a rider’s every desire. Whether looking to move on from a supersport or super-naked ride, or step up from a mid-size sport model, the Z1000SX offers the performance and versatility for a fuller bike life than ever experienced.

The Z1000SX’s well-integrated full-fairing styling offers a good indication of its sporty character. Featuring a “personal jet fighter” motif, the sensuous styling is both audacious and subtle at the same time. The aggressive design gives the Z1000SX its own distinct appearance, yet is instantly recognisable as a Kawasaki.

Bodywork

Supersport-style full-fairing bodywork gives the Z1000SX a distinct, head-turning look of its own. The sleek styling also offers a good measure of wind protection, facilitating short touring runs.

• The leading edges of the fairings feature a slat-style design that directs the wind around the bike, enabling the fairings to be slimmer in the middle.
• The fairings flair at the rear, keeping hot air from the engine from hitting the rider’s legs.
• Original-design front turn signals mount directly to the fairings. Turn signal units are attached to the inside of the fairing using rubber mounts to minimise fairing damage should the bike fall over.
• Supersport-style front fender contributes to both aerodynamics and racy looks.
• Slim and compact tail cowl design moves mass both physically and visually away from the rear and toward the front.
• LED taillight design features red LED bulbs and a red transparent lens.
• The short-style silencer design allows the rear wheel silhouette to be seen.
• Swingarm features eccentric axle adjusters, contributing to the Z1000SX’s Kawasaki identity.
• Supersport-style throttle case contributes to the Z1000SX’s sporty image.

Engine

Riding excitement is about more than just performance figures. Riding impact comes from the sensations the rider feels. Twisting the throttle results in a strong response from all rpm, the engine pulling strongly right to redline. Superb throttle response, power delivery with a mid-range hit make accelerating an exhilarating experience.

• Liquid-cooled, DOHC, 16-valve 1,043 cm3 In-line Four offers impressive power (101.5 kW (138 PS)) and strong torque.
• Bore and stroke of 77.0 x 56.0 mm were chosen to achieve the desired engine character. The result is an engine very strong in the everyday rpm range most used in street riding situations.
• Downdraft throttle bodies allow intake air to travel to the engine in the shortest possible distance, contributing to performance. While downdraft throttle bodies often use short intake funnels to maximise high-rpm performance, the Z1000SX’s are longer to offer the best power characteristics for street riding excitement.
• Throttle bore is ø38 mm, chosen for the ideal low-mid range response.
• Oval sub-throttles help keep the engine slim – important since the throttle bodies are positioned between the rider’s knees.
• Engine tuning focused on the feeling the rider gets when opening the throttle. There is a strong torque feeling (torque was set at the maximum level before the rear wheel starts spinning). Get on the gas at any rpm and the engine pulls strongly – although the feeling is more like being propelled forward.
• Good over-rev characteristics mean that power does not drop off suddenly at high rpm.
• Power delivery is quite linear, but the engine spins up noticeably faster from about 7,000 rpm onwards. Silky smooth response from mid-high rpm ensures excellent driveability.
• A secondary balancer, driven off a gear on the 6th web of the crankshaft, eliminates excess vibration. Of course, a certain amount of engine vibration was desired as part of the bike’s character (vibration contributes to the feeling of acceleration, increasing linearly with rpm), so vibration was not totally eliminated.

Cool Air System

With the airbox nestled between the frame beams, intake air can be affected by engine heat. The Cool Air system routes cool air to the airbox from ducts at the front of the side fairings, minimising performance loss due to heated intake air. This should not be confused with Ram Air, where force-fed air becomes pressurised in the airbox. A resonator inside the airbox reduces noise at low rpm, and enhances intake sound at high rpm.

Exhaust System

The exhaust system features a 4-into-2-pre-chamber-into-2 layout. Silencer end-caps create a quad-style image. Main and pre-catalysers ensure emissions are clean. An exhaust device is located upstream of the right-side silencer. Thanks to the under-engine pre-chamber, silencer volume could be kept to 3 litres each and silencer weight to 3500 g each, greatly contributing to mass centralisation (please see also Mass Centralisation below) and a lower centre of gravity.

Chassis

To ensure maximum riding excitement, the Z1000SX offers a quick-steering and light-handling package. A highly rigid aluminium frame with high mass centralisation balances sharp turning and firm handling. Supersport-style front brakes add to the high level of control.

Brakes

• At the front, 300 mm petal brake discs are gripped by opposed 4-piston radial-mount calipers. Caliper piston size is 30 mm.
• Radial-pump front brake master cylinder also contributes to the superb control and feel offered by the calipers.
• The rear brake features a single piston, pin-slide caliper gripping a 250 mm petal disc.
• The caliper is mounted below the swingarm and features a torque rod. The arrangement adds to the racy image.
• For added braking reassurance, ABS models are available in certain markets.

Suspension

• Rear suspension positions the shock unit and linkage above the swingarm.
• This arrangement contributes to mass centralisation (please see below).
• The suspension is located far enough from the exhaust that operation is not affected by heat.
• Visible from the outside, the Horizontal Back-link rear suspension contributes to the appearance of the Z1000SX.
• The rear shock features rebound and preload adjustability. A cam-style preload adjuster facilitates making adjustments to suit 2-up riding or luggage.

2010 Kawasaki Ninja 400R Performance:-

Engine

– 399 cc Parallel Twin with strong low-mid range torque
– Bore and stroke specifically chosen to deliver the most exciting 400cc performance
– Rider-friendly off-idle characteristics.

Chassis
– High-tensile steel trellis frame with balanced rigidity offers nimble handling for easy control and fun sport riding enjoyment.

Ergonomics
– Slim, natural riding position
– Easy to reach ground with both feet thanks to a slim chassis design.

Suspension
– Offset laydown single-shock rear suspension
– Suspension settings match frame and swingarm characteristics to offer light, rider-friendly handling.

Low seat height
Seat design and slim overall package make it easy to reach the ground with both feet.

Tall fuel tank
Tall fuel tank design contributes to the bike’s compact appearance.

Minimal vibration
Rubber mounts used for the upper-rear engine mounts and handlebar, and rubber-coated footpegs minimise vibration transmitted to the rider.

MotoGP-inspired instrumentation
MotoGP inspired multi-function display includes fuel gauge, digital speedometer and bar-style digital tachometer.

Supersport-style full-fairing bodywork
Like on other Ninjas, the minimalist-design fairing makes good use of coloured and black pieces, contributing to the bike’s compact appearance.

Bodywork

* Dual headlamp design features twin position lamps – just like on our Ninja supersport models. The designed shape of the multi-reflector headlamp’s bulb hoods is an example of to the attention given to detail on this model.
* Windscreen set at a sharp angle contributes to the supersport image. A lip at the top of the screen helps to deflect air away from the rider. A duct in the centre of the cowling creates an “air curtain” which reduces wind buffeting at higher speeds and improves rider comfort.
* Tall fuel tank – especially noticeable when viewed from the side – adds to the bike’s crouching appearance. Sharp-edged line motif adds to the bike’s avant-garde design. Flush-surface fuel cap contributes to the sleek lines.
* Side view of the front cowling and fairings (especially the top corners at the front) have distinctive Ninja design elements.
* Supersport-style mirror design is similar to that on the Ninja ZX-6R.
* Fairing design judiciously combines coloured and black panels to create a compact appearance – an approach similar to that used on the Ninja ZX-10R.
* Front turn signals are integral with the fairings, contributing to the bike’s supersport styling.
* Viewed from the rear or from the side, the tail cowl and seat’s sharp design is evident. Thin LED tail lamp and rear turn signals reinforce this image.
* Two-tone design of the front fender contributes to the light, compact appearance.
* An inner fender helps keep the underside of the tail cowl clean and contributes to the Ninja 400R’s sporty look.
* License plate bulb housing and slim rear mud flap add to the sharp image of the tail.

Frame/Rear Suspension
* The frame is a key component of the Ninja 400R’s identity. Like on its larger sibling, the bike’s bodywork accentuates the frame, rather than hiding it.
* The design of the frame, rear suspension and swingarm create an integrated line running from the steering head to the rear hub.
* A trellis frame of high-tensile steel gives the bike a lightweight appearance. 3D analysis was used to achieve the target rigidity and stress values.
* Offset laydown rear single-shock suspension flows smoothly from the frame to the swingarm.
* The braced steel swingarm follows the lines of the frame and rear shock, its triangulated design contributing to the machine’s innovative styling.
* The pipe-like design of the swingarm and stabiliser (thanks to a D-shaped cross-section) contribute to the Ninja 400R’s high-quality appearance.
* Elegant design of the one-piece rider/passenger footpeg stays complements the swingarm and stabiliser.
* Clean finish at the frame joints contributes to the overall quality of the bike.

Instrumentation
* Flowing lines are also evident in the design of the MotoGP-inspired multi-function instrumentation. Features include a fuel gauge, digital speedometer, clock, odometer, dual trip meters and a bar-style digital tachometer. The layout allows the clock and trip meter to be viewed simultaneously. Red backlighting for the LCD screen adds to the sporty image.
* Panelling around the instrument panel gives the inside of the front cowl a clean, finished appearance.

Engine Performance
* Liquid-cooled, DOHC, 8-valve 399 cc Parallel Twin with fuel injection delivers smooth, responsive performance, especially in the low and medium rpm ranges. The engine was tuned for fun, rider-friendly power characteristics that will inspire confidence in new riders.
* The engine’s excellent mid-range power characteristics make the bike especially fun to ride at medium speeds on city streets. Roll-on response is exceptional, offering impressive passing performance.
* 34 mm throttle bodies feature sub-throttles for high power output with smooth, sensitive throttle response.
* Bore and stroke measure 68.4 mm and 54.3 mm – their measurements selected to offer the most exciting performance for a 400cc engine. * The quick-revving engine offers smooth, linear power delivery. Difficult to stall and with rider-friendly off-idle characteristics, the engine has a highly accessible character.

Compact Engine Design

* The key to the Ninja 400R’s compact size is its amazingly compact Parallel Twin engine, which permits the use of a narrow, lightweight frame. The engine is loaded with innovative technology that enabled the realisation of its compact design and surprising performance.
- Triangular layout of the crankshaft and transmission shafts makes the engine very short front-to-back.
- Transmission input shaft, output shaft and change drum are contained in a “cassette”-style package that both allows a compact layout and facilitates transmission maintenance chores.
- Semi-dry sump design reduces engine height.
- Plated, linerless aluminium cylinder is lightweight.
- Under-engine muffler improves mass centralisation and lowers the bike’s centre of gravity.
* Together with the compact engine, the frame’s elegant design realises a package that is slim, low, lightweight and compact.
- The compact engine allows use of a slim, minimalist frame, resulting in a design that is narrow at the knees and feet.
- The compact engine also allows an extremely short wheelbase, giving light and nimble handling.
- Because a long swingarm can be used, rear suspension action and handling are both improved.
- 3D analysis was used to achieve the ideal stiffness balance for the frame, contributing to the superb handling characteristics.
- The frame is constructed of high-tensile steel, giving it a lightness rivalling that of aluminium frames.
- The layout of the offset single-shock rear suspension allows the battery to be located beside the shock instead of above it. This elegant arrangement allows a lower seat height as well as a slim design.
* The same characteristics that make it fun to ride (responsive handling and rider-friendly ergonomics), also make the Ninja 400R ideal for new riders.
* A short wheelbase and tight turning radius contribute to the Ninja 400R’s high manoeuvrability.

Light Handling
* Frame and swingarm rigidity balance chosen to offer light, rider-friendly handling.
* Front and rear suspension settings match frame and swingarm characteristics , and contribute to the light, rider-friendly handling.

Minimal Vibration
* Rubber mounts instead of rigid mounts used for the upper-rear engine mounts reduce vibration transmitted to the rider through the seat.
* Handlebar is rubber-mounted to reduce vibration transmitted through the handle grips.
* Rider and pillion footpegs are rubber coated to further reduce vibration.
* Low vibration levels ensure that riders do not get fatigued after long rides.

Rider-friendly Ergonomics
* The riding position was specially designed to inspire rider confidence. An ideal relationship between the handlebars, seat and footpegs results in a comfortable and natural position suitable for a wide range of riders.
* The narrow frame and engine make for an overall narrow package, allowing the rider to keep his or her knees and feet close together.
* Thanks to the low seat height and slim overall design, it’s easy to keep both feet firmly on the ground when stopped, an important consideration for many riders.

Colours

* Lime Green / Flat Super Black, * Metallic Spark Black / Flat Super Black.

A measured 109.61bhp at the back wheel made the Kawasaki ZX-6R the most powerful 600 in our recent group test. You have to keep the Kawasaki ZX-6R motor singing to get the most out of it above 9,000rpm ideally, but revving it to its 16,000rpm redline sends shivers down your spine.

Kawasaki has never had a problem with engine reliability or build quality and the Kawasaki ZX-6R is no exception. An MCN staffer who owned one of the original high revving ZX6-RRs says it never missed a beat despite its hard life. The Kawasaki ZX-6R feels well built and solid with attention to detail in the finish.

The track-focussed Kawasaki ZX-6R is built for carving up race tracks. The brakes are outstanding, and the Kawasaki ZX-6R remains stable no matter how late you dare to brake. You can carry a stupid amount of corner speed on the Kawasaki ZX-6R, which is really confidence inspiring. The Kawasaki ZX-6R’s front will give the odd twitch over bumps and imperfection on the road.

At £7190, the Kawasaki ZX-6R is the second cheapest 600 on the market and it’s a new model for 2007, only Suzuki’s older GSX-R is cheaper. Haggle with a local dealer and you should be able to steal a Kawasaki ZX-6R for under £7,000 which for the latest, track-focussed 600 which will hold its own against almost anything on track, is a bargain.

The Kawasaki ZX-6R has fully adjustable suspension front and back, radial brakes up front… it ticks all the boxes for a 600 supersport machine. The standard slipper clutch is one of the best on the market something the Kawasaki ZX-6R has always led in term of development for the original ZX6-RR.

A ruck of engine tweaks has led to a tractable motor that loves low rpm throttle openings. Overtakes on the Kawasaki Z1000 don’t need a dance on the gearlever, just wind on the throttle. Gearbox isn’t the usual heavy affair but light and positive. The Kawasaki Z1000′s exceptional fuelling makes you wonder how Yamaha got the big m(’06) Fazer so wrong. Revised engine mountings have subdued the Kawasaki Z1000′s vibrations until high rpm is dialled in.

The Kawasaki Z1000 engine is a proven number so faults shouldn’t even be talked about. The finish on all parts looks to be thorough enough to be considered as long-lasting… but who can tell how the Kawasaki Z1000 will cope with UK winters.

The Kawasaki Z1000 pilot rides in comfort as he’s held fairly upright by the bars and thinner seat – which causes a numb bum after 100 miles and until muscles become firm with use. Handling on the Kawasaki Z1000 is plush at average speeds, but unravels when the pace is picked up. Front and rear suspension borders on very soft but can be dialled out to a greater extent with the basic adjustment available on the Kawasaki Z1000.

From our point of view the Kawasaki Z1000’s list price will be a stumbling block when it comes to MCN readers making a buying decision, especially as there’s a lot of choice available eg Suzuki’s naked new 1250 Bandit costs around £2k less than the Kawasaki Z1000. Different category Kawasaki will say; the Suzuki does exactly the same job as the Kawasaki Z1000 but cheaper, we say.

The Kawasaki Z1000′s radially-mounted front master-cylinder and calipers with wave-style discs don’t just look good but work oh-so effectively. Switchgear and clock layout on the Kawasaki Z1000 is unassuming but that’s because it all works without fault. Wing mirror shape is small and pathetic for quick-glances. If all the natty, ornate detailing could be included in this rating then the Kawasaki Z1000 would achieve 5 out of 5.

The Kawasaki Z750 is a rev-happy chap that also comes with a half decent amount of low-down pull – thanks to reworked fuel injection and engine internals. Moving the Kawasaki Z750′s engine mounts has also put paid to most of the vibes that afflicted the previous model. When the tacho needle hits 6500rpm the Kawasaki Z750 comes alive. Use these revs and the Kawasaki Z750 instantly becomes a naked sports bike that begs to be abused.

The Kawasaki Z750 has a very proven motor as it’s a down-sized ZX-9R engine – and that has been around in various guises for donkeys years – so it is definitely understressed. Even though the Kawasaki Z750′s swingarm (painted steel arm) and brakes are budget items, all of it’s a known quantity, so frequent cleaning should see everything on the Kawasaki Z750 stay shiny.

Part of the Kawasaki Z750 cost-cutting exercise involves simplifying the already budget suspension – only one fork leg controls front rebound damping and the forks and rear shock are particularly soft. This means the handling of the quick-ish steering Kawasaki Z750 soon starts to go south when the bike’s pushed hard. The Kawasaki Z750 can be so nearly righted with tweaks to put the fun back into riding what is otherwise a smile-inducing motorcycle.

The Kawasaki Z750 is a couple of hundred quid cheaper than the new Honda Hornet and cheaper than a Yamaha Fazer 600, which places the bike as a wallet friendly creature. Even the Kawasaki Z750′s extra 150cc placing shouldn’t be too detrimental on the running costs.

Wave-pattern discs all-round and decent brake pads are the Kawasaki Z750′s braking saviour as it features decidedly old-hat two-piston sliding calipers at the front. And that’s about it. If the price was higher then the Kawasaki Z750′s score rating would be considerably lower, but as it is a built-to-a-price motorcycle.

The Kawasaki GTR1400’s engine is taken from the mighty ZZ-R1400 but detuned for more midrange. Kawasaki also boast for the first time variable valves, the smoothest operation on the market, far better than Honda’s VFR. Nearly 140bhp and gallons of torque, both are class leading.

There is no reason to question the Kawasaki GTR1400’s reliability as the ZZ-R14 on which it’s based is proving bulletproof and Kawasaki are renown for producing reliable motors. Shaft drive will add to its longevity. Kawasaki have really improved their build quality in recent years and it shows.

The Kawasaki GTR1400 is super super smooth, seeming to float effortlessly along, even at licence losing speeds. If ridden hard the suspension can be described as being on the soft side, but otherwise it handles far better than its size suggests. Ground clearance is good for a bike in this category, brakes are excellent, with ABS as an optional extra.

Initially the new Kawasaki GTR1400 seems expensive, however it’s on par with Yamaha’s FJR1300 on price and is considerably cheaper than BMW’s K1200GT. The ZZ-R1400 seems to be holding its value second hand and there’s no reason why the GTR shouldn’t do the same as long as the motorcycle is looked after.

With an electric screen, digital tyre pressure sensor gauges, large panniers as standard, variable valves, slipper clutch, shaft drive, an electricity socket, adjustable headlights, the Kawasaki GTR1400 seems to have all the boxes ticked. However it lacks heated seat and grips and cruise control as an optional extra.