In 2008 Kawasaki implemented a number of tweaks and updates to the 14 aimed at improving low-end power, but the new model was given a head-to-toe going over for 2012. Although the land rocket of a sportbike retains a familiar look while gaining the R designation, below the surface the biggest of the Ninjas received its most comprehensive revision since its 2006 debut.
Headlining changes are a host of revisions for the big inline-Four powerplant, along with two firsts for the ZX-14: Kawasaki’s traction control system (KTRC) and a slipper clutch.
Engine Updates: More CCs to Please the Power Hungry
Leading off engine updates is a 4.0mm increase in stroke, from 61.0 to 65.0mm, while the 85mm bore remains unchanged. The ZX’s previous 1352cc was a class-leading displacement figure, but with the new 85.0mm x 65.0mm bore and stroke the 14 ensures its place as displacement king with 1441cc. Compression is also up, from 12.0:1 to 12.3:1.
Combustion chamber shapes were optimized for 2012, and they’re now surface-milled now rather than cast. Intake ports are reshaped and polished for improved flow, and new, longer intake valves have better durability, according to Kawasaki.
New camshafts have increased lift and revised profiles, while a stronger cam chain and revised tensioning system have improved reliability. Newly designed forged pistons with thinner crowns are lighter, and like many of the engine components, offer increased durability. The new pistons (paired to stronger connecting rods) are cooled by a new oil-jet cooling system that pumps a continuous stream of lubricant at the underside of each piston. Kawasaki says testing shows the engine runs considerably cooler with this piston cooling system.
Crankshaft main journals are thicker, from 38 to 40mm, and the engine’s dual gear-driven counter balancers have revised balance weights to help mitigate vibes in the longer-stroke engine.
A new air-cleaner element is larger and thicker, with 10% more surface area and 40% more airflow capability, allowing better breathing for the revised fuel injection system. The exhaust system is essentially all-new with reshaped, larger-diameter tapered header pipes, and larger-volume, reshaped mufflers each house a catalyzer.
Kawasaki says the myriad changes and updates to its biggest sportbike engine have led to more power at nearly every point in the rev range, claiming stronger acceleration from 4000 rpm onward.
For the ZX-14’s U.S. launch in 2006, and its mid-cycle model revision in 2008, Kawasaki purposely selected drag strip testing as part of the program for the moto media to experience the big Ninja’s power. During each of those events Motorcycle.com editors came away impressed with the strength and durability of the ZX’s clutch, as it endured hard launch after hard launch down the quarter-mile. So while no one questioned the 14’s clutch performance over the years Kawasaki nevertheless improved upon a good thing, and included a race-derived slipper clutch as part of the bike’s overhaul for 2012.
Additionally, to cope with the engine’s newfound power, transmission gears have been heat- and surface-treated for improved durability and smoother shifting action.
Frame and Chassis Updates
Kawasaki says engineers modified more than half of the previous frame’s aluminum castings and forgings, all of which have different flex and rigidity characteristics than the parts they replace. A somewhat more obvious change is a 10mm longer swingarm, largely accounting for a longer wheelbase, up 58.3mm from 57.5mm. Rake and trail figures of 23.0 degrees and 4.7 inches remain unchanged.
The Ninja’s 43mm inverted fork with 13-way compression damping adjustment and 11-way rebound damping, as well as the fully adjustable shock, have revised internal settings and are said to better resist bottoming. Spinning at each end of this super sled are all-new 10-spoke machined aluminum wheels that Kawasaki says are a total of 3.3 pounds lighter than the previous wheel set. Attached to the new wheels are reshaped petal-type brake discs made from a more rigid material. The new discs along with new brake pad material are said to increase feel at the lever.
New Bodywork: Subtle but Tougher Looking
Kawasaki has given the svelte-looking-for-its-size ZX subtle but useful updates to the bodywork.
The frontal area of the fairing has a more aggressive nose design and the quad-headlight glass assembly is now reshaped so as to create the look of two separate lights rather than four on the previous 14. The traditional 4-fin theme along the fairing’s sides has a more pronounced 3D design this year, which Kawi says better vents engine heat away from the rider and passenger. Designers also took pains to conceal as much as possible body panel fasteners and hooks.
Faired-in turn signals remain part of the bodywork, as does a pillion cover – standard on all U.S.-spec models – but a newly shaped seat is claimed to offer better support while making it easier for shorter riders to reach the ground. However, the 31.5-inch seat height remains the same.
KTRC: Power Modes with Traction Control for the New ZX-14R
Perhaps the biggest update to the new 14 other than engine changes is the inclusion of KTRC, Kawasaki’s proprietary switchable engine mapping and traction control system.
The system features three different riding modes – full power, medium power and a third mode for low-traction (wet/slippery) conditions. A bar-mounted toggle/push switch on the left switchgear controls KTRC, and the system’s effects can be monitored on a seven-segment bar graph in the cockpit’s LCD info-screen. While Kawasaki didn’t state specifically the parameters KTRC uses to control traction on the ZX-14, it is likely a derivative of the system on the Concours 14.
Despite inclusion of KTRC, ABS is still not part of the repertoire of the ZX’s safety features.
The new ZX-14’s instruments and controls have been reworked as well, with a newly finished gauge cluster and a new multi-function switch on the left handlebar that handles all system functions.
Colors for the 2012 ZX-14R are Metallic Spark Black, Candy Surf Blue or Golden Blazed Green with special graphics (SE). Pricing is currently set at $14,699, an $1100 increase from 2011.
