2009 Kawasaki ER-6n

2009 Kawasaki ER-6n

Muscular street fighter looks with an easy going personality

Riders seeking the performance and practicality of Kawasaki’s popular Ninja® 650R sportbike, but desiring something with a tougher, more muscular image need look no farther than the new 2009 Kawasaki ER-6n. Sharing mechanicals with the Ninja 650R, but with street-smart styling that reveals its trellis frame and compact parallel-twin engine, the ER-6n offers a unique blend of stunning good looks combined with nimble handling and a comfortable riding position. The ER-6n has all the performance of its Ninja sibling, in a new and distinctive guise.

The key to the ER-6n’s slender size is its compact liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, DOHC, 8-valve 649cc parallel twin engine, which permits the use of a narrow, lightweight frame. Its fuel injection settings grant the engine plenty of bottom-end torque and smooth low-mid rpm response. Its coolant is routed to the cylinder and head through the engine cases, reducing the number of hoses and simplifying the cooling system.

The size-efficient engine delivers good fuel economy and also meets stringent Euro-III emission regulations thanks to its precise fuel-injection and a new three-way catalyzer system equipped with a small and light 300-cell catalyzer.

The non-intimidating twin-cylinder appeals to riders with its excellent mid-range and plenty of character to thrill more advanced riders. This manageable powerplant offers superb roll-on response and enables the ER-6n to fluently slice through commuter traffic or carve canyons like a skilled surgeon.

The new ER-6n shares its signature trellis frame, offset laydown rear shock, swingarm, suspension and its chassis with the new Ninja 650R. The chassis rigidity balance and suspension settings, and the rubber upper-rear engine and handlebar mounts offer vibration dampening and lighter handling qualities. The rider and passenger footpegs are also rubber coated for a further reduction in the amount of vibration transferred to the rider. A slim and low seat further enhances the ER-6n’s natural riding position and makes reaching the ground painless.

Part of the ER-6n’s distinctive character is its sharp, muscular bodywork that gives it an aggressive, dynamic persona. The ER-6n’s bodywork accentuates the frame, rather than hiding it. The angular lines and simple design flows through the frame, rear suspension and swingarm creating an integrated line running from the steering head to the rear hub. Its tall fuel tank, raked-back radiator shrouds and sharp tail cowl further enhance the bike’s front-to-back compactness. The attention to detail is evident in the ER-6n’s high-quality paint finish.

The instrument cluster is uniquely stacked with a sharp design and easy layout from the analog speedometer to the multi-function LCD screen. The instrumentation features include a new fuel gauge, bar-style digital tachometer, clock, odometer and dual trip meters. Besides the rubber coating on the footpegs, the passenger also benefits from the easy to reach aluminum grab rails — nothing like a relaxed passenger to allow the rider to fully enjoy the ER-6n’s friendly ergonomics and a versatile cockpit.

Quite simply, this is a motorcycle that both novice and experienced riders can be at home on and equally comfortable employing its assets to the fullest, whether it be navigating urban environs or enjoying a weekend canyon run. In other words, this real world overachiever begs to demonstrate its versatility and everyday usefulness.

Features

Quick-Revving, 649cc Parallel-Twin Engine
- Liquid-cooled, DOHC, 8-valve fuel injected twin cylinder delivers smooth, responsive performance, especially in the low to medium rpm range
- Excellent mid-range power, exceptional roll-on response and impressive passing performance make even commuter traffic enjoyable
- Silky smooth engine vibes via a 180° crankshaft driven balancer shaft, which in turn drives the water pump
- Oil jets on the connecting rod big ends spray oil on the undersides of the pistons to aid cooling
- Lightweight plug-mounted ignition coils deliver a hot spark and save space
- Wide radiator offers plenty of cooling efficiency
- New coolant routing travels directly to the engine cases, then on to the cylinder and head through internal passages, which reduces external plumbing and keep the cooling system simple
- Fine-tuned shift lever position is easy to use

Digital Fuel Injection
- Fuel injection settings permit a healthy bottom-end torque while letting the engine rev fast
- Sub-throttle valve equipped 38mm Keihin throttle bodies offer optimum performance and rideability
- Located behind the main throttle valves, the sub-throttles are controlled by the DFI® system ECU for a precise throttle response, similar to a constant-velocity carburetor
- Auto-fast idle system simplifies starting and helps ensure the catalyzer reaches optimum temperature quickly
- The lightweight fuel pump is mounted inside the fuel tank.

Compact Engine Design
- Powerful twin-cylinder engine is the most compact in its category, which helps reduce the dimension of the entire motorcycle and allows use of a slim, minimalist frame
- Triangular setup of the crankshaft and transmission shafts makes the engine short front-to-back
- Transmission input shaft, output shaft and change drum are contained in a “cassette”-style package that allows a compact layout and eases transmission maintenance chores
- Semi-dry sump design reduces engine height
- Plated, linerless aluminum cylinders with a narrow cylinder pitch keep the engine light and slim

Cleaner Emissions
- Efficient fuel injection and a three-way catalyzer inside the exhaust produce very low emissions, able to pass the stringent Euro-III emission regulations
- Utilizes a compact and light 300-cell catalyzer unit
- Under-engine muffler placement improves mass centralization and the bike’s low center of gravity
- The exhaust pipe bend and under-engine muffler arrangement contribute to the ER-6n’s attractive styling

Good Vibrations
- Rubber upper-rear engine mounts decrease the vibration transferred to the rider through the seat
- Handlebar is rubber-mounted to lessen vibration transmitted through the handle grips
- Rider and passenger footpegs are rubber coated to further reduce vibration

Lighter Handling Trellis Frame
- Frame has all the key ER-6n elements — slim, low, lightweight and compact design that is narrow at the knees and footpegs for rider comfort and control
- The strong, high-tensile steel trellis frame not only looks lightweight, but it is – rivaling that of aluminum frames
- Featuring balanced rigidity, achieved through extensive 3D analysis translates directly into superb handling
- The frame, rear suspension and swingarm designs flow together with an integrated line running from the steering head to the rear hub
- Short front-to-back dimensions of the engine allow for a long swingarm and a short wheelbase combination that contributes to the light and nimble handling

Rigid Swingarm
- Swingarm stiffness to balance the frame rigidity – due primarily to the rubber engine mounts
- The D-shaped cross-section swingarm, stabilizer, chain adjuster design and elegant one-piece rider/passenger footpeg stays complement to the ER-6n’s high-quality appearance

Suspension
- Front and rear suspension settings to match the frame and swingarm rigidity values for lighter, rider-friendly handling
- Shape of the 41mm fork lower ends around the axle shaft adds to the bike’s performance and high quality image

Confidence Inspiring Ergonomics
- An ideal handlebar, seat and footpeg relationship results in a comfortable and natural riding position suiting a wide range of riders
- Frame narrows just aft of the fuel tank enabling a slimmer seat, making the reach to the ground even easier
- The offset single-shock rear suspension layout with the battery located beside the shock instead of beneath it allows a lower seat height as well
- Low seat height and slim overall design make it easy to plant both feet firmly on the ground when stopped
- Aluminum passenger grips are positioned and shaped for easy grabbing by the passenger

Sharp Masculine Styling
- Angular, stacked dual headlight and its shroud contribute to the ER-6n’s masculine image and features two position lights
- Headlights can be adjusted behind the headlight cover
- Reinforcing the ER-6n’s masculine styling, the sharp, edgy radiator shrouds feature integrated front turn signals with clear lenses and orange bulbs and forward-leaning lines
- A flush-surface fuel cap and its sharp-edged motif give the tank a distinctive look
- The new ER-6n’s compact front-to-rear appearance is enhanced by the short front cowl, short rear cowl with its LED tail light and shrouds that start behind the front fork
- Finishing out the bike’s aggressive image is a sharp tail cowl design featuring a slimmer rear mud flap and turn signals that can also function as hazard lights
- A long front fender keeps the mud splashing to a minimum and its two-tone design matches the ER-6n’s light, compact theme
- An inner rear fender helps keep the underside of the tail cowl clean
- Storage options include four tie-down hooks for baggage or a spare helmet to be secured to the seat and a storage space under the seat with room for a U-lock or similar device

Mirrors
- Mirror design is a similar supersport-style and offer an unparalleled rear view

Brakes
- Dual 300mm front petal disc brakes with twin 27mm piston front brake calipers and a single 220mm rear petal disc deliver plenty of braking power
- Housed in a curved brake master cylinder reservoir , the front brake lever utilizes an optimized ball-joint and pivot location to deliver smooth actuation of its 14mm master cylinder piston

Wheels
- Attractive six-spoke supersport-style wheels augment the bike’s light look while reducing unsprung weight

Instruments/Controls
- Stacked instrument cluster has a sharp design and clean layout with an analog speedometer that uses white LED backlights for excellent visibility at night
- The multi-function LCD screen has amber backlighting and its features include a fuel gauge, bar-style digital tachometer, clock, odometer and dual trip meters
- Inner cover inside the front cowl provides a clean appearance in this area
- Handlebar mount design and curved shapes on the brake master cylinder reservoir and clutch lever contribute further to the ER-6n’s masculine appearance

2009 Kawasaki Versys

2009 Kawasaki Versys

ONE MOTORCYCLE FOR ALL OCCASIONS: THE 2009 KAWASAKI VERSYS™

Seven-day versatility ready for commuting, casual treks or canyon running

While the 2009 Kawasaki Versys™ may defy attempts to pigeon hole it into a preordained role, the truth is this is a machine that epitomizes versatility. The editors at Motorcyclist magazine may have described this jack-of-all-trades motorcycle best: “The most impressive thing about the Versys is what it can do. That would be just about anything, and for a lot less money than anything else out there. Call it whatever you want. We’re calling it Motorcycle of the Year.”

To create the Versys, Kawasaki engineers turned to the already user-friendly Ninja® 650R sportbike. Building upon its 649cc parallel-twin engine, six-spoke superbike-inspired wheels, light steering and neutral handling chassis; they added an adjustable-height windscreen, a longer “gull” shaped swingarm, adjustable, long-travel rear shock, long-travel inverted 41mm forks and provided it with a roomy, comfortable cockpit. The resulting motorcycle is ready to excel at almost any task its rider needs, from gridlock traffic jams, to canyon carving, to long-distance touring.

A major element in the flexibility of the Versys motorcycle is its compact liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, DOHC, 8-valve, 649cc parallel-twin engine. This engine was already lively enough for even the most advanced riders, yet predictable enough to inspire confidence in less-experienced motorcyclists. However, it was modified to deliver its smooth power earlier for brisk off-the-line acceleration with plenty of supple torque for the cut-n-thrust commute environment, while still offering excellent fuel economy.

Its suspension offers the latest in sophistication with an advanced Showa rear shock utilizing a free piston and two-stage damping valves for progressive compression damping, which firms significantly as the shock moves through its stroke. This allows a wheel travel feel that is initially soft like a dual sport, but firms to near sportbike levels as suspension loads escalate. This high-tech shock is connected to the longer-than-average aluminum gull-wing swingarm – made possible by a short/compact engine and chassis.

The high-tech suspension approach continues up front with a fully-adjustable, 41mm tapered-tube inverted fork that combines the best of off-road and sportbike suspension action for a stiffness balance that is a perfect match to the Versys chassis settings. In addition to a more-comfortable ride, the long-travel fork’s soft-stroke allows easy control of the chassis’ running angle by shifting the rider’s weight.

Enhancing the plush ride from its suspension is a carefully designed cockpit that features a stepped seat constructed to provide optimum comfort to both the rider and passenger. An easy-to-read and informative instrument panel allows riders to quickly scan the gauges and get their eyes back on the road. Capping off the comfort list is an adjustable windscreen that can be raised or lowered to three positions in 20mm increments.

Features
649cc Parallel Twin-cylinder, DOHC Engine
- Most compact engine in its category, helps reduce the dimensions of the entire motorcycle
- Triangular crank and transmission shaft layout makes it short from front to back
- Semi-dry sump oil system reduces overall engine height
- The narrow pitch of the chrome composite plated aluminum cylinders helps reduce engine width
- Tuned to deliver smooth, responsive power in the low-to mid-rpm range for exceptional roll-on response – ideal in negotiating city traffic
- 180-degree crankshaft plus balancer shaft smoothes engine pulses
- Oil jets on the connecting rod big ends spray oil on the undersides of the pistons to aid cooling
- Muffler with 3-way catalyzer and bullettip opening is mounted below the engine to help lower the center of gravity and aid weight centralization

Liquid Cooling
- Keeps engine temperatures consistent for long engine life and sustained power during hard use
- Allows closer engine tolerances for more horsepower
- Coolant is routed through the engine cases reducing the number of external hoses

Digital Fuel Injection (DFI®)
- Utilizes 38mm Keihin throttle bodies with ECU controlled sub throttle valves for optimum performance and rideability
- Sub throttles, located behind the main throttle valves, give the DFI system a more precise throttle response, similar to a constant velocity carburetor
- Automatic fast idle system makes starting and warm-up easy
- Precise fuel injection and exhaust catalyzer significantly reduce emissions

Digital Capacitor Discharge Ignition (CDI) System
- Microprocessor controlled timing never requires adjustment and is ultra responsive to engine needs
- Spark plug mounted “stick” ignition coils are compact and help reduce weight

Six-Speed Transmission
- Cassette style transmission with the shafts and shift drum in a compact layout that is easily removed as a single unit from the case for easier maintenance

High Tensile Steel Trellis Frame
- Trellis frame is small and light and Narrow at the knees and feet for increased rider comfort and control
- Designed using 3-dimensional computer analysis to achieve the optimum stiffness balance for better handling

Single Shock Rear Suspension
- Aluminum gull-wing swingarm and offset, laydown single rear shock complement the frame design via an integrated line flowing from the steering head to the rear hub
- Short, compact frame and engine design allows the swingarm to be longer, which helps improve overall handling
- Showa shock has adjustable preload and rebound damping and uses a free piston and two-stage damping valves for smooth action during initial compression that becomes much firmer near the end of the stroke for a more planted feel

Long-Travel Fork
- 41mm Inverted fork with stiff springs combines the best of dual sport and sportbike-type suspensions, to deliver excellent performance over a wide range of conditions
- Tapered, relatively short outer tubes help provide the ideal stiffness balance to compliment chassis settings
- Fork height, preload and rebound damping can all be adjusted to fine-tune the suspension to specific conditions or riding styles

Petal Style Brake Discs
- Braking duties handled by dual 300mm front petal discs with two-piston calipers and a single 220mm rear petal disc with a single-piston caliper
- Same rotor design as found on the Ninja supersport machines, petal design rotors offer improved cooling and warp resistance

Six-spoke wheels
- Also found on the Ninja ZX™-6R and ZX-10R; the six-spoke design requires much less material between spokes so that the rim thickness is thinner and overall wheel weight is reduced

Comfortable Ergonomics
- Each part of the two-piece seat was designed with a different thickness and firmness of foam to optimize comfort for both rider and passenger
- Passenger seat and grab bars were designed to provide a natural seating position for added comfort
- Easy-to-read instrument panel has a large analog tachometer and digital readout for the speedometer, fuel gauge, odometer, dual trip meters and clock. White LED backlighting provides increased visibility at night

Adjustable Windscreen
- Three different settings, each 20mm apart, allows riders to set the windscreen height to suit their preferences

2009 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R

2009 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R

Racing crucible hardens this Ninja’s edge

Creating a superbike engine and chassis combination that is competent enough to delight professional racers, yet still possesses valuable streetbike qualities to satisfy mainstream riders is a delicate balancing act to say the least. However, Kawasaki sportbike engineers aren’t your average slide rule gang. They gathered an extensive amount of superbike racing knowledge and distilled it into the latest Ninja® ZX™-10R, to create a machine that dominates, regardless of the locale.

Motivating this impressive package is a fearsome 998cc, four-cylinder engine that offers a strong mid-range punch followed by an eye-watering high-rpm crescendo. Part of the motor’s success is its efficient respiratory system – the bank of four 43mm Keihin throttle bodies with oval sub-throttles. Controlled by Kawasaki’s digital fuel injection (DFI®) system and featuring two injectors per cylinder, the throttle bodies utilize the airbox’s efficient design to maximize flow for improved cylinder filling and maximum power output. On par with the impressive intake side, the equally efficient exhaust system lets the engine exhale with ease, while generating less noise and minimizing emissions.

An excellent power delivery demands a top-notch transmission and the ZX-10R’s is no exception. With gearing optimized to match the engine output, the transmission and engine are essentially a race-ready team with performance similar to Kawasaki’s factory Superbikes. More racing heritage is found in its adjustable slipper clutch, which allows riders to dole out quick downshifts without upsetting the fine-tuned chassis.

The ZX-10R also has the Kawasaki Ignition Management System (KIMS) to enhance the precision with which the engine reacts to throttle changes. The KIMS works to prevent engine and catalyzer damage from sudden spikes in engine speed, providing a smooth and controlled throttle response to the rider. The system works by monitoring the standard DFI system’s input data (engine speed, throttle position, vehicle speed, gear position and feedback from intake air temperature, intake air pressure, engine temperature and O2 sensors), and checking every 0.02 seconds for any sudden changes in RPM. It doesn’t interfere with normal operation and still allows the engine to rev freely under typical riding conditions.

A superb engine deserves an equally superb chassis, and this is where the ZX-10R really shines. Applying lessons learned in the unforgiving racing environment to its ?ber-sport bike, Kawasaki created an exceptionally communicative machine. It provides two-way rider/machine feedback with the precision professional racers demand and everyday riders crave.

The track oriented and fully-adjustable 43mm inverted fork and advanced rear suspension design supplement the ZX-10R’s chassis feedback capabilities. The fork tubes have Diamond Like Carbon (DLC) coating for less stiction and enhanced feedback, while locating the springs at the bottom of the fork legs helps reduce oil frothing for more consistent damping performance. The fully-adjustable rear shock includes low and high-speed compression damping for better fine-tuning capabilities and connects to the aluminum swingarm via the latest Uni-Trak® linkage design.

Light, stiff and precise squeeze-cast wheels keep unsprung weight down and improve suspension action. Their reduced rotational inertia further enhances the 10R’s quick steering and acceleration.

The ZX-10R is capable of slowing down every bit as fast as it can sprint ahead. Braking duties are handled by radial mounted Tokico brake calipers squeezing 310mm petal discs, while the rear 220mm petal disc is stopped by a single-piston caliper.

Shrink wrapping all of this Kawasaki wizardry is a sleek aerodynamic shape that flows from an aggressive front cowling to a sharp, minimalist tail cowl. The rear frame, tank and seat shape offer glove-like ergonomics and near form-fitted rider/bike contact spots. The result of these efforts is a clean, lithe and wiry package highlighted by superb fit and finish exuding the presence befitting its Ninja name.

Lessons learned on the race track translate to the road in the new Ninja ZX-10R. Responsive enough for the most demanding racer, yet with performance and handling that experienced road riders can make the most of too. An intelligent ignition management system controls power delivery. The perfect balance.

Features

Four-Cylinder, DOHC 998cc Engine
- Very compact, narrow and lightweight design
- One-piece upper crankcase and cylinder casting saves weight and offers increased rigidity
- Oil is routed through channels milled into the cases on various parts of the engine, eliminating oil lines and saving weight
- Stacked triangular layout of crank axis, input shaft and output shaft reduces engine length and lowers the center of gravity
- Lightweight crankshaft maintains the same inertial moment as heavier design but saves about two pounds
- Low friction oil pump reduction ratio
- Water pump uses the same type impeller as the ZX-14 with pump rpm optimized for less friction
- Lightweight Denso radiator with tightly packed cores
- Specially designed internal fins on the liquid-cooled, aluminum oil cooler for highefficiency heat dissipation

Cylinder head
- Intake ports, exhaust ports and combustion chambers designed for optimum flow efficiency and top-end power
- Exhaust ports are narrower at the midpoint and larger at the opening to promote higher exhaust velocity
- 24.5mm diameter exhaust valves
- Lift profiles of the cam lobes are designed to deliver more power at high rpm and make it easier to tune the engine for racing

Fuel Injection
- Secondary fuel injectors improve top-end power output and power characteristics
- Oval cross-sectioned throttle bodies allow more precise throttle control and response
- Compact flat-type fuel pump takes up less fuel tank space

Air intake
- Ram air intake duct shaped for lower intake noise and higher intake efficiency
- Larger airbox offers accessibility and ease of maintenance

KIMS Ignition
- Kawasaki Ignition Management System (KIMS) helps curtail sudden spikes in engine speed, enhancing the rider’s control of power delivery
- Designed not to interfere with the rider’s inputs, the complex ECU program remains passive, unless the change in engine speed exceeds the predicted response for the given parameters, the KIMS will not engage
- Monitors engine speed, throttle position, vehicle speed, gear position, FI input data (feedback from intake air temperature, intake air pressure, engine temperature and O2 sensors), and rate of RPM change, then adjusts ignition timing to help regulate power delivery
- Only possible to adjust the parameters with an accessory racing (circuit-use only) kit installed

Exhaust system
- Features a pre-chamber under the engine to reduce exhaust noise, and minimize silencer volume
- Palladium catalyzer helps the ZX-10R to meet strict Euro-III exhaust emissions standards
- Single orthogonal, titanium silencer, along with the pre-chamber, lowers the bike’s center of gravity and improves exhaust efficiency

Six-Speed Transmission
- Gear ratios suit the power characteristics for ideal power delivery in the low and high-rpm ranges
- Final reduction ratio of 17/41 intensifies the acceleration
- Features an adjustable back-torque limiting clutch

Chassis
- Unique twin-spar frame features an optimized stiffness balance through a mixture of materials, shapes and thicknesses, which alleviate critical stress concentrations
- Ribbing on the interior of the pivot plate where it joins the frame’s upper cross member slightly slows down the frame feedback for a more accurate feel
- Swingarm pivot located to aid with the front-rear weight balance
- Lightweight, two-piece, aluminum die-cast sub-frame is mounted to the frame’s upper cross member, so rear suspension feedback is transmitted more directly to the rider
- Narrow sub-frame layout contributes to the compact and slim rear of the bike

Swingarm
- Pressed beam swingarm delivers a level of feel and feedback unobtainable with a cast swingarm
- Swingarm features a top-mounted brace that contributes to the superb high-speed stability of the chassis

Suspension
- DLC (Diamond Like Carbon) fork tube coating on the fully adjustable 43mm inverted fork improves fork action with less friction, smoother action and better road holding
- Bottom mounted springs completely submerged in oil for reduced frothing and improved damping performance, fork action and road-following ability
- Fully adjustable shock features dual (low- and high-speed) compression damping, providing the fine-tuning needed for racing

Race-quality steering damper
- Adjustable Öhlins steering damper with relief valve and twin-tube design, developed specifically for the Ninja ZX-10R is fitted as standard equipment to ensure stable damping performance even under racing conditions

Brakes
- Tokico radial mount brake calipers fitted with dual pads for superb initial bite, increased control and a progressive feel
- 5.5mm thick 310mm petal discs provide the heat dispersion needed to maintain brake feel and responsiveness during extended periods of heavy use
- 220mm rear petal disc is gripped by a single-piston caliper

Wheels
- Squeeze-cast wheels offer more precise dimensions with less wall thickness and weight yet are stiffer than the gravity-cast units

Ergonomics
- Rear frame, tank and seat offer high levels of contact with the bike and provide the rider very accurate feedback regarding chassis performance and road surface
- Flared fuel tank top makes it easier for riders to rest the inside of their arm on the tank when leaning into a turn
- Narrow in the front and shorter, front to back, for a slimmer riding position, the seat offers a shorter reach to the pavement and excellent feedback from the chassis
- A special rib on the end of throttle tube, under the rubber, improves grip and feel

Aerodynamic Bodywork
- Top of the front cowl has a slight step at the front to reduce wind blast on the rider’s shoulders and generate a laminar flow around the rider’s helmet for less turbulence at higher speeds
- Front fender aids cooling efficiency by directing air toward the radiator
- Recess on the top of the fuel tank accommodates the helmet’s chin, so it’s easier to tuck in behind the windscreen
- High mounting position of mirrors, with integrated turn signals, provides excellent rearward visibility and helps to minimize damage if the bike falls over
- Flush-surface of the tail’s underside reduces turbulence at the rear of the bike and ensures laminar airflow around the seat
- Larger rear inner fender keeps the bike cleaner and allows the mud flap to be smaller and less obtrusive, further improving aerodynamic qualities around the rear of the machine
- The mirrors, license plate holder and rear turn signals are easily removable for track day prep
- LED tail light makes the bike more visible to drivers and provides the final styling flourish to the evocative Ninja design

Advanced Electronic Instrumentation
- Instrument cluster uses UV-blocking glass, so the LED displays are brighter and easier to read
- Multifunction odometer, tripmeter, clock and lap timer/stopwatch

2009 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14

Kawasaki’s Flagship Superbike Reigns Supreme

In the ever changing world of global superbike supremacy, the mantra “evolve or get left behind” still holds true. The 2009 Kawasaki Ninja® ZX™-14 has not rested on its laurels. The winning traits – massive torque, effortless power, agile handling and comfortable ergonomics – of the 1352cc Ninja king have landed it a sizeable collection of open class sportbike victories. Despite ever-tightening noise and emissions regulations; the ZX-14 has continued to set the pace of sportbike excellence ever since its domineering debut in March of 2006.

No doubt about it, the ZX-14 is a testament to effective evolution. Its engine and exhaust system permit it to comply with strict Euro-III emissions and tightening noise regulations. However, the ZX-14’s low-end torque, mid-range surge and its legendary Ninja peak power place it at the top of the sportbike food chain.

Secondary air ports in the cylinder head and its cover flow clean air into the exhaust system and boost the efficiency of the three honeycomb catalyzers employed in the exhaust system. These devices, combined with a wide dispersal of atomized fuel from the fine-atomizing fuel injectors and optimized flow characteristics through the intakes, allow the ZX-14’s 1352cc engine to offer strong performance, yet still meet the toughest motorcycle emissions regulations.

The ZX-14 meets noise standards by producing a minimum of internal mechanical noise, in lieu of using a more-restrictive exhaust system. A special piston profile and a urethane insulation sheet on the inside of the magnesium chain cover help quiet the engine and permit a freer flowing exhaust for greater power.

The ZX-14’s chassis design is every bit the equal of its power plant. Using an advanced version of Kawasaki’s unique aluminum monocoque design, its frame is lightweight and very strong. Die cast aluminum sections on the main frame make for lighter parts, keeping the weight down even more on the slim and compact frame.

The narrow engine, monocoque frame, and fuel tank provide a slim rider interface and a relaxed sport riding position. It is compact without being cramped, with its easy-to-reach bar position, low-set footpegs for ample legroom and a low seat height and narrow seat front to easily plant both feet on the ground when stopped. Comfort levels are high enough to cause riders to think they’re on a dedicated sport tourer – until the ZX-14’s throttle is twisted. When that happens, all confusion disappears, like so many competitors in the rear view mirrors.

Uninterrupted fairing lines give the ZX-14 a smooth, flowing appearance from front to rear, due in part to the monocoque frame that goes over the engine and doesn’t protrude through the cowling. Quadruple projector beam headlights adorn the ZX-14’s front fairing, immediately beneath its menacing ram air intake duct. The turn signals are cleanly integrated into the fairing and rear cowl, with a unique “V” design LED tail lamp capping off a sleek, aerodynamic package that reinforces Kawasaki’s aircraft heritage.

The Ninja ZX-14’s blend of power, handling and style perfectly illustrates the potent technological know how of Kawasaki’s highly-trained engineers.

Features

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 planned engine design is compact and narrow
Low mechanical noise via special piston profile and urethane insulation sheet on the inside of the magnesium chain cover-Exhaust
- 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 torque characteristics

Gear-Driven Dual Engine Balancers- Already in perfect primary balance, dual secondary balancers virtually eliminate unwanted vibrations for extremely smooth engine operation and reduced rider fatigue

Ram Air Induction
- Central ram air duct draws the cooler, higher-pressure air from the face of the fairing and efficiently guides it through the air cleaner and into the engine for maximum power output

Digital Fuel Injection
- 44mm Mikuni throttle bodies are fitted with sub-throttle valves, controlled by the ECU to provide precise response, make DFI® performance smoother, and help meet Euro III emission requirements
- Intake porting optimizes flow characteristics
- Injectors deliver lateral spray at a 20 degree angle to disperse the finely-atomized fuel over a wider area
- Fine-atomizing injectors produce 75µ droplet size
- 32-bit ECU works with dual throttle valve system to further enhance throttle response and control

Digital Ignition
- Digital Timing Advance enhances low-and mid-range power
- Individual spark plug-mounted ignition coils fire each of the four sparkplugs independently to achieve the optimum timing for that cylinder at that instant
- ECU includes an idle speed control system for easier starting and warm-up

Radial Pump Clutch Master Cylinder
- Hydraulic clutch features a radial-pump clutch master cylinder for smooth and precise clutch engagement and feel

Next-Generation Monocoque Aluminum Frame
- Lightweight, monocoque frame is a hollow aluminum box that arches over the engine from the steering head to the swing arm pivot. It is narrow, strong, rigid and very light
- Frame’s cast aluminum sections - steering head and swing arm pivot areas – are produced with a die casting process for further weight savings
- Rigidly mounted engine is a stressed frame member, which increases the frame’s torsional rigidity and saves approximately four pounds
- Engine 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 has simple access through the back side of the frame

Suspension
- Inverted 43mm cartridge type front fork utilizes damping rates that offer stiff 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 provide linear suspension action
- Bottom-link design concentrates 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

Radial Mounted Petal Front Disc Brakes
- Radial mounted four-piston front brake calipers 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
- Petal design brake discs provide better cooling and warp resistance
- Radial-pump front brake master cylinder improves brake performance and lever feel

Wind Tunnel-Designed Bodywork
- Monocoque frame goes 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 the appearance
- Quadruple projector beam headlights give the ZX-14 a distinctive front fairing. The outer lights contain position lamps and the high beams, while the low beams are in the center lamps
- Lightweight Denso radiator with high-density cores provides maximum cooling efficiency

Full Instrumentation
- White faced dual analog speedometer and tachometer are easy to read
- Multi-function LCD digital display includes an odometer, two trip meters, fuel gauge, gear position indicator and a clock
- 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
- 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