2010 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14

KAWASAKI NINIJA ZX-14 2010 HIGHLIGHTS

Price : $13,399.00 
Bodystyle : Super Sports 
Warranty : 12 months 
Manufacturer Country : Japan 
Model Year : 2010 
Displacement (cc) : 1352 
Engine Type : Horizontal In-line

VEHICLE REVIEW

2010 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14

Getting in contact with a candidate for the “Ultimate Superbike” title can be a mind blowing experience, especially if you’re suppose to ride the hell out of the thing, but the 2010 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14 adds a little more to that feel. It’s all about the imposing dimensions and the constant thought of knowing that underneath you grumbles this manufacturer’s biggest and most evolved motor to be mounted on a superbike-type motorcycle.

Kawasaki’s strategy for the 2010 Ninja ZX-14 is as simple, but as demanding as they get. To begin with, the inline four, DOHC, four-valve per cylinder engine is as light, compact and as silent as  possible despite the fact that it displaces 1,352cc. Being ram air inducted, digitally fuel injected and gear-driven balanced, this develops 154 Nm at 7,500 rpm and 203 hp at 9,500 rpm, so being competitive was clearly a priority. Meeting Euro III regulations was prior too from the logical reason that people won’t buy a bike which they’re not allowed to ride. The biggest Ninja’s main advantage is that although being massive, it is designed to handle like a much smaller and versatile motorcycle and all the chassis components back up this impressive attitude in a way we just couldn’t possibly anticipate. Weight saving was a good point to start, so the monocoque frame features as many aluminum elements as possible while still offering proper resistance. The suspensions (43mm cartridge type front fork and bottom-link Uni-Trak rear) have been tuned for extreme sport riding, so apart from the performance brake package, there really isn’t much more to ask from the Ninja ZX-14, but carefully wait for it to deliver the unexpected.
Stylistically, this bike offers not many reasons to be impressed even though the bodywork was designed basing on results from wind tunnel testing. So the question just pops: was it always that way? Yes, pretty much. When first introduced back in 2006 both as a replacement for the ZX-12R and a more powerful competitor for the Suzuki Hayabusa, the Ninja ZX-14 was based on the same recipe as currently. The engine was the same and it got fuel injection from the very first year of fabrication and the chassis was as light as possible while giving a new meaning to sharp handling for the class, of course. 2006 colors were Passion Red, Ebony, and Candy Thunder Blue. The only thing that this bike really needed to stand out each and every year after was a new color range and nothing more. So in 2007 it featured the Diablo Black, Candy Plasma Blue, and Special Edition Pearl Crystal White coloring while 2008 brought the Metallic Midnight Sapphire Blue, Atomic Silver, and Special Edition Metallic Flat Spark Black/Metallic Persimmon Red. In 2009 it stood out thanks to the Candy Lime Green, Flat Super Black, Candy Burnt Orange and Metallic Diablo Black color schemes. The only “thing” shadowing ZX-14’s success during these years was the Suzuki GSX-R1300 Hayabusa, but Kawasaki had assumed this possibility ever since deciding to create and launch their alternative to Suzuki’s ultimate sports motorcycle. In 2010, the situation is still the same as the Hayabusa is more potent and better looking than ever before. But while the Busa is THE most aggressive ride you get on two-wheels, the Ninja has sport-touring credentials too so it falls a little more behind in this comparison too.We did mentioned before that the bike was literally designed in the wind tunnel, but it seems that Kawasaki designers try their best in dissolving any form of visual attraction that the sport bike lineup still may have exerted and the 2010 ZX-14 is probably the most conclusive proof of this fact.
Being a massive motorcycle, the Kawasaki ZX-14 should have at least featured less eccentric colors in an attempt to make it look sinuous. But, despite its size, it is being painted Candy Persimmon Red, so it is good that Kawasaki at least introduces the Metallic Titanium/Metallic Spark Black paintjob as a much more appropriate alternative. That’s just not the way of getting better looking than the notorious Suzuki Hayabusa, but at least it keeps the prices low.

Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14, Advance in Technology 

Engine and Drivetrain

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. 
Big, 1352cc displacement features a bore and stroke of 84 x 61 mm.
Revised intake porting provides optimum flow characteristics. 
Revised piston profiles contribute to reduced mechanical noise. 
New cylinder head and cylinder head cover have larger secondary air ports (increased approximately 20%), making it easier to get more air into the exhaust system for cleaner emissions. The electric Air Switching Valve (ASV) can also handle more air volume. 
Windage ports between cylinders reduce pumping losses for increased power output.
The monocoque frame is sealed to form the ram-air airbox contributing to the compact layout.
New urethane sheet added to the inside of the magnesium chain cover also helps reduce mechanical noise.
Already in perfect primary balance, the ZX-14 engine uses a secondary balancer to tame unwanted vibrations, resulting in an extremely smooth engine.
Three-phase generator is crankshaft mounted for reduced drive losses.
The crankshaft, input shaft, and output shaft are arranged in a tri-axis to create a very compact engine length. 
Digital fuel injection features ECU controlled sub-throttles to smooth throttle response for “carb like” action. The result is much better rider control and ease of operation. 
Intake breathes through four massive, 44mm throttle bores for high air flow at top engine loads.
New, fine-atomising injectors with droplet size of 75µ increase lateral spray angle from 15o to 20o, dispersing atomised fuel over a wider area resulting in improved power, smoother operation and excellent fuel mileage. 
Automatic Idle Speed Control system contributes to easy starting.
Twin mufflers (each with honeycomb catalyzer) provide ample volume for creating the engines massive power and meeting exhaust emission standards. 
New internal muffler construction. Capacity ratio of the first and third chambers was adjusted, as were the lengths of the pipes projecting from the baffle plates 
In addition to the already existing honeycomb catalysers in each muffler, a new third honeycomb catalyser was added in the collector.
Entrances to the connecting pipes (joining header pipes 1-4 & 2-3) were enlarged approximately 75% to compensate for the new collector shape (addition of the third honeycomb catalyser). This change in particular resulted in enhanced torque characteristics, especially in the low rpm range.
Slick shifting six-speed transmission feeds power to the rear wheel. 
Direct-actuation shift lever is lighter than conventional linkage-type arrangements and offers a more direct feel. 
Hydraulically operated clutch features a radial-mount clutch master cylinder for worry-free, silky smooth clutch operation. 

Chassis System

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. 
Fuel mass is located at the rear of the “tank” and extends below the seat, further contributing to the centralized mass.
Already inherently more rigid than twin-spar frames, with the engine rigid-mounted the torsional rigidity is further increased. Using the engine as a stressed member allows the frame to be made lighter. 
New die-casting process for the main frame sections results in a lighter frame. 
Massive head pipe casting also contributes to the high rigidity.
Bolt-on, aluminum rear sub-frame includes tall side plates contributing to the unique styling and creating a very narrower mid-section. 
Monocoque frame design creates a void inside the frame that is used to house various electrics including the M-F battery.
The hollow section of the frame behind the steering head serves duty as the airbox for the ram-air system.
The combination of the monocoque frame with rigid-mounted engine and a mass located at the centerline gives the ZX-14 extreme stability at high speeds. 
Chassis is narrow through the middle for superior rider control.
Engine and chassis components were all designed to maximize mass centralization.
Inverted, 43 mm cartridge fork uses a large diameter, hollow axle for light weight and precise steering feedback. 
Fork includes adjustments for compression damping, rebound damping, and ride height.
Uni-trak linkage rear suspension complements the highly rigid frame, offering both great controllability at high speeds and superb road holding ability when sport riding in the hills. 
Gas charged piggy back reservoir shock includes adjustments for compression damping, rebound damping, and spring preload.
Formidable front brake performance is further enhanced with a radial-pump master cylinder that offers superb feel at the lever.
Semi-floating, drilled, petal style, 310 mm front brake rotors are gripped by Nissin, radial mount, 4-piston, 4-pad calipers. 
Rear brake features 250 mm, drilled, petal style rotor and 2-piston caliper for additional stopping power and improved braking feel. 
Wheels feature center ribs that are slightly offset so that tire balance weights can be located at the wheel centerline.

Brakes and 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. 
Because the monocoque frame goes over the engine and does not protrude through the fairing, a smooth, uninterrupted fairing design is possible.
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 features a flush-surface tank cap.
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. 
Standard equipment solo seat cover complements the aerodynamic styling. Removing the cover reveals the seat beneath.
Quadruple projector beam headlights adorn the ZX-14’s front cowl. The outer lights contain position lamps and the high beams. Low beams are in the two center lamps.
All four beams on (when HI beam selected) creates enough light to turn night into day.
Central Ram Air duct like that of other Ninja models gives the ZX-14 a consistent Kawasaki face.
InstrumentationNestled in the canopy is an instrument cluster with LCD information centre and dual electric analog gauges for speedometer and tachometer.
White meter faces with black lettering makes the meters easy to read in daylight. Meter faces look black with white lettering and the meter needles glow red at night.
Multi-function LCD digital display includes:
coolant temperature gauge
gear position indicator
fuel level gauge 
average fuel mileage
instant fuel mileage 
fuel range 
battery voltage 
shift indicator light (rpm programmable) 
engage rpm indicator light (rpm programmable)
dual, A/B trip meters 
odometer
digital clock 

Multi-function LCD digital display language can be set for English or French. Display can also be set for litres, US gallon, or Imperial gallon.
Shift and engage indicator lights can be set individually for bright, dim, blinking, or off.
Use of CAN interface between the meter and the ECU reduces the number of cables and allows a greater volume of information (e.g. fuel consumption) to be exchanged.
CAN (Controller Area Network) is the latest generation On Board Diagnostics interface system.
Anti-theft circuit built into the ignition switch and ECU prevents hotwiring by joy riders. 
Quadruple projector beam headlights adorn the ZX-14’s front cowl. The outer lights contain position lamps and the high beams. Low beams are in the two center lamps. 
All four beams on (when HI beam selected) creates enough light to turn night into day.
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.
Central Ram Air duct like that of other Ninja models gives the ZX-14 a consistent Kawasaki face.

Standard 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 75?m 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 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

OVERVIEW SPECIFICATIONS

Engine

Bore (in) : 3.3
Bore (mm) : 84
Carburetion Brand : Mikuni
Compression Ratio : 12.01
Cooling : Liquid
Cylinders : 4
Displacement (cc) : 1352
Displacement (ci) : 82.5
Engine Configuration : Horizontal In-line
Engine Type : 4-Stroke
Fuel Injector : Yes
Fuel Injector Size (mm) : 44
Fuel System Type : Fuel Injected
Ram Air Induction : Yes
Starter : Electric
Stroke (in) : 2.4
Stroke (mm) : 61
Valve Configuration : DOHC
Valves : 16
Valves Per Cylinder : 4

Transmission

Number Of Speeds : 6
Primary Drive (Rear Wheel) : Chain
Reverse : No
Transmission Type : Manual

Steering & Suspension

Air Adjustable : No
Front Adjustable Fork Pre-Load : Yes
Front Adjustable Rebound Damping : Yes
Front Central Suspension Strut : No
Front Fork Diameter (in) : 1.7
Front Fork Diameter (mm) : 43
Front Suspension Type : Inverted Fork
Front Travel (in) : 4.6
Front Travel (mm) : 116.8
Number Rear Shock Absorbers : 1
Rear Adjustable Rebound Damping : Yes
Rear Adjustable Shock / Spring Pre-Load : Yes
Rear Suspension Brand Name : UNI-TRAK
Rear Suspension Type : Twin Sided Swing Arm
Rear Swingarm Material : Aluminum
Rear Travel (in) : 4.8
Rear Travel (mm) : 121.9
Steering Damper : No

Wheels

Front Wheel Diameter : 17
Rear Wheel Diameter : 17
Tube / Tubeless : Tubeless
Wheels Composition : Aluminum

Tires

Front Tire (Full Spec) : 120/70 ZR17
Front Tire Aspect Ratio : 70
Front Tire Speed Rating : Z
Front Tire Width : 120
Rear Tire (Full Spec) : 190/50 ZR17
Rear Tire Aspect Ratio : 50
Rear Tire Speed Rating : Z
Rear Tire Width : 190

Brakes

Front Brake Diameter (in) : 12.2
Front Brake Diameter (mm) : 310
Front Brake Type : Dual Hydraulic Disc
Front Caliper Pistons : 4
Rear Brake Diameter (in) : 9.8
Rear Brake Diameter (mm) : 250
Rear Brake Type : Hydraulic Disc
Rear Caliper Pistons : 2

Body Seat

Adjustable : No
Grab Rail or Strap : Standard
Number Of Seats : 2
Seat Height (in) : 31.5
Seat Height (mm) : 800.1
Seat Location : Driver and Passenger
Seat Material : Vinyl
Seat Specifications : Standard
Seat Tail Cover : Standard
Seat Type : One-Piece

Body Work

Adjustable : No
Belt Guard : No
Body Material : Plastic
Brush Guard : No
Chain Guard : Yes
Construction : Standard
Drive Shaft Cover : No
Drive Shaft Guard : No
Exterior Covers : Standard
Exterior Guards : Standard
Foot Peg Location : Driver and Passenger
Foot Peg Material : Aluminum
Fork Guards : No
Frame : Aluminum
Front Fender : Standard
Front Fender Material : Plastic
Hand Grip Material : Rubber
Hand Grips : Standard
Hand Guards : No
Heel Guards : No
License Plate : Standard
Light Guard : No
Lower Fairing : Standard
Rear Fender Material : Plastic
Rearview Mirrors Folding : Yes
Saddle Bag Guard : No
Spoiler : Standard
Stand : Standard
Stand Type : Kick
Tank Cover : No
Upper Fairing : Standard

Fuel Capacity

Fuel Capacity (gal) : 5.8
Fuel Capacity (l) : 2.6

DIMENSIONS

Capacities : Standard
Comment : Standard
Dimensions : Standard
Fuel Capacity (gal) : 5.8
Fuel Capacity (l) : 2.6
Ground Clearance (in) : 4.9
Ground Clearance (mm) : 124.5
Handlebar Lock : Standard
Height (in) : 46.1
Height (mm) : 1170.9
Introduction Year : 2006
Length (in) : 85.4
Length (mm) : 2169.2
Major Revision Year : 2008
Manufacturer Country : Japan
Manufacturer Type : SuperSport
MIC Model Segment : ON-HWY Sport Bike Over 750cc
Previous Model Year Accessories : Yes
Rake (degrees) : 23
Revision Status : Carryover
Trail (in) : 3.7
Trail (mm) : 94
Weight : Standard
Wet Weight (kg) : 220
Wet Weight (lbs) : 485
Wheelbase (in) : 57.5
Wheelbase (mm) : 1384.3
Width (in) : 29.9
Width (mm) : 759.5