Bikes: Swift response from Ninja

JUST as Ducati announces its new sportsbike to be the world's most powerful, Kawasaki ups the ante.

kawasaki

JUST as Ducati announces its new sportsbike to be the world's most powerful, Kawasaki ups the ante.

The new Ducati Panigale 1199 has 145kW - and the new Kawasaki ZX-14R trumps it with 147.2kW, increasing to 154.5kW with the ram air effect.

Kawasaki also claims the ZX is the world's fastest-accelerating bike but doesn't supply a 0-100km/h time. The outgoing ZX holds the record with 2.9 seconds. The quickest car in the world is reported to be the Ariel Atom V8 at 2.5sec.

To keep that power on the ground and prevent wheelies and wheel spin, the ZX-14R comes with Kawasaki Traction Control, which has three selectable power modes. Using a multi-function button on the handle, the rider scrolls through the modes on an LCD screen without taking the hand off the grip.

The 2012 Ninja ZX-14R has ABS, optimised for bumpy roads. It brings to 14 the number of road-registrable Kawasaki models with standard ABS, including the dual-sport KLR650, KLX450R and KLX250S. (There are 24 models in all.)

Kawasaki Motors Australia spokesman Rudi Baker says the release date is January but cannot give a price guide.

The current model is listed at $19,990.

The new 1441cc four-cylinder powerplant has more torque through the rev band and much more power at mid to high revs. Kawasaki also claims acceleration from 4000rpm is stronger.

The 162.5Nm of torque is strong enough to pull away from the lights in almost any gear. The shorter gearing from the larger rear sprocket assists acceleration and a torque-limiter clutch enables smooth downshifts without locking the rear wheel.

Lighter wheels (by 360g in front and 1030g rear) reduce weight marginally to 268kg. Kawasaki claims the wheels contribute to faster turns and sportier handling.

The ZX bodywork is remodelled for better wind protection, stability at high speeds and less heat radiation on to the rider, a problem in previous models. It will come in black or Kawasaki lime green.

Shorter riders will appreciate the slimmer seat, which allows them to plant their feet more easily.

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AT A GLANCE

Kawasaki ZX-14R

PRICE $20,000 (est)

ENGINE 1441cc 4-cyl, 147.2kW (154.5kW with ram air)/162.5Nm

TRANSMISSION 6-speed, chain drive

TYRES 120/70ZR17 (front), 190/50ZR (rear)

SUSPENSION Fully adjustable, 43mm inverted forks, Uni-Trak with gas-charged shock

BRAKES 310mm discs (front), 250mm (rear), ABS

DIMENSIONS 2170mm (L), 770mm (W), 1170mm (H), 1480 (WB), 800mm (seat height), 125mm (clearance) WEIGHT 268kg (wet)

FUEL TANK 22L