Kawasaki have this morning unveiled a raft of new models at the EICMA Show including a new ZZR1400 and ZZR1400 Performance Sport.
Globally renowned as the reference machine for high mileage performance motorcycling, the ZZR1400 and ZZR1400 Performance Sport models have been refined even further, via a host of engine and chassis modifications.
Key to the ZZR1400 legend is its class leading power and torque characteristics, giving the machine wide versatility, from relaxed everyday riding to hypersport thrills. Utilising new settings in the ECU and a revised evaporative and exhaust system, the ZZR meets the latest Euro4 emission regulations without any drop in the power figures of the 1,441cc machine.
Ensuring that riding speed and rpm readings stay in focus, a new instrument cluster features high-visibility dials and LCD displays using a dot-pattern background, plus black/white interchangeable displays for easy reading in both day and night time.
The already high-spec Performance Sport model receives further upgrades which would not look out of place on the World Superbike winning Ninja ZX-10R. Most obvious are the new Brembo M50 monobloc brake calipers, which combined with a Brembo radial-pump master cylinder and stainless steel brake lines, supply ultimate stopping power.
The model also features a smoked flip-up wind diverting screen, an Öhlins TTX39 rear shock absorber with settings unique to the ZZR1400, plus Akrapovic silencers; a partnership forged from Kawasaki’s all-conquering World Superbike effort.
All in all, the new ZZR1400 models stay true to the machine’s substantial and loyal fan base, whilst taking the ZZR riding experience a step further.
Adding to the interest generated at the recent debut of the 2016 Ninja ZX-10R at Barcelona, the machine that has been jointly developed between the Kawasaki Racing Team and Kawasaki’s Akashi factory was joined by a brand new variant in Milan.
Dubbed the Ninja ZX-10R “Winter Edition”- and resplendent in its svelte matt black and white testing livery - the new machine features the KRT “Snowflake” logo plus Japanese kanji “fuyu” character appropriately meaning Winter.
Complete with a racing team partner road-legal Akrapovic silencer as standard, the ZX-10R Winter Edition looks set to answer sustained requests for such a machine by many Kawasaki fans from across Europe.
Christened the SC-02 or “Soul Charger”, the un-faired “naked” concept illustration revealed a machine with visual clues pointing to a smaller capacity than the litre class Ninja H2 and Ninja H2R that it shares much of its technology with. Mentioning that “Soul Charger” represented the possibility for Kawasaki to make forced induction technology “scalable”, Kawasaki President of the Motorcycle and Engine Company, Mr Kenji Tomida offered a tempting insight into just one possible direction for Kawasaki’s in-house designed and manufactured Supercharger.
In terms of the new season, Kawasaki unveiled the new J125 scooter, a partner to the highly regarded J300. The A1 driving licence category machine marks an exciting entry for the company into the hard fought and popular 125cc scooter market. Sharing many features with the J300, Kawasaki expects strong interest in the J125 which features ABS braking, an automatic under-seat courtesy light and shutter style security ignition as well as the convenience of a rider friendly 12v on-the-go charger socket.
Additionally, two new variants of the Z family gained their public debut at EICMA. The Z800 and Z1000 “Sugomi Editions” take Kawasaki’s styling and engineering concept to the next level for these popular naked class motorcycles with new burgundy and black colour treatments plus accent anodising and model specific Akrapovic silencers for each machine.
