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Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14R



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Ninja ZX-14R Model Image
2016 Kawasaki Ninja ZX14R First Ride Review
2016 Kawasaki Ninja ZX14R First Ride Review
2016 Kawasaki Ninja ZX14R First Ride Review
2016 Kawasaki Ninja ZX14R First Ride Review
2016 Kawasaki Ninja ZX14R First Ride Review
2016 Kawasaki Ninja ZX14R First Ride Review
2016 Kawasaki Ninja ZX14R First Ride Review
discontinued
Variant
Standard
City
Show price in my city
₹ 19,69,966
Last known Avg. Ex-showroom price
Kawasaki has discontinued the Ninja ZX-14R and the bike is out of production.
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Explore Other Ninja Models

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Ninja ZX-14R Key Highlights

Engine Capacity1,441 cc
Transmission6 Speed Manual
Kerb Weight269 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity22 litres
Seat Height800 mm
Max Power197.2 bhp

Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14R Summary

The Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14R has a good fan following in India, thanks to its hyper sport pedigree. It’s been on sale in India since 2013, however, the 2016 version promises to be a whole lot better.

The major updates are seen on the mechanical end with revisions done to the ECU and the inclusion of a new exhaust system so that this bike can meet the Euro IV emission without any drop in power. In terms of features, the motorcycle gets a new instrument cluster with LCD display. The ZX-14R also gets new front brake calipers, revised higher and closer handlebar with wider grips.

The 2016 Ninja ZX-14R is powered by the same 1441cc liquid-cooled engine that produces 200bhp and 210bhp with RAM air and maximum torque of 158Nm. The Japanese manufacturer claims that the suspension has been re-tuned for improved high-speed stability.

India Kawasaki Motors is selling the 2016 Ninja ZX-14R in completely-built-up (CBU) form. Its closest competitor, the Suzuki Hayabusa, is being assembled in India and is priced way lower than the ZX-14R.

Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14R Review

  • Good Things

    • Gets a comfortable riding position
    • Offers a potent engine
    • The seat has good cushioning
  • Could be Better

    • Can be a task riding in the city
    • Could do with an updated electronics package
    • Limited service reach

BikeWale's Take

The ZX-14R is Kawasaki’s answer to the Suzuki Hayabusa. The motorcycle offers a well cushioned seat and comfortable riding position that makes it good for high-speed long distance touring. However, the ZX-14R’s size and weight would make it a task to ride in the city. Furthermore, the instrument cluster is now dated and the bike could do better with an updated electronics package. 

Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14R Expert Opinion

The new for 2016 Kawasaki Ninja ZX14R is different things to different people. For the bookkeepers, the 14R is the bike that blew the legendary Suzuki Hayabusa off its pedestal by beating it in top speed stakes. For the hardcore litre class race replica enthusiasts, the ZX14R is simply their wheels of retirement. For someone like me, who hasn’t ridden the 14R before, it is intimidating, scary even. Why? Because it makes 200bhp, goes from 0-100kmph in less than three seconds, hits a top speed of 300kmph and it is the size of a car! Frightening? You bet.

What is it?

The new for 2016 Kawasaki Ninja ZX14R is different things to different people. For the bookkeepers, the 14R is the bike that blew the legendary Suzuki Hayabusa off its pedestal by beating it in top speed stakes. For the hardcore litre class race replica enthusiasts, the ZX14R is simply their wheels of retirement. For someone like me, who hasn’t ridden the 14R before, it is intimidating, scary even. Why? Because it makes 200bhp, goes from 0-100kmph in less than three seconds, hits a top speed of 300kmph and it is the size of a car! Frightening? You bet.

How does it ride?

Unbelievably easy. And life-threateningly scary. Let me explain the easy part first. The Ninja ZX14R isn’t a light motorcycle but the weight distribution on the bike is brilliant. So, once on the move it shrinks around you. Ride it in L or low power mode, and its light and predictable fuelling, its robust and flat torque, and its aluminium monocoque chassis’ flickable nature, not to mention the engine’s superb cooling tech, makes it as easy to ride on state highways and in fact within the city as most 250cc bikes. Plus, the 14R’s engine is a case study in tractability. Just open gas – even if you are sitting at 4,000rpm – and it goes about building speed as if that’s all it was ever designed to do. It’s almost like twist and go, though a hugely powerful one. The more you roll on the gas, the faster you go. Simple.

Then, as if to showoff, the Ninja ZX14R proves it is comfortable too. Its seating, though a tad crouched, is nowhere near as demanding, uncomfortable or backbreaking as litre class rockets. And, it rides really well too. It doesn’t have the firmness, harshness or the crashy nature of most superbikes. It floats over undulations and manages the bumps and potholes like most comfort oriented touring bikes would. This, of course, is in the factory setting.

The ZX14R has a huge array of adjustments for its 43mm front USDs forks and (new for 2016) Ohlins monoshock. The suspension, both front and rear, is adjustable for preload as well as rebound and compression damping.

Now, the scary bit. Toggle to F or full power mode, dial up the revs and launch the 14R. The steering goes light almost immediately, the howl from the engine turns visceral, and that open left hander which seemed almost like a straight kilometres away, comes up on you within seconds. Spooky. And, it isn’t an open, almost straight left-hander anymore.

There’s no time to check the speed, but you can tell you are travelling very fast, illegally fast, if you will. You roll off; give a firm push to the left clip-on expecting some resistance to turn in. But no, the 14R drops into the bend as if it were looking forward to it. The tyres grip, there’s enough clearance and before you know it you are straightening up and gassing the 14R again, this time turning up the courage dial a bit more. It’s all over within seconds, but this high stays with you forever.

So, scary the 14R might be in F mode with the throttle wide open, but it’s equally reassuring around bends. Its long wheelbase and weight don’t make it lazy or slow. And not just around long fast corners, but the 14R feels nimble around tighter bends and through quick direction transitions as well. And in a straight line, it is as solid as a block of steel (or should that be aluminium…).

The new for 2016 Kawasaki ZX14R then – as my colleagues who had ridden the previous model noted – rides almost exactly like the older bike. Only, it is still as exciting as ever.

Anything else I should know?

The Ninja ZX14R might have been born to shatter the Hayabusa enigma but it was also designed to be an effective sports tourer. And for that it gets a comfy large seat, slightly raised clip-ons, handy luggage hooks, decent wind protection (given that you ride tucked in) and fantastic mile munching ability. It’s an inter-continental machine this.

The 14R also comes with a slew of electronics that do make this Ninja a little less life-threateningly scary. There’s ABS, three-level traction control, a slipper clutch and as we mentioned earlier, two riding modes. Also new to the 2016 edition is new instrumentation with a digital screen that throws up a lot of info including fuel efficiency and range.

But, the most significant change has to be the upgraded brakes. The 14R gets the braking system from the supercharged Ninja H2. There are twin 310mm floating discs upfront worked on by monobloc four piston calipers. There are steel braided lines now as well. The end result is potent bite and near effortless braking. However, the progression could be better still.

Should I buy one?

Here’s the deal. The Kawasaki Ninja ZX14R costs Rs 17.9 lakh ex-showroom in Mumbai. So, it is expensive even by class standards. But, you get a fair share in return for this money. One: It gets you noticed. Two: Riding it doesn’t need planning, a class in stretching exercises or heat protective clothing. Three: It is great for touring, good around a switchback, and not too bad for commuting either. But, most of all, it is liberatingly fast!

Where does it fit in?

The Kawasaki ZX14R’s main competitor, in India and everywhere in the world, is the Suzuki Hayabusa. The ‘Busa comes with a 1340cc, four cylinder, engine and it makes a little under 200bhp. Its 0-100kmph time is around three seconds as well. And it costs Rs 15.9 lakh ex-showroom in Mumbai. It is also the original ‘Dhoom’ bike.

Photography by Sanchit Arora

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Ninja ZX-14R Specifications & Features

Standard

Change Version

  • Specifications
  • Features
  • Specifications
  • Features

      Specifications

      • Power & Performance

        • Displacement
          1441 cc
        • Max Power
          197.2 bhp @ 10000 rpm
        • Max Torque
          158.2 Nm @ 7500 rpm
        • Mileage - Owner Reported
          -
        • Riding Range
          -
        • Top Speed
          -
        • Riding Modes
          -
        • Transmission
          6 Speed Manual
        • Transmission Type
          Chain Drive
        • Gear Shifting Pattern
          -
        • Cylinders
          4
        • Bore
          84 mm
        • Stroke
          56 mm
        • Valves Per Cylinder
          4
        • Compression Ratio
          12.3:1
        • Ignition
          -
        • Spark Plugs
          1 Per Cylinder
        • Cooling System
          Liquid Cooled
        • Clutch
          -
        • Fuel Delivery System
          -
        • Fuel Tank Capacity
          22 litres
        • Reserve Fuel Capacity
          4 litres
        • Emission Standard
          BS4
        • Fuel Type
          Petrol
        • View More(+20)

      • Brakes, Wheels & Suspension

        • Front Suspension
          ø43 mm inverted fork with compression and rebound
        • Rear Suspension
          Bottom-Link Uni-Trak, Öhlins TTX39 rear shock with
        • Braking System
          Dual Channel ABS
        • Front Brake Type
          Disc
        • Front Brake Size
          310 mm
        • Rear Brake Type
          Disc
        • Rear Brake Size
          250 mm
        • Calliper Type
          Front-4 Piston Rear-2 Piston Calliper
        • Wheel Type
          Alloy
        • Front Wheel Size
          17 inch
        • Rear Wheel Size
          17 inch
        • Front Tyre Size
          120/70ZR17M/C (58W)
        • Rear Tyre Size
          190/50ZR17M/C (73W)
        • Tyre Type
          Tubeless
        • Radial Tyres
          Yes
        • Front Tyre Pressure (Rider)
          -
        • Rear Tyre Pressure (Rider)
          -
        • Front Tyre Pressure (Rider & Pillion)
          -
        • Rear Tyre Pressure (Rider & Pillion)
          -
        • View More(+15)

      • Dimensions & Chassis

        • Kerb Weight
          269 kg
        • Seat Height
          800 mm
        • Ground Clearance
          125 mm
        • Overall Length
          2170 mm
        • Overall Width
          770 mm
        • Overall Height
          1170 mm
        • Wheelbase
          1480 mm
        • Chassis Type
          Monocoque, aluminium
        • View More(+4)

      • Manufacturer Warranty

        • Standard Warranty
          -
        • Standard Warranty
          -

      Features

        • Touch Screen Display
          -
        • Instrument Console
          -
        • Odometer
          Digital
        • Speedometer
          Digital
        • Fuel Guage
          Yes
        • Digital Fuel Guage
          Yes
        • Hazard Warning Indicator
          -
        • Average Speed Indicator
          -
        • OTA Updates
          -
        • Call/SMS Alerts
          -
        • Geo Fencing
          -
        • Distance to Empty Indicator
          -
        • Tachometer
          Digital
        • Stand Alarm
          Yes
        • No. of Tripmeters
          2
        • Tripmeter Type
          Digital
        • Gear Indicator
          -
        • Low Fuel Indicator
          Yes
        • Low Oil Indicator
          Yes
        • Low Battery Indicator
          Yes
        • Clock
          Yes
        • Service Reminder Indicator
          -
        • Battery
          Maintenance Free
        • Front Storage Box
          -
        • Under Seat Storage
          -
        • Mobile App Connectivity
          -
        • DRLs (Daytime Running Lights)
          -
        • AHO (Automatic Headlight On)
          -
        • Shift Light
          Yes
        • Headlight Type
          -
        • Brake/Tail Light
          -
        • Turn Signal
          -
        • Pass Light
          Yes
        • GPS & Navigation
          -
        • USB Charging Port
          -
        • Riding Modes Switch
          -
        • Traction Control
          -
        • Cruise Control
          -
        • Hazard Warning Switch
          -
        • Start Type
          Electric Start
        • Killswitch
          Yes
        • Stepped Seat
          Yes
        • Pillion Backrest
          No
        • Pillion Grabrail
          Yes
        • Pillion Seat
          Yes
        • Pillion Footrest
          Yes
        • Front Suspension Preload Adjuster
          -
        • Rear Suspension Preload Adjuster
          -
        • Additional Features
          -
        • View More(+45)

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      Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14R User Reviews

      4.4/5

      (19 Ratings) 7 Reviews

      4

      Visual Appeal


      4

      Reliability


      4

      Performance


      4

      Service Experience


      3

      Maintenance cost

      3

      Extra Features


      5

      Comfort


      5

      Value for Money

      The best super bike

      1 week ago


      Yash

      I felt very good when I bought it.
      It was too comfortable to ride it and the pickup speed is the best. But it is quite expensive when it comes to maintenance. But then also the best bike.
      Its dashing looks makes it unique and it is as thick as Hulk.
      The best is the dual exhaust which is the main reason that makes it unique.
      Thank you

      Rating Parameters

      (out of 5)

      5

      Visual Appeal


      5

      Reliability


      5

      Comfort


      5

      Service Experience


      5

      Value for Money

      About the Reviewer

      Used it for

      Everything

      Owned for

      < 3 months

      Ridden for

      < 5000 kms

      Got mileage of

      19 kmpl

      Tips for other riders

      The oil of the bike should be changed every 4 weeks. It should be at a limited speed in cities.

      Was this review helpful?

      0


      0


      Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14R

      20 weeks ago


      Virendra Kumar

      The showrooms are so much better and fascinating in looks the staff helps in every aspect of buying this beautiful bike. I have ridden it 20000 km till now and my experience is so much better than other bikes as I have the BMW and Royal Enfield also but the comfort of riding this is so good. Do not buy if you thought about saving money on fuel in this. The service is also very good and satisfying.

      Rating Parameters

      (out of 5)

      5

      Visual Appeal


      5

      Reliability


      5

      Comfort


      5

      Service Experience


      5

      Value for Money

      About the Reviewer

      Used it for

      Tours

      Owned for

      > 1 yr

      Ridden for

      > 15000 kms

      Got mileage of

      9 kmpl

      Tips for other riders

      check the engine oil after every long trips so that you can understand the situation of oil .

      Was this review helpful?

      0


      0


      Kawasaki zx14r

      3 years ago


      Akhil Sharma

      Great buying experience. Riding experience satisfactory , comfortable for long routes. Look is classy , performance as per expectations. Poor service reach and maintenance is high as compared to yamaha-r1m. Pros:-seat are comfortable, great tourer, ballistic performance. Cons:- heavy weight, outdated style and poor service reach.

      Rating Parameters

      (out of 5)

      3

      Visual Appeal


      2

      Reliability


      4

      Performance


      2

      Service Experience


      2

      Maintenance cost

      3

      Extra Features

      About the Reviewer

      Used it for

      Everything

      Owned for

      3-6 months

      Ridden for

      5000-10000 kms

      Got mileage of

      8 kmpl

      Tips for other riders

      Change Engine Oil After 1250Kms, Always Check Brake Oil For Better Experience,Always Prefer Kawasaki Products

      Was this review helpful?

      1


      1

      Speed is fabulous

      3 years ago


      Raja

      This bike acceleration is good and handling is beautiful and this bike is colour is a very beautiful and it's handling is very comfortable . It's back light is beautiful. This bike tyre is good griping on road .Riding experience is good .And it's performance is good but this bike parts easily not have in market.

      Rating Parameters

      (out of 5)

      4

      Visual Appeal


      3

      Reliability


      5

      Performance


      5

      Service Experience


      3

      Maintenance cost

      4

      Extra Features

      About the Reviewer

      Used it for

      Tours

      Owned for

      > 1 yr

      Ridden for

      5000-10000 kms

      Got mileage of

      16 kmpl

      Was this review helpful?

      2


      1

      Best for sound

      4 years ago


      Aniket Halder

      1-when the bike is come i was just shocked 2-so smooth and his exhaust is like boom, ideal bike for who love much sound 3-everyone know how looks and performance is like butter, very smooth bike. 4- servicing cost and maintenance cost some times high because of super bike.

      Rating Parameters

      (out of 5)

      5

      Visual Appeal


      5

      Reliability


      5

      Performance


      5

      Service Experience


      4

      Maintenance cost

      5

      Extra Features

      About the Reviewer

      Used it for

      Occasional Commute

      Owned for

      Never owned

      Got mileage of

      12 kmpl

      Tips for other riders

      Wash After 200-300 km ride.

      Was this review helpful?

      2


      1

      Feel sporty

      4 years ago


      Prem Jotwani

      #it is the best sporty bike i have ever drive#nice coloured combination and looks it has best engine Which is 1441cc this feels me sporty when i ride this bike it gives me feel of ruggedness sportiness and royal it produce torque good enough during crossing over to other vehicle. Bhp of this bike is 193.7 means powerful engine.

      Rating Parameters

      (out of 5)

      5

      Visual Appeal


      5

      Reliability


      5

      Performance


      5

      Service Experience


      3

      Maintenance cost

      3

      Extra Features

      About the Reviewer

      Used it for

      Daily Commute

      Owned for

      < 3 months

      Ridden for

      < 5000 kms

      Got mileage of

      22 kmpl

      Tips for other riders

      Change oil after every 3000 km of drive for smooth drive feel.

      Was this review helpful?

      3


      3

      Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14R Expert Reviews

      Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14R News

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