Kawasaki ZZR 1400 test

Menus

• Cruise missile
• Discovery
• In the saddle
• In the city
• Motorway and expressways
• Departmental
• Part-cycle
• Braking
• Comfort / Duo
• Consumption
• Conclusion

Cruise missile

The ultimate breed of sports cars, the Kawasaki ZZR 1400 is a living myth; the last witness to an almost vanished age when speed and power were the only valid yardsticks. Resulting from the successive changes of its ancestors that appeared in the 1980s. Thus, the GPZ 1000 RX presented at the end of 1985, laid the foundations for a style, subsequently immediately recognizable by its rear loop, at the side ends forming ailerons. The ZZR 1100, first of the name, then appeared in 1990, cubing 1052 cm2 and integrating a forced air line (Ram Air) bringing its power to 147 hp. Ample fairing, thick one-piece seat, high mechanical performance, the Kawasaki is already trying the big gap between sport and comfort. At the time, the main roads still allowed travel at a good pace and the legitimate exaltation of mechanical power was neither a crime nor a defect. The following years will see the missile evolve only slowly in aesthetics, to suddenly change in 2002 with the ZZR 1200. More complex surfaces, multiple optics, the whole is refined, modernized and optimizes its reception, the engine also gaining 100 cm2 . An ultimate and extreme transformation makes it adopt its current, exclusive and extraordinary form.

Discovery

The deviations of the system fortunately did not impact the mechanical Leviathan, outside our limited country of course. Everything about it evokes the superlative underlined by a futuristic elegance. The Japanese indeed exhibits an astonishing, provocative, disturbing plastic, which undeniably makes her a machine apart. Like its only direct competitor, the Suzuki GSX R 1300 Hayabusa, Akashi’s monster pursues only one (utopian) ideal: speed over the long haul. This quest is aesthetically reflected, on both machines, by a plastic brought into line with the aerodynamic diktat. But the Kawasaki adds an undeniable modernity, say even, futurism. Implanted in lines under a gaping forced air intake (Ram Air) that caps a short bubble with double curvature, the six optics clearly create a meeting of the third type. The Mechanical Alien also adorns its wide sides with fine lines and streaks, optimizing high-speed airflow and large exhaust vents. Aesthetics enhanced by the specific livery of our Performance Sport model.

Covering the machine, the imposing fairing almost completely integrates the 22-liter tank. As an extension, the pilot and passenger seats display equally generous dimensions. Their shape is framed by the prominences of the stern, which is concluded by a large LED light..

We note the presence of retractable tie-down hooks, hidden under the driver’s seat, in addition to those of the grab handle. The assembly rests on the massive plates of the rear loop, bolted to the monocoque type frame.

Composed of hollow aluminum segments, it overhangs the engine and integrates it as a load-bearing element, optimizing its rigidity. In addition to being made from lightweight materials, its main section also acts as the air box and battery housing. This particular design keeps the machine very compact and limits the weight of the assembly. Under this vault is the large core four cylinders in line with 1,441 cc, 16 valves and double camshaft. These, as well as the pistons, are forged and the connecting rods treated with carbide. The injection uses double electronically controlled butterflies, making it possible to reduce the passage section of the main elements. This optimizes the filling of the cylinders whatever the engine speed. With its bore / stroke ratio of 84 x 65 mm, the unit therefore takes care of both torque (16.4 da.Nm at 7,500 rpm, including more than 15 units from 2,000 revolutions / minute) and power: 210 hp (with Ram Air) at 10,000 RPM. Few machines can display such arguments. To best absorb this force, a torque limiter relieves the clutch, avoiding possible rear wheel blockages when downshifting..

Exploiting the plethora of stud farms, an armada of fleas comes to whisper in their ears. Different power modes allow the pilot to easily choose between "Full" and "Low". The first delivers the maximum power of the machine (in France, 106hp / 78.2 kW), the second the limit of 75 to 80%. The throttle response is also modulated. It will be preferred in town or in rainy conditions. In addition, an anti-skating doubles the safety. Called KTRC, 3 levels (+ OFF) are available and adjustable on the handlebars. Finally, the ABS watches over the braking system. Up front, the four-piston radial-mount calipers bite into 310mm petal discs while the opposite dual-piston bite into a 250mm disc. Enough to easily stop the rotation of the wheels with five split spokes, lightened by 360 g at the front and 1030 g at the rear, for a total of 1.39 kg, reducing the unsprung masses for more agility.

In its special Performance Sport edition, our model exhales its hot breath towards two Akrapovic silencers in titanium and carbon. This finish also entrusts the swingarm to a dedicated Ohlins TTX39 rear shock absorber, with separate reservoir and adjustable in any direction. Note its gold anodized preload wheel located alongside the right passenger footrest. The steering gear sits on a 43mm inverted fork, which is also fully adjustable.

Superlative sporty roadster, the ZZR 1400 has an excellent finish, both in the quality of its components and the fit of its elements. Integration of cables, surface coating of plates and housings, the Kawasaki leaves nothing to chance. From the protruding tip of its muzzle to the flats of its rear indicators, from the ridged protections of the dip tubes to the design of the passenger footrests, the ZZR seduces with its brutal elegance..

In the saddle

1400 cc in line are not accommodated with discretion. What the ZZR is not looking for in any way. Standard, the seat height of 800 mm is mitigated by a certain narrowness of the seat at its junction with the tank. The steed only seems more fleshed out in its first half. Comfortable and ergonomic, the seat promises long, fast rides. However, the flexion of the legs is important and it is necessary to tilt forward in search of the half-handlebars..

Magnificent aluminum castings, these are bolted to a granite upper triple tree and surround the gold and azure adjustment devices of the fork. A real pleasure for the eyes. Overlooking the coded contact barrel, the dashboard hardly offers the same aesthetic appeal. Suddenly, the weight of years is felt. Sad analog dials of tachometers and tachometers are topped by an LCD screen forming an austere and cramped whole. The digital window gathers information on engine temperature, fuel gauge, gear engaged indicator light and clock. On the left stalk, the remaining range, average consumption, battery voltage, odometer and two partials will also be displayed successively. Also recalled, at the bottom, the setting of the engine and anti-skid mode, adjustable on the same push-button. Finally, an "Economic Driving" indicator provides information on the "ecological-economic" quality of your driving…. Failing to be fun, the cockpit is complete.

We will also note the levers adjustable in spacing and a radial master cylinder, sportsmanship requires. Purists will opt for the optional passenger seat cover at 239 €, emphasizing at best the sleek line of the Kawa. The more pragmatic will opt for the central stand, € 288.

In the city

A low growl erupted from the bowels of the long-swing missile. Still discreet at low revs, but leaving no illusions about the health of the Japanese bloc. There is a thruster there that asks only to go. Very flexible, it takes the crew in search of its launching pad. At its ease between the walls, the ZZR 1400 walks its heavyweight puncher build with confidence. Its 268 kg in running order sometimes require a certain caution, especially when maneuvering, where its handlebars placed low do not facilitate the task. Nothing penalizing however. Its center of gravity, quite low placed, keeps it comfortable in movement. The beast then moves to the eye, delivering appreciable engine availability. Smooth and coupled with a precise and soft box, the Kawa boiler accepts to resume from the lowest revs, even on the last reports. All without vibration, thanks to the two balancing pendulums, leaving the mirrors to return a wide and clear field.

The pronounced pressure on the wrists is all the more sensitive in urban areas, or the recurrence of braking causes pain in the joints. Our overpowered mount is just waiting for a sign to relieve its pilot and finally cut through the air.

Motorway and expressways

The count shows the last few meters of an access road to the runway…. gas ! Ladies and gentlemen, know that, even restrained, the Kawasaki retains an impressive breath of 4 to…. 8,000 turns. Alas. After this bar, the catapult slows down its effort. But whoever gave him back his lost herd would find an almost indecent performance. And the very high speed is then reached in a few moments, more than 300 km / h for these lucky ones. All in a disconcerting stability. For French bikers, the bar is lower, but above all much slower to reach.

With a double curvature, the screen in the Performance Sport pack provides welcome additional protection, as the element fitted to the machine in the standard version is ineffective. Here again, the GT is sporty. The comfort comes mainly from the saddle and the suspensions. Fork and shock absorbers work together to give the ZZR top-notch handling. Adjusted for maximum comfort, the elements adjust easily and effectively to the dynamic pretensions of the machine. We then seem to fly over the asphalt, always without vibrations, whatever the pace. But the fast ship is also tasted off the long straights, swallowing the meanders of the roads..

Departmental

Throwing itself on the curves with vehemence, the ZZR does not do in detail. Mechanical super-predator, the Kawa shows a lot of naturalness on the secondary network. Engine availability and exceptional breath make it an impressive mount. More hydraulic braked and preloaded, the damping then gives a formidable precision to the Japanese. Certainly, on rapid angle changes, the inertia of the machine remains perceptible. But its cycle part surprisingly frees itself from its overweight, quickly giving guilty ease (or not) to its handlebars. IF by chance a turn closes a little too much, it suffices to require a little more angle, or to activate the effective rear retarder to refine the trajectory. Then, as the anti-skating is on standby, we try bold go-arounds, awakening the electronics. Its implementation, fairly neutral, is saving, curbing the driving force and optimizing the grip of the Bridgestone S20. These tires provide the ZZR 1400 with good maneuverability, also maintaining appreciable driving comfort..

In relaxation mode, the rolling plane quickly recalls its rather sporty design. Legs and especially wrists are particularly put to the test on long courses. Especially during repetitive braking at low speed when crossing towns. When the pace picks up, the air pressure relieves the pilot, allowing the excellent progressiveness of the front calipers to be appreciated. Rarely does a lever provide so much finesse and power, barely locking the front axle. We then maintain a high rhythm without fatigue while taking advantage of the powerful flights of the four cylinders, roaring in its imposing silencers..

Part-cycle

Shell frame, top-of-the-range suspension, the ZZR 1400 shows flawless rigidity and handling among the best. Imperial in large curves, the maxi GT Sport is riveted to its trajectory, but leaves the driver full latitude to correct it. Its suspensions also swallow up any imperfections, smoothing out imperfections in the bitumen to let the vessel go high speed..

Braking

Remarkable in terms of power and control, the braking equipment delivers decelerations commensurate with the temperament and weight of its host. In addition, the high-performance ABS removes any anxiety when the front lever is reflexively taken. Opposite retarder also provides optimal rear wheel control.

Comfort / Duo

The OEM Ohlins brings a real plus with its dedicated shock absorber. With a plethora of settings to best suit your riding preferences. In addition, the thick and well-designed saddle is suitable for long solo or duo trips. The accompanying person will however have to deal with a fairly marked flexion of the legs and a central and too narrow support handle. Sport position, we tell you, for fast trips.

Consumption

Difficult to fly straw with such entrails. Without playing the camels, the ZZR 1400 is relatively sober given its displacement. Thus, the 1400 cc Japanese easily swallow up more than 8.5 L in the urban cycle, but less than 7 liters on the road. The 22 liters of the tank therefore ensure between 250 and more than 300 km. In addition, the clamping seems to significantly harm "consumption ….

Conclusion

Captivating, the Kawasaki ZZR 1400 offers performance from beyond the world, the one before, where performance dominated any other concept. Dedicated to sports tourism, the Japanese can pride themselves on taking the driver AND passenger in very acceptable comfort. It is, of course, necessary to bend, literally, a minimum to its conception of high-speed cruiser. Such is the tribute to be paid to ride the excessive Japanese. Deceptively easy, due to its general smoothness and ease of handling, the GT-Sport or Sport-GT deserves experience. Traveling on board is the choice of the purist, or the indecisive gourmet of the tachometer. And what does the few requirements of the machine matter? The price of the excess in the Performance Sport version is set at € 18,599 (from € 15,799 in the standard version). The additional cost of 2,800 € allows, in theory, to acquire the prestigious shock absorber at only 496 € if we refer to the other options (double curvature screen: 98 € – Akrapovic exhaust: 2,228 €).

In the range of the manufacturer of Akashi, two models can be opposed to him. Much more road, equipped with a universal joint, the GTR is offered to you for 17,499 €. While, lighter, the daring Z1000SX ABS will charge only 13,499 €.

Finally, we can not ignore the direct rival of the Kawasaki shark: the Suzuki GSX R 1300 Hayabusa ABS. Outstanding performance and style to match, the TGV "killer" does not, however, compete in comfort and duo. € 15,499 are required to acquire the phantasmal projectile.

The question of the acquisition of such a machine can give rise to many hesitations. The first is that linked to the franchouillard bridling. Halved, the hexagonal sauce stud can seem rickety. In reality, the ZZR 1400 still knows how to move its pilot. Moreover, the abject national humiliation is expected to end soon. Yes, but then, what to do with this performance in these times when this word seems obsolete, incongruous in the face of forests of radar? Answer: take advantage of a machine having known, over the course of its many changes, to coat its mechanical excesses in a cycle part. And this Performance Sport version is particularly valuable for its Swedish suspensions optimizing handling, comfort and stability. An exceptional accessorization for a motorcycle which is no less. In the age of standardization, treat yourself to a bit of non-conformism and give in to the provocation of excess speed.

Strong points

• Outstanding style
• Evidence of handling
• Engine availability
• Agility and precision of the chassis
• Performance
• Braking

Weak points

• Quite typical position
• Shy sound at medium speed
• Dated dashboard

The 2014 Kawasaki ZZR 1400 technical sheet

Accessories (included) of the Sport Performance package:

• Double curvature screen (98 €)
• Akrapovic exhaust (€ 2,228)
• Ohlins pendant lights

Optional accessories:

• Passenger seat cover: 239 €
• Center stand: 288 €
• Top case 47L: 124 €
• Top case support: 175 €

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