2012 Kawasaki ZX-14R preview
Kawasaki's speed machine, the 200hp-plus ZX-14, will be given a thorough update for 2012, with the ZX-14R getting a pre-EICMA unveiling in OctoberKawasaki will unveil its revised big-bore sports bike very soon, October 10, 2011 to be exact, and has given us a sneak preview of the 2012 ZX-14R to tide us over.
Called the ZZR1400 in some markets, the new ZX-14R is expected to add a little more venom to the class (did it really need it?) thanks to a beefed up engine that should output more than 200hp (147kW).
The four-cylinder DOHC engine is good for about 200hp in its current 1352cc guise, but the new model will has a bore and stroke of 84mm by 65mm, which would mean a capacity of around 1440cc thanks to an increase stroke (from 61 to 65mm - bore remains the same).
With that in mind, the engine should deliver a bigger mid-range bang, while the ram-air system will ensure it's still happy to hit high revs.
While the video embedded below doesn't show too much of the new 2012 Kawasaki ZX-14R's styling, it does show a new look headlight cluster and a few other new aerodynamic tweaks, such as on the bike's sizable flanks. Clearly, Kawasaki is keen to push the speed envelope once again, and Suzuki's Hayabusa will be the motorcycle's main competitor.
Other changes to the new model are likely to include updated electronic rider aids to make the bike a little more user friendly, such as K-ACT antilock brakes, K-TRC traction control, possibly lifted from the GTR1400 sports tourer.
There is also rumours of new technologies making their way into the 2012 Kawasaki ZX-14R, but whether this would be a seven-speed gearbox or a just a new ram-air system are not yet known.
Stay tuned for more details on the two-wheeled missile.
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