The ZZR emblem has symbolised to motorcyclists for twenty odd year’s one thing; pace. At its introduction, the bike boasted the title as the world’s fastest production motorcycle. The latest incarnation is a bid to capture the hyperbike performance crown having the Suzuki Hayabusa firmly in its sights. The ZZR and Hayabusa have for many years fought for this title with the Suzuki having legendary status amongst bikers through cult like following of the ‘Ghost Rider’. The tables have now firmly turned with Kawasaki producing the most eagerly anticipated bike for years. With a manufacturers’ agreement to limit motorcycles top speed to 186mph, that’s 300kph for our continental friends, the team responsible had one aim; to make the fastest accelerating production bike in the world. Through numerous tests and reviews it is clear that this aim has been firmly achieved. The ZZR1400 from a standstill reaches 90mph in under five seconds and 0-180mph in under 20 seconds. The 0-90 figures is quicker than most sports cars can reach 60mph with the Maserati Quattroporte Sport GTS taking 5.4 seconds to hit 62mph costing around £90,000. The machine is limited to speed but with the restrictor removed, the bike has been recorded at 196.8mph. As if that is not enough, the project leader, Mr Oshima, expects the bike to be able to surpass that given a longer road and ‘better’ conditions. At first sight the bike looks menacing and large, but the bike is unbelievably nimble. The almost superbike handling and controls allows the ZZR1400 to dance around corners before rocketing down to the next. The updates enabling this ferocious performance is an increase of capacity rising from 1352cc to 1441cc. This raises the claimed power to an astounding 200bhp or 210bhp with ram air producing 120ftlb of torque. With such increases, changes have been made elsewhere with 50% of the bikes frame being new for this year. Such changes included are a new headstock to increased rigidity with further strengthening of the frame to cope with the lengthened swingarm. Kawasaki have been careful not to alienate riders who will use the bike for touring and not a pure drag racer obtaining an 8% increase on fuel economy via an improved fuel injection system and ECU. All that power does seem monumental and potentially daunting to some, however a raft of electronics have been installed to make all the performance manageable and importantly useable. The restrictor is based on speed and not rpm, and works by slowing the ignition timing so that the restriction is barely noticeable. Anti-lock brakes come as standard and are phenomenal at stopping the bike without being too intrusive. There is even a two-way power mode switch that can be operated on the move restricting power by 75%. Traction control on sports bikes is still a contested subject, but for a hyperbike such as this, it is a requirement. The Hayabusa does not have this facility and falls much behind the ZZR1400 because of it, not only for usability but safety. The Kawasaki traction control system (KTRC) operates in three modes, which again can be manipulated on the move when the throttle is closed. For the confident (and clinically insane), the system can be turned off completely unlike the ABS. Again as for the ABS, the KTRC acts as a confidence inspiring safety barrier and does not intrude on your riding enjoyment. There is even a neat horizontal indicator that highlights how much of the KTRC is being applied and can become an absorbing game in itself. The new body work is as a result of significant wind tunnel testing and ensures that regardless of the astonishing pace, the majority of the near 200mph wind is deflected with the bike feeling incredibly stable. Nick Ienatsch, a respected reporter goes further stating the bike to be “as stable as a granite coffee table”. These changes are joined with new clocks and convenient hidden hooks for stowing luggage making it great for long journeys. The ZZR1400 as previously mentioned was aimed for breath-taking acceleration, but in a useable way balancing performance with the requirements of everyday normal riders. Counterbalance weights on the engine make the bike incredibly smooth. So that the rider may be the same, a back torque limiter, slipper clutch, has been installed on this model. The addition reduces rear wheel chatter or lock upon shifting down gears at high rpm further improving usability. The bike was hailed as a fantastic tourer being renown for comfort, both rider and pillion which is a huge relief with a range of close to 200 miles per tank. For fans of the last bike, the update encompasses a substantial redesign in all areas but maintains the beautiful four headlight front cowl and v-shaped rear light cluster. The bike is a fantastic tool, regardless of the power the electronic aids make the bike hugely enjoyable. The ZZR1400 can be thrown into corners with confidence knowing the traction control will manage any over exuberate acceleration whilst being able to comfortably eat up mile after mile. All of the changes result in a stunning motorcycle with blistering pace, power and torque being as comfortable tourer suitable for any occasion. Read full reviews at http://kawasakireviews.blogspot.co.uk/

Smooth, fast, controllable power, and lots of it, I got mine new in September this year and I just love it. I never owned a bike like it. It handles like a much smaller bike, it really does. Everything about it is absolutely top notch. Riding position is good I'm six footish and could ride it all day. Going to do a long trip this summer and really looking forward to it. Spain,Italy, back via france . Brakes are top class it's got ABS and I find that a real plus! If your thinking about getting one, rush out now and do it. You won't regret it. There is nothing about this bike I don't like .

bought one in 2008 mid saf blue loved it just bought green 2011 even better than first one cannot be beaten love it

Mine is a 2008 with SW quick detach pannier racks, double bubble, Venom GP silencers in Midnight Blue which is virtually black until you see it in strong sunlight. I have had many machines over the last 33 yrs of riding and this one is right up there. Comfortable, uber fast, high 40s MPG and great engine management. It's so easy to ride. Yes, I'm impressed. First Kwacker I've owned so can't compare with previous generations of ZXs or ZZRs but I defy any motorcyclist not to enjoy the sheer power and general smile worthy qualities of a machine that will do most things on the road better than most things on the road.

Very nice bike!!
You can almost do everything!!!
City, highways, trackdays.
Very nice build quality, very good painting.
Top reliability & not too expensive during services.
Thirsty for petrol and brake pads.
Very thirsty for tires, especially the rear one. You 'll need one rear tire every 5000km and both rear & front every 10000km!!
Very comfortable driving position and the same for the 2nd....
Very good brakes and suspensions
Power-power-power!!
Very fast but as easy to drive as a scooter!!
Nice equipment.
I would easily recommend it to a friend as I'm very satisfied with my bike.

I wish happy kilometers for everyone has the beautiful ZZR 1400 (ZX-14R)

super is qvolity

I bought a 2007 Model early in 2008, this was one of the models severly restricted ooooooon low down power and performs more like a 600 below 6,000 rpm. This is easily fixed by removing the restrictive seconday butterflies and fitting a power commander, later models 2008 on don't have this problem.

Obviously top end power is phenomenal and handling is fair, forks are mega soft but feel harsh as they sit down low and crash over bumps and the shock is unable to support two people very well, both can be sorted but it does cost money, for one up loping about it is probably OK, I spent about £1000 having an Ohlins shock fitted and forks re-sprung and re-valved as mainly used it two-up touring, this made it the best handling two-up bike I have ever ridden.

Reliability is poor, comon faults include discs warping all the time (I had two sets that only lasted 3-4k) tanks rust under seat, oil leaks around head gasket / balancer shaft seals are common and top fairings crack easily.

Considering just summer use and storage in heated garage finish should not fail, but does.

Tremendous bike ruined by poor build quality IMHO.

Picked the 2010 zzr1400 in black and gold (JPS) Had to ride the bike till my fingers could not take the cold any more. Loads of power under 5000 rpm no flat spots just go go. Only done 300 mile in the first two days, the fuel seems to be returning 40+ happy with that. Screen seems to be a little on the low side. other than that the best 9k i have spent in a while.

I bought my atomic silver ZZR 1400 brand new after trading in the ZX9 in May 09. I've only covered 2000 miles on it so far but this is machine that ticks all the boxes for me. The below 5000 revs issue has gone, it is responsive and feels lighter to ride than my old ninja I'm guessing because all the weight is low down. Just fitted the SW Motech quick release pannier rack so no more Oxford throw overs! ABS is a welcome bonus too. Double bubble screen makes a vast difference. Will be keeping this rocket ship/cruiser for a long time I think just need to remember that plod will take a dim view of its cruising at 100 mph at 5000 revs. :-)

Having always owned the Worlds fastest production superbikes it was a toss up between the Hyabussa and the 2009 ZZR1400. I never liked the riding position on the Hyabussa so I test piloted a 2008 model Kawasaki ZZR1400; pretty awesome, so bought the Candy green 2009 ABS model I had been eyeing up (£8000) having being promised the alleged below 5000 lack of grunt had gone. (Yes the expression Eye Candy did come to mind). All I can say is the 2009 is absolutely mental!! Spends most of its time on the back wheel, spinning up or shaking its head. Having said that I feel confident and in control letting it do so and it is a truly mind blowing experience. I thought the 2008 was good! The only other bike I was considering was the MV 312, but alas vastly expensive and more a racing bike scenario. I just can not stop riding my bike at every opportunity, I enjoy it even better than my beloved ZX10 (1989 - 1993) that I used to ride in the snow every winter.

i came from a fireblade to the zzr 1400 had a zzr 1200 before the blade then the missus got her own bike so i thiught a sports bike whould be a great idea .then at the show see the green machine and the wife liked the colur so the blade went and i purchased the 1400 well it drives lovely they seem to have sorted out the low grunt and ive just come back from the alps trip and boy does it handle well i thought i might stuggle on the hairpins etc but no great and very comfortable and if you want tyres to last a bit longer go for the contiental road attack they make the bike stick in the wet and the heat aqnd they wear quite well .the bike is awesome

Traded in my 06 plate Zed 1000, on a complete whim, wasnt expecting to change, but fell in love with the Kawasaki ZZR 1400 looks in the showroom. Bought the bike without a test ride, and i absolutely love it!!! Read reviews about nothing below 5k, and you MUST get the flies removed...Not sure what everyone is talking about...i find this bike awesome, and not a newbie to hyper sports tourers as i owned previously a Blackbird.