2012 Kawasaki ZX-14R. Full details and pictures of the bike Kawasaki say is a Hayabusa beater.

2012 ZX-14R Kawasaki – 1441cc Hayabusa beater?

Kawasaki have released details and pictures on the bike they say is a Hayabusa beater, the ZX-14R.

With an appearance makeover and a host of refinements, the 2012 ZX-14R has copped a big increase in stroke, the longer throw crank pushing the capacity out to 1441cc, up from 1352cc. Throttle bodies have stayed at 44mm. Traction Control, Ride-by-Wire, and the usual power mode switches complete the now obligatory electronic package for high performance machines. Another new feature is a back torque limiting clutch, which frankly we were unaware it didn’t already have.

So far Kawasaki have made no specific horsepower claims for the 2012 14R, but have thrown out the performance gauntlet with a video featuring drag specialist Ricky Gadson smashing a Haybusa repeatedly on the dragstrip.

See the video at Kawasaki’s mini-site promoting the new 14R by clicking the link below:

Video of Ricky Gadson on the ZX14R vs Hayabusa at the Dragstrip

Compression ratio is up on the bigger engine, and the wheelbase appears to have grown an inch, perhaps a specification anomally, or perhaps to make the bike launch better at the dragstrip. Dragstrip performance has long been a major selling point in the key USA market.

While retaining it’s distinctive appearance, the ZX14R has a more mainstream appearance, with the headlights now incorporated into 2 units instead of the previous cluster of 4, and the distinctive “George Foreman grill” fins on the fairing undergoing a restyle.

All information currently relates to the USA release of the ZX-14R, we will update as soon as we have any information about pricing and availability in Australia.

UPDATED: Kawasaki Australia says the ZX14R will be seen in Australia in January 2012 and will be available in the Golden Blazed Green or Spark Metallic Black colour schemes. (ie Green, or Black) No price yet announced here.

All images copyright Kawasaki

Specifications 2012 Kawasaki ZX-14R
Engine
Four-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, four valve per cylinder, inline-four
Displacement 1,441 cc
Bore x Stroke 84.0 x 65.0 mm
Compression Ratio 12.3:1
Fuel System DFI® with four 44mm Mikuni throttle bodies
Ignition TCBI with Digital Advance
Transmission Six-Speed
Final Drive X-Ring Chain

Chassis
Rake/Trail 23 degrees / 3.7 in.
Front Tire Size 120/70 ZR17
Rear Tire Size 190/50 ZR17
Wheelbase 58.3 in. (1480mm)
Front Suspension / wheel travel
43mm inverted cartridge fork with adjustable preload, 18-way compression and 15-way rebound damping adjustment / 4.6 in.
Rear Suspension / wheel travel
Bottom-link Uni-Trak® and gas-charged shock with adjustable preload, stepless rebound and compression damping adjustments, adjustable ride height / 4.9 in.

Front Brakes Dual semi-floating 310 mm petal discs with dual radial-mounted four-piston calipers
Rear Brakes Single 250mm petal disc with twin-piston caliper
Overall length 85.4 in.
Overall width 30.3 in.
Overall height 46.1 in.
Ground clearance 4.9 in.
Seat Height 31.5 in.
Curb Weight 584.3 lbs. (265kg)
Fuel Capacity 5.8 gal (22 litres)