Kawasaki has already experienced the potential of the Indian two-wheeler market, their impressive fleet of smaller capacity Ninja’s; the 250R, 300 and 650 having already taken to our roads as CKD assembled models via Bajaj’s Probiking division. These bikes have seen storming success here while also earning the Japanese bike maker an immense fan following across India. Kawasaki now aims to build upon this growing presence, bringing Indian enthusiasts their fearsome supersports models, the ZX-10R and famous ZX14R later this month.
The ZX-10R is an expert’s track focused machine, with razor sharp handling. Its in-line four, four-stroke, liquid-cooled, 998cc engine pumps out close to a stonking 200bhp. Power is fed to the rear wheel via a six-speed gearbox. Suspension is top spec, fully adjustable front and rear with inverted forks and a horizontal mounted, gas charged monoshock at the rear. The 10R comes with disc brakes front and rear, a set of 310mm, petal type rotors in front. The riding position is aggressive, as expected from a track oriented bike such as this. Continued..
The Ninja ZX-14R offers more comfort, and ranks amongst the fastest production motorcycles ever offered to the public, with a top speed purposely restricted to 297kph, and gut wrenching acceleration that effortlessly pushes the bike to this high speed. The 14R comes with an in-line four, four-stroke, liquid-cooled and 1441cc powerplant, this making up to 210bhp with Kawasaki’s renowned ram-air system feeding the engine more air as speeds rise. The ZX-14R uses a six-speed gearbox.
For suspension, the big Kawasaki deploys adjustable 43mm USD forks in front, and an adjustable Uni-Trak, gas-charged system at rear, also fully adjustable. Braking for this heavy motorcycle is via dual 310mm, petal shape disc brakes in front.
Both fierce Kawasaki superbikes are set to go on sale later this month, imported into India via the more expensive CBU route. The two Ninja’s will initially be available only in Pune, where appropriate after sales service and spares care shall also be provided. The ZX-10R is expected to enter the market at around Rs 15.7 lakh (ex showroom), with the ZX-14R will be slightly more premium priced.
Detailed photos of the Kawasaki Ninja ZX10R
Detailed photos of the Kawasaki Ninja ZX14R