2012 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14R

Kawasaki has redesigned the ZX-14, adding an  to its name due to improved performance.
Kawasaki achieved this displacement increase by lengthening the ZX-14R's stroke from 61mm to 65mm. The 2012 ZX-14R's engine also has redesigned forged pistons that feature oil-jet cooling, a system that pumps a continuous stream of lubricant at the underside of each piston. Feeding the ZX-14R is a revised fuel which features automatic idle adjustment. Placing all this power to the ground is easily achieved due to the addition of a slipper clutch and KTRC traction control, which features three riding modes - full power, medium power and a third for low-traction conditions .

2012 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14R Specs:

- Engine: Four-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, four valve per cylinder, inline-four
- Compression ratio: 12.3:1
- Fuel system: DFI with four 44mm Mikuni throttle bodies
- Front tire: 120/70 ZR17.

- 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 and gas-charged shock with adjustable preload, steeples 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
Kawasaki says testing shows the engine runs considerably cooler with this piston cooling system.
The last time Motorcycle.com dyne tested the 14, the big ZX produced 159.5 hp at 9550 rpm and 99 ft-lbs at 7800 rpm.

Leading off engine updates is a 4.0mm increase while the 85mm bore remains unchanged. Kawasaki says the myriad changes and updates to its biggest sport bike engine have led to more power at nearly every point in the rev range, claiming stronger acceleration from 4000 rpm onward.
For the ZX-14’s U.S. launch in 2006, and its mid-cycle model .

 Kawasaki purposely selected drag strip testing as part of the program for the motto media to experience the big Ninja’s power. During each of those events 2012 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14R editors came away impressed with the strength and durability of the ZX’s clutch, as it endured hard launch after hard launch down the quarter-mile. Additionally, to cope with the engine’s newfound power, transmission gears have been heat- and -treated for improved durability and smoother shifting action.