Kawasaki Sport Bikes Range

Earlier in the year Kawasaki Australia introduced substantially upgraded versions of the W800 and Ninja 1000 ABS, while 2012 model information is now being released at events around the world.

1400GTR ABS
Kawasaki rates the 1400GTR as a sport bike, but it is closer to a cruising machine, with the engine from the ZX-14 outstanding for touring. It features Tetra-lever rear suspension, an electronically adjustable windshield, comfortable ergonomics and a seamlessly integrated luggage system. It also has great acceleration, sharp handling and high-speed stability.

Ninja 1000 ABS
The Ninja 1000 ABS offers street riding comfort combined with sports performance. Whether looking to move on from a supersport or super-naked ride, or step up from a mid-size sport model, the Ninja 1000 ABS offers the performance and versatility for a fuller bike life. The 1000cc full-fairing sports model is based on the highly successful Z1000. In addition to visual impact it also offers short touring potential. It is aimed at urban riders who want an exciting sport-tourer to make day trips, a high fun factor, aggressive styling and attitude and a bike which is easy to ride, comfortable and yet very capable of harder sport riding. Key features include the 1043cc engine, which pulls strongly across the rev range, with sharp throttle response and a well balanced chassis.

It has a twin tube aluminium frame swingarm, horizontal back-link rear suspension and 41mm inverted fork up front. With full fairing super sport styling, it provides a relaxed riding position, with adjustable (3-position) windscreen, useful under seat storage, and a handy range afforded by its 19-litre fuel tank.
The 2012 model will be offered in several new colours including metallic black, grey and ebony.

Z1000 ABS
The Z1000 ABS was designed as a street sport bike, with loads of power, strong throttle and inclusions that give plenty of reasons to sit back and enjoy the experience.

W800
The W800 is a throwback to the days of classic bikes, with crafted metal components giving an authentic quality feel. The throb of the air-cooled vertical Twin engine and the distinct handling character that comes with large-diameter wheels recalls the ride feel of machines from an older generation, gone but not forgotten. The W800, in both looks and feel, pays homage to Kawasaki's legendary W1, the model that started a brand that spans 45 years.

Z750
The 2012 Z750 combines great street performance and aggressive styling. Specially designed for high-level street riding, this new-age street fighter offers a perfect balance of engine and chassis performance. A broad and meaty powerband delivers hard-hitting acceleration over a smooth and linear torque curve, while the slim chassis delivers quick and nimble cornering performance. The Z750's suspension settings and tyres are tuned to deliver rider-responsive handling characteristics over a wide range of road surfaces and riding conditions.
Verysy ABS

The Verysy is a good all rounder with long travel suspension, highly comfortable riding position for long distance travel, good power delivery and smooth handling. The ideal motorcycle for commuting around town through the week and covering large distances on the weekend.

Ninja 650R ABS
The Ninja 650 will receive significant updates for 2012. The sporty but fuel-conscious 649cc parallel-twin powering this middleweight Ninja street bike sees updates in the exhaust system, including a new header-section connector pipe and a three-chamber muffler design. This new exhaust is a key contributor to improved gains in mid-range power according to Kawasaki.

Holding the engine is an all-new twin-pipe perimeter frame - nearly 50mm narrower in the knee/footpeg area - joined by a cool, new twin-pipe swingarm. Both are said to provide increased rigidity over the previous 650's frame. A new backbone-type subframe also offers a 10 percent increase in maximum carrying capacity. Rake and wheelbase remains the same as last year, while trail sees a nominal increase from 4.2 to 4.3 inches.
Revised suspension settings, include a slight increase in travel front and rear, are aimed at improved rider comfort. Although Kawasaki doesn't specify as to the suspension updates other than the moderate increase in travel, we speculate minor internal changes for improved damping performance.

Rider ergos see comfort improvements in the form of a 20mm wider handlebar and a two-piece seat assembly with foam that's wider and thicker.

A new instrument panel features an analog tachometer situated above an LCD info-panel showing speed, trip meters, fuel consumption, remaining range, etc., and the ignition is now located at the fuel tank assembly in order to give a clear view of the gauge cluster.

Bodywork is updated for better aerodynamics and improved engine-heat dissipation, while styling was influenced by the ZX-14R's appearance. The manually adjusted, three-position windscreen on the 2011 Ninja is now incorporated into the 2012 Ninja 650.

ER-6n ABS
The ER-6n is a little different. Contemporary design, bold angles and sensuous lines make this a bike with attitude. Its compact chassis/engine combination, ideal rider ergonomics and impressive but controllable performance make the ER-6n ABS an extremely user-friendly motorcycle.

World's most powerful sports bike - Ninja ZX-14R ABS
The pride of the Kawasaki sports bike range is their new flagship model - the 2012 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14R ABS. This supersport motorcycle is claimed to be the world's fastest accelerating bike, boasting the most powerful production motorcycle engine, with a host of technological enhancements that include 3 Mode KTRC (Kawasaki TRaction Control), selectable Power Modes and optimised ABS settings.

Directly descended from the original Ninja, Kawasaki's newest flagship is the ultimate blend of extreme excitement and everyday versatility. It stands at the head of Kawasaki's Ninja line-up, but its performance stands it in a league of its own. Powered by a 1441cc four-cylinder engine, it delivers more torque at all rpm and more power in the mid-high range. Acceleration from 4,000 rpm and up is notably stronger, while torque is strong enough to pull away from lights in almost any gear.

KTRC (Kawasaki TRaction Control) offers 3 Modes (+ off) that covers a wide range of conditions and 2 stage Power Mode selection offers Full Power + Low Power (about 75 percent of Full). Optimised ABS settings improves ABS performance on bumpy road conditions.

The new model's bodywork offers both superb wind protection and stability in the very high speed range and the new fairing design offers improved heat management. The new 2012 Ninja ZX-14R is also easier to ride thanks to a slimmer seat front facilitating an easier reach to the ground, while the convenient multi-function button on the handle enables scrolling through LCD modes without removing a hand from the grip.

New engine, new frame, new electronics, lighter wheels, sportier suspension settings, the addition of ABS, more aggressive styling, longer and stronger swing-arm, the addition of a back-torque limiter…the list of new additions and refinements to the 2012 Ninja ZX-14R is substantial.