Kawasaki Bikes
2011 Kawasaki ZZ-R 1400
Written by admin on Sunday, December 26, 2010 | No Comments
Categories: Kawasaki Bikes Tags: 2011 Kawasaki ZZR 1400, Kawasaki Bikes Features, Kawasaki Bikes News, Kawasaki Bikes Reviews, Kawasaki ZZR 1400
The 2011 Ninja ZX-14, which comes to challenge Suzuki’s coveted Hayabusa, is powered by a 1,352cc liquid-cooled, DOHC, four valve per cylinder, inline-four engine. The power is channeled through a hydraulic clutch and six speed transmission, down to the 190/50 ZR17 rear tire. The exact horsepower and torque figures of the Ninja ZX-14 are irrelevant, but a track day will tell you anything there is to know. As for the brakes, what we do know is that each piston in the calipers has its own brake pad, which increases cooling efficiency and decreases the chance deforming due to heat.
Engine
No company knows more about in-line fours than Kawasaki. From the early Z-1 to our factory MotoGP bikes, our knowledge about the in-line four-cylinder engine is unsurpassed. The virtues of this design are many: powerful, smooth running and very compact, if it’s a Kawasaki superbike, it has to be an in-line four. Each component of this amazing engine was thoroughly developed to deliver the perfect balance of power, torque, and ridability. Twisting the throttle on the ZX-14 gives the kind of response you would expect from a large bore machine; a seamless spread of awesome torque, right ’round the dial.
Chassis
The Ninja ZX-14 runs Kawasaki’s exclusive aluminum monocoque frame. Rock steady at speed, and offering responsive handling characteristics, this advanced chassis design strikes an ideal balance between sport riding, and high-speed running on the highway. Our engineers made full use of the design freedom given to them by the engine’s compact size. The engine’s position forward in the frame, the wheelbase and front/rear wheel weight balance were all carefully chosen to achieve both high-speed stability and responsive handling. Aluminum monocoque frame represents a further evolution of the frame first used on Kawasaki’s KR500 racer then in production on the Ninja ZX-12R. This advanced design makes possible a very slim, compact package.
Brakes/Wheels
Formidable front brake performance is further enhanced with a radial-pump master cylinder that offers superb feel at the lever. Use of four individual brake pads promotes even heat distribution across each pad virtually eliminating fade due to pad warpage at high temperatures.Rearbrake features 250mm, drilled, petal style rotor and 2-piston callipers for additional stopping power and improved braking feel. Newly designed wheels feature centre ribs that are slightly offset so that tire balance weights can be located at the wheel centreline.
Ergonomics
In spite of the ZX-14′s awesome performance, the machine is surprisingly non-intimidating. This is due as much to the seamless power delivery, as it is to the smooth ride and its rider-friendly ergonomics. On the ZX-14, the typical weekend jaunt leaves the rider refreshed and invigorated. Despite its long and low appearance, the ZX-14 offers a very relaxed sport riding position. Compact without being cramped, the bars are positioned so that riders do not have to stretch to reach them. Low-set footpegs give ample legroom. The low seat height and narrow seat front make it easy to reach the ground when stopped at lights.The narrow engine, monocoque frame, and waisted fuel tank make it easy to keep knees comfortably close together when riding. A depression in the fuel tank cover facilitates tucking in behind the screen.
Aerodynamics & Styling
The ZX-14 exudes an aura of power and assurance found only in the world’s most powerful machines. As befits its flagship status, the ZX-14 offers a combination of avant garde design, meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail. Whether parked in front of a café or zooming effortlessly down the highway, this is a machine people will notice. The ZX-14′s bodywork gives it extremely long and low styling. The front cowl extends well over the front wheel and the fairing almost hides the front wheel. All the lines of the bike move from front to rear, giving the bike an impression of speed even when it standing still.
The ZX-14′s multifunctional aerodynamics package reduces drag, adds stability at highway speeds and keeps you out of the wind when sport riding in the hills.Raised “Kawasaki” and model emblems contribute to the classy styling. Long front fender with aerodynamic side wings contributes to the ultra high speed potential of the ZX-14.
Fuel Tank
A small under-cowl forward of the rear wheel contributes to the bike’s flowing lines. This under-cowl is removed when fitting the optional center stand. LED tail lamp features a unique “V” design. This will be the most common view of the ZX-14 on the move. Front and rear turn signals are integrated into the fairing and rear cowl. Clear signal lenses with orange bulbs contribute to the high quality appearance.
2011 Kawasaki ZZR 1400 Features
Key Features
- 1,352cc inline-four with DFI® provides smooth power while producing impressive amounts of horsepower
- Lightweight aluminum monocoque frame is narrow, strong and rigid
- Radial-mounted front brake calipers and radial-pump front brake master cylinder combine for superior braking power and control
- Six-speed transmission
- Fully adjustable suspension allows for excellent control and feedback
- Hydraulic clutch offers precise clutch engagement and optimal feel
- Natural yet aggressive ergonomics
- Multi-function LCD instrumentation offers a wealth of information and is easy to read
- Standard rear seat cowl adds to bike’s aerodynamic styling
1,352cc Four-cylinder, DOHC Engine
- Tuned to provide smooth power across a very wide rev range while producing impressive horsepower numbers
- Chrome composite-plated aluminum cylinder bores are lightweight, durable, and quickly carry heat away from the combustion chamber and piston for supreme durability at high power outputs
- Carefully designed engine is compact and narrow
- Low mechanical noise via special piston profile and urethane insulation sheet on the inside of the magnesium chain cover
High-flow Exhaust System
- Airflow into the exhaust from the large secondary air ports in the cylinder head and head cover, plus a third honeycomb catalyzer in the collector, help meet strict Euro III emissions standards
- Internal silencer construction minimizes impact of emissions regulations while maintaining impressive top-end power
- Exhaust connecting tube entrances are designed to enhance low-rpm response
Gear-driven Dual Engine Balancers
- Already in perfect primary balance, the engine features dual secondary balancers that virtually eliminate unwanted vibrations for extremely smooth operation and reduced rider fatigue
Ram Air Induction
- Central ram air duct draws cooler, higher-pressure air from the face of the fairing and efficiently guides it through the air cleaner and into the engine for maximum power output
Digital Fuel Injection
- 44mm Mikuni throttle bodies are fitted with sub-throttle valves controlled by the ECU to provide precise response, smooth DFI performance and help meet Euro III emissions requirements
- Intake porting optimizes flow characteristics
- Injectors deliver lateral spray at a 20-degree angle to disperse the finely atomized fuel over a wide area
- Fine-atomizing injectors produce a 75micron droplet size
- 32-bit ECU works with dual throttle valve system to further enhance throttle response and control
Digital Ignition
- Digital Timing Advance enhances low- and mid-range power
- Individual spark plug-mounted ignition coils fire each of the four spark plugs independently to achieve the optimum timing for that cylinder
- ECU includes an idle speed control system for easier starting and warm-up.
Next-generation Monocoque Aluminum Frame
- Lightweight monocoque frame is a hollow aluminum box that arches over the engine from the steering head to the swingarm pivot. It is narrow, strong, rigid and very light
- Frame’s cast aluminum sections – steering head and swingarm pivot areas – are produced via a die-casting process for weight savings
- Rigidly mounted engine is a stressed frame member, which increases the frame’s torsional rigidity and saves approximately four pounds
- Engine is positioned forward in the frame, with the wheelbase and front/rear weight balance carefully designed to achieve high-speed stability and responsive handling
- Massive head pipe casting contributes to frame rigidity
- Frame houses the air box and air filter in a space-saving design that simplifies air cleaner maintenance
- Battery is also housed within the frame and is easily accessible through the back side of the frame
Suspension
- Inverted 43mm cartridge-type front fork utilizes damping rates that offer firm initial action to resist front-end dive when braking
- Stepless damping adjustment improves suspension performance
- Excellent control and feedback from fully adjustable bottom-link Uni-Trak® rear suspension
- Linkage rates allow linear suspension action
- Bottom-link design helps create a lower center of gravity, which makes the motorcycle more nimble
- Wheel rim center ribs are slightly offset so tire balance weights can be located precisely along the wheel’s centerline
Radial-mount Calipers and Petal-type Discs
- Radial mounted four-piston front brake calipers offer greater rigidity than traditional caliper mounting to improve brake feel
- A separate brake pad is used for each piston. Individual pads provide increased cooling efficiency and can absorb more heat without deforming so they maintain a consistent brake feel longer
- Petal-type design brake discs provide better cooling and warp resistance
- Radial-pump front brake master cylinder improves brake performance and lever feel
Wind Tunnel-designed Bodywork
- Monocoque frame is positioned over the engine so the sleek fairing is uninterrupted by protruding frame spars, adding to the extremely long and low styling
- Both the front and rear turn signals are integrated into the bodywork and have clear lenses to enhance appearance
- Quadruple projector beam headlights give the ZX-14 a distinctive front fairing. The outer lights contain position lamps and high beams, while the low beams are located in the center lamps
- Lightweight Denso radiator with high-density cores provides maximum cooling efficiency
Full Instrumentation
- White faced dual analog speedometer and tachometer are easy to read
- Multi-function LCD digital display includes an odometer, two trip meters, fuel gauge, gear position indicator and clock
- Programmable shift indicator lamp illuminates at pre-set rpm to signal rider upshift
- Programmable clutch engagement lamp illuminates at pre-set rpm to signal the rider to engage the clutch.
2011 Kawasaki Z1000
Written by admin on Tuesday, November 30, 2010 | No Comments
Categories: Kawasaki Bikes Tags: 2011 Kawasaki Z1000, Kawasaki Z1000, Kawasaki Z1000 Bike
Kawasaki Z: Bringing You the World’s Coolest Streetbikes Since 1973 With this latest in a long line of naked Kawasaki streetbikes, we threw out the old rules and started with a clean sheet, drawing upon more than 35 years of experience in giving the people what they want. If the new Z1000 knocks your eyeballs out, that’s exactly what we had in mind. Even more important, though, is the feeling this one provides every time you twist the throttle.
A sharp new front cowl sloped back at an acute angle highlights the Z1000’s new nose, followed by a tilting instrument panel, visible through an orange lens, that can be angled to suit rider preference. Just below that a long, narrow headlight represents Kawasaki’s first use of a line-beam unit. Following the lines rearward, the eyes will next encounter a dynamically designed steel gas tank, flared on the sides to let you grab it with your knees, and trim at the rear for a snug fit. The seat’s low and narrow at the front to make ground contact easy, and it flows beautifully rearward to end in a futuristically retro LED taillight behind a red lens.
At the heart of every naked bike is its engine. We didn’t just bolt it into that frame for solid handling, we did it so you won’t forget what you’re riding: You’ll definitely feel those 1,043 cubic centimeters of fuel-injected Kawasaki four-cylinder every time you twist the throttle. A secondary balance shaft eliminates excess vibes, but on this bike, a little bit of character is designed in. In the same spirit, the bike’s cool air system uses ducts just ahead of the fuel tank to usher air into the airbox, a placement that lets the rider savor the bold sound of screaming air being sucked into the engine’s downdraft intakes.
The Z1000’s four-cylinder uses a longish stroke—56mm—to make the most impact in the rpm range most used by naked bike riders. Long-stroke engines keep intake air velocity up for maximum midrange power whatever the displacement. From nearly any rpm, rolling the Z1000’s throttle open provides the kind of instant gratification most sportbikes just can’t quite muster. Having said that, this engine also spins up noticeably faster from about 7000 rpm upwards, with a silky smooth, highly intoxicating response.
The Z1000 clearly surpasses the dynamic performance of its predecessors, thanks to a new quick-revving 1,043cc inline-four cylinder engine, and an all-new quick-steering aluminium chassis connected to an all-new horizontal rear suspension design. Though it offers true sportbike handling; the Z1000’s comfortable, upright riding position mean it remains a practical transportation tool, even as the dramatic howl from its new cold-air intake raises hairs on the back of its rider’s neck.
Features And Benefits
All-new Engine
- Liquid-cooled, DOHC, 16-valve 1,043cc inline-four offers greater torque and a stronger top-end rush than previous Z1000 models
- Bore and stroke of 77.0 x 56.0 mm were chosen to achieve the desired engine character -strong in the everyday rpm range most used by naked super bikes
- 38mm downdraft throttle bodies allow intake air to travel to the engine in the shortest possible distance
- Oval sub-throttles help keep the engine slim – a good thing since the throttle bodies are positioned between the rider’s knees
- Soft rev limiter provides good overrev; power doesn’t drop off suddenly at high rpm
- Crankshaft and transmission shafts are arranged in a straight line instead of a triangular layout, to maintain the design from the previous Z1000 – a design that offers the best look for a naked model
- The crankshaft was lowered to allow for a longer stroke without adding engine height
- A secondary balancer, driven off a gear on the sixth web of the crankshaft, eliminates excess vibration
Cool Air System
- The intake system routes cool air to the airbox from ducts above the radiator shrouds, minimizing performance loss due to heated intake air
- Positioning the ducts close to the rider allows the intake sound to be enjoyed by the rider
- A resonator inside the airbox reduces noise at low rpm, and enhances intake sound at high rpm
Exhaust System
- The exhaust system features a 4-into-2-pre-chamber-into-2 layout. Silencer end-caps maintain the quad-style image
- Main and pre-catalyzers ensure emissions are clean
- Thanks to the under-engine pre-chamber, silencer volume could be reduced. The silencers are also lighter. Overall exhaust system weight is about the same, but the new system offers much better mass centralization and contributes to a lower center of gravity
Fuel Pump
- Slim-type fuel pump features an integral fuel gauge
- With revised fuel tank design and the slim-type fuel pump, dead volume inside the tank is minimized; fuel capacity is 4.1 gallons.
All-New Aluminum Backbone Frame
- An aluminum backbone frame designed specifically for the Z1000, and similar in concept to the frame of the Ninja ZX-10R, allows a narrow construction that is easy to grip with the knees
- Lightweight and highly rigid, the frame uses the engine as a stressed member, for a firm, planted feeling and enhanced stability
- Frame is tuned to transmit the ideal level of engine feedback directly to the rider
- The frame’s five-piece construction consists of steering stem, left and right main frames, and two cross pieces. The two main frame components have open C-shaped cross sections
- As much as possible, welds were eliminated for simplicity and appearance. The frame beams and swingarm brackets are now single die-cast pieces
- The new frame uses four engine mounts; three mounts are rigid, the upper rear crankcase mount is rubber
- The rear sub-frame is a three-piece aluminum die-casting construction, light, strong and good for mass centralization – The sub-frame is an example of form and function combined, negating the need for side covers and allowing underseat narrowness for a shorter reach to the ground.
All-New Horizontal Rear Monoshock – New rear suspension positions the shock unit and linkage above the swingarm where it’s less exposed to exhaust heat and contributes to mass centralization
- Visible from the outside, the horizontal monoshock contributes to the aggressive appearance of the new Z1000
- Linkage characteristics are the same as those of a standard UNI-TRAK rear suspension: Wheel movement versus shock stroke is the same ratio
- The shock features rebound damping and spring preload adjustability
Fully Adjustable Front Fork
- The Z1000′s 41mm inverted fork is adjustable for compression damping, rebound damping and spring preload – and it’s protected from harm by a cool-looking shroud
- Settings are designed for both sporty back road performance and excellent comfort on the street
Handlebar, Grips and Footpegs
- The tubular handlebar is rigid-mounted, contributing to sharp, direct handling
- A wide, flat bend handlebar offers a design similar to those on off-road bikes, for excellent control
- Tapered-type grips, like those used on supersport models, offer more direct feel
- Ninja ZX-10R-style footpegs with knurling offer good grip, direct feel and control and no-nonsense looks
- The passenger footpeg brackets incorporate convenient luggage hooks
Brakes
- The Z1000′s 300mm front petal brake discs are gripped by opposed four-piston radial-mount calipers. (Caliper piston size is 4×30 mm)
- A radial-pump front brake master cylinder contributes to the superb control and feel offered by the new calipers – The rear brake is a single piston, pin-slide caliper gripping a 250mm petal disc. The caliper is mounted below the swingarm, and located by a torque rod.
Chassis
The new Z1000 takes the aggressive styling of its predecessor a step forward. From the sharply sloped front cowl design made possible with the slim new line-beam headlamp, to the minimalist tail section, the new Z1000 presents a very condensed, mass-forward image. This dynamic design is reinforced by the front fork covers and wide shrouds adorned with intakes for the new Cool Air system. Where its predecessor formed the image of an athlete poised to explode out of the blocks, the new Z1000 gives the appearance of a dangerous predator feigning sleep – though no less ready to leap forward without a moment’s hesitation.
Condensed, Mass-forward Image for Dynamic Design
Sharp front cowl slopes back at an acute angle, contributing to the aggressive design and the image of a low, forward-located centre of gravity.
Control
Handlebar
- Wider and moved slightly further and higher. New position contributes to the rider’s freedom of movement.
- Fat-type handlebar contributes to tough appearance.
Seat height
- Lowered approximately 5 mm. Slightly narrower thanks to the new frame; this contributes to the rider’s freedom of movement.
Footpegs
- Aluminum footpegs from the Ninja ZX-10R with machined edges contribute to the direct feel.
Front brakes
- Radial-mount calipers and a radial-pump master cylinder deliver superb braking performance and precise brake control.
Front suspension – Compression damping adjustability added. Settings chosen to deliver light handling.
2011 Kawasaki Ninja 1000
Written by admin on Sunday, November 21, 2010 | No Comments
Categories: Kawasaki Bikes Tags: 2011 Kawasaki Ninja, 2011 Kawasaki Ninja 1000, Kawasaki Ninja, Kawasaki Ninja 1000, Kawasaki Ninja 1000 Bike
The new Ninja 1000 motorcycle features the advanced open-class powerplant: a 1,043cc, DOHC, liquid-cooled, 16-valve inline-four that features a long-stroke design for instantaneous power.
This engine is combined with a slick-shifting six-speed gearbox, and no-fuss electronic fuel injection for the “type of seamless throttle response – warm or cold – that makes short work of tricky traffic, higher-speed backroad situations and everything in between.”
The power is designed to be smooth across the RPM range. Kawasaki says Digital fuel injection helps, and the quartet of 38mm Keihin downdraft throttle bodies slam the perfect mix of fuel and air into the combustion chambers with help from an advanced ECU, oval sub-throttles and a cool air intake system that routes fresh air to the airbox via ducts at the front of the bike.
The Ninja 1000 features a balance shaft driven off the crankshaft that keeps the solidly mounted engine as smooth as possible, while a radically designed 4-into-2-into-2 catalyzer-equipped exhaust system offers a pleasing growl without being overly loud along with the cleanest possible emissions.
Chassis / Suspension
Concerning the chassis, the new Ninja 1000 features an advanced aluminum frame similar in design to that of the all-conquering Ninja ZX-10R sportbike. Kawasaki says the lightweight cage curves over the engine, cradling it from above and bolting solidly to it in three places, with a rubber-backed fourth mount provided for added vibration isolation and torsional rigidity.
This design allowed engineers to keep the waist of the bike very narrow for superb rider interface and high levels of comfort and control. The main frame and swingarm pivot pieces are cast as a single unit, with welds eliminated wherever possible for seamless aesthetics.
Kawasaki says the wheels, brakes and suspension parts that control that frame/engine duo are thoroughly advanced. Up front is a stout 41mm inverted fork that’s fully adjustable for spring preload, rebound and compression damping – just what you need for dialing things in perfectly for your weight and riding style.
In back is a horizontal back-link shock system featuring a damper mounted nearly horizontally above the swingarm for optimal mass centralization and excellent heat resistance. The gas/oil shock is adjustable for both spring preload and rebound damping, and tuned for effective performance everywhere from backroad sport riding to bopping along a pothole-infested city street.
The wheels holding those brakes – lightweight six-spoke supersport-style hoops – are also the latest in production technology. They not only reduce unsprung weight, which allows the suspension to function optimally, but they carry the latest in radial tire technology. The result is excellent grip, precise handling and extended tire life.
Racy Appearance
Kawasaki says perhaps the most stunning aspect of the new Ninja 1000 is its racy, full-coverage bodywork. Designed with one eye focused directly on Kawasaki’s track-ready ZX-6R and ZX-10R, Kawasaki has blessed the new bike with a thoroughly radical look, one that’s fresh and riveting.
But despite its edgy, rakish appearance, the bodywork cleaves enough of a hole in the atmosphere to offer a reasonably quiet cocoon for the rider. A manually adjustable, three-position windscreen helps here, allowing riders to pick just the right setting for their height and riding style. Integrated front turn signals, a ZX-6R-spec front fender, a stylish tail section, a wildly styled exhaust system and a full-featured instrument panel help complete the look. It’s one you won’t soon forget.
And despite its radical stance, the new Ninja 1000 retains comfortable ergonomics. The handlebars are mounted higher than on a supersport machine and the pegs a touch lower, all of which makes the Ninja 1000 a capable medium-haul tourer, and certainly a sportbike you could spend the day aboard without undue strain.
2011 Kawasaki Ninja 1000 Features and Benefits
Key Features
- 1,043cc inline-four with DFI® offers serious torque
- Lightweight aluminum frame is narrow and tuned to transmit optimal feedback to the rider
- Fully adjustable inverted front fork has settings designed for sporty performance and ride quality
- Placement of horizontal back-link rear suspension contributes to mass centralization
- Radial-mounted front brake calipers combine with the radial-pump front brake master cylinder to offer superb control and feel
- Sleek, supersport styling gives the Ninja® 1000 a distinctive look
- Relaxed, upright riding position contributes to all-day comfort
- Larger fuel capacity offers substantial range
- Windscreen is adjustable to three positions, allowing for optimum wind and weather protection.
Engine
- Liquid-cooled inline-four offers true open-class power from idle to redline, making it easy to harness for experts and novices alike
- Bore and stroke dimensions of 77.0 x 56.0mm offer an ideal balance of peak power and low- and mid-range flexibility
- 38mm Keihin throttle bodies cram the air/fuel mixture directly into combustion chambers via downdraft intakes for maximum power
- Oval sub-throttles help keep the engine slim, and a slim midsection allows an ideal bike/rider interface for maximum comfort and control
- Engine’s rev limiter comes into play “softly,” providing usable overrev character since power doesn’t drop off suddenly at high rpm
- The engine’s relatively low crankshaft position allows a moderately long stroke without adding engine height – A secondary engine balancer, driven off a gear on the sixth web of the crankshaft, eliminates excess vibration and contributes to rider comfort.
Cool Air System
- Intake system routes cool air to the airbox via ducts in the fairing, minimizing performance loss due to heated intake air
- Duct positioning – close to the rider – allows the intake howl to be heard and enjoyed
- Airbox resonator reduces noise at low rpm and enhances intake sound at higher revs.
Exhaust System
- The exhaust system features a 4-into-2-pre-chamber-into-2 layout. Silencer end-caps maintain the quad-style image
- Main and pre-catalyzers ensure cleaner emissions
- Thanks to the under-engine pre-chamber, silencer volume is reduced, and silencer weight is low. Exhaust system offers excellent mass centralization and contributes to a low center of gravity.
Slim-type Fuel Pump
- Slim-type fuel pump features an integral fuel gauge
- Fuel tank design and slim-type fuel pump minimizes dead volume inside the tank; fuel capacity is 4.0 gallons.
Bodywork
- Supersport-style full-fairing bodywork gives the Ninja 1000 a distinctive, head-turning look, and also offers plenty of wind and weather protection for short-tour ability
- The fairing’s slat-style leading edges direct wind around the bike, allowing the fairing to be narrower at the middle
- The fairing flares at the rear, keeping hot engine air from hitting the rider’s legs
- Original design front turn signals are integrated into the fairing and are attached to the inside of the fairing with rubber mounts that minimize damage if the bike falls over
- ZX-6R-spec front fender contributes to excellent aerodynamics and racy looks
- Slim and compact tail cowl moves mass physically and visually toward the front of the bike
- LED taillight features red LED bulbs and a red transparent lens
- Slim rear fender gives the bike a light-looking rear end
- Windscreen is manually adjustable for optimum wind/weather protection
- Windscreen has three available positions spanning approximately 20 degrees and ranging from sporty to maximum wind protection. Adjustment can be done by hand (no tools required) by depressing the release button below the instrument panel. Windscreen adjustment should always be done with the bike stopped.
Aluminum Backbone Frame
- Aluminum backbone frame is similar in concept to the Ninja ZX-10R’s, and helps make the bike narrow and easy to grip with the knees for maximum rider comfort and feedback
- The frame is lightweight and highly rigid, and uses the engine as a stressed member for solid handling and optimum stability
- Frame elements are tuned to transmit optimal engine feedback to the rider
- The frame’s five-piece construction consists of steering stem, left and right main frames, and two cross pieces. The two main frame components have open C-shaped cross sections
- Welds were eliminated wherever possible for simplicity and appearance; the frame beams and swingarm brackets are single die-cast pieces
- The new frame uses four engine mounts, three of which are rigid, one of which (the upper rear crankcase mount) is rubber
- Rear subframe is a three-piece aluminum die-casting assembly that’s light, strong and optimizes mass centralization
- The sub-frame is an example of form and function combined, negating the need for side covers and allowing underseat narrowness for a shorter reach to the ground.
Horizontal Back-Link Rear Suspension
- All-new rear suspension design positions the shock unit and linkage above the swingarm where it’s less exposed to exhaust heat and contributes to mass centralization
- Visible from the outside, the horizontal monoshock contributes to the Ninja 1000′s ultra-sporty appearance
- Linkage characteristics are the same as those of a standard Uni-Trak® system: Wheel movement versus shock stroke is the same ratio – The shock features stepless rebound damping and spring preload adjustability for a custom-tuned ride.
Brakes
- 300mm front petal-type brake discs are gripped by opposed four-piston radial-mount calipers. (Caliper piston size is 4×30 mm)
- A radial-pump front brake master cylinder contributes to the superb control and feel offered by these high-end calipers
- The rear brake is a single piston, pin-slide caliper gripping a 250mm petal-type disc. The caliper is mounted below the swingarm, and located by a torque rod.
Large-Volume Fuel Tank
- Five-gallon (19L) fuel tank offers substantial range
- Steel construction facilitates use of magnetic tank bag – Tank shape (flared edges and a trim shape at the back) allows riders to easily grip tank with their knees.
2011 Kawasaki Z1000SX
Written by admin on Thursday, November 11, 2010 | No Comments
Categories: Kawasaki Bikes Tags: 2011 Kawasaki, 2011 Kawasaki Bikes, 2011 Kawasaki Z1000SX, Kawasaki Z1000SX, Kawasaki Z1000SX Bike
The Z1000SX offers street riding excitement wrapped in seductive full-fairing styling that embodies its sporty performance. Add a number of convenience features and the result is a unique package more than able to satisfy a rider’s every desire. Whether looking to move on from a supersport or super-naked ride, or step up from a mid-size sport model, the Z1000SX offers the performance and versatility for a fuller bike life than ever experienced.
The Z1000SX’s well-integrated full-fairing styling offers a good indication of its sporty character. Featuring a “personal jet fighter” motif, the sensuous styling is both audacious and subtle at the same time. The aggressive design gives the Z1000SX its own distinct appearance, yet is instantly recognisable as a Kawasaki.
Bodywork
Supersport-style full-fairing bodywork gives the Z1000SX a distinct, head-turning look of its own. The sleek styling also offers a good measure of wind protection, facilitating short touring runs.
- The leading edges of the fairings feature a slat-style design that directs the wind around the bike, enabling the fairings to be slimmer in the middle.
- The fairings flair at the rear, keeping hot air from the engine from hitting the rider’s legs.
- Original-design front turn signals mount directly to the fairings. Turn signal units are attached to the inside of the fairing using rubber mounts to minimise fairing damage should the bike fall over.
- Supersport-style front fender contributes to both aerodynamics and racy looks.
- Slim and compact tail cowl design moves mass both physically and visually away from the rear and toward the front.
- LED taillight design features red LED bulbs and a red transparent lens.
- The short-style silencer design allows the rear wheel silhouette to be seen.
- Swingarm features eccentric axle adjusters, contributing to the Z1000SX’s Kawasaki identity.
- Supersport-style throttle case contributes to the Z1000SX’s sporty image.
Engine
Riding excitement is about more than just performance figures. Riding impact comes from the sensations the rider feels. Twisting the throttle results in a strong response from all rpm, the engine pulling strongly right to redline. Superb throttle response, power delivery with a mid-range hit make accelerating an exhilarating experience.
- Liquid-cooled, DOHC, 16-valve 1,043 cm3 In-line Four offers impressive power (101.5 kW (138 PS)) and strong torque.
- Bore and stroke of 77.0 x 56.0 mm were chosen to achieve the desired engine character. The result is an engine very strong in the everyday rpm range most used in street riding situations.
- Downdraft throttle bodies allow intake air to travel to the engine in the shortest possible distance, contributing to performance. While downdraft throttle bodies often use short intake funnels to maximise high-rpm performance, the Z1000SX’s are longer to offer the best power characteristics for street riding excitement.
- Throttle bore is ø38 mm, chosen for the ideal low-mid range response.
- Oval sub-throttles help keep the engine slim – important since the throttle bodies are positioned between the rider’s knees.
- Engine tuning focused on the feeling the rider gets when opening the throttle. There is a strong torque feeling (torque was set at the maximum level before the rear wheel starts spinning). Get on the gas at any rpm and the engine pulls strongly – although the feeling is more like being propelled forward.
- Good over-rev characteristics mean that power does not drop off suddenly at high rpm.
- Power delivery is quite linear, but the engine spins up noticeably faster from about 7,000 rpm onwards. Silky smooth response from mid-high rpm ensures excellent driveability.
- A secondary balancer, driven off a gear on the 6th web of the crankshaft, eliminates excess vibration. Of course, a certain amount of engine vibration was desired as part of the bike’s character (vibration contributes to the feeling of acceleration, increasing linearly with rpm), so vibration was not totally eliminated.
Cool Air System
With the airbox nestled between the frame beams, intake air can be affected by engine heat. The Cool Air system routes cool air to the airbox from ducts at the front of the side fairings, minimising performance loss due to heated intake air. This should not be confused with Ram Air, where force-fed air becomes pressurised in the airbox. A resonator inside the airbox reduces noise at low rpm, and enhances intake sound at high rpm.
Exhaust System
The exhaust system features a 4-into-2-pre-chamber-into-2 layout. Silencer end-caps create a quad-style image. Main and pre-catalysers ensure emissions are clean. An exhaust device is located upstream of the right-side silencer. Thanks to the under-engine pre-chamber, silencer volume could be kept to 3 litres each and silencer weight to 3500 g each, greatly contributing to mass centralisation (please see also Mass Centralisation below) and a lower centre of gravity.
Chassis
To ensure maximum riding excitement, the Z1000SX offers a quick-steering and light-handling package. A highly rigid aluminium frame with high mass centralisation balances sharp turning and firm handling. Supersport-style front brakes add to the high level of control.
Brakes
- At the front, 300 mm petal brake discs are gripped by opposed 4-piston radial-mount calipers. Caliper piston size is 30 mm.
- Radial-pump front brake master cylinder also contributes to the superb control and feel offered by the calipers.
- The rear brake features a single piston, pin-slide caliper gripping a 250 mm petal disc.
- The caliper is mounted below the swingarm and features a torque rod. The arrangement adds to the racy image.
- For added braking reassurance, ABS models are available in certain markets.
Suspension
- Rear suspension positions the shock unit and linkage above the swingarm.
- This arrangement contributes to mass centralisation (please see below).
- The suspension is located far enough from the exhaust that operation is not affected by heat.
- Visible from the outside, the Horizontal Back-link rear suspension contributes to the appearance of the Z1000SX.
- The rear shock features rebound and preload adjustability. A cam-style preload adjuster facilitates making adjustments to suit 2-up riding or luggage.
Mass Centralisation
The exhaust system (with large pre-chamber and short silencers), Horizontal Back-link rear suspension and the use of downdraft throttle bodies are the greatest contributors to mass centralisation. The Horizontal Back-link rear suspension arrangement frees up space taken up by the Uni-Trak suspension lower linkage, enabling a larger pre-chamber, which in turn allows the use of shorter mufflers and contributes to mass centralisation. The lightweight aluminium rear frame also contributes. The result is lighter, sharper handling. Turn-in is light. Steering is neutral after the bike has been leaned over.
Lightweight Wheels
Lightweight supersport-style 6-spoke wheels contribute to the Z1000SX’s sporty image while offering lower unsprung weight.
Large-volume Fuel Tank
The 19 litre fuel tank offers a substantial touring range. Dynamic fuel tank design with tall upper surface features supersport-style flared edges with a trim shape at the rear, a shape that is easy to grip with the knees. Steel construction facilitates the use of a magnetic tank bag. Slim-type fuel pump features a unitised fuel gauge. Fuel tank design and slim-type fuel pump minimise dead volume inside the tank.
Added Convenience
Under-seat storage is about twice as large as that of the Z1000. A hazard switch is located on the left handlebar. A number of option parts are available: GIVI side cases (35 litres, 5 kg max each), GIVI top case (39 litres, 3 kg max), cowling protectors (mushrooms), single seat cover, grip warmers, front fork sliders.
