Kawasaki ZZR1400 Bike Overview
The Kawasaki ZZR1400 is the new all-round king pin of the motorcycle world, with breath taking speed and enough power to blow you into the next country, this bike certainly packs a punch.
Acceleration on this bike is, for a lighter word, ridiculous and will pull the socks out of your shoes; it is limited to an incredible 186mph and will get you there in a blink of an eye with plenty of gusto left over. Topping it off, this bike comes with standard ABS and traction control, not bad considering you can spend in excess of £1000 to add these to other bikes in this range as optional extras.
With improved stability in the suspension, the ZZR now feels a lot sportier than its predecessor, making it more suitable and steady at top speeds which is a plus in any bike rider’s books.
Compared to the previous version, it now has raised compression, a longer stroke and tuning to the cylinder heads and polishing of the ports that has resulted in a whopping 200bhp, as quoted by Kawasaki themselves.
The fact that this bike is reasonably priced across the market, bearing in mind that you are buying one of the fastest road bikes on the planet, when you consider the previous engine was near enough bomb proof, the new model would probably survive a nuclear war! If you are adrenaline fuelled and thrive for the rush, then look no further than this monster of a machine.
Kawasaki ZZR1400 Bike Spec
- Capacity1441cc
- Top speed188mph
- Weight264kg
- Average fuel consumption45mph
- Seat height800mm
- EngineFour stroke, DOHC, liquid cooled, 4v
Kawasaki ZZR1400 Bike Insurance
Owner Reviews
Pros
The best thing about the ZZR1400 is its versatility for size and cost. which ever model you get it can be sports or tourer
Cons
I have usb chargers, sat nav fitted, blue tooth finger control for radio / intercom and most important Cameras front and rear for collision purposes. So the camera system could be fitted on factory machines.
Read More
I fitted a custom seat which aids comfort and raises the pillion so legs are less bent on the pegs.
Excellent build quality . everything wears out eventually just keep on top of servicing.
With the correct brake pads the brakes are excellent, I use SBK
Corners well for a big bike. I have no issues. or has we bikers say, look at the chicken strip on the tyres..
Well, 190bhp what more can you ask for.
My machine is at 47.8 avg mpg according to the clock.. Having done 55k on it. not to bad at all
Pros
Stunning power and acceleration
Cons
Provision of an auxiliary power socket
Read More
Especially comfy considering its riding position and pedigree
Japanese says it all
Impressive even when breaking hard from 120+mph on the track
Solid sports tourer, but surprisingly nimble and forgiving
The most powerful stock road bike when I bought it
Reliability to date means services are basically oil and plugs
Pros
Looks, ride and engine.
Cons
Brakes could do with more range as they seem to be either on or off.
Read More
For such a big bike it turns very well,one of the most stable platforms around.
As you would expect the ZZR1400 has lots of power,but it delivers that power very smoothly. being such a large engine it does produce a lot of heat which helps on cold days.
No issues with running costs.
My first big KAWASAKI and I must say I am impressed,the bike is 10 years old but doesn't show it.
Not overly impressed with the brakes compared to the HONDA's I have had. Bit then again they are capable o stopping a large motorcycle electronically limited to 186mph, which it can do with a gear to spare.
Pros
Good all round bike capable of touring in comfort. This is my 3rd ZZR 1400, a tried and tested bike. Great bike for touring or hard riding, whether solo or with pillion.
Cons
Heated grips as standard would be a bonus. Had to fit aftermarket heated grips.
Read More
Holds the road well whether riding solo or with pillion
Goes on and on, does what it says on the tin. Performance sport.
Heated grips as standard would be a bonus. Had to fit aftermarket heated grips.
Reliable and solidly built.
Brembo brakes as standard are magnificent.
Pros
It's great sports/ tourer with huge power
Cons
There's no under-seat storage at all for a lock or chain.
Read More
I've told various specialists can make improvements by tweaking the standard set up but I've done a track day at Snetterton with no dramas.
A missile!
There's no under-seat storage at all for a lock or chain.
Fairing is a dog's breakfast to remove, otherwise great paintwork
Faded on track but no problems on the road
Pros
An excellent all-round package that never fails to put a smile on your face. The turbine like engine and handling for a bike of this size.
Cons
More relaxed riding position.
Read More
More relaxed riding position.
Pros
Engine, fantastic powerplant and a great all round package.
Cons
Kawasaki, supply a centre stand as standard
Read More
Kawasaki, supply a centre stand as standard
Pros
A beautiful bike with many extras
Cons
Nothing
Read More
It's got everything you need
Bullet proof
Nothing
Very well made
Brilliant
Pros
The best bike by far: stupendously hard accelerator on open twisties, yet easy to control in slow town traffic. 100% adrenaline machine. Smooth arm ripping acceleration with reliability under the skin
Cons
Easier access to the battery as it currently involves taking some fairing section off
Read More
Very smooth operator, superb maneuverability even for a large sporty bike. Soaks up the bumps and accelerates like a dream.
Hyperfast, super smooth
Easier access to the battery as it currently involves taking some fairing section off
Typical Japanese high quality components and stylish aboot
Has massive breaking ability to match engine's thrust
Pros
Fantastic machine great to ride had a lot of bikes but the zzr1400 is something else love it. Combination of the power handling and comfort ride all day no problem.
Cons
Security like keyless ignition or thumb print ignition built in tracker should be standard on bikes of this price range
Read More
Very smooth, very good round the corners for a big bike
Loads of power whenever you need it, two up makes no difference
Security like keyless ignition or thumb print ignition built in tracker should be standard on bikes of this price range
Paint work on the wheels is poor, chips easily and hard to clean because of poor finish
ABS brakes good, feel pulls up spot on, very stable under braking
Pros
great all rounder for little trips to seaside or commute to work to mile munching tours of British Isles and Europe.
Cons
Poor back brake
Read More
Mine with the upgraded suspension handles well can be a little heavy when slow maneuvering
Very good pulling power fully loaded or single rider without luggage
Poor back brake
No problems as yet 10,000+ miles
ABS k-tech system full confidence in stopping power dry or wet.
Pros
An awesome piece of equipment with refinement and comfort thrown in. Comfort , performance and its looks.
Cons
Nothing
Read More
Very good
Nothing
Pros
Comfort and power
Cons
Really the bike could do with a steering damper, I have fitted one and it is a far better at bumpy corners on the uk roads
Read More
Smooth and powerful
Not 200bhp as advertised only a Meer 194 bhp but wow what a ride
She is a big bike but very good on fuel around 45mpg
All good, really can't fault the quality
stunning stopping
Pros
Instant power at any speed great 2 up great comfort
Cons
The paint finish on the wheels isn't brilliant and security could do with keyless ignition like cars have I think manufacturers should concentrate more on security built in trackers etc
Read More
Handles spot on good ground clearance tyres to the edge and not scrape anything on the road
Epic power
Good on fuel just normal stuff brake pads tyres no worse than other bikes I've had was really impressed how long the rear tyre lasted
No problems
Spot on abs system good feel on the lever
Pros
Fabulous torque and acceleration. All day comfort. Bragging rights and knowing nods from other bikers. Smile every time I open the garage door. Perfect.
Cons
I imagine the Brembos would give better feel and bite. No accessory socket on a sports tourer. Love the analogue clocks but the LCD screen look like a 1990’s handheld computer game.
Read More
What a ride, like it’s attached to a rail built into the road
Unbelievable. Warp factor 5 ! Can not understand how this much power is legal!
Still new so nothing apart from first service. Time will tell on wear parts I guess. Fuel economy doesn’t seem any different to other litre plus bikes.
Pretty good. Dash needs update to match latest TFT’s but mechanicals are solid and feels bullet proof. Akra’s look much better than standard silencers.
Do the job but need a good tug to stop all that weight and me
Pros
Can return as much as 58mpg averages 40mpg
Cons
Upgrade rear shock
Read More
Set suspension up and away you go
Can't stop grinning
Can return as much as 58mpg averages 40mpg
Fault Free
Brilliant ABS is outstanding
Pros
Over all fantastic
Cons
Over all fantastic
Read More
The bike is very rider friendly
Its awesome,light speed.
Ride it sensibly 200mile out of a tank is achievable,ring its neck & that drops to 120,most bike are the same,running costs are down to the owners mechanical skills,tyres don't like the M6
Keeping it clean helps
Brakes are superb at all speeds
Pros
Easy to ride, awesome engine and effortless overtaking make it a great all rounder. It's the Bugatti Veyron of the bike world
Cons
Coming from 600's, the turn in could be quicker but it's surprisingly nimble for a big bike. The engine power (over 200bhp) means you never really get close to the edge of its limits, well a mere mortal doesn't if they want to keep their licence and stay alive.
Read More
Absorbs bumps well and is a great compromise for most roads in the UK
Awesome power that's not intimidating
I average 44mpg which for it's power is acceptable. This improves to 50mpg if you ride steadily/for touring with pillion on board.
Well built. No issues
Stops very well for a big bike