2013 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14R review, test ride

We’ve just ridden Kawasaki’s flagship Ninja ZX-14R in India to learn what makes this sports-tourer the holy-grail for so many worldwide.

Published on Nov 19, 2013 08:55:00 PM

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2013 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14R review, test ride

The fuel-injected engine is allied to a 6-speed gearbox which shifts smoothly, with good feel via its toe shift lever. Likewise, clutch feel is fine, with the slipper function working unobtrusively when coming down hard through the gearbox and using engine braking. As expected, the 14R offers manic performance, the Ninja seldom feeling anywhere close to its limits, even though it will have most riders pushing theirs, with blistering acceleration at any point in the powerband.

You don’t need to rev the 14R hard to come to terms with the business end of its powerband. There’s more than ample power available from low-down, just over idle in every gear, building with a massive surge, through its brutal mid-range all the way up to redline. Hook the gearbox into second with power mode set to Full, and open the gas from even as low as 30kph, shifting up the box quickly and before you know it, the big Kawasaki will have smashed past 200kph, blurring the scenery around you as it hurtles along at insane speeds. A top speed in the region of 300kph makes this a faster bike than most roads in India can handle.