2015 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14R 30th Anniversary Limited Edition

This year, the iconic Ninja name that defined Kawasaki sportbikes since 1984 celebrates its 30th anniversary.

Kawasaki began the festivities earlier this year, releasing its Ninja ZX-10R and Ninja ZX-6R in 30th Edition graphics. But the Japanese manufacturer went one step further Friday with a bolder celebration statement –  the 2015 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14R ABS 30th Anniversary Limited Edition.

What better venue to unveil the machine than Laguna Seca Mazda Raceway, which hosts round of the 2014 World Superbike Championship this weekend (as of this writing, Kawasaki’s Tom Sykes – the reigning World SBK Champion – leads the series).

And limited means limited; only 300 of the 30th Anniversary Ninjas will be produced for USA and Latin American markets. Kawasaki will also produce a further 30 LE models for the Canadian market.

The ZX-14R LE pays homage to the original 1984 Ninja 900, getting the exact same shades of Firecracker Red and Metallic Graystone paint. The 30th Anniversary Ninja ZX-14R also has the same gold pinstripes and gold calipers. Further styling enhancements arrive with a unique numbered badge on the gas tank, and 30th Anniversary logos on the fairings.

“Parked side by side, the 1984 Ninja 900 and 2015 ZX-14R ABS Limited Edition bring together 30 years of motorcycle enthusiasm and passion,” Kawasaki says.

Kawasaki says the 30th Anniversary ZX-14R will be available to order at a Kawasaki Dealer beginning at 9 a.m. PDT Tuesday, July 15. The price is $15,899 – just $200 over the Ninja ZX-14R ABS

Following are the features and specs of the 2015 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14R ABS 30th Anniversary Limited Edition.

2014 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14R ABS 30th Anniversary Limited Edition Features:

Key Features

• One-of-a-kind 1,441cc inline-four engine is the most powerful motorcycle engine Kawasaki has ever produced, delivering the most power of any current production sportbike
• ABS brake model helps increase rider confidence and helps provide additional security in slippery situations
• KTRC traction control system addresses varying riding conditions via three different modes controlled by a switch on the left handlebar
• Back-torque-limiting slipper clutch assembly helps control chassis upset from rear-wheel torque effects while braking and downshifting
• High performance exhaust system features large-diameter tapered head pipes, a catalyzer and an efficient muffler assembly for low noise and emissions
• Aluminum monocoque frame is narrow, strong and rigid for impressive sport riding performance that complements the engine’s power
• Aluminum swingarm assembly is longer than traditional designs and incorporates strengthening gussets to withstand the engine’s substantial torque
• Supersport bodywork embraces the visual cues of Kawasaki siblings, includes a rear seat cowl and adds better air management for improved rider and passenger comfort
• Ten-spoke wheels reduce unsprung weight for better handling and maneuverability
• Radial-mount calipers feature individual pads for each piston, improving heat management
• Balanced, adjustable suspension settings front and rear for a comfortable ride without sacrificing performance
• Flagship finish quality with hidden bodywork fasteners

1,441cc Four-cylinder Liquid-cooled DOHC Engine

• Long-stroke design, ported cylinder heads, lightweight forged pistons, and aggressive camshaft profiles provide more torque and power throughout the rev range than any other production sportbike
• Piston jet system sprays a continuous stream of cooling lubrication to the underside of each piston for cooler running temperatures, more consistent power output and excellent long-term durability
• Strong cam chain and tensioning system offers excellent high-RPM durability
• Thick 40mm crankshaft main journals contribute to long-term engine durability
• Surface and heat treatments allow the transmission gears to better harness the engine’s prodigious power output
• Chrome composite-plated aluminum cylinder bores are lightweight, durable, and effectively transfer heat away from the combustion chamber and piston for maximum durability at high power outputs
• Mechanical noise is kept to a minimum via special piston profiles and a urethane insulation sheet on the inside of the magnesium chain cover

High-flow Exhaust System

• Header assembly has tapered-diameter pipes for optimal engine response and power output
• The internal construction of the dual mufflers minimizes the impact of noise and emissions regulations, while maintaining impressive top-end power
• Airflow directed into the exhaust by the large secondary air ports in the cylinder head and head cover, plus a third honeycomb catalyzer in the exhaust collector, help meet strict Euro III emissions standards

Gear-driven Dual Engine Balancers

• Balance weights keep the engine in ideal balance, resulting in improved comfort for riders and passengers
• Already in perfect primary balance, the ZX-14R’s engine design 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 larger and more efficient air cleaner and into the engine for maximum power output

Digital Fuel Injection

• DFI® throttle body assembly features individual 44mm throttle bodies fitted with an idle speed control and sub-throttle valves controlled by the 32-bit ECU. They provide precise response, smooth performance, automatic idle speed adjustment, and help the bike meet strict Euro III emissions requirements
• High performance intake tract porting optimizes flow characteristics
• Fuel injectors deliver lateral spray at a 20-degree angle to disperse the finely atomized (75-micron droplet size) fuel over a wide area

Dual-Mode Digital Ignition

• Rider selectable Full & Low power maps offer a choice between full power and approximately 75-percent power output to help suit changing conditions
• 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

KTRC Traction Control

• KTRC Kawasaki Traction Control system features three different selectable modes to suit rider preference and different riding conditions
• Modes are selected by a handy switch assembly on the left handlebar
• Modes are indicated on the LCD cockpit display

Back-Torque Limiting “Slipper” Clutch

• Back-torque limiting “slipper” clutch assembly helps control rear-wheel torque effects while downshifting or coasting to minimize wheel hop, chatter and reduce rider stress
• Radial-pump hydraulic clutch master cylinder offers smooth and precise engagement and optimal feel at the lever

ABS Disc Brakes with petal-type Rotors and Radial-Mount Calipers

• ABS brakes offer excellent performance and enhanced confidence in adverse conditions
• Compact, lightweight ABS unit is highly effective without adding excessive weight
• Petal-type brake rotors provide better cooling and enhanced warp resistance than traditional 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
• Radial-pump front brake master cylinder provides excellent lever feel and feedback

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
• Many of the 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 weight versus traditional designs
• Engine is positioned forward in the frame, with the long wheelbase and front/rear weight balance carefully designed to achieve high-speed stability and responsive handling
• Long swingarm design helps maximize forward drive and is gusseted to better cope with the engine’s healthy torque output
• 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 an aluminum frame cover

Comfortable Sporting Suspension

• Inverted and multi-adjustable 43mm cartridge-type fork provides excellent wheel control and without sacrificing ride comfort
• Stepless damping adjustment allows ultra-precise tuning of fork reactions
• Fully adjustable bottom-link Uni-Trak® rear suspension is a compact design that offers premium control and feedback
• Linkage rates designed to allow linear suspension action and excellent wheel control
• Bottom-link design helps create a lower center of gravity, which makes the motorcycle more nimble

Aggressive Supersport 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
• Efficient fairing venting offers excellent engine-heat control to help maintain rider and passenger comfort on hot days
• Standard rear-seat cowl adds aesthetic appeal
• Both the front and rear turn signals are integrated into the bodywork and have clear lenses to enhance for a more modern appearance
• Quadruple projector beam headlights give the ZX-14R a distinctive look. The outer lights contain position lamps and high beams, while the low beams are located in the center lamps
• Lightweight Denso radiator with dual fans and high-density cores provides maximum cooling efficiency
• Limited Edition bodywork finished in Firecracker Red / Metallic Graystone / Gold pinstriping

Full Instrumentation

• Black-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, clock, and many other variables, including traction-control and power mode information through its LCD indicator
• 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
• Controller Area Network (CAN) interface between the gauges uses fewer wires yet allows a greater volume of information, such as estimated fuel mileage, to be exchanged

2015 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14R ABS 30th Anniversary Limited Edition Specs:

• Engine: Four-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, four-valve per cylinder, inline-four
• Displacement: 1,441cc
• Bore x stroke: 84 x 65mm
• Compression ratio: 12.3:1
• Fuel injection: DFI® with four 44mm Mikuni throttle bodies
• Ignition: TCBI with Digital Advance
• Transmission: Six-speed
• Final drive: Sealed chain
• Rake / trail: 23-deg / 3.7”
• Front tire: 120/70 ZR17
• Rear tire: 190/50 ZR17
• Wheelbase: 58.3”
• Front suspension / wheel travel: 43mm inverted cartridge fork with adjustable preload, 18-way compression and 15-way rebound damping adjustment / 4.6”
• Rear suspension / wheel travel: Bottom-link Uni-Trak® and gas-charged shock with adjustable preload, stepless rebound and compression damping adjustments, adjustable ride height / 4.9”
• Front brakes: Dual semi-floating 310 mm petal discs with dual radial-mounted four-piston calipers in gold, ABS
• Rear brakes: Single 250mm petal disc with twin-piston caliper in gold, ABS
• Overall length: 85.4”
• Overall width: 30.3”
• Overall height: 46.1”
• Ground clearance: 4.9”
• Seat height: 31.5”
• Curb weight: 590.9 lb
• Fuel capacity: 5.8 gallons
• Color: Firecracker Red / Metallic Graystone / Gold pinstriping
• MSRP: $15,899