![]() There don't seem to be any prevailing problems reported, though. Negative comments are around the lack of a decent TFT dash and cruise control, plus poor OEM tyres. "If it made espresso it'd be perfect", says one owner. Our Kawasaki ZZR 1400 owners' reviews show overall adoration for this machine, with high scores across the board. The level of finish is arguably higher than its closes competition from Suzuki. There’s no reason to question the reliability of the motor as previous engines have proven bullet proof even when tuned slightly. On the sidestand, the oil drains from the right-hand end of the camshafts.Ĭonsidering the very reasonable price you are buying the fastest bike on the planet the level of finish and quality is very high. Where possible, leave the bike on the centrestand. Either live with it, or fit an APE manual tensioner and tweak it as necessary. Don’t be alarmed by low-speed rattles from cold - the automatic camchain tensioner takes a while to build pressure and until it does it sounds awful. Early models suffered cam-cover gasket leaks - a revised gasket is now supplied, but extra washers under the cam-cover bolts help apply a bit more pressure and cures it anyway. The only actual failure we’ve heard of was due to a lack of oil at a trackday, and we’ve heard of one head-gasket failure (probably caused by overheating due to a faulty cooling fan). Sure, it’s not exactly nimble or flickable, but it is surprisingly easy and predictable with a monstrous powertrain that still delivers a hyper drive few other motorcycles can match.įundamentally incredibly tough. Then once out on the open road, the Kawasaki is utterly slick, steadfast and smooth. It’s grunty with light controls, making it a breeze in traffic. ![]() Although chunky and long, it’s not particularly cumbersome. It’s not all about performance - it’s also more fuel efficient than before.ĭespite its speed and power, the ZZR is actually something of a pussycat to ride. Pistons have also been lightened and there’s new bypass holes to minimise pumping loss. ![]() The increase in power is the result of a virtually new engine, longer stroke with raised compression, and a fine tune to the cylinder head with reshaped and polished ports. Kawasaki was quoting 200bhp, 210bhp with ram air, backed up by a whopping 119ftlb of torque. This is the Kawasaki ZZR 1400's killer punch, the engine, one of the finest you’ll find on any motorcycle. Like most Kawasaki calipers, the ZZR’s need a bit of love to keep them on song - regular cleaning helps keep the pistons moving freely, but it’s also worth changing the fluid once a year as well. Kawasaki changed the pad material for a less-harsh compound but the problem persists. Some owners reported getting through several pairs during their warranty period. Almost every owner we spoke to recommended MCT at Stowmarket (Before you do anything to the suspension though (in servicing fact, before you even ride a brand-new ZZR), strip and grease the swingarm pivots, suspension linkages and head bearings - Kawasaki never got the hang of greasing them properly at the factory.Īnd the brakes? Warped discs are very common. The standard rear’s not really up to the job and there’s no remote preload/ ride height adjuster.Īn aftermarket rear shock (Nitron fitments start at £438), ideally with remote preload, is popular but a specialist can work wonders with the front. The front’s not too bad, though it’s a bit choppy over rough surfaces and you’ll sometimes find the stanchion coating wearing prematurely, causing leaky oil seals. Lots of gripes about this on most models (the Öhlins shock on the Performance Sport version is better). Buying a used Kawaaski ZZR 1400 - suspension and brakes Peg scraping, knee down angles of lean are easily achievable but at the same time it's stable at high speeds. Stiffer springs have been fitted front and rear to give a sportier ride without compromising comfort. The Kawasaki ZZR 1400 was slightly sportier after 2012 thanks to revised suspension and chassis which means it handles far better than its size suggests.
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