Jon Urry tells us what we have to know…
If you need critical efficiency, you want a ZZR…
There’s an previous adage that goes, ‘There isn’t any alternative for displacement’ – an announcement that rings very true in terms of Kawasaki’s mind-bending hyperbike, the ZZR1400. Though when the supercharged H2 SX was launched in 2018 the growing older ZZR fell out of favour and was subsequently dropped from the agency’s mannequin vary because it didn’t meet Euro5 necessities, a flashy pressured air induction system on a litre engine can solely get you thus far when it comes to {smooth} torque. Nope, if you would like the last word grunt-monster that delivers mountain-levelling quantities of mid-range in an ultra-smooth style, there is just one strategy to get it – purchase an enormous capability hyperbike. If this appeals, and also you need it to additionally include a load of recent tech, then the ZZR is by far and away the best choice.
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Initially launched in 2006, the primary technology of ZZR1400 is a bit forgettable as though it’s (predictably…) very quick, it is usually very a lot old-school in its method and lacks the fashionable digital techniques. And it’s this proven fact that units the ZZR other than its primary rival, the Hayabusa, as the place Suzuki principally stood nonetheless with its hyperbike’s improvement, Kawasaki truly allowed the ZZR to evolve. Okay, this unsuitable has now been rectified, however you want to spend £17,999 on a brand new or £15,000 on a used current-generation Busa to realize traction management, the place simply £6000 will get you a ZZR with this on it. If you’re a canny used bike purchaser, that’s a little bit of a no brainer choice…
If in case you have by no means ridden a hyperbike earlier than, preliminary impressions of the ZZR could make it appear a bit unappealing. There isn’t any denying its look is a contact boring and its sheer dimension can be fairly intimidating. Tipping the scales at 265kg, the Kawasaki is an enormous previous bus and regardless of a reassuringly low seat top of 800mm, pulling it up and off its side-stand does take effort. However this weight has its advantages, one thing you discover as quickly as you get correctly rolling.
As soon as out of city, the place admittedly the Kawasaki can really feel a bit top-heavy and ponderous, the ZZR’s weight actually begins to play into its arms. Completely rock-solid in any respect speeds (even 186mph) in a straight line, goal the ZZR at a set of sweeping bends and though not the quickest turning it’s extremely stable and sure-footed. Its bulk means it’s no scratcher, however should you journey primarily on A-roads it’s an absolute pleasure and its secure chassis offers you luggage of suggestions and confidence. Though the Efficiency Sport mannequin comes with an Öhlins shock, the inventory bike’s unit is totally adjustable so the advantages when it comes to dealing with are pretty minimal. Nevertheless, the very fact the Öhlins unit is totally rebuildable the place the inventory one isn’t must be a consideration for used patrons. A alternative shock will likely be within the area of £500-£700 for a top quality one the place getting the Öhlins merchandise refreshed will likely be nearer to £250.
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Because the miles click on previous (in a short time if you would like) it’s onerous to not be impressed by the plushness of the ZZR. Not solely is the suspension set for consolation, additionally the seat is fantastically squishy and the driving place sporty with out being excessive. It’s an awesome bike for devouring miles on and even pillions are pretty nicely catered for. And a significant factor on this general feeling of ease is the astounding motor.
Capable of pull high gear from as little as 3000rpm, the inline 4 is only one large turbine-like producer of torque that’s not solely blisteringly quick but additionally extremely versatile. Because of the real 148Nm on faucet, gear adjustments are stored to a minimal and as soon as you’re over 30mph, it’s successfully an enormous twist-and-go. And a bloody quick one at that!
You actually do must deal with the ZZR’s throttle with respect. Not a lot because of the outright energy because the traction management system is fairly good, however extra right down to the very fact the speeds creep up imperceptibly because the motor is so {smooth} and that makes being caught doing foolish velocities a really actual risk. To be truthful, that is at all times a problem with a hyperbike however the place the H2 SX has just a few dips and peaks in its energy supply that offer you a sign of the place you’re at, the ZZR’s output is simply so {smooth} you by no means actually get this assist – officer…
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There isn’t any denying that owing a ZZR1400 requires a excessive diploma of restraint however in case you are after a motorbike for touring Europe on it’s a nice choice. Sitting at fixed motorway speeds is easy (possibly go by way of an autobahn to permit it to stretch it legs…), overtakes require merely a small additional software of throttle, and when you attain the twisty roads, the chassis is greater than up for a little bit of enjoyable. Quick, versatile, and dependable, the Kawasaki ZZR1400 is one heck of a used bike for a really affordable amount of cash.
Value information: £5000-£11,995
Most cost-effective non-public: £5250
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14,171 miles. Some paint fade and a bit of damage and tear
Our selection non-public: £6000
19,145 miles, simply serviced and really clear with service historical past
Most cost-effective seller: £6350
17,640 miles, 2012 bike in white/blue and in lovely situation
Our selection seller: £9500
9057 miles, beautiful low mileage Efficiency Sport with a brand new MoT
Ex-demo: n/a
Different issues to know…
Mannequin updates
Though the ZZR1400 has been round since 2006, the 1441cc bikes are radically completely different to the early 1352cc mannequin. Launched in 2012, this larger capability and extra tech-heavy technology was solely up to date in 2016 with small engine and ECU mods to permit it to cross Euro4 and a brand new sprint, so nothing to essentially to write down dwelling about.
Efficiency Sport editions
The Efficiency Sport variant first arrived in 2014 and options an Öhlins shock and road-legal Akrapovic exhaust finish cans. In 2016 it obtained the identical Euro4-pleasing updates as the bottom ZZR1400, however the Sport additionally gained braided brake and clutch traces and new Brembo M50 calipers with a radial grasp cylinder to take a seat alongside the Akra exhausts and Öhlins shock. A Sport will set you again £500-1000 greater than a base bike.
Servicing
The ZZR1400’s intelligent monocoque chassis makes servicing an absolute nightmare, particularly when you’re speaking an enormous one, as there’s subsequent to no room. Getting the plugs out (each 7500 miles) is difficult, however the valve clearances (15,000 miles) is a proper struggle that may set you again about £800. All the time test a motorbike’s service historical past as though the engine is under-stressed, these checks do have to be carried out on the required intervals to make sure reliability.
Variations
Kawasaki did like to offer house owners choices with the ZZR and other than the Efficiency Sport, which is a separate mannequin in its personal proper, there have been additionally Efficiency editions. The Efficiency simply features Akrapovic exhausts from the components and equipment catalogue (the identical as on the Sport) and a taller display screen, pillion seat cowl and tank pad.
Brakes
Though the Efficiency Sport mannequin comes with Brembo calipers (on later fashions) and braided traces the place the inventory mannequin has Nissin items and rubber traces, they undergo from the identical points on used bikes. Because the ZZR is each heavy and quick, the discs have a tendency to wear down and so do the pads. Test each have loads of meat left on them as new OE discs are £279 every from Kawasaki. If you’re shopping for a inventory mannequin, think about uprating the brake traces to braided items for security.
Corrosion
Numerous ZZR house owners take their bike touring and which means being ridden in all circumstances. Because of this, corrosion generally is a little bit of a problem, particularly on the radiator. All the time test this space nicely for any indicators of leaks as a brand new unit is £795 from Kawasaki! Don’t simply assume all is nicely behind the fairing, get in your arms and knees and with a torch give it inspection as rust can set in the place water is trapped.
Cam chain tensioner
The ZZR’s cam chain tensioner is at all times a bit noisy when first beginning the bike. Nevertheless, if the rattle persists then be a bit involved as that isn’t regular. It might simply want a brand new tensioner or there could also be one thing a bit extra untoward…
Equipment
A good few ZZRs include a high field fitter or panniers, which is sweet to see, and so much even have a taller display screen because the OE unit is sort of quick. Heated grips are frequent (Kawasaki did promote aftermarket ones) and in addition alternative exhausts and a (very useful) centre stand. A number of house owners match gadgets to take away the pace restriction (a TRE or by way of an ECU remap) however these are uncommon and for highway riders, a little bit of a waste of time.
Additionally think about these:
2012 BMW K1300S
Personal: £7400 Seller: £8000
Launched in 2009, the K1300S has a complicated electronics package deal however is just a little too touring-orientated to be enjoyable. Quick, simply missing a ‘wow issue’
Engine: 1298cc, l/c, 16v inline 4
Energy: 163bhp @ 9250rpm
Torque: 131Nm @ 8000rpm
2013 Suzuki Hayabusa
Personal: £6499 Seller: £7200
The Busa has outlived the ZZR and regardless of being much more analogue, remains to be a tremendous machine. ABS arrived in 2013 alongside uprated Brembo brakes
Engine: 1340cc, l/c, 16v inline 4
Energy: 178bhp @ 9600rpm
Torque: 143Nm @ 7000rpm
2008 Honda Blackbird
Personal: £3600 Seller: £4200
The selection of the pace junky who additionally desires refinement and a low price ticket, the Blackbird is previous however a superb sports activities tourer with glorious construct high quality and reliability
Engine: 1137cc, l/c, 16v inline 4
Energy: 139bhp @ 9300rpm
Torque: 115Nm @ 7100rpm
