In wintery conditions that displayed the machine’s poise and array of useful electronic rider aids to good effect, the re-tuned, restyled and re-launched ZZR convincingly beat its European and Japanese rivals, dominating the lion’s share of test categories devised by the experienced MCN team.

Beginning his test report, Adam Child writes, “It's official! Kawasaki’s new ZZR1400 is the fastest accelerating bike we’ve ever tested..” Continuing, he reflects further on the acceleration stating that, “…top speed isn’t the be all and end all, instead it’s about acceleration and how it gets there. And the Kawasaki beat all comers.”

Balancing the sheer performance available in controlled conditions with the everyday needs of normal road riders, Child praised the KTRC traction control system describing it as “sublime… it will predict wheel spin by monitoring throttle position, gear position, revs and other parameters similar to the ZX-10R system”.

Handling wise, the ZZR1400 also wins with MCN claiming that the machine with its revised suspension package, “wouldn’t feel outclassed on the track day”.

The combination of traction control and ABS as standard met with high approval, with Child claiming that, “..despite the power, the traction control and clever ABS the ZZR is still fun to ride… you can throw yourself into knee-down sweepers with confidence and accelerate hard on exits knowing the traction will save any slides”.

Comfort too is top drawer – and having completed over 13,000 miles on a previous model ZZR, Child has a good knowledge of the machine. He explains that, “The new model has a comfier seat and new fairing which excellent at keeping you out of the wind blast. The bars and pegs are positioned near perfect. It’s a smooth place to be mile upon mile – even for a pillion.” And that, “..on a steady run you can push the Kawasaki close to 200 miles between refills.. the Kawasaki level of finish is also high and we voted it best looking of the bunch”.

No surprise then that the convincing winner of the three way group test is the new ZZR1400. Read the full test and read the verdict in the February 8 edition of Motor Cycle News.

For ZZR1400 tests a selection of other key Kawasaki road tests as they are published – go to the new Kawasaki Press Review web site.


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