With a seven plus mile circular “speed bowl”, and numerous other proving facilities, the high security proving ground – which is visible from space such is its size – seemed the ideal launch venue. Among those present were Motor Cycle News and the Daily Telegraph, here is a summary of their positive comments.

Setting the scene, Kevin Ash of the Telegraph observed that the original ZZR1100 was “the world’s fastest motorcycle, with an extraordinary 170mph top speed”. Things have moved on, and the latest ZZR is now up in capacity, up in power but, crucially, also benefits from a suite of electronic rider aids – not that all the control has affected the basic, ballistic urge of what Kawasaki claims is the world’s fastest acceleration production motorcycle.

As Adam Child of MCN commented early in his five page test, “..the sheer, brutal acceleration of Kawasaki’s new ZZR1400 is enough to churn your stomach. As I fire down the (drag) strip the big ZZR actually takes my breath away. Wow it’s quick!”. Ash agreed, terming the bike, “ferociously fast” in his five star review of the machine.

In this Hypersports class there are a small handful of competitors, and it is no secret that Kawasaki considers the Hyperbike crown to rest naturally with the KHI Akashi factory. Child recognised this saying, “there’s no getting away from it, Kawasaki wanted the Hyperbike performance crown and the new ZZR is the result”.

Reflecting on the internal upgrades and tuning changes to the ZZR’s new engine, both Child and Kevin Ash revealed that, along with the considerable performance increase, fuel consumption compared the previous model could be “down by 20 per cent”.

Combining a blend of ultimate Hypersports performance and new-to-class electronic rider aids, the MCN and Telegraph reviews reflected equally on the sheer acceleration and stability of the ZZR at speed combined with a spec sheet that, in MCN’s words, includes, “ABS as standard, a two-way power mode switch which is adjustable on the move, and a three way traction control system that can also be changed on the move with a closed throttle.”

Later in the test, Child praised the “very impressive” KTRC traction control system further saying, “..what impressed even more was the ZZR’s new traction control which sets a new benchmark in the class and puts the Kawasaki above the ‘Busa”.

The ABS too garnered high praise. Proclaiming it “excellent” MCN’s Senior Road Tester said, “…you can feel it working, but it’s never too intrusive.”

Handling and comfort wise, both road testers were impressed. Kevin Ash – at over 6ft tall – remarked that “..the air flow from the screen remained smooth and pressure on the rider was minimal, suggesting the bike will make a fine motorway tool. And with its spacious riding position, comfortable seat and a good range of at least 200 miles – assuming better economy than the old model – this should be an effective tourer”.

Shorter Child, was not intimidated by the size of the ZZR saying, “despite its size the seat is low – I’m 5’ 7” and can confidently place both feet on the floor”.

Of the handling, Child – who in the recent past had extensive experience the previous model ZZR1400 – commented “..remember, this is supposed to be a sports-touring bike, albeit a very fast one, but even on track it wasn’t out of its comfort zone. The sportier, firmer suspension was giving real feedback – nothing seemed to phase the front, no matter how far over it was..”

For Kevin Ash of the Telegraph, “It also handles with surprising agility, and it’s beautifully put together with neat details and exceptional quality.”

So, in summary, a machine that set out to – and by the looks of it has – retained the Hypersports crown. A “a hugely enjoyable bike” according the Kevin Ash gaining a rating of five stars from a possible five.

And for Motor Cycle News the verdict was that, “There’s a new king of the Hypersports class. It’s always been close between the ‘Busa and the ZZR, but the new Kawasaki has taken a noticeable step forward… the ZZR is now more accessible, a bike anyone can ride and ride damn fast. The traction control is excellent and really puts it ahead of the Suzuki.

The ZZR’s also now sportier thanks to its revised suspension and chassis… the new Kawasaki is also practical, thanks to its improved mpg, comfort, decent fairing, informative clocks and so on."

Icing on the ZZR review cake was this final comment from Adam Child – “..in fact, I’m struggling to find a negative aspect to this bike”.


For the full reports – and 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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