ZZR' has "meant just one thing to most motorcyclists since the beginning of the 1990s", when Kawasaki launched its ZZR1100, says Kevin Ash in The Daily Telegraph. At the time it was the world's fastest motorcycle, with "an extraordinary 170mph top speed". This ZZR1400 is the latest model, an improvement on the 2006 version, with a 89cc hike in engine size, 207bhp on tap, and some sophisticated electronics.
There is a manufacturers' agreement to limit all bikes' top speeds to 186mph (300kph), but what's impressive about this bike is "the acceleration and ease with which it achieves its wild velocities". And it is "ferociously fast" the fastest road motorbike in the world.
It powers up to the edge of its 186mph top speed with ease and, at a "gentle and reasonable 125mph", the air flow from the screen remains smooth and pressure on the rider minimal. This, along with the comfortable riding position and range of 200 miles, makes the bike a "fine motorway tool".
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The ZZR1400 is so powerful it "borders on the insane", agrees Motorcycle News, but it's also "an extremely capable all-round machine". It will handle a daily commute as well as track days, and this new model is an improvement on all previous ones in every way, including build quality.
Top speed: 186mph
Quarter-mile acceleration: 10.2 secs
Engine: 1,352cc
Power: 207bhp @ 10,000rpm
Price: £11,499
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