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TOKYO MOTOR SHOW: Kawasaki bikes

words & photos - Matt Brogan
Kawasaki steals the lime green light at Tokyo Motor Show with new 1441cc Ninja ZX-14R, Versys 1000 and W 800 the support acts

A legend of the Kawasaki range, Ninja can trace its origins back to 1984 when the GPz900R first wore the "Ninja" nomenclature. (This bike was so popular it was sold until 1993). Since then, eight variants have come and gone, each giving rise to more power, and further advancements in handling, styling and technology.

Through the years Ninja has lead the way for team green, advancements such as liquid cooling, full-fairing body work and Ram Air -- all innovations of the Kawasaki nameplate (well, in Japan at least).

Now, a ninth model takes the helm, the 2012 Kawasaki ZX-14R. New for next year MY12 Ninja receives an increase in displacement to 1441cc (to make it the most powerful Ninja yet), new styling and a swathe of electronic rider aids.

Tagged as "the ultimate flagship" by its makers, the ZX-14R measures 2170mm (L) x 770mm (W) x 1170mm (H) and offers an 800mm seat height. It tips the scales at 265kg (or 268kg with ABS). Kawasaki has not advertised its output figures.

The big Ninja sits atop a seven-strong range which for 2012 will include Ninja ZX-10R (998cc), Ninja ZX-6R (599cc), Ninja 1000 (1043cc), the new Ninja 650 (649cc), Ninja 400R (399cc) and Ninja 250R (248cc). All but the entry-level model is available optionally with ABS.

Joining the brand's all-green models, the new Z 'naked' range sat proudly beside the original 1972 Z1 - a bike still acclaimed for its combination of powerful engine and lightweight chassis. The new Z range was topped by the MY12 Z1000 (1043cc), re-sculpted for more "visual impact", Z750R and Z750 (both 748cc). All models are available optionally with anti-lock brakes.

The new Kawasaki Versys 1000, the brand's 1043cc street surfer was joined on stage by its traditional off-road sibling 'Versys'. The big parallel twin is offered with a raft of accessories for touring, including an adjustable windscreen and three-pack of panniers. Long-travel suspension sits above 17-inch wheels while, for the ride, an upright seating position at 843mm height makes longer trips more enjoyable, Kwaka says.

Delving even further back into the Kawasaki vault, the W series -- which began with the 650W1 in 1966 -- graced the stand with all the retro charm and chrome-plating any Kwaka fan could hope for. The MY12 W800 (773cc) and W800 Special Edition (note the 'Cafe Style' faired nose) were surrounded by a range of customisable parts, accessories and apparel. Interestingly, these new models are only the third iteration of the W series wince 1966, the last revision taking place in 1999 with the W650.

The not-so-old ER series was also updated this year, the second time the manufacturer has done so since 2006. More swept back styling, a new palette of colours and re-touched graphics the only changes to the popular 649cc naked. ER-6n is available in LAMS approved ER-6nL and with ABS (ER-6n ABS). A 399cc variant, the ER-4n is also offered in Japan.

Down and dirty types will approve of two new KX models, the KX450F and KX250F which now sit above the KX100, KX85 and KX65. Now in its 32nd year, the new KX is the fourth generation in a long line of successful off-road models.

Published : Thursday, 1 December 2011
Disclaimer:
In most cases, the Carsales Network attends new vehicle launches at the invitation and expense of vehicle manufacturers and/or distributors.

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