I always thought the Gen 1 (2006-2009) was just a "ZX14" and everything after that was
"ZX14R"
Mad, the majorly updated Gen 2 "R" came in 2012.
Regarding the 2008 upgrades
From Kawasaki.
Every champion knows sustained dominance is only possible with constant improvement. Such is the case with Kawasaki’s Ninja ZX-14. Since its debut in March of 2006, this motorcycle has ruled the open class sportbike roost with nearly non-stop magazine comparison victories. Even though the 1352cc Ninja ZX-14 won lavish praise for its massive torque, effortless power, agile handling and comfortable ergonomics, Kawasaki engineers were not willing to leave the door open to potential challengers.
The 2008 ZX-14 retains all the great features that made it a legend, plus more bottom, mid and top-end power. Changes to the engine and exhaust system allow it to comply with strict Euro-III emissions and tightening noise regulations. To meet noise standards, the engineers focused on reducing internal mechanical noise instead of muzzling the exhaust system. The result wasn’t a power loss, but an overall improvement of the engine character and an actual increase in the ZX-14’s legendary peak power! Yes, you read that correctly. Emissions and noise levels are lower, peak power is higher, the mid-range hit is stronger and smoother and low-end torque has been increased. A win-win solution for all, in our books.
To achieve those stringent emission levels, a third honeycomb catalyzer was added in the collector, joining the two honeycomb catalyzers already in each silencer. The secondary air ports in the cylinder head and its cover were made approximately 20 percent larger to permit an easier air flow into the exhaust system. A new Air Switching Valve (ASV) caps off the low emission updates and can handle approximately five percent more flow than the last year’s version.
Conquering the challenging Euro-III regulations is admirable, but Kawasaki took it to the next level on the ZX-14 with changes to its 1352cc engine which improve the power characteristics while meeting noise regulations. The injection system was first to receive attention in an effort to boost peak power, give a more linear mid-range and stronger low end torque with the same user-friendly personality. The fine-atomizing fuel injectors had their lateral spray angle increased from 15 to 20 degrees to disperse the atomized fuel over a wider area and the intake porting was revised to provide optimum flow characteristics. Outside of the engine, the exhaust silencers feature refinements to the capacity of the first and third chambers and the lengths of the pipes projecting from the baffle plates have been adjusted. Next the entrances to the connecting tubes (joining header pipes 1-4 and 2-3) were enlarged approximately 75 percent to compensate for the new collector shape, which was altered to allow the inclusion of a third honeycomb catalyzer. These changes were a major component of the enhanced the torque characteristics, especially in the low rpm range.
Reducing internal mechanical noise allowed for the engineers to employ comparatively little exhaust modification to meet noise mandates and consequently the exhaust system could remain free flowing for greater power. Lower mechanical noise was attained by revising the piston profiles and adding a urethane insulation sheet to the inside of the magnesium chain cover.
The engine and exhaust system weren’t the only areas updated for 2008. The ZX-14’s chassis design is every bit the equal of its power plant. Using an advanced version of Kawasaki’s unique aluminum monocoque design, its frame is lightweight and very strong. Switching to die instead of gravity casting for the cast aluminum sections of the main frame resulted in lighter parts, allowing the Kawasaki engineers to shave weight on the already slim and compact frame.
* Last updated by: yannih on 1/17/2022 @ 12:41 PM *
2012 Metalic Spark Black Kawasaki ZX-14R.
Yoshimura carbon R-77 slip ons,Custom dyno ECU flash,Striker rearsets,Hyperpro RSC steering damper,HM Plus quickshifter,ASV C5 levers,Hel SS transparent red front/rear brake and clutch lines,Kawasaki/MRA vented spoiler screen,Carbon heel guards,R&G radiator guard,Powerbronze carbon rear hugger,ZX-10 front fender with fender extender,Yoshimura frame sliders,M-Factory rear stand stoppers,Escort Redline radar detector,Techspec tank grips and tank protector,Versys 1000 fender eliminator,Kaoko cruise control,Moto red oil cap,Oxford heated grips,Red magnetic oil drain plug,Red and black Bagster Spider rear seat bag (for touring only).