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2012 Ducati Team MotoGP
The Ducati Team has made some progress in the past few races regarding GP12 improvements for Valentino Rossi and Nicky Hayden, but Ducati's General & Technical Director Filippo Preziosi says much more needs to be done.
Due to these struggles, the team experimented with a new engine at the one-day official Mugello test Monday following the team's home race at Mugello, in which Rossi had his best-ever dry finish on the GP12 - fifth.
The team remained at Mugello for a further three days to decide what parts to use in the new engine, which will be sealed following the test before the Laguna Seca in under two weeks. This will be Ducati's fourth engine out of six allowed in the season.
Speaking of the test, Preziosi says "we are working on both the chassis and engine driveability. The problem is really huge. Last weekend was a step, but we know we have to work very hard to improve.
"In Laguna we will seal engine number four as planned. Engine number four is ready to use some additional parts we are developing. Some parts could be delivered directly to Laguna, and some other parts will be delivered in the following races. This depends on the final result, and only when we are sure that these parts give us an improvement in terms of performance."
The test did not start particularly well on Monday, with rider Valentino Rossi suffering an ECU failure, yet Nicky Hayden was able to put in some good laps and gave some good feedback. Preziosi was however pleased with both the riders' and the team's showing, MotoGP says.
Filippo Preziosi says: "Monday was a half test with Valentino because unfortunately we had a hardware problem. So for safety reasons we stopped his test. So we got only half the information we need. It was a good test for Nicky, because we tested a lot of interesting things. At the end he was quite happy. To be honest, Nicky was good all weekend. Valentino did a wonderful race, starting unfortunately far back, but the pace was really good. Overall it was a nice weekend."
MotoGP reports that apart from the items that could be introduced at the Laguna Seca round, Ducati is also working on further development in the four-day test, which Preziosi says will be made available for the next available testing slot. He did however remain tight-lipped on what the possible upgrades were: "Now we have to finish the test and try some new things. We will offer them to our riders in the next test they will do in August...but it's a secret."  |
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Zero Motorcycles
When MotoGP travels to the states, the series garners loads of attention from motorsport fans. This makes the races a hot spot for not only on-track action, but also for various companies trying to present their products to the right market.
Zero Motorcycles is one of these companies, the electric two-wheel manufacturer reporting it will be in attendance as MotoGP rolls into Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca July 27-29 for the fourth consecutive year.
During Laguna Seca MotoGP, Zero Motorcycles will have its complete 2012 lineup displayed, and will also be hosting some demo rides.
John Lloyd (V.P. of Global Sales, Zero Motorcycles) says: "The MotoGP event at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca has become one of the biggest venues in the country that brings together motorcycle enthusiasts from all walks of life. With this being our fourth year participating, we look forward to showing spectators the strongest, fastest and most performance-based product line of electric motorcycles we've ever built."
Zero Motorcycles' demo program will kick-off Friday, July 27 at 10 a.m. in the Yamaha Marketplace at Laguna Seca. Demos will continue on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Interested spectators that desire a test ride will be required to present a valid motorcycle license and sign a waiver. Due to limited space, interested spectators and media can pre-schedule a ride time online to avoid long lines and to ensure a quality riding experience. Zero Motorcycles executive and technical staff will be on-site to answer any consumer product inquiries.
For additional information, log onto Zero Motorcycles' website. |
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Ultimate MotorCycling QuickShift Review
Most major helmet manufacturers are now offering their head protection with the Pinlock visor system. An example of this is the excellent Arai Signet-Q we reviewed in the Winter issue, the helmet arriving with with a Pinlock Max Vision visor fitted.
Made of porous, moisture absorbing material, the insert lens is slotted at each end and fits into a recess in the visor, where it is held in place by two small pins. The insert has a thin silicon-type bead around the perimeter ensuring a snug fit on to the visor itself, and a slight air gap is maintained between them to maximize anti-fogging.
On the Arai Signet-Q, the Pinlock is also shaped around the Arai eyebrow vents in order to minimize any interference with peripheral vision.
Trying the helmet on for the first time, I was a little put off by the Pinlock. The recessed join of the two items created a slightly distracting line that reduced visibility a little around its outside edge. Furthermore, the added thickness of the two layers, although technically distortion free, seemed to create a very slight soft focus overall.
My initial lack of enthusiasm changed dramatically when I had my first cold ride. Anyone familiar with visor fogging will know how challenging it makes riding, and wobbling around a race track at speed with a half open visor and a cold blast into the eyes isn't the optimum way to help your concentration.
In response, I replaced the stock visor with the Pinlock and headed out on to the track again, without expecting much. I quickly found out that it worked flawlessly, as claimed. That would have been enough to convert my skepticism, but I also realized that my peripheral vision distractions had gone away; nothing interfered with my vision. For the rest of the day, I really didn't give it another thought. I was able to clip the Arai's visor down properly, seal it against the windblast, and it did not fog up at all.
Pinlock makes several interchangeable insert lenses in different degrees of tint (including yellow), as well as the clear version I tested; they all give 100-percent UV protection and are easy to clean and apply.
While I was not a fan of the Pinlock system at first sight, once I tried it in a real-world setting, I changed my mind - it works!
For additional information, log onto Pinlock USA. |
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2012 World Superbike Championship
Round nine of 14 in the 2012 eni FIM World Superbike Championship gets underway this weekend at the AutoMotodrom Brno circuit in the Czech Republic.
This is the 10th time that the track just 120 miles southeast of the captial Prague will be on the World SBK calendar. And just like World Superbike, the Brno circuit is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year in it's current 3.35-mile layout containing numerous elevation changes.
As the series heads to the Czech Republic, all eyes will be on the man currently leading the World SBK Championship, Aprilia Racing Team's Max Biaggi, and his fellow countryman and main rival this year, BMW Motorrad's Marco Melandri. Biaggi currently has 248.5 points, leading by 48 over Melandri. And both riders split wins at the previous round at MotorLand Aragon in Spain, creating a competitive run at the 2012 title.
Biaggi is rightly considered the man to beat at Brno. Why? the 41-year-old from Rome has won 11 times there on every type of bike he has raced: four times in 250GP, three in 500/MotoGP and four in Superbike: in 2007 with Suzuki and three times in 2009, 2010 and 2011 with the Aprilia RSV4. The 2009 win, Biaggi's first for Aprilia, was particularly important as since then the Italian machine has always finished the race in first or second place.
Melandri, second on 200.5 points, will have the difficult task of getting the better of Biaggi on his Italian rival's favorite track. But the BMW S1000RR rider also has a good record at Brno, wnning here last year on a Yamaha and in 2002 in 250GP, his world title year.
The German bike's best result at Brno is a fifth place for Ruben Xaus in 2009, when it made its debut. This year however the S 1000 RR has already won three times, so past results count for little. On Monday BMW Motorrad announced that in 2013 it would continue its commitment in World Superbike but would concentrate its energies on BMW Motorrad Italia which will now become the factory team for the Munich manufacturer.
Third-placed Northern Irishman Jonathan Rea (Honda World Superbike Team) will have to put in two excellent results if he hopes to stay in touch with Biaggi and Melandri from the 183-point mark. With a CBR1000RR Rea has already won at Brno, in 2010, but didn't race here last year due to injury. The four-cylinder Japanese bike also won here in 2007 with James Toseland, who then became world champion that year.
Althea Racing, together with 2011 champion Carlos Checa, are aiming to make up ground on the two frontrunners. Checa is fourth on 175.5 points and can no longer afford any more slip-ups.
A Ducati has not won at Brno since 2008 (with Troy Bayliss) while Checa has never won here. The Spanish rider's plan is to limit the damage in order to give himself the best possible chances in the five rounds remaining, at circuits on paper more favourable to the Italian twin-cylinder machine.
Kawasaki on the other hand have not won at Brno since the very first edition in 1993 when American Scott Russell tasted the victory champagne. Kawasaki Racing Team's ambitions are now all in the hands of Tom Sykes, the Tissot-Superpole specialist with six successes in eight rounds.
Sykes has slipped to fifth in the standings (172.5 points) due to a couple of unfortunate episodes at Aragon. The ZX-10R is a rapidly-improving bike, and the last time it was in action at post-race Aragon testing, Sykes was quickest overall.
The FIXI Crescent Suzuki team are again at full strength with John Hopkins and Leon Camier, the British rider just returning from Japan where he took part in testing for the prestigious Suzuka 8 Hours race. The GSX-R1000 has won four times at Brno, the last time in 2007 with Max Biaggi: it could be a good weekend for the British team which is counting a lot on John Hopkins now being at the peak of his form following injuries in the early part of the season.
There will be considerable home support for Liberty Racing Team Effenbert, the Italo-Czech team based in Prague, and which races with Czech rider Jakub Smrz, as well as Frenchman Sylvain Guintoli, who won at Assen, and Maxime Berger. Meanwhile Red Devils Ducati have replaced Niccolò Canepa with former Superstock 1000 champion Alex Polita for this round.
2012 Brno World Superbike on TV:
SPEED TV will broadcast Brno World Superbike on Sunday, July 22, with race one set for 4 p.m. (EDT), and race two at 5 p.m. |
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Jorge Lorenzo 99 Wallpaper
At Mugello, Yamaha Factory Racing's Jorge Lorenzo was unstoppable. The Spaniard not only won his second consecutive race in a row at Mugello, he also added to his tally of five wins in nine rounds.
Lorenzo started from second on the grid behind his fellow countryman Dani Pedrosa (Repsol Honda). Pedrosa got to turn one of the Italian circuit first, but soon Lorenzo was in the lead.
Throughout the race Lorenzo kept pulling away, eventually finishing the race 5.223 seconds ahead of Pedrosa. Taking the final podium position was Monster Tech 3 Yamaha's Andrea Dovizioso.
Jorge Lorenzo (Yamaha Factory Racing YZR-M1 MotoGP) says: "From the beginning I felt great on this track, the asphalt was completely different to Sachsenring which was a nightmare for us. From the first practice here I felt very strong, very good on the bike and a fast constant pace. It was a pity that we had the problem in the last lap of qualifying but the important thing was the race.
"Today I was hammering a lot to open a gap at the beginning of the race as I thought my competitors would have problems on cold tires. Unfortunately I couldn't do it immediately. Only hammering every lap and going faster and faster from 1'48.1 then into the 47s could I open a bit to Pedrosa then little by little it got better and I could start to breathe. It's been a great win for the whole team's efforts and for Yamaha who have given me such a good bike."
After nine of 18 rounds, Lorenzo now has 185 points, 19 ahead of Pedrosa.
Attached above is wallpaper highlighting Lorenzo's performance at Mugello. For a race review, click here. |
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Speedway Motorsport Shelters
Speedway Motorsport Shelters, the company that offers one of the most unique lines of motorcycles covers to protect your investment continues to make it easier than ever to sell or buy this great product.
Don Reeves (President of Speedway Shelters) says: "Speedway Motorsport Shelters is proud to announce that Tucker Rocky/Bikers Choice have agreed to distribute our product line. We feel with the expertise of the vast field representative staff servicing the U.S. dealers, the numerous distribution centers, and the unique quality, and universal appeal of our product and service, a homerun is eminent for all concerned......Speedway, Tucker Rocky / Bikers Choice, their dealers, and the retail public."
About Speedway Motorsport Shelters
After your ride, you pull into your driveway and into your bike's own, personal shelter. The retractable waterproof cover is easy to use, keeps out weather, dust and debris, with the added feature of cross-ventilation to prevent any condensation from occurring inside.
Included is an LED Bright Light which mounts to hardware inside the shelter, for easy night access; and with the addition of a Diamond-Tough floor (available separately), worries about oil drips, condensation and dust on the driveway are over. Now your bike can be parked in the garage, along side the house, or in the driveway, fully covered and completely safe with the security of a padlock.
Speedway Shelters Features and Benefits:
- Built-in locking hardware for added security (lock not included)
- Retractable structure makes access simple and quick -- no waiting for pipes to cool
- Two Sizes Fits All: Standard/Sport and a Touring Shelter for full-dress touring bikes
- Diamond Tough Floor (available) to prevent driveway drips and to keep out dust and moisture
- Cross Ventilation with large window on each side of the shelter
- Waterproof seams keep weather and condensation out
- LED Bright Light (included) for night access
- Carrying Case with Handles for portability
- Wheel Chock available for perfect bike placement and stabilization
For additional information, log onto powersportrider.com or bikerschoice.com.
Additional information for Dealers:
Dealer Fax number is 800-304-1020.
Dealer Order Line is 800-347-1010
www.powersportrider.com
www.trdealer.com
www.bikerschoice.com |
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2013 Victory Boardwalk Teaser Video
After releasing the 2013 Victory Judge at the New York City International Motorcycle Show in January, the Polaris-owned American motorcycle company told us it would release a new model every six months.
And Victory is sticking to its word; the newest creation that will arrive on the market later this month is the 2013 Victory Boardwalk, which is teased in the video above.
The short 39-second clip gives us a quick glance at the Boardwalk, the bike looking like a boulevard cruiser. From the video, we notice forward-riding pegs, wide California-type bars, some creased fenders, the typical Victory headlight, and the 106 Freedom V-Twin.
We're sure there's more, but we must wait until July 30 for the official unveiling. Stay clicked to UltimateMotorCycling.com for all the details. |
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2012 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally
The Sturgis Buffalo Chip has partnered with the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) for the 72nd Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.
The RFA sponsorship will feature one of a kind, free fuel promotions at the Buffalo Chip. These free fuel events are opportunities to promote the use of ethanol fuel to motorcycle enthusiasts from across the country and are only available at the new all access CrossRoads at The Buffalo Chip commercial development.
Buffalo Chip campers and concert goers will have the opportunity to fuel their motorcycles for free during two special events. The "Free Fuel Happy Hours" will be sponsored by the RFA, Kansas Corn Commission and the South Dakota Corn Growers.
This promotion will allow motorcyclists to fill their tank, free of charge. To fill up, riders must have a Buffalo Chip wrist band. No fuel containers allowed. The Free Fuel Happy Hours will be on Wednesday, Aug. 8 and Thursday, Aug. 9 at The Crossroads at the Buffalo Chip development from 4-6 p.m.
The RFA's promotional trailer will be featured inside the amphitheater of the Legendary Sturgis Buffalo Chip where hundreds of thousands of concert goers gather for the musical entertainment.
RFA is the leader in ethanol fuel education and has produced promotional and educational materials, banners and merchandise including koozies and t-shirts exclusively for this event that will be handed out at the Sturgis Buffalo Chip and various locations during the rally. The Legendary Buffalo Chip staff will be wearing t-shirts sporting "Ethanol: Fueled with Pride" and all Chip vehicles will do the same with decals.
Rod Woodruff (Owner, SturgisBuffalo Chip) says: "The Chip is excited to once again partner with RFA to highlight the benefits of using ethanol fuel. The Buffalo Chip leads by example; every drop of unleaded fuel we use here contains ethanol. With events like the 'Free Fuel Happy Hour' and Fueled with Pride give-away items, thousands of attendees who travel cross country to be at Sturgis will leave knowing that ethanol is a safe option for their motorcycles and they have a choice in the fuel they put in their engines."
Monday, Aug. 6, the Fifth Annual Legends Ride will take place as hundreds of riders come together to celebrate their passion for motorcycling and their willingness to support two local charities in the Black Hills of South Dakota, the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame and Black Hills Special Olympics. Sponsored by the RFA, the Legends Ride has raised $200,000 in just four years. RFA Staffer, Robert White will again ride his flex-fuel Harley in this event from Deadwood, SD to the Legendary Sturgis Buffalo Chip® highlighting the opportunities for higher blends of ethanol in motorcycles.
As the center for arts, entertainment and socializing, the Buffalo Chip is the home to Motorcycles as Art, the internationally recognized exhibition that showcases the works of some of the most artistic builders in the motorcycling industry. RFA is a proud sponsor if the 2012 exhibit "Come Together - The Spirit of Born-Free", curated by famed photographer Michael Lichter, in conjunction with Born-Free bike show creators Grant Peterson and Mike Davis and the Buffalo Chip in the Michael Lichter Exhibition Hall located at the Russ Brown Events Center.
Robert White (RFA Director of Marketing Development) says: "The RFA is excited to continue and expand its partnership with the Sturgis Buffalo Chip giving us the opportunity to reach such a large group of consumers and show them the benefits of using ethanol blended fuels.
"Ethanol is a safe, domestic, clean-burning fuel that is reducing gas prices, stimulating our economy, and increasing our national security. We want to make sure that all attendees know the value of this American product and why they should use it in their motorcycles, and all of their other engines at home. In fact, we are willing to give them a tank for free to try it out."
To learn more about ethanol, visit the consumer-oriented website, ChooseEthanol.com . This website provides a wealth of information on what ethanol is, how it is made, ethanol-blended fuels and engines of all types and sizes, easy apps for locating E85 and facts about ethanol's proven ability to help lower gas prices, reduce greenhouse gasses, and reduce America's dependency on foreign oil.
For continuous updates directly from the Sturgis Rally, follow RFA's Robert White at twitter.com/fuelinggood. Ride Safe. Fuel Right.
Learn more about the Buffalo Chip's annual Sturgis Concert Series, camping reservations, Legends Ride, Biker Belles, Sturgis Rider Sweepstakes and more, now at BuffaloChip.com or by calling (605) 347 9000 8 a.m. to 5 pm, Mountain time. |
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Motorcycle Industry News
For LeoVince USA, service and performance go hand-in-hand. The company has several new additions to make customer service better than ever, ensuring that customers and dealers alike get both the high performance products and the high level of service they expect from LeoVince USA.
The LeoVince USA customer service department has expanded with the promotion of Michelle Vosper and Lani Maher to the customer service and business development team. They join customer service lead Luis Martin Del Campo to provide live, sector leading customer service.
Customers and dealers who like doing business online can now take advantage of LeoVince USA's new live chat customer service at LeoVinceUSA.com. Dealers can also chat online with customer service when logged in to the Netsuite Dealer Resource Center. Available during normal business hours, the live chat feature is a quick way to get the answers you need.
The LeoVince USA website also offers two new Dealer Locators. One locator features FORZA Dealers, while the other locator lists all LeoVince USA dealers for easy access by consumers. The finder features the ability to use Google maps, shows dealers websites and delivers all contact information to deliver consumers to you shops door.
Utilize the new chat features now and dealer locator features starting July 20th. Learn more about LeoVince USA at LeoVinceUSA.com. |
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2012 Kawasaki ZX-14 R Test
Kawasaki forged their reputation as a powerhouse in the 1970s with such hard-charging motorcycles as the infamously manic H2 750cc two-stroke triple, and the awesome Z1 900cc inline-four that considerably out-powered the competition at the time.
Since then, Kawasaki motors have popularly been the muscle yardsticks by which others are measured. They haven't always been the most refined, but Kawasaki engines habitually deliver in the horsepower stakes and the motorcycle riding public loves them for it.
However, in the flagship mega-motor segment of the market, Kawasaki has not always had its own way. Suzuki's Hayabusa was first out of the gate, using a combination of monster power and slippery aerodynamics to create a top-speed icon that was hard to beat. In 2006, Kawasaki answered with its own version of the hyperbike, the Ninja ZX-14, and both machines subsequently created a cool custom sub-culture, where the bikes are stretched, lowered, and fitted with ultra-fat rear tires.
However Kawasaki was very keen to get their horsepower crown back, so for 2012, it considerably upped the ante. The new iteration of the hypersport Ninja ZX-14 adds a simple "R" suffix to its nomenclature, yet the changes to the machine are anything but minor. The ZX-14R is a complete redesign - this is a new motorcycle that uses design-cues from the previous model, and that's about all.
In the metallic black or candy blue options, the ZX is a good-looking machine, but for a mere two hundred bucks extra (and still under $15,000 total), the Special Edition is a lock-up-your-daughters kind of traffic stopper. The deep, liquid, metallic Golden Blazed Green paint, accented by flame graphics, is absolutely stunning. Color matched side fins and dash cowling are paired with two-tone wheels (that are three pounds lighter) on the Special Edition. Other detail touches on the 14R, such as a sculpted top triple-clamp, drilled billet steering stem nut, and hidden fairing fasteners, are precision items signaling the 14R's premium build quality.
Viewed from the front, the quadruple projector-beam headlights flanking a large, gulping air-intake, redefine the word menace. Parked outside a Starbucks, the 14R just stands there, glaring at everybody. In my experience, appreciative second glances and thumbs up signs are more typical with red Ducatis.
However, the sparkling green Kawasaki ZX-14R is an attention-grabber at a level I have never seen with a stock machine. When a local law enforcement officer pulled up on his Harley and started asking enthusiastic questions, I knew we had a hold of something special.
Sitting astride the Ninja's new gunfighter-style seat, the cockpit appears nice and compact. Conventional side-by-side tachometer and speed gauges have an easy-to-read LCD information center between them that tells you pretty much everything else you need to know. The usual fuel gauge, gear position indicator, trip meters, odometer, and clock are enhanced with additional functions including current and average fuel mileage, remaining fuel range, and ambient air temperature. A novel ECO graphic appears if you are riding in a manner to get the best fuel economy; it is an interesting touch—but who cares?
The heart of the ZX-14R is a familizar across-the-frame four-cylinder motor. The bore is unchanged, yet the stroke is lengthened by 4mm, increasing capacity to 1441cc - and you know what they say about displacement.
Other detail changes include box-style forged pistons (six grams lighter) and a new external oiling system which results in less reciprocating mass and lower overall temperatures. Compression ratio is increased to 12.3:1, and new camshaft profiles have longer lift. The exhaust ports have been revised, while the new intake ports are now polished.
Breathing‚ and therefore performance‚ has been increased by a new type of air filter that reduces air intake resistance by a claimed 60-percent, and larger volume mufflers at the rear are not as heinous-looking as they could be. Heat management has been considerably improved for the rider, and a second fan has been added as well.
The net result of all these changes is a machine claimed to be the most powerful mass-produced motorcycle ever - a heck of a statement, especially coming from the usually conservative-talking Kawasaki. When asked exactly how much power the ZX-14R puts out, Kawasaki staff couldn’t be persuaded to reveal actual figures; they merely smiled knowingly and gave the Rolls-Royce-esque reply of "enough."
So we took the ZX-14R to Peak Performance Motorcycles in Simi Valley and put it in the capable hands of Danny DiNardo and his Factory Pro dynamometer. This particular type of dyno outputs true horsepower numbers (torque x rpm, divided by 5252), as measured at the rear wheel, corrected for atmospheric conditions per SAE 1349, and factored by the accepted 1.15 to give the more standard Dynojet horsepower number.
As DiNardo strapped the ZX on to the drum, I was fully expecting to be impressed. In my novice drag-racing hands (with some serious coaching from Rickey Gadson), this bike clocked a 10.18-second standing quarter-mile on The Drag Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
I turned off the traction control, and DiNardo cranked the big ZX quickly through the gears to sixth. I was not prepared for the result that popped on to the monitor in front of my bulging eyes: Peak horsepower of 191.18 at 10,000 rpm (redline is at 11,000) and peak torque of 111.23 ft/lbs at 8000 rpm at the rear wheel and without ram-air effect. That is easily the most powerful stock motorcycle we have ever tested.
At the drag strip in KTRC traction control Mode 1, the big ZX was putting out so much grunt that the electronics would cut-in at every gear change, even going from third into fourth gear at over 150 mph. How many other stock machines do you know that can spin their rear tire at over a buck-fifty?
Another aid to the spectacular drag strip times - nine-time world drag racing champion Rickey Gadson clocked a 9.6-second standing quarter while I was watching—is the well-engineered transmission; the gearbox is smooth yet positive to operate. First gear is now much longer on the R, and the rear sprocket has added one tooth from 41 to 42. Optimum launch at the strip only needed 3500 rpm and some major clutch slippage.
From second gear onwards, it is quicker and easier to clutchlessly upshift. The clutch is now a back-torque limiting slipper for smoother downshifts and reduced rear-wheel hop; it showed creditable resilience at the drag strip and took all the abuse without complaint.
The comprehensive electronics package is another highlight of the Ninja ZX-14R. The various options are selected by an intuitive left-thumb operated toggle switch couldn't be simpler to change settings and it can be done on the fly.
The two power level choices are Full (self-explanatory) and Low, which has a milder throttle response and reduces output by 25-percent. Each power mode works with the three traction control choices. Modes 1 and 2 are straight from the ZX-10R superbike, and Mode 3 is taken from the Concours model.
Mode 2 is obviously more intrusive than 1, and also inhibits wheelies. With a rolling start in first gear, whacking the throttle open won't cause the front to come up at all. In Mode 1, you couldn't possibly get away with that. Mode 3 is for wet, very slippery conditions. Riding across a dirt parking lot, it was amusing to open the throttle hard and yet have the bike trundle slowly across the dirt with the power totally capped. As I reached the tarmac and the rear tire found grip, the power flooded back in and the bike instantly took off, though still well under control.
The monocoque frame from the ZX -14 has been completely revamped; the 14R has a 10mm longer swingarm, and overall the chassis is more rigid and better balanced. Stiffer fork springs and revised damping settings allow the suspension action to occur higher in the stroke. The net result is a slightly firmer feel than its predecessor; the ZX-14R is definitely a sportier ride, yet it doesn't sacrifice a Cadillac level of comfort on the highway.
The ergonomics are not as committed as the pure-sport Ninjas, so the lean-forward sporting position and high footpegs are relatively comfortable. At the drag strip, the limiting factor on the 14R's acceleration is keeping the front wheel down. Gadson is supreme when it comes to floating the front wheel about six inches off the track surface; for the rest of us, it is all about trying to keep your weight over the front and hanging on. The ergonomics are a good compromise between strict performance on the quarter-mile, and long distance comfort.
Despite the fact that the drag-bike enthusiast will probably be the main market for the 14R, for those of us with twisty roads to ride, the bike delivers just as capably in the corners as it does in a straight line. Although no heavyweight, it is a physically large machine that feels substantial on the road - the revelation is how precise and accurate it is on turn-in. It does not flop into corners, nor is it reluctant either; the 14R feels especially well balanced.
The footpegs are high enough that on hard cornering, I was not able to touch anything down. Riding our local canyon roads, the perfectly fueled, uncannily smooth motor meshes with a taut chassis that turns precisely and completes each corner without running wide. For such a big beast of a bike, the ZX-14R is deceptively easy to control. Smooth, fast cruising is the name of this Ninja's game, and rides like these are why I am into motorcycles.
There is no steering damper on the 14R, and it does not need one. Stability is excellent in both a straight line, as well as fast, bumpy corners. Elevation changes in the road occasionally allowed for third- and fourth-gear front-wheel lifts; despite a couple of slightly wobbly landings, the chassis remained calm and the minimal headshake was controlled.
Unfortunately, only Euro-spec machines will have the ABS option, but these brakes have plenty of feel. Nissin radial master pump and calipers bite down on Kawasaki's signature drilled, petal rotors. The system works exceptionally well and brings the bike's claimed wet weight of 584 pounds (a 17-pound increase) to a swift, controlled stop. I would still like the ABS, though.
With all the blatant, brutal excess of the ZX-14R, perhaps the most surprising thing about the bike is how completely sanitized and perfectly behaved it is at low-speed. When visiting Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area west of Las Vegas, I was warned at the entry gate that the blanket 35 mph limit is rigorously enforced - a sort of on-pain-of-death scenario.
However, I was keen to see the spectacular scenery and so I rode several miles in third gear at no more than 30 mph. After a while, it dawned on me how the 14R was behaving. Its ability to trundle along without lurching or snatching was down to impeccable fueling, a precision drive train with zero slop, and a gorgeously smooth motor. The bike felt light, beautifully balanced and perfectly controlled; it was striking.
Kawasaki's 2012 Ninja ZX-14R is a logical but quantum leap forward for the hyper-bike category. There is something very self-satisfying about being able to pull up at the traffic lights and glance around at the other vehicles, knowing that you could absolutely annihilate them if a gauntlet was thrown down.
I talked with Shohei Naruoka-san, the ZX-14R's softly spoken, 30-something engine designer. I told him how impressed I was with his work and he asked me what suggestions I had for improvements on the next model. I thought for several moments, and then looked at him. "Nothing I can think of," I replied. |
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Click the images below for bigger versions:
Dunlop Tops AMA Pro Road Racing Podium
History was made this past weekend at the AMA Pro Road Racing national at Mid-Ohio when Dunlop riders topped the podium on U.S.-built Dunlop 200/55R17 KR449 rear slicks.
This new tire-developed with input from the top AMA Pro Superbike racers and manufactured in the U.S.-was recently introduced to the AMA Pro Superbike riders as an additional option to Dunlop's two current UK-made rear slicks, and at Mid-Ohio it proved to be the tire of choice.
In Saturday's National Guard AMA Pro Superbike race, the top six riders all used the KR449 rear slick, and on Sunday the KR449 again swept the Superbike podium. Roger Lee Hayden turned the fastest race lap of the weekend chasing down double-winner Josh Hayes, and that lap time was three-tenths of a second quicker than the fastest race lap set in 2011 by Blake Young, proving that the development of the KR449 has contributed to even more competitive lap times in the AMA Pro Superbike field.
More impressive, the same Buffalo, NY-built Dunlop 200/55R17 KR449 rear tire that topped Mid-Ohio in the hands of the fastest Superbike riders in the country is also available to amateur racers through Dunlop's Race Tire Service (see additional information below).
Sabastian Mincone (Dunlop Senior Road Race Manager) says: "To win back-to-back AMA Pro Superbike races and sweep both podiums on a tire that's affordable and available to amateur racers is something we are very proud of.
"Now you can race on the same tire that Josh Hayes used to win back-to-back nationals at Mid-Ohio. The KR449 has been in development for some time and marks a significant commitment from Dunlop to offer our top racing products to racers at every level."
The KR449 is available through Race Tire Service at 800-772-TIRE (800-772-8473). The direct line for orders or tech questions is 615-641-3323; fax 615-641-8959. Also, the KR449 can be ordered via email at info@dunlopracing.com, and online orders or requests for information can be obtained at dunlopracing.com.
Race Tire Service is available for phone orders from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central time (7 a.m. - 3 p.m. Pacific time). Orders placed before 2:00 PM Central time will ship that day. All messages left will be returned the next day so orders can be shipped as quickly as possible. |
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