Kawasaki is known for producing some lightning-fast superbikes, build quality, and relatively affordable prices. This trio of factors, along with its rich history, has propelled the brand to the forefront of the industry as it currently enjoys the reputation of being one of the most esteemed names in the market. However, this success did not come by limiting itself to the standards of the time. To get an iconic status, the Japanese motorcycle manufacturer has had to revolutionise and innovate at all times. This has been achieved by producing some of the most powerful motorcycle engines, pushing the limits even further.
With a clear goal, Kawasaki has earned a reputation for delivering stylish, blazingly fast superbikes. So motorcycle enthusiasts, buckle up and check out the five fastest Kawasaki motorcycles ever built. These ‘rockets on two wheels’ will blow your mind!
Fastest Kawasaki motorcycles ever built
Ninja H2R: Unleashing the Beast
The Kawasaki Ninja H2R is crazy fast! This superbike is not road-legal and has been built exclusively for the race track. The race-only Ninja H2R was equipped with the most powerful engine possible, hitting a mind–boggling top speed of 386 kmph. This is why this ‘rocket’ is confined to the race track.
So, what makes it this fast? It’s a design known as forced induction, which makes the combustion chamber intake more air, thereby injecting more fuel to belt out more horsepower than normal. The Ninja H2R gets all the power from a 998cc air-cooled engine while boasting a lightweight frame. Going beyond the official top speed figures, the Ninja H2R has also demonstrated that it is capable of hitting an outstanding 400 kmph. Watch the video below to believe:
Ninja ZX-14R: A 1441cc Monster on Wheels
The Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14R, which made its debut in 2005 at the Tokyo Motor Show, has a top speed of 299 kmph, which when unrestricted, can hit 321 kmph. The motorcycle remained almost unchanged for six years but received a major update in 2012.
What sits at the heart of this beast is a monstrous 1,352cc engine (upgraded to 1,441 cc). The ZX14R should be treated with the utmost respect. This powerful machine manages to perform a sprint of 0-100kmph in a matter of just 2.85 seconds.
Ninja ZX-12R: 321 kmph of Unrestricted Power
Only produced between 2000 and 2006, the Ninja ZX-12R sparked an unofficial agreement between Japanese and European motorcycle manufacturers to restrict the top speed to 300 kmph. Interestingly, the ZX-12R first-gen models are not subject to this speed limit and reportedly hit around 321 kmph. It boasts a massive 1199cc engine, which also powers its successor, the Ninja ZX-14R.
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Ninja ZX-10R: Evolution of Power
The first Ninja ZX-10R model was launched in 2004 and has since received wide recognition, making it one of the most popular in the Ninja motorcycle series. The top speed of the ZX-10R was originally 289 kmph, but this limit has since been exceeded to 299 kmph on models launched from 2016 onwards.
The design of the Ninja ZX-10R has received a significant overhaul, thanks to the Kawasaki WSBK team. As part of the upgrade, it got a lighter crankshaft, increasing the power of its 998 cc inline four-cylinder engine from 175hp to 197hp. This machine continues to dominate the race tracks around the world.
Ninja ZX-11: A Game-Changer
Launched in 1989, the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-11 emerged as a game-changer, ushering in a new era of high-performance superbikes in the 1990s. For six years since its launch, this machine held the title of the fastest motorcycle in the market, capable of hitting 281 kmph with a huge 1,052 cc liquid-cooled, inline four-cylinder engine. The Kawasaki Ninja ZX-11 was introduced as the successor to the Kawasaki Tomcat ZX-10.
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