KAWASAKI ZZR1400 (2012 - 2020) Review

Have replaced seat with a gel seat made in france most I have done in one day 750 miles from Spain through France to San milo port.

Nothing can ride in winter -5 can follow mopeds on charity rides

I had a gear selector come loose. It was a rattle but didn't increase with revs. Got it fixed by steve in Worthing.

Change discs and pads ,oil change change battery.

Change tyres from standard. Heated grips change to handle bars.

Simply superb.

The handling is spot on once you get the suspension dialled in to your weight and preferences, as long as you remember that it's a 230+kg machine with a long wheel base. It's never going to be as flickable as a pure sports bike but get it in a straight line and you'll leave them for dust! Brakes are adequate, again as long as you plan ahead.

Above 7.5k revs, you would think it had a turbo. The way it pulls above is something else, ride this bike and anything else will feel like a tractor. It is so strong and I have never experienced acceleration like it, so if you ride this bike then you may live to regret it as nothing else comes close (in my opinion).

Never had any issues, partially due to regular servicing.

I managed to get 45mpg on a commute at motorway speeds, this dropped to 40mpg average when riding it 'properly'.

Heated grips as standard would help but for the price new, you can't expect that much. Again luggage options would help, but I've always gone aftermarket anyway as it's cheaper and often just as good.

Ride quality is good. In my opinion, get a gel seat and many miles can be achieved although we always take 5 minute breaks every hour or so

Get it remapped and these isn’t too much can touch it. It always seemed to have a “dead spot” between 3000 and 4000rpm before getting it remapped.

Keep it well serviced and you’ll have few problems

Normal costs for a high performance bike

Traction control helps when riding in the wet.

Brembo brakes with SBS RST pads are great. Front suspension is a bit soft much better with 10.5 springs. Rear Ohlins shock is brilliant. Goes round bends much better than others realise.

Best bike engine on the planet. Since remap pulls from nothing to max rpm like a rocket it's superb and smooth.

Never had anything fail, only service work. Fits together well.

Do my own servicing, been a mechanic all my life so don't need dealer service.

Not too many fancy electronics like the latest bikes which I like, but the traction control is handy with all the power available, so 3 settings are handy. Along with ABS brakes. Heated grips extend the riding season get some. Extra LED Lights on the front are a good idea so others see you better

Never let me down when I’ve cocked it up!

In the words of Jezza Clarkson POWER! There is now lack of power, open the taps and hang the heck on! You have torque in any gear to move your ass through any over take, and some times it’s easier to power out of situations rather than braking!

Running on PR5’s currently and cost about £300 a pair. Chain changed at 26k cost £200 all in with a local spanner monkey. Only so many dirty jobs I’ll do!

I wish they had cruise and quick shift.

Already commented on

Stunning performance with incredible acceleration and masses of torque from low revs. Very usable it will hurtle down the road beating any comers.

I look after it well and it has never let me down it looks still like a new bike.

It is quite thirsty when ridden fast but it is acceptable to me and worth it.

The engine is very powerful I could see no point in derestricting it. I would highly recommend the carbon wheels which are expensive but so worth it.

The zzr is at its best when your going down a fast bit of road with plenty corners its no effort to it its one perfect piece of engineering excellence can ride all day then get a slight cramp in legs but that's it I don't go touring

Nothing to dislike about that engine it never dissapoints

Build of bike is rock solid only parts I had to renew were fork seals at 11 thousand never broken down ,its Japanese never buy anything else even in cars

Oil and filter every year do it myself takes about 10 minutes easiest bike I ever had to service

My favourite feature of the bike is the engine love the riding position I would recommend fitting crash bobbins Centre stand double bubble screen I like it without panniers or top box

Rid etime is limited by tank capacity. For eally long runs (500m+) I use an Air Hawk seat

How much more power do you need! Superb.

No issues so far at 37k miles.

Done my own from new, excluding first service. A stone through the rad at 1 year old was painful at £600+, fitted myself. Now have a rad guard fitted

TC is useful on wet roads and the fairing offers pretty good protection for it"s class. Tried a Kawasaki touring screen which I didn't like and replaced it with a cheap screen from Ebay which I think performs better, looks good, fits perfect and only cost £20

The handling was a revelation, I wasn't expecting something akin to my Aprilia. Brakes are awesome. Not the rear one of course, my Guzzi will lock up the rear wheel, but I've never owned anything else that will do that.

This might be the swansong engine for the biking world before we enter the world of hybrid and electric engines. There might never be another 1441cc normally aspirated brute like this. The engine is awesome, the power, the noise.... oh my.. Get it spinning above 4000 and you'd better be holding on tight

Quality oozes from every cranny, as it should for a bike that costs as much as a car. Stainless fasteners on the fairing, but mild steel washers on the exhaust disappoint.

It eats tyres, brake disks and pads. If that's a problem to you then buy a moped. It's not cheap to run, maintain or insure, but surely no one expects it to be. You get what you pay for, great handling, space warping acceleration and a big grin on your face. Everybody should aspire to one of these..

There's none of the amazing electronics that grace the latest bikes. Two power settings, disappointing and full power, and three traction control settings. But I didn't buy it for any of that stuff, and I am not in the least bothered.

Big, roomy, and brilliant TTX suspension

Long warranty, understressed, what's not to like

I think these bikes are actually really underpriced when you look at what you get for your money - build quality is great too.

It feels like the twist grip is directly connected to the back wheel

Sublime handling at speed even two up with full luggage this bike eats miles. My wife and I have been on numerous trips and your only requirement to stop is toilet or fuel breaks. Very comfortable but I would say 250 miles a day is a good measure.

Dislikes Nil This bike is akin to a space shuttle and its heart is the 1441cc power pack. The engine is superb being powerful enough for any road, track or trip but equally docile if you want to potter about. Power delivery is insane but you have rider modes if you need or want them to help cope with the power in changeable weather conditions

This bike is known as bullet proof, I’ve owned three and neither ever let me down.

Most bike services are not cheap but the 7500 mile service on a ZZR can be expensive because access to the plugs check adds quite a bit of mechanics time. Your plugs should be ok at 7500 miles so most garages ask if you want them checked or not. If you opt for no it will save you around £150!

Favourite feature would have to be the Ohlins suspension. I have fitted bar risers to everyone of the ZZRs I have owned as personally I like the extra 10mm rise for comfort. Michelin Road 5s are the tyre of choice for me, great handling, longevity and rain beating performance.

Brembo M50 brake calipers works well, they offer sufficient stopping power. Ohlins TTX works really great when you try to run fast on the twist roads and offers stability while you try to over 180Mph.

You will meet no rivals when you push your throttle all the way. You don't need to rev higher when you want shift up during jogging.

Nothing abnormal, even exposed after 4 days of thundershower. Gaps between panels are better than before.

Tire wearing faster because it's heavier. But for better overall handling, performance oriented tyres still recommend. It's a mega sport bike, not really a tourer.

Well, what I need of this big boy is a small place to put my raincoat, that's all.

Once the suspension had been set up by MCT it transformed the bike.

No engine does what this one does. Amazing

OEM tyres aren’t good. Replaced with Pilot 5

It’s used all year round, hour commute no problem. 200 miles before aches set in,but specialist seats, bar risers, lower pegs are available to help those in need

Brilliant, love it, It doesn’t need revving to the redline as it’s quick enough for most. 8 to 9 is sufficient to enduce the smile and giggles

It’s gone through 4 winters , as with most bikes used all year round, alloy tarnishes., but nothing regular cleaning and a good dose of copper slip to prevent any seized fasteners

Valves need doing at 24000 so bigger bill expected then. It will go to a specialist for that. Owners forum good for help

It’s ok , could have done with a modern digital screen, in colour., Bought heated grips, Scottoiler, Kawasaki centre stand and a different screen. That’s it. Original bridgestones lasted 2000 miles, Michelin pr5 the tyre of choice for many but expensive. Avon storms also last well and a cost a lot less. For me they do just fine, grip well in the wet and dry, 6000-7000 for a rear, They are dual compound and never had an issue with them unlike some other riders who have

The brakes are really powerful, especially after fitting HEL performance braided brake lines. I only use single finger braking and the ABS hauls the 260kg bike down from 70-0 almost instantaneously. Finding the right setting, for bumpy country lanes and smooth main roads, is as ever a bit of a compromise, but the bike is generally a really smooth ride.

The engine performance and especially the acceleration is mind blowing, it always gives me a massive adrenaline rush, even after 51/2 years of riding the bike. The torque of the engine makes any overtaken at any speed and in any gear so easy!

Has been ultra reliable. As with most bikes you have to keep on top of any carrion issues, I.e. cleaning and spraying venerable pars et. With DW40 or the aerospace equivalent. The biggest effected area is the top of the swinging arm, after my dealer gave the underside a bit if a steam clean, the surface paint disappeared and the steel underneath started corroding. So I had To temporarily Paint the area with corrosion inhibitor paint, till I can get it re enabled or replaced.

With the Standard Bridgestone S20 fitment tyres I was going through a rear every year @£110 + fitting and a front tyre every 2 years @£85. But in 2018 after my review and discussion with the dealer I fitted a set of the then new Mitchelin Road 5 tyres, I love the wet grip and confidence the give me and the tire wear is outstanding this first set has done 8,500 miles and I will only need to get the rear change next month! Highly Recommended!

My only Gripe is that the bike doesn’t have a digital speedo, I fitted an aftermarket GPS unit, which great for keeping a check in 30-40 limits, + at higher speeds,

Good brakes as standard. Can be slightly sore on back and left wrist in my case.

Smooth rocketship.

No problems with reliability so far

Big bike so can be Sore on fuel, but pretty reasonable to insure as it's not classed as a sports bike.

Good do with modern TFT dashboard and maybe quick shifter and auto blipper. Possibly Crusoe control. If new models are going to be made hopefully they will all be added. Oh and heated grips would be nice

Brakes are exceptional. Brembo calipers and braided lines get it stopped way quicker than you would think a bike this size could ever manage.

The engine really is the star of the show. As the old saying goes "no replacement for cubic displacement". Responsive, smooth. It will pull cleanly from 30mph in top gear with no issues at all.

I've had a couple of niggles. The clutch went at 3k. Sticky starter button doesn't always engage. Fuel filler cap is always seizing.

Depends on whether it's a major or minor service. Tyres cost a fair bit and I've not included them in the above figure. Fuel costs are quite heavy as well. My best mpg is high 30's low 40's, however I ride.

Could do with an update for things like cruise control and TFT dash. Semi active suspension would be a welcome addition too.

Ride quality on the Performance Sport is excellent, easily adjustable to get the right settings solo, two up or two up with luggage. Brakes need a good squeeze when pushing on but do the job (just).

Once you have sampled it get it remapped for that as good as it gets feeling. Warning once you have done this everything else will feel inadequate.

Unfortunately the finish on the plated parts (ABS rings, Brake hoses etc) is pants, they corrode at the drop of a hat. Front wheel bearings failed at @ 8000 miles in Germany next set didn't last much longer. Previously had 2012 standard model and wheel bearings still good at 21,000 miles.

If you ride it, servicing costs are high, the valves are a awkward time consuming expensive job as is injector balancing. After 2600 miles had my rear shock (Ohlins) and fork oil changed and it was well ready for it

Could be better as others have said, should have power socket as standard. Best thing to fit is centre stand but again on a sports touring machine this should be standard.

Ride quality is fantastic. It's really stable. Make sure that you regularly look at your speedo as riding at speed feels really safe and planted. Brakes (when compared to Fireblade and BWM K1200) could be better. A Servo would be useful for a bike of this weight.

Great engine and gearbox are fantastic. I much prefer the wider spread of gear ratios to those on my 2009 Fireblade. A close ratio gearbox may be fine for the track but on the road I prefer the ZZR spread and higher top gear for cruising. The slipper clutch is really good. The Fireblade had a slipper clutch on that it affected the operation of the clutch such that made it feel like a frayed cable that was about to snap.

Good quality build. The engine runs cool on the open road. Typically it runs at about 63=66 degrees C which is low when most bike run at about 80-90. Around town the temperature will get higher until the fans cut in at 95 degrees. I had an issue with the gear indicator on mine. Fairly simple fix simply by dismantling the sensor and cleaning the brass contacts and contact plunger. Make sure you clean everything as this is not the ideal design. It would be better to have a magnetic sensor mechanism. The exhaust downpipes and section before the silences tend to rot. I will dismantle mine before holes appear and spray with VHT paint spray and at the same time do the shims as the bike does have some minor rattles that may be sorted out once the shims are done. I resprayed the exhaust pipes on my K1200 and it really does make a difference to appearance and longevity.

DIY maintenance for oil and filters is easy and can be done without removeing fairing so no reason not to do it yourself. Keep a copy of receipts so that you can prove the work has been done. Air filter does require tank cover to be removed but it easy to do so long as you read the service manual in order to identify how to remove the plastics.

I love the electronics on the bike. The KTRC works really well. When accelerating hard on traction setting 3 they cut in to keep the front wheel on the ground really affectively. I haven't tried the other settings yet to see their impact but understand that on the lower settings you can remove the level on control. There are two power settings but this doesn't make any difference until you get up the rev range. As you don't have to rev this bike very much in order to well exceed the national speed limit you don't really benefit from the power setting option. The multi function display and controls are easy to use and give all the information you need. Being a bit of a gadget fiend I would like to have cruise control and a speed limiter fitted as standard. If nothing else than to have the bike control speed around town when you want to keep to the limits. I like the facility that enables you to adjust the point at which you are made aware a pre-defined rev limit is being breached. The economy indicators don't seem to serve much use to me as I seem to drive economically all the time although when using the power I don't spend much time inspecting the indicator! Too busy like at the horizon arriving at warp speed.

The combination of Ohlins suspension and Brembo brakes is so well balanced. The feedback from the brakes is the best I have known. Brilliant! I can ride solo or two up without altering any settings or compromising the handling and ride quality. I do find the original Bridgestone tyres quite nervous in cold wet conditions but understand that Michelin can save the day when I get to change the tyres. No doubt all very subjective as with many other "feelings" based view points.

Ballistic and yet so tractable and easy to ride given the performance. The established and developed Kawasaki rider electronics package helps on rainy days and more, but does not take over the riders control and involvement with the bike. Dial it into suit the conditions or your mood! Best engine i have ever known.

The only reason thus far for not giving the bike 5 out of 5, is the fairing issue reported elsewhere. With less than 1500 miles my own bike has had its top fairing replaced under warranty for what appeared to be small cracks on the second screen studs from the front of the bike. Fragile in this one area comes to mind, which for a high speed long distance bike is not ideal.hopefully this is an isolated issue. I am used to old school HRC paint so perhaps the ZZR does have a hard act to follow.

What price happiness and excitement! Far less than a years cigarette or pints of beer bilge!

Yes you could argue it needs a radiator guard and rear hugger, being honest the bike gives you the raw material to adapt to your own usage for the bike, whether sports, touring or a bit of both. Kawasaki has left space for some personalisation, which is what most bikers like surely? I have already fitted some accessories and the bike feels more like my own already, rather than what left the factory. One point dropped not because of the absent gear but rather the very limited options offered by Kawasaki, a missed opportunity. Triumph for instance have learnt that lesson well.

no fade even after hours at TWS, great suspension !

Warp drive on command !

Beautiful fit and finish, higher quality than my Repsol Honda ! Multiple trackdays hammered it in the Texas heat more than once on back to back days without issue. Dead reliable !

really don't worry about costs, I track it a lot so oil changes and new tires are common lol It def eats tires !

Favorite feature-the engine lol It should have a damper as standard IMO but plenty of people do without one. I felt the stock pegs were high enough but about 1-2" too far forward so I swapped for Vortex rearsets, not to raise them but move them back. Really only an issue at the track though.

Only four out of five because the suspension is a tad hard on the front for my liking but it still hustles along on the roads of Luxembourg and Germany, staying right on the tails of the sportsbike riders quite easily. I can easily empty the fuel tank before I need to stop which can be just over 200 miles on a long run. These bikes are brilliant all rounders, from twisty mountain rounds to drag strips and everything in between. The only thing it won't do is off roading....maybe.

If you ride sportsbikes then you need to try the ZZR1400, the engine is so smooth you'll think your sports bike is a tractor. Power delivery is unbelievable, these bikes pull and pull and pull, they will not stop all the way to the limiter at 186mph, no slowing down as they reach that speed, they just keep pulling.

My 07 gen 1 never missed a beat in 20,000 miles and this 2014 gen 2 has been faultless for 9,000 miles already.

Seems a bit expensive to service but I use mine all year and I tour too so my mileage is much higher than the Sunshine only boys.

Could be better for a sports tourer, it needs a charging point and the pannier situation could be made easier but on the whole not a bad bike once you spend a bit if you tour a lot. Bar risers, lower pegs, touring screen, panniers, top box (I have the 47 litre colour matched Kawasaki one) a charging point and a sat nav bracket that can accept Tom Tom or Garmin Zumo bike specific sat navs. I love the traction control which includes anti wheelie and three power modes too. Don't worry, if you want to be a looney it can be turned off with the handlebar control. I use Michelin Pilot Power 3 tyres but a lot of ZZR owners use the PR4, both great in all conditions with good longevity.

Power socket should be standard.

For such a fast bike the ride quality of very good. The suspension as delivered from the Kawasaki dealer was a bit soft so I took it to an expert and once set up it handles really well.

Is there anything better in a motorbike? I doubt it. It is very smooth through out the rev range, and obviously is insanely powerful for two wheels.

I am on the fourth front fairing !!! It keeps cracking at the centre of the front around the screen and at the front securing screws. Kawasaki just can't seam to sort it out even though they have had the bike back three times for this issue.

Standard bike does not come with much for touring so these need to be added. Disappointed at the lack of a radiator guard as standard.

Front end is wonderful, rear can get a bit flappy when you push on down a bumpy road. Brakes are strong but need a good grab - not the sharpest first bite when you initially brake.

Whoo Hoo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

All good so far, paint and fasteners still look great

35 to 45 to the gallon - not bad for the fastest accelerating bike in the world......

Stick with sticky tyres - accept that all that power is why you bought the bike - so why put a Z8 on it and bimble round telling everyone your getting 60 to the gallon?

Ride quality is good. One thing that transforms a bike is having the suspension set up properly. It only costs between £25 and £40 and it makes a huge difference on any bike, not just the Zed. You could spend a lot on suspension but for most people just a simple set up is all that is required. My model has the Ohlins rear shock which is quite simply in another league compared to standard shocks. Brakes are awesome but be aware that some Zeds suffer from disc warp. Easily fixed with aftermarket discs. DO NOT buy chinese ones! Think they have fixed the problem on the Gen 2 Zeds but just a need to know fact.

The engine? Well, what can I say. If you're coming from a 1000cc sports bike you'll be amazed at how smooth the big Zed engine is. It has two balancer shafts and is silky smooth and has immense power, or rather, torque. You don't need to rev them, 60mph in 6th, wind open the throttle and it'll pull your arms off all the way to the limiter stupidly fast. Just a small thing. The earlier Zeds had a slight rattle on start up, this is caused by the hydraulic timing chain adjuster. It loses oil pressure over night so it rattles for a few seconds. It is normal so if yours does it, don't panic. If you're really bothered by it you can buy a manual adjustable one which cures the rattle. My MY14 Gen 2 doesn't seem to do it so maybe Kawasaki have sorted that on the newer ones. But the power and smoothness are brilliant.

I had an MY07 before I bought my MY14 performance sport and have never once been let down. Caliper bolt heads tend to not like salty roads much but other than that it is holding up well to winter riding. Yes, I do ride in the winter, no point in paying all that money for something and hiding it in a garage for nine months of the year.

Servicing is good value. Not a bad price for a yearly service from a Kawasaki dealer. 7500 mile service is £300 but that includes a spark plug change. Valve clearence check is around the 24,000 mile mark.

I've given this category a four because although it's a sports tourer, it doesn't have much in the way of touring equipment. The dash is good and has a fuel gauge, temp, average mpg, instant mpg, outside temp, gear indicator and such like. But a centre stand is an optional extra, a screen is an option, so is a rear top box bracket. I personally think that a bike like this should have at least one USB charge point, or maybe I'm being a bit optimistic. LOL!

Comfy ride on long distances and brakes are ok, however fitting HEL brake line kit front and back with EBC prolite discs and HH pads sees a huge improvement. As standard the suspension needs the compression increasing on the front and rear (more so on the rear) and some rebound increase on the front. To get the best out of it though, you will need to get the rear shock re sprung for a heavier spring, as well as re shimmed. At the front a 4 valve piston kit with softer springs and setup is needed. Its a cost but the results are night and day. Keep it in good tyres (something with stiff tyre walls like S20's for the road) and it will handle far better that a 250Kg sports tourer has any right to.

Dyno tested at BSD with 196.7bhp at rear wheel after ECU flash with BMC filter and MTC slip on cans. Nuff said.

Build quality is ok. My bike has over 26,000 miles on the clock and does use a little oil on long fast runs. The paint and panels are fairly good quality but the finish on the frame has quickly worn where boots have rubbed.

MPG is ok on a run, but you soon run down into the mid thirties on a fast run. As expected it goes through rear tyres quickly.

The traction control is very good. Top tip, if you want to stop the pogoing/weave when accelerating hard out of bends leant over...leave it on Traction mode "3". Trust me, because it intervenes sooner it actualy helps stop the rear shock being overwhlemed by the power and therfore alows it time to cope with the power and torque better. As you start to pick up the bike, the intervention reduces and because it is a very smooth system, feeds the power in just as well as in mode "1", but without the rear shock having been stressed half as much. Give it a go, if you don't think it helps, then you can put it back.

Brakes are very good ABS unintrusive, can ride all day and still get off feeling good at the end of 3 to 400 miles and I'm old and broken

It's 6 out of 5 really, its a pussy-cat around town and a bengal tiger on A roads and dual carriage ways

Nothing to report

I have done 7500 miles since buying the bike in mid March, I also have a bandit 12 and have done a further 4.5k since May when I got that to save the kawa's mileage, some chance NOT.

If it made esspresso it would be perfect. Seriously heated grips are a must

fierce brakes that really have awesome stopping power ...need getting used to

absolute monster or a pussy cat if required

completely bulletproof

only had one service which was negotiated free at point of sale..but main dealer servicing is not cheap at list prices are high ...so get a deal here as well!!

all that you need in performance edition spec seat cowl came as standard ...but shouldn't have!!