2008 Kawasaki ZZ-R1400 goes head to head Suzuki Hayabusa

Kawasaki has released the 2008 ZZ-R1400 with a series of changes it claims were made to the ZZ-R1400’s engine is to meet emissions rules – but the nature of the changes suggests that Kawasaki is preparing the motorcycle to meet the rival Suzuki Hayabusa.

Externally the motorcycle is unchanged – the bodywork, styling, alloy frame, suspension, brakes, wheels and other chassis parts are the same as the 2006/2007 motorcycle.

The engine has received revisions to alter the power characteristics. With an all-new bigger capacity Suzuki Hayabusa about to hit the road, Kawasaki can’t afford for it to slip behind.

The specific changes haven’t been revealed by Kawasaki who is only saying that the engine and exhausts have been changed, resulting in more top-end power, more low-rpm torque and a smoother power surge in the midrange.

The changes will be revealed at the 2008 model Kawasaki model launch at the Paris Show on Thursday, September 27, 2007 – see motorcyclenews.com on Thursday night for more on 2008 Kawasakis.