First ride! 2012 Kawasaki ZZR1400

Kawasaki’s updated 2012 ZZR1400 is currently being put through its paces by MCN Senior Road Tester Adam Child at the enormous Nardo speed testing facility in southern Italy. This is what he’s so far had to say:

“So far I’ve ridden the new ZZR1400 around Nardo’s handling circuit and around the amazing 7km-long circular top speed bowl.

“The biggest immediate difference you notice with the new bike is that it’s now fitted with the same three-way traction control system as Kawasaki’s new Versys 1000 – and it’s just as excellent, very much appreciated on this sort of bike and something that now instantly sets it apart from Suzuki’s Hayabusa which isn’t fitted with traction control.

“I’ve also just done the speed bowl – holding the big ZZR on the limiter in top for a full 7km lap, which is so fast it’s ridiculous!

“Next I’m off to put it through its paces over the standing quarter-mile on the drag strip. To find out how it measures up and see my full report see next week’s Motorcycle News.”