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2012 Kawasaki ZX-14R Comparisons – Part 2
Welcome to Part 2 of my ZX-14R comparison is with the 2nd generation Suzuki Hayabusa.
The 2nd generation Hayabusa has not received an engine update since introduction and is now about 100cc short on the 2012 model ZX-14R. In motorcycle terms the 100cc is massive difference. Hence the updated ZX-14R 1441cc engine should easily be more powerful than the Hayabusa. The larger capacity engine also brings up more power but vibration, lower fuel efficiency, weight, handling issues and so forth but when you want potentially the fastest motorcycle these are just excuses. If Kawaskai gets the combination right the ZX-14R will be one of the best models in the class.
You’re now thinking that the ZX-14R has now got to be the fastest production motorcycle in the world – right? However you would be wrong. As far as I’m concerned the initial 1999-2001 1st generation Suzuki Hayabusa is officially the last and fastest production motorcycle in the world at over 300kph. In terms of the ZX-14R claiming to being the ‘fastest accelerating production’ motorcycle in the world, could possibly be true again dependent on what gear you are using presumably. Regardless it a very very fast motorcycle no matter what gear you’re in!
After the (self regulated) speed limiters on production motorcycles by all the manufacturers no-one can officially break the Hayabusa’s fastest speed. That said any of major manufacturers have the technology to do that these days – a combination of lots of factors not just engine power. Mind you a new speed war would be best thing to rejuvenate this class of motorcycle. However at the same time I don’t want ‘Nanny governments’ to imposing new laws to kerb fun.
So here is the comparison between the Hayabusa and the ZX14R key specifications. The commentary and conclusion will be posted in part 3 next week.
2012 Kawasaki ZX-14R | 2012 Suzuki Hayabusa | |
Engine : |
IL4 Cyl DOHC 16V |
IL4 Cyl DOHC 16V |
Features : |
2 power modes – 100% or 75% |
3 modes |
Approx Pricing (AUD) |
2011 – $19,990 | 2012 – $18,990 |
*Specifications always subject to change. You should check your country or region’s official website for the most up to date pricing, specifications and information.