Taking Ninja Performance to new Heights

Kawasaki has drawn on the NINJA motorcycle's Superbike race-winning heritage to
set new performance standards in a big-bore sportbike. The ZX-9R combines awesome
power from a sophisticated engine with a lightweight chassis to produce a motorcycle
with unsurpassed performance that also carves through twisty roads with ease.

Beneath the aerodynamic fairing rests one of the most powerful, liquid-cooled 899cc
four-stroke engines that employs a large bore and short stroke to produce more power
across the rev range, especially at high rpm. This large bore oversquare design allows
bigger intake and exhaust valves to be used for increased efficiency and power, while
the short stroke minimizes piston speed for reliability. The valves are directly actuated
by dual overhead camshafts for reduced friction and weight plus improved high-rpm
valve control. Narrow included valve angles, 12° on the intake and 13° for the exhaust,
allow for a flat and highly efficient combustion chamber.

Kawasaki's Twin Ram Air induction system draws fresh, cool air from ducts at the front
of the fairing so that as speed increases air is supplied to the carburetors under
pressure for more horsepower. The quartet of Keihin CVKD 40mm carburetors feature
the Kawasaki Throttle Response Ignition Control (K-TRIC) throttle position sensor.
Linked to the ignition system, K-TRIC adjusts ignition timing for all throttle settings.
The ignition system also uses compact, spark-plug mounted ignition coils to save
weight and maintain spark plug voltage consistency. The alternator is located at the
end of the lightweight crankshaft. Rare-earth magnets are used to reduce flywheel
weight and minimize the alternator's effect on the crankshaft at high rpm.

By following the design of the incredibly compact and powerful NINJA ZX-6R engine,
the ZX-9R powerplant is kept as light and small as possible. The outer diameter of
each transmission gear is minimal yet wide enough for superior strength, while the
distance between the input and output shafts match that of the ZX-6R. The compact
clutch plates are the same size as those in the ZX-6R and the clutch is cable actuated
for light weight.

Recyclable magnesium covers for the cam, clutch, generator, pulser and drive
sprocket to maximize weight savings. A brushed titanium muffler caps the
four-into-one exhaust system, while California models have a stainless steel muffler
with an integrated catalyzer. It all adds up to one of the most incredible engines to ever
grace a motorcycle. The twin-spar aluminum frame uses the engine as a stressed
member, eliminating the need for heavy front downtubes, while a short wheelbase
makes for responsive handling.

The lightweight extruded aluminum swingarm is exceptionally rigid. Kawasaki's
exclusive UNI-TRAKŪ suspension linkage system applies progressively stiffer spring
and damping rates as the suspension compresses the rear shock. The
piggyback-reservoir on the nitrogen-charged shock has a special bladder separating
the nitrogen from the hydraulic fluid for increased fade resistance.

The front suspension features a conventional cartridge fork for optimum weight savings
while retaining rigidity for superior handling. Aluminum triple clamps secure the 46mm
tubes in place and help provide precise steering feel to the rider. The front brakes
feature light 296mm discs to reduce unsprung weight. Clamped by powerful six-piston
calipers, the front discs and 220mm rear rotor provide all the braking force needed to
rapidly stop this lightweight machine. New front and rear tires improve overall handling
and traction.

A compact, sleek fairing allows the ZX-9R to slice through the wind and looks good,
too. On the instrument panel an electronic speedometer/odometer is driven by sensors
located on the countershaft sprocket nut. The mirrors and turn signals are small and
lightweight, and nylon bungee straps attached under the seat eliminate frame tabs and
protect the finish of the slim seat cowl.

With the awesome power of the technologically-advanced engine and superb handling
from the compact chassis, the Kawasaki NINJA ZX-9R provides the ultimate sportbike
experience on the street.