Kawasaki
Kawasaki
Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Voyager ABS
Full-dress tourers need to have it all, and Kawasaki’s Voyager certainly doesn’t leave much in the way of creature comforts back home in the garage. Classic cruiser styling, a 52-degree, liquid-cooled, single-overhead-cam, four-valve-per-cylinder V-Twin, frame-mounted fairing and windshield, couch-like seats for rider and passenger, and tons of storage are long-haul necessities. But details like cruise control, an iPod-compatible audio system and Advanced Coactive Braking Technology (K-ACT II) ABS are standard, too.
$19,349
Engine type: sohc V-Twin
Displacement: 1700cc
Induction: EFI
Transmission speeds: 6
Final drive: belt
Front brake: dual disc
Rear brake: disc
Wheelbase: 65.6 In.
Seat height: 28.7 In.
Fuel capacity: 5.3 gal.
Claimed curb weight: 895 lb.
Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Vaquero
Baggers like the Vaquero are the go-to bikes of the cruiser world. Nice styling and comfort combined with the practicality of saddlebags makes sense. It doesn’t matter if you want to use it as a commuter, a weekend warrior or a long-distance traveler, this big Vulcan can pull it off. Fifth and sixth gears in the 52-degree, liquid-cooled V-Twin’s transmission are overdrives for a relaxed ride and excellent fuel economy. Adding to the bike’s versatility are twin 10-gallon-capacity hard cases, a frame-mounted fairing and shorty windscreen. An iPod-compatible, XM-ready audio system can also be paired with select GPS units.
$17,149
Engine type: sohc V-Twin
Displacement: 1700cc
Induction: EFI
Transmission speeds: 6
Final drive: belt
Front brake: dual disc
Rear brake: disc
Wheelbase: 65.6 In.
Seat height: 28.7 In.
Fuel capacity: 5.3 gal.
Claimed curb weight: 836 lb.
Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Nomad
Want to travel but don’t want to spend big bucks on a full-dresser? The Nomad nicely fills the gap between Kawasaki’s top-of-the-line luxury liner and its classic cruisers. A handlebar-mounted windscreen, lockable, color-matched hard saddlebags, passenger floorboards, luxury backrest and cruise control give the Nomad substantial touring potential. The same torque-rich, technology-packed, 1700cc V-Twin engine found in the rest of the Vulcan 1700 range is used here, as well. Air shocks and an adjustable fork allow the rider to tailor the ride to the load. No wonder this bike is called the Nomad.
$16,099
Engine type: sohc V-Twin
Displacement: 1700cc
Induction: EFI
Transmission speeds: 6
Final drive: belt
Front brake: dual disc
Rear brake: disc
Wheelbase: 65.6 in.
Seat height: 28.7 in.
Fuel capacity: 5.3 gal.
Claimed curb weight: 834 lb.
Kawasaki ZX-14R/ZX-14R ABS
All we can say after spending significant time aboard the 14R is: Wow! This monster posted Cycle World's quickestever production-bike E.T. with a 9.47-sec./152.83-mph pass. Just 2.6 seconds tick by for 0 to 60, and 100 arrives in just under 5. Not a surprise, really, since the 14R is the most powerful production motorcycle we’ve ever tested, making 192 hp and 113.2 ft.-lb. of peak torque at the rear wheel. What is a surprise is how good the ZX-14R handles. Intimidated? Don’t be. Traction control and selectable power modes help keep everything in check. Also available: The same bike but with ABS.
$14,999-15,299/15,999-16,290
Engine type: dohc inline-Four
Displacement: 1441 cc
Induction: EFI
Transmission speeds: 6
Final drive: chain
Front brake: dual disc
Rear brake: disc
Wheelbase: 58.3 in.
Seat height: 31.5 in.
Fuel capacity: 5.8 gal.
Claimed curb weight: 584/591 lb.
Kawasaki Concours 14 ABS
Winning Cycle World's Best Sport-Touring Bike award for three straight years (2008-10) proves what a great motorcycle the Concours is. Despite finally facing strong competition from BMW’s K1600GT, the Kawasaki has only improved as the years have quickly ticked by. Its engine utilizes variable valve timing for broad power, and traction control tames the rear tire when grip is compromised. When you need to shed all that speed, the 14’s ABS gets it done quickly and safely. An electronically adjustable windscreen, heated grips and a keyless ignition fob are amenities that make the C14 as comfortable and convenient as it is fast.
$16,199
Engine type: dohc inline-Four
Displacement: 1352cc
Induction: EFI
Transmission speeds: 6
Final drive: shaft
Front brake: dual disc
Rear brake: disc
Wheelbase: 59.8 in.
Seat height: 32.1 in.
Fuel capacity: 5.8 gal.
Claimed curb weight: 688 lb.
Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R/ZX-1 OR ABS
Kawasaki was the first of the Japanese Big Four to embrace the electronic revolution. Taming the powerful inline-Four is a traction-control system that offers three levels of intervention, and the rider also can select from three power-output modes to suit the riding conditions. A slipper clutch keeps the rear wheel from hopping during downshifts at corner entry. The chassis uses a 43 mm Showa Big Piston Fork and a lay-down shock, while an Öhlins electronic steering damper communicates with the ECU for optimal damping. Also available: The ZX-1 OR ABS, the same machine but with anti-lock braking.
$14,299/15,299
Engine type: dohc inline-Four
Displacement: 998cc
Induction: EFI
Transmission speeds: 6
Final drive: chain
Front brake: dual disc
Rear brake: disc
Wheelbase: 56.1 in.
$eat height: 32.0 in.
Fuel capacity: 4.5 gal.
Claimed curb weight: 437/443 lb.
Kawasaki Ninja 1000/Ninja 1000 ABS
Looking for an Open-class sportbike without the racetrack riding position? That’s exactly what this new Ninja is all about. Take the torquey, liquid-cooled inline-Four from the Z1000 naked, wrap it in attractive bodywork, give it an upright seating position and end up with this result. The short-stroke engine offers awesome real-world performance smoothed out by a crankshaft-driven balance shaft. The aluminum frame sweeps over the engine, affording the bike a narrow width between the rider’s legs. Also available: The Ninja 1000 ABS, the same bike but with a lightweight and compact anti-lock braking system.
$11,399/i 2,099
Engine type: dohc inline-Four
Displacement: 1043cc
Induction: [[Fl -
Transmission speeds: 6
Final drive: chain
Front brake: dual cflsc
Rear brake: disca
Wheelbase: 56.9 in.
Seat height: 3~.3 na
fruel capacity: 5.0 gal.
Claimed curb weight: 509/514 lb.
Kawasaki Z1000
There is no question that this Cycle World Best-Standard-winning naked is fun, powerful and radical. From its acutely angled front cowl to its full-length fork covers to its wild-looking mufflers, the Z1000 will not be mistaken for anything else. Borrowing technology from its cousin, the ZX-1 OR, the Z uses an aluminum frame with beams that curve over the engine to keep the bike narrow between the rider’s knees. The 16-valve engine emphasizes midrange torque, and radial-mount brakes, a fully adjustable 41mm inverted fork and lightweight five-spoke wheels contribute to the Z’s capable handling.
$10,999
Engine type: dohc inline-Four
Displacement: 1043cc
Induction: EFI
Transmission speeds: 6
Final drive: chain
Front brake: dual disc
Rear brake: disc
Wheelbase: 56.7 in.
Seat height: 32.1 in.
Fuel capacity: 4.0 gal.
Claimed curb weight: 481 lb.
Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic LT
In cruiser circles, a 903cc engine is now considered a middleweight, and there’s nothing wrong with that at all. For one thing, the Kawasaki 900 Classic LT weighs significantly less than its cousins in the 1700 line, ft’s powered by a liquid-cooled, rubber-mounted, fuel-injected V-Twin with belt final drive, ft’s ready to hit the road with its cowhide saddlebags, comfortable seats for two, a padded passenger backrest and an adjustable, optically correct copbike-style windshield. The low seat height combined with that relatively light curb weight makes it a great choice for a wide range of riders.
$9699
Engine type: sohc V-Twin
Displacement: 903cc
Induction: EFI
Transmission speeds: 5
Final drive: belt
Front brake: disc
Rear brake: disc
Wheelbase: 64.8 In.
Seat height: 26.8 In.
Fuel capacity: 5.3 gal.
Claimed curb weight: 657 lb.
Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom/Vulcan 900 Classic SE
The proportions of the 900 Custom make the bike look longer and lower than it actually is. A stout rear end is fitted with a fat, 180mm tire, but that image is countered at the front with a skinny, 21-inch “pizza-cutter” wheel. This middleweight cruiser is quite affordable yet offers a V-Twin engine with electronic fuel injection, liquid cooling and rubber engine mounting for smooth and reliable performance. Twin-piston calipers at both ends clamp on 300mm front and 270mm rear brake rotors for sure stopping power. Also available: The Classic SE model, with wire-spoke wheels and a lower price of entry.
$9199/8699
Engine type: sohc V-Twin
Displacement: 903cc
Induction: EFI
Transmission speeds: 5
Final drive: belt
Front brake: disc
Rear brake: disc
Wheelbase: 64.8 In.
Seat height: 27.0/26.8 in.
Fuel capacity: 5.3 gal.
Claimed curb weight: 611/620 lb.
Kawasaki Versys
If you want a fun and good-performing motorcycle that can fulfill many different riding needs, the Versys is hard to ignore. Powered by the same parallel-Twin found in the Ninja 650 sportbike, the Versys has enough thrust for the stoplight-to-stoplight drags of the morning commute or apex-to-apex carving on weekend jaunts. Long-travel suspension includes an inverted 41mm fork, a gull-wing swingarm, a fully adjustable shock and lightweight, sportbike-inspired wheels, all of which help give the Versys nimble, easily controlled handling. An adjustable-height windscreen adds to the versatility of this asphalt ☺adventurer.
$7999
Engine type: dohc parallel-Twin
Displacement: 649cc
Induction: EFI
Transmission speeds: 6
Final drive: chain
Front brake: dual disc
Rear brake: disc
Wheelbase: 55.7 In.
Seat height: 33.3 In.
Fuel capacity: 5 0 gal.
Claimed curb weight: 454 lb.
]KawasakiNinja 650/Ninja 650 ABS
$7599/8099
Engine type: dohc parallel-Twin
Displacement: 649cc
Induction: EFI
Transmission speeds: 6
Final drive: chain
Front brake: dual disc
Rear brake: disc
Wheelbase: 55.5 in.
Seat height: 31.7 in.
Fuel capacity: 4.2 gal.
Claimed curb weight: 461/465 lb.
The Ninja 650 is a no-B.S. sportbike, but with moreupright seating than a repli-racer and more-comfortable ergonomics. It's sporty and modern, featuring a liquidcooled, fuel-injected parallel-Twin with plenty of usable low-rpm grunt and strong midrange performance, making it a great commuter, twisty-road carver or whatever you want it to be. A conventional 41mm fork and a preload-adjustable shock provide a sporting yet plush ride. Dual 300mm petal-shaped front brake discs and twin-piston calipers provide good stopping power for spirited riding. Also available: The ABS model costs an extra $500.
Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R/ZX-6R ABS
$11,699/i 2,699
Engine type: dohc inline-Four
Displacement: 636cc
Induction: EFI
Transmission speeds: 6
Final drive: chain
Front brake: dual disc
Rear brake: disc
Wheelbase: 54.9 in.
Seat height: 32.7 in.
Fuel capacity: 4.5 gal.
Claimed curb weight: 423/428 lb.
Kawasaki decided that the super-sized-600 formula is too good to leave on the shelf, so the engineers stroked the previous 6R's 599cc engine to increase displacement to 636cc. They then added the middleweight supersport category's most sophisticated electronics package with traction control and three ride modes. So, more torque and power are on tap throughout the rev range, allowing the ZX-6R to be one of the most street-friendly middleweights on the road. And top-shelf chassis components make the 636 the best 6R ever. Also available: The ZX-6R ABS, the same bike with anti-lock brakes.
Kawasaki Ninja 300/Ninia 300 ABE
$4799 to $4999/5499
Engine type: dohc parallel-Twin
Displacement: 296cc
Induction: EFI
Transmission speeds: 6
Final drive: chain
Front brake: disc
Rear brake: disc
Wheelbase: 55.3 in.
Seat height: 30.9 in.
Fuel capacity: 4.5 gal.
Claimed curb weight: 379/384
Kawasaki's motto must read, "bigger is better," because the Green team definitely likes to upsize its sportbikes: The new Ninja 300 replaces the massively successful Ninja 250. Power is provided by a liquid-cooled, 296cc parallel-Twin that, like its 636cc big brother, had its displacement increased via a longer stroke. An F.C.C. clutch offers slipper functions while also reducing effort at the lever by 25 percent. A new frame, sporty suspension and powerful brakes add up to a chassis that can satisfy riders of all levels. Also available: The Ninja 300 ABS, the same bike with anti-lock brakes.
Kawasaki KLR650
$6499
Engine type: dohc Single
Displacement: 651 cc
Carburetion: 40mm Keihin
Transmission speeds: 5
Final drive: chain
Front brake: disc
Rear brake: disc
Wheelbase: 58.3 in.
Seat height: 35.0 in.
Fuel capacity: 6.1 gal. Claimed curb weight: 432 lb.
The term "jack-of-all-trades" can certainly be applied to the KLR650. For more than two decades, this do-anything, goanywhere dual-sport has provided a great platform for riders who want huge amounts of versatility. A bulletproof, 651cc Single provides enough user-friendly power to get you through almost any terrain. A 41mm fork with 7.9 inches of travel and a Uni-Trak rear suspension with 7.3 in. on a preloadand rebound-adjustable shock are plush on the road and can tackle all but the gnarliest off-road conditions. A large, protective fairing, a comfortable seat and a 6.1-gallon fuel tank mean you can take big bites out of the landscape without the need to stop.
Kawasaki KLX250S
This lightweight single-cylinder dual-sport offers a lot of versatility for riders seeking a great commuter that can double as a trailbike or fun canyon-carver on the weekends. An electric-start, 249cc engine meets California emissions requirements, which means it's street-legal in all 50 states. The steel perimeter frame is durable and rigid enough for off-road duty. A 43mm inverted cartridge fork provides 10 inches of travel, while a single shock has 9 inches of dampingand preload-adjustable travel. With its in 21-in. front and 18-in, rear wheel, the 250 can be fitted with more-aggressive knobby tires for riders who want to spend more time in the dirt.
$5099
Engine type: dohc Single
Displacement: 249cc
Carburetion: 34mm Keihin
Transmission speeds: 6
Final drive: chain
Front brake: disc
Rear brake: disc
Wheelbase: 56.3 in.
Seat height: 35.0 in.
Claimed curb weight: 298 lb.
Kawasaki KLX140/KLX140L
Here's a mini that fills a lot of roles for the family that rides off-road. Its 140cc engine perfectly bridges the gap between the smaller KLX110 and larger playbikes, providing just the right kind of power that new riders and kids—as well as adults who like to act like kids— will enjoy. Electric starting means more time is spent riding than kicking. For newbies just getting the hang of shifting, the clutch has a clever two-stage engagement feature that helps learners feel more in control at low speeds. Also available: The bigger-wheeled 140L, the same bike but with a fully adjustable shock and a larger-diameter fork.
$2999/3299
Engine type: sohc Single Bore x stroke: 58.0 x 54.4mm Displacement: 144cc Transmission speeds: 5 Front wheel travel: 7.1 in. Rear wheel travel: 7.1 in., Front hrake: disc Rear hrake: disc Seat height: 30.7/31.5 in. Fuel capacity: 1.5 gal. Claimed curb weight: 205/209 lb.
Kawasaki KLX110/KLX1 1 OL
The KLX110 is supposed to be a kids' bike, so why can't adults stay off it? Here's why: It's fun! No matter the rider's age, this 111cc four-stroke Single delivers user-friendly power that just about anyone can find amusing. Recent updates include electric starting and a fourth gear in the transmission. A screw-type adjustable throttle limiter allows parents to control the amount of power that's available for youngsters while they're just learning to ride, then gradually back it off as skills improve. Also available: The KLX110L, an otherwise identical machine except for its taller seat and additional suspension travel.
$2249/2399
Engine type: sohc Single
Bore x stroke: 53.0 x 50.6mm
Displacement: 111 cc
Transmission speeds: 4
Front wheel travel: 4.3/5 5 in.
Rear wheel travel: 4.3/5 2 in.
Front brake: drum
Rear brake: drum
Seat height: 26.8/28.7 in.
Fuel capacity: 1.0 gal.
Claimed curb weight: 168/173 lb.
Kawasaki KX450F
The KX450F continues to win races and championships year after year, mostly because Kawasaki continues to refine and update the bike every year. The engine uses a sophisticated EFI system that provides the basis for the bike's Launch Control Mode and three pre-programmed ignition modes that can be selected with interchangeable couplers. The 48mm KYB Pneumatic Spring Fork (PSF) uses air pressure instead of the main fork springs for greater adjustability and reduced weight. A four-position-adjustable handlebar and footpegs that can be set in two different positions provide almost any rider with an ideal cockpit.
$8699
Engine type: dohc Single
Bore x stroke: 96.0 x 62.1mm
Displacement: 449cc
Transmission speeds: 5
Front wheel travel: 12.4 in.
Rear wheel travel: 12.4 in.
Front brake: disc
Rear brake: disc
Seat height: 37.6 in.
Fuel caoacitv: 1.6 aal.
Claimed curb weight: 248 lb.
Kawasaki KX250F
$7599
Engine type: dohc Single
Bore x stroke: 77.0 x 53.6mm
Displacement: 249cc
Transmission speeds: 5
Front wheel travel: 12.4 in.
Rear wheel travel: 12.2 in.
Front brake: disc
Rear brake: disc
Seat height: 37.2 in.
Fuel capacity: 1.6 gal. Claimed curb weight: 234 lb.
The KX250F already had some industry-first electronic features, but this time, it has benefitted from some trickle-down technology passed on from its big bro, the KX450F. The dual-injector EFI system now receives the plug-in ignition couplers that provide three different ride maps for standard, hard and soft terrain. Plus, custom maps can be created by utilizing the accessory KX FI Calibration Kit. The chassis received updates including a revised 48mm Showa Separate Function Fork (SFF) and a narrower frame that helps make the KX250F feel slimmer and easier to handle.
Kawasaki KX100/KX85
$4249/4049
Engine type: two-stroke Single
Bore x stroke: 52.5/48.5 x 45.8mm
Displacement: 99/84cc
Transmission speeds: 6
Front wheel travel: 10.8 in.
Rear wheel travel: 10.8 in.
Front brake: disc
Rear brake: disc
Seat height: 34.3/33.1 in.
Fuel capacity: 1.5 gal.
Claimed curb weight: 156/152 lb.
With the KX125 two-stroke no longer in Kawasaki's lineup, the traditional next step from the minis has gone with it, but the leap up to a 250cc four-stroke is too big for many younger riders hoping to make such a move. That's where the KX100 fits in. As a two-stroke with a 19-in, front wheel and a 16-in, rear, it's an ideal step up for adolescent racers who need to further refine their motocross techniques. Also available: The slightly smaller KX85, a full-on racetrack weapon with a 17-in, front wheel and a 14 in. back.
Kawasaki KX65
$3649
Engine type: two-stroke Single
Bore x stroke: 44.5 x 41,6mm
Displacement: 64cc
Transmission speeds: 6
Front wheel travel: 8.3 in.
Rear wheel travel: 8.3 in.
Front brake: disc
Rear brake: disc
Seat height: 29.9 in.
Fuel capacity: 1.0 gal. Claimed curb weight: 132 lb.
Although this is the smallest model in Kawasaki's five-bike KX motocross family, it is perfect as either a step up from the 50cc, automatic-transmission minis or as a mount for a first-time MX racer who already has a bit of riding experience under his or her belt. Its high-performance two-stroke engine is combined with a six-speed, manual-shift gearbox stuffed into a full-race chassis outfitted with long-travel suspension and disc brakes. As such, the KX65 is an ideal choice for young racers hoping to emulate their Supercross and motocross heroes.
