New BMW 300cc Roadster

BMW are surging ahead with plans to enter the small bike market – with what’s believed to be a 300cc roadster spotted testing in Germany last week.

Developed in association with Indian automotive giant, TVS, the small-capacity bike– codenamed K03 according to recent paperwork assigned to a prototype shipped from Germany to India – was spied testing near the HQ of BMW’s Research and Design division. Despite a fleeting glimpse of the bike being captured last year, this is the first time the machine has been seen with any clarity.

BMW are remaining as tight-lipped as always in the run-up to the release of a new model, but despite the fairly rough and ready state of this test mule, we can see how the finished machine is likely to look.

The test bike appears to use a water-cooled, four-stroke single cylinder engine of around 300cc. This sort of capacity is in line with the competition from rival manufacturers, and is the most competitive part of the market in developing countries. MCN expect there will be other styles of bike built around the same basic platform, to comprise a range of up to three new models, most likely a roadster, sportsbike, and a GS-alike trailie.

The link up with Indian bike giant TVS is a sensible and cost-effective way for the premium German brand to gain a firm foothold in developing markets. It also grants the Indian company access to BMW’s first-rate design, engineering and R&D facilities.

There was rumour the new BMW/TVS collaboration might be based on the TVS Draken X-21 that was shown last year, but this test mule appears to share almost nothing with that bike in terms of chassis and engine – while some of the running gear looks familiar – suggesting that this is an almost completely clean-sheet design.

However well resolved this prototype looks, a production version is unlikely to break cover until 2016.

BMW head of motorcycles Stephan Schaller previously told MCN: “In terms of the sub-500cc bikes we are still some years away from these models being on sale as that is how long it takes to develop something completely new and these are bikes that are being developed by both BMW and TVS. There is no difference from any other BMW in the way they are being designed. They will be sold in Europe as well as the developing market. Having entry-level bikes like this is important.”

Images: BMH Images

KTM ANNOUNCES DETAILS ON RC 390 CUP RACEBIKE

Two months ago, the newly created MotoAmerica series and KTM North America announced the addition of the KTM RC Cup Series to select rounds of the 2015 MotoAmerica race schedule. Now, KTM has come forward with additional information on the class and the racebike. Are you or someone you know 14-22 years old and hungry for some competition? If so, now might be a better time than ever to visit a participating KTM dealership and throw some money down—$9,999 to be exact.

More info from KTM's press release, below:

Murrieta, CA - KTM Motorsports is excited to announce important details about the race competition KTM RC 390 Cup Racebike that will be available for purchase for participants of the 2015 RC Cup Series, a five-round series in conjunction with the 2015 MotoAmerica Racing Series.

The highly-anticipated RC Cup Series will allow riders between the ages of 14-22 years old holding an AMA Superstock Limited license to participate. All riders must race aboard 2015 KTM RC 390 Cup Racebikes. These motorcycles are designed as racing competition bikes (not street-legal) and have been prepared by KTM with over 40 PowerParts and other enhancements to increase racing performance. Some of the new features include:

• Fully adjustable WP Racing Fork
• Fully adjustable WP Racing Rear Shock with high/low speed compression and rebound damping, adjustable preload and adjustable shock length
• Titanium Akrapovic Exhaust
• Racing Windshield, Tail Fairing and Belly Pan
• RC8 R-style Throttle Assembly
• CNC-machined Racing Foldable Levers
• CNC-machined Racing Rear Sets

Each RC Cup Racebike has been dyno-tested and tuned to 38 hp. To maintain competitive parity, the engine is sealed and may only be serviced by KTM's trackside partner HMC Racing. Modified street-legal RC 390's will not qualify for participation in the MotoAmerica KTM RC Cup Series but will be allowed in regional racing.

KTM's partnership with HMC Racing will add a benefit to all riders during the racing weekend, as HMC will provide the following services to race participants:

• KTM HMC semi-truck will be present at each event to provide a relaxing hospitality area for participants
• The KTM HMC technicians will provide technical assistance and have parts available for purchase if needed as part of the trackside service program
• KTM HMC technicians will provide a motorcycle safety check on motorcycles prior to the race and will help MotoAmerica regulate the validity of all race units to maintain motorcycle parity throughout the race series
• Professional KTM HMC SuperBike racer, Chris Fillmore, will attend each event and offer guidance to each young participant

KTM will offer a contingency platform for the top five in each race, with the following payout structure:

1st - $500.00
2nd - $400.00
3rd - $300.00
4th - $200.00
5th - $100.00

The RC Cup Racebike will be priced at $9,999 (USD) MSRP and bikes will be available in limited quantities for pre-order from January 19th to February 15th and will be delivered to dealers in mid-April. To request a KTM RC Cup Racebike, a rider will need to visit a participating KTM dealership, provide a refundable $1,000 deposit and provide a copy of their AMA Road Racing Superstock Limited license or license application. RC Cup Racebikes will be available on a first come, first serve basis with limited availability.

Yamaha’s 2015 R1 Superbike

Today, we got our first clue as to what Yamaha’s 2015 R1 superbike will look like. And we weren’t disappointed. The photo above came to us earlier today, and is from the Monster Energy Graves Yamaha team’s first official test on the bike, which was also the riders’ first chance to test the bike in race trim, with superbike-spec engine and chassis.

 Prior to this week, Josh Hayes had only ridden a stock R1 during the development stage of the bike and during promotional events for Yamaha, while Cameron Beaubier only recently tested the production bike at Chuckwalla Valley Raceway. 

While there’s no official word on lap times or how the bike worked in its first outing, the Yamaha boys say that, “Everything came home in one piece. So that’s good.” The other good news, of course, is that the R1 looks good as ever in race trim.

2015 HONDA GROM FIRST LOOK

It's hard to not love Honda's little Grom. Whether you want to go racing on the cheap, or are looking for relatively inexpensive transportation that's actually, you know, fun, the Grom's got what you need. To recap, that includes a fuel injected, single-cylinder 125cc engine with four-speed gearbox and manual clutch, inverted 31mm fork, and 12-inch tires. The bike weighs 225 pounds and has a modest 29.7-inch seat height, plus passenger footrests for two-up riding.

Even better, Honda announced today that the 2015 Grom will now be available in a total of four color options, and with new graphics for the tank covers.

There was no word on whether or not those new graphics will cost you, but for reference, list price for the 2014 model was $2999.

More info from Honda's press release on the 2015 model below:

TORRANCE, Calif. (Jan. 15, 2015) – Honda announced today that its Grom®, the compact motorcycle with a big attitude, will be offered in two additional colors for its second model year in the manufacturer’s lineup. For 2015, Yellow and Pearl White options join the popular Red and Black versions that were available in its successful debut model year, with all variants getting a new graphic treatment on the tank covers.

“We’re very pleased to close out our 2015 model lineup by offering the Grom in additional colors,” said Lee Edmunds, Manager of Motorcycle Marketing Communications at American Honda. “It has been exciting to see customers not only embrace this model, but make it their own, so adding new color options and a bit of flair made perfect sense. This model has spawned Grom-specific forums and clubs, and we look forward to seeing what customers do with the Grom in its second year.”

Since its debut, the phenomenal Grom has been celebrated as a unique, fun, impossible-to-pigeonhole motorcycle, and it shook up the market in a big way by creating its own dedicated scene. A sort of cultural chameleon, the Grom has already captured the imaginations of a diverse coalition of American enthusiasts, with owners finding new and imaginative ways to meet and interact with one another, and to express their personalities through their machines.

Still the only product of its kind on the market, the little Grom returns with all the same full-size motorcycle features, including a 124.9cc fuel-injected engine, an inverted fork, hydraulic disc brakes and a steel frame. The versatile machine has room for a passenger, and its curb weight is just 225 pounds.

• Colors: Yellow, Pearl White, Red, Black
• Price: TBD

Nissan to double range of Leaf

The organization’s own business is always an attractive alternative to work for another person. More independence, more freedom of action and decision-making to many like it, but if exercise also brings pleasure, it becomes an ideal place to work. On the one hand, the matter may seem season, on the other – always relevant tire services with local traffic conditions. If there is more solid capital, of course, you can even collect and sell their own cars, for example, power to make the air cleaner.

Among electric vehicles now have only a few of the brightest models. In the luxury class is the Tesla Model S, but for the middle class – hatchback Nissan Leaf. Japanese electric car consistently at odds and even increases in circulation, despite lower prices for gasoline and diesel fuel. In America last year, Leaf has sold 30,200 copies. However, it does have its competitors – although sales of the hybrid Chevrolet Volt declined slightly, at the Auto Show in Detroit, the American brand introduced its new generation, as well as the concept of electric hatchback Bolt. It is most dangerous for the Leaf, because for the same price, it can be estimated range of 320 miles.

Carlos Ghosn, president of Nissan, in the same showroom said that preparing to release a new generation of Nissan Leaf, which can also hold a single charge of 320 kilometers. Moreover, the hatchback will become more accessible. In the words of Hong told reporters: “We want to be competitive.” Now cruising range Nissan Leaf is 135 kilometers.

Nissan to double range of Leaf

Peugeot Citroen increase global sales thanks growth in China

French concern PSA Peugeot-Citroen increased global sales last year by 4% due to a 32% growth in China. Experts believe that this could be a sign that the Chinese market expects greater success of mass manufacturers, and sales of premium brands slow.

During the 12 months of last year PSA sold as a whole 2.94 million vehicles, of which China has sold 734,000. Thus, China has become the largest market for the French, and the increase in demand, including, contributed to the expansion of the dealer network of 100 showrooms. The total share of PSA in the Chinese market is now estimated at 4.4%, whereas before was 3.6%.

Overall, however, the Chinese market has slowed its growth, and automakers need to revise its strategy. In particular, the premium brands can sue, it is better to leave at the peak of success. For example, BMW last year “grown” in China 17% to 455,979 (including Mini) vehicles. This week, the Bavarians said they expect growth in 2015 less than 10%. Moreover, dealers in China already unhappy too high prices for goods, when most people go shopping more affordable cars.

The Chinese market is very important for the German premium automakers, according to estimates, it accounts for about half of the total earnings of DM. However, in this situation, Volkswagen with its massive car may be in a better position than the BMW. PSA in 2014 in China earned 500 million euros.

Peugeot Citroen increase global sales thanks growth in China

New Volvo S90 sedan compete with Audi A6 and Jaguar XF

The second model of the Volvo model range will be updated sedan Volvo S90 (successor S80), which borrows technology and style SUV XC90, as well as try to attract those buyers who like Audi A6, BMW 5-Series and Jaguar XF. Told the publication Autocar vice president of Volvo’s product and strategic planning Lex Kershsemakers.

S90 premiere to be held this year. It is reported that fashion design is inspired by the concept 2011 Volvo Concept Universe. Also, we should expect the impact and the more recent concept Volvo Coupe Concept, which was first demonstrated in 2013 at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Subsequently, for the sedan followed wagon V90, which completes the family of “90”.

“We must learn the lessons of the new XC90, – said Kershsemakers at the Auto Show in Detroit. – We have received an incredible response to the car, when 6,000 people made the order, even after sitting in the car, and it shows that we are on the right track. For us, design – is a key ingredient of the dish, but also important interior, technology and availability of hybrid power plant. “While it is not known exactly which engines get Volvo S90, but the sedan equipment required to enter a new family of engines Drive-E.

Despite the fact that the market sedans gradually reduced, giving way to SUVs and crossovers, Lex believes that it is still too great to miss the opportunity to express themselves in this sector and compete with the best of the best.

New Volvo S90 sedan compete with Audi A6 and Jaguar XF

Honda NSX get track version Type R

One of the highlights of the Detroit Auto Show has become a premier sports car Honda NSX (in some markets Acura NSX). Car impressed by itself, but fans of this little sports car productive, they want to track versions. And Honda representatives admitted that this version is really preparing to leave. Note that for entering the race track needs multilateral modernization of the car.

At an event in Detroit AutoExpress asked Ted Klaus, chief engineer of the NSX, if he wanted some time to add to the family «Type R». In response, he said: “I think that everyone who loves cars, I would like to have a version that we call” perfect red. “NSX was always first a silver car, which was moving towards the red. Someone asked me when I’ll be happy. Probably never. What are you doing today, tomorrow you can do even better. “

The first model NSX entered the market in 1990, and two years later she appeared “charged” version of R for the track. The Japanese make the suspension stiffer and lose weight, removing air conditioning and stereo setting and forged wheels and titanium gear lever. Say anything specific about the new NSX Type R now unreasonable, given that the manufacturer has not even provided the official specifications of the standard model. However, Klaus hinted that it may be expected that Honda NSX will develop more 550l.s., and its cost will be at 150 000 dollars. He also noted that the NSX is the lowest center of gravity in the class, and among its competitors called the Ferrari 458, Audi R8 and Porsche 911 Turbo.

Honda NSX get track version Type R

SsangYong officially revealed the compact crossover Tivoli

Named after the Italian resort car became the first completely new development of the Korean company since as the Indian Mahindra bought a 70% stake in SsangYong. Named after the Italian resort car became the first completely new development of the Korean company since as the Indian Mahindra bought a 70% stake in SsangYong.

In the South Korean Seoul hosted the official presentation of the new B-segment crossover SsangYong Tivoli. Named after the Italian resort car became the first completely new development of the Korean company since as the Indian Mahindra bought a 70% stake in SsangYong.

Compact crossover length of 4.2 meters is built on an entirely new platform and is designed for five passengers. The car is equipped with a suspension-type “McPherson” in front and torsion beam rear. The amount of luggage – 423 liters.

First, the market will modify Tivoli gasoline 1.6-liter 124-horsepower (157 Nm at 4600 rev / min.). By default, the engine will be paired with a six-step “mechanics”, but then the car can be ordered with the “automatic” Aisin production with the same number of bands. Similar transmission is equipping lineup Mini. Plans to release versions with front-wheel and four-wheel drive.

In addition, in the long term in sale and diesel version with a 1.6-liter engine, the characteristics of which were not disclosed until the manufacturer.

In the equipment will crossover seven airbags (the seventh is a knee airbag for the driver), rain sensor, seats and a heated steering wheel, parking sensors, a rearview camera, and multimedia system with HDMI-connector to display videos with mobile gadgets on the screen vehicle.

Utility differs ample opportunities for customization – customers can choose different color schemes, and it’s not just about the body, but also the interior.

The company says that the development of Tivoli took 42 months of work and about 270 million euros of funding. SsangYong plans to sell about 100,000 copies Tivoli annually, nearly 40,000 of them are designed for the market of South Korea.

Approximate price Tivoli in the markets of different countries will be about $ 15,000 – $ 21,000.

SsangYong officially revealed the compact crossover Tivoli

Honda has announced a line of turbo, rechargeable hybrid and electric car

New turbo will be based on existing engines ruler Earth Dreams. New turbo will be based on existing engines ruler Earth Dreams.

During the Detroit Auto Show, Honda announced the imminent appearance of several new types of power plants. Note that while we are talking only about the US market.

The first innovation will be four-cylinder internal combustion engines, turbocharged VTEC. The company does not specify the technical details of these units, but we know that they will be based on the existing engine line Earth Dreams.

Their production will establish a factory in the US state of Ohio in 2015. For these purposes, Honda will build the company a third assembly line. The total cost of running a turbo engine production is estimated at $ 340 million.

Note that we can talk about some of the new two-liter turbo variation developed for Civic Type-R – foreign automotive media earlier reported that the engine can be used for other Honda models in the US market. His return is greater than 280 hp

In addition, the company has promised to release a rechargeable hybrid and full electric car by 2018. No details about these projects the company has not yet announced.

The main automotive premiere Honda in Detroit is the new evolution of the well-known concept of hydrogen FCV, which the company has already demonstrated in November.

Honda has announced a line of turbo, rechargeable hybrid and electric car

Cadillac to create a small sedan and a compact crossover

Cadillac is planning to expand its influence on the domestic market, where premium brand is in close competition with the German trio. Global sales of American automaker last year increased by 4% thanks to strong demand in China. However, in his native US sales were down 6.5% to 170,750 copies. To remedy the situation, General Motors has allocated a subordinate brand about 12 billion dollars to upgrade the lineup.

New product from the nearest Cadillac flagship sedan will be CT6, which should appear in 2015. He will be on the top spot among sedans, but later planned to set up another luxury sedan – rival Mercedes-Benz S-Class, its appearance is expected in 2020. More compact sedan should appear in 2017 – it will be the smallest of the chetyrehdverok Cadillac. Its name is still unknown, but it is in the model number will be on the step below the ATS.

Changes are coming and among crossovers Cadillac. In 2016 is expected to significantly redesign SRX – a model that is best American premium brand. Two years later, at the SRX should appear “younger brother”, which arise in the model number on the step below. In addition to the compact new items, Johan de Nisshen, the new president of the brand, it is recognized that they would like to create more and crossover, which would occupy an intermediate position between the SRX and Escalade.

Johan de Nisshen took over the management of the company in September, when I left the Infiniti. He has remembered two bold steps: creation of a new nomenclature, as well as marketers move to new headquarters in Manhattan. Under his leadership, the company also began to think of the possibility of upgrading the line powertrains and creating hybrid and electric installations.

Cadillac to create a small sedan and a compact crossover

Bentley has named its first SUV Bentayga

The first in the history of the brand Bentley luxury SUV was named in honor of the mountain peak, located on one of the Canary Islands.

Roque Bentayga – one of the mountain peaks, located on the island of Gran Canaria, the third largest island of the archipelago. Locals – Guanches – considered it a sacred place. Here are preserved their mysterious rock inscriptions, granaries and places for ritual ceremonies.

Marketers, of course, come up with a beautiful legend that the name SUV successfully joined the world of nature and the name of the company founder. In particular, here in some mysterious way he added, “the dramatic beauty of the taiga in the north and the peak of Roque Bentayga in the subtropics of the Canary Islands, which offers a wonderful panorama in its beauty.” Bentley Bentayga likely debut in March at the Geneva Motor Show, and sales are scheduled for next year. For all events occurring with an SUV you can watch yourself on a specially created for this firm site

Bentley has named its first SUV Bentayga

Ford revives the GT sports coupe

In the model range Ford came true supercar gets familiar to fans of motorsport designation GT.

Ford GT was the first of a dozen new models that will be created sports division Ford Performance until 2020. He will join the growing galaxy of sports models of the brand, which is currently represented by such machines as the Focus RS, F-150 Raptor, Shelby GT350 and Shelby GT350R.

Production GT planned for next year, and its appearance is timed to the 50th anniversary of the victory of the famous racing car Ford GT40, which in 1966 took all three places on the podium of the legendary race “24 Hours of Le Mans.” The  has a mid-engine layout and the classic rear-wheel drive. The two-door body was recognizable silhouette.

In the motion novelty leads the most powerful engine family EcoBoost – a new generation of EcoBoost V6 twin turbo that develops 600 horsepower. This 3.5-liter engine is based on the racing engine, which pass successfully tested on racing cars Ford IMSA Daytona Prototype. He won several victories in the hours of endurance racing championship of the American IMSA Tudor United SportsCar 2014. He has seven podium finishes, including three first places, including a victory in the famous race “12 Hours of Sebring.” In tandem with the new powerful motor operates 7-speed robotized gearbox with two clutches.

The new Ford GT widely used carbon fiber and aluminum. In particular, the carbon-fiber monocoque bearing integrated aluminum front and rear subframes, thereby creating a light but strong spatial structure. In addition, carbon fiber exterior body panels are made. In addition to carefully consider the terms of the aerodynamics of the body, the engineers used an active rear spoiler.

Sport suspension has adjustable largest clearance. For road car clings tires Michelin Pilot Super Sport Cup 2 shod 20-inch alloy wheels. Sports car will help curb the high-performance braking system with brake discs uglerodokeramicheskimi.

Despite racing genes, the creators promise that the new Ford GT will be convenient in everyday use. On the steering wheel, made in the style of Formula 1, taken out a significant portion of the controls. Digital scale devices configured depending on driving modes. Immobility racing “buckets” compensated adjustable pedal assembly and steering column. And entertain the driver and his companion on the road will be the third generation of proprietary multimedia system SYNC 3.

Ford revives the GT sports coupe

Toyota has extended the first photos of the new generation Tacoma pickup

It is expected that the car will largely unified with the current version of the SUV 4Runner. It is expected that the car will largely unified with the current version of the SUV 4Runner.

On the eve of the world premiere of a new generation of Tacoma pickup, Toyota has extended the first official photos of the new items. The car show is completely at the Auto Show in Detroit, which opens January 12, 2015.

Technical details of the pick-up yet, but it is expected that the car will largely unified with the current version of the SUV 4Runner.

We can assume that one of the engines available for the Tacoma will be four-liter V6 rated at 270 hp (376 nm).

The new generation will be the third in the history of the model. The previous version of the pickup truck was produced from 2004 to 2015 model years.

Teaser clip Toyota Tacoma 2016 model year

Toyota has extended the first photos of the new generation Tacoma pickup

KTM Launches New Series of Finance

KTM has launched a series of new finance offers on 2015 models which include £99 deposit and 0% interest deals on bikes from the Duke 125 up to the 1190 Adventure models.

The Austrian firm has a wide range of new finance offers of which some are extensions of existing deals but the range of bikes covered is now bigger than ever as KTM attempts to build on the success of more than 100,000 bikes built in 2014.

KTM states: “Models included in the promotion feature the full range of Dukes. The 125 Duke is a real KTM equipped with the technical DNA of a grown-up sports bike. A fully-fledged motorcycle with a 125cc engine that brings a grin to the face of every rider is what helped it to become the biggest selling bike of its class in Europe and it’s the only 125cc bike to come equipped with ABS as standard. The 390 Duke proved itself as a fantastically light-weight all-rounder when it was launched in 2013, which delivers a dynamic and superbly fuel-efficient ride, with a proven 78mpg in independent tests.

“For those who want extra performance in their life, the 44hp RC 390 will fit the bill perfectly and is A2 licence ready.

“KTM’s V-twin-engined machines are also included in the promotion powered by KTM Finance, with the 1190 Adventure and 1190 Adventure R available with payment terms ranging from 24 to 48 months. The Adventures are fitted with arguably the latest development in motorcycle safety; the world’s first cornering ABS system, which is part of KTM’s Motorcycle Stability Control (MSC)."

All new KTM Street models benefit from a two-year unlimited mileage warranty and a free mobility guarantee from the RAC.

Details: www.ktm.co.uk

Mercedes-Benz Unimog traveled at an altitude of 5400 m

Family newlyweds, traveling by SUV Mercedes-Benz Unimog in the Himalayas, has successfully overcome the most mountainous road in the world, as well as a number of other difficult passes.

Newlyweds Jennifer and Peter went to his original honeymoon in May 2013. They had a dream – to overtake India by car, visiting inaccessible mountainous regions.

For this purpose, they have acquired a versatile all-terrain vehicle Mercedes-Benz Unimog 1300L. The car, despite its venerable 29-year-old age, during the journey and do not let us down has already passed more than 30 thousand. Km.

Especially exciting was the overcoming of the Himalayas, where most of the roads are open to travel only from November to May. Hard, semitonnaya machine, equipped caravans (caravan) successfully overcame a number of passes at a height of 4 or even 5 km, and among them was the most mountainous road in the world, located above sea level at an altitude of 5400 m.

Not surprisingly, the readers of the magazine «Off Road» Unimog recognized best SUV in 2014 in the category of “special vehicles”. Newlyweds Jennifer and Peter want to travel further to Southeast Asia. Additional information and reports about the trip can be found on Facebook under the name «Glaarkshouse».

Mercedes-Benz Unimog traveled at an altitude of 5400 m

2014 v 2015 BMW S1000RR

BMW claims their new, third-generation S1000RR is lighter and more powerful than ever. We’re putting that to the test by pitching the new machine against the out-going model.

We’ll speed test both Beemers and strap them to our dyno to see if the new bike really does makemore power at the back wheel and if it can get close to the German firm’s claimed 199bhp power figure.

We’ve already ridden the 2015 S1000RR on-track at its launch in November and we were amazed by its easy speed, but to find out if it behaves itself just as well in the real world, we’ll also be riding it on the road… so it’s a good job it has heated grips!

The 2015 Kawasaki ZX-14R and 1984 Ninja 900

Introduced in ’84, the first Kawasaki to bear the Ninja name featured a variety of other firsts. At a time when manufacturers were experimenting with engine configurations other than the previously (and now) standard inline four, the 900 was the first motorcycle with a liquid-cooled inline four. According to Kawasaki’s online museum, the company had considered and tested V-four and inline six-cylinder configurations, but settled on a narrow, lightweight inline four – even though at the time Honda’s V-four engines were looking like the future.

Other innovative firsts including moving the camchain to the left end of the cylinder block as opposed to placing it in the center, making the engine narrower and evening up the cylinder spacing to make the ports straighter. The alternator was mounted behind the cylinders to keep the engine narrow, and a gear-driven counterbalancer, six-speed gearbox and hydraulic clutch were all used. And while other manufacturer’s were going bigger and heavier (think Honda Interceptor 1000, Suzuki GS1150, Yamaha FJ1100 and Kawasaki’s own GPz1100), Kawasaki was willing to sacrifice outright power to keep weight down. The Ninja’s engine wouldn’t be too far out of place in today’s world, and many of its features are now the sportbike standard.

The Ninja’s frame was just as innovative. It’s “diamond” design was Kawasaki’s first to use the engine as a stressed member for a large-displacement machine. While the main frame was made from conventional (at the time) round-tube steel, the subframe was a bolt-on piece made from square tubing.

 Consider too that while other sportbikes had smallish fairings and separate belly pans for bodywork, the Ninja had a full fairing at the front and a wraparound tailsection that covered the frame and subframe tubing completely. The remainder of the chassis was fairly conventional for the time: A 16-inch front/17-inch rear wheel combination, an air-assisted anti-dive front fork and Uni-Trak rear suspension.
In Motorcyclist magazine’s April ’84 test of the 900 Ninja, the headline reads, “Suddenly, your two-year-old sport bike is ten years old,” an indication of the step forward the bike represented. While the industry was in the midst of a quarter-mile war at the time – with manufacturer’s all hiring Jay “Pee Wee” Gleason to ride the bikes and the results plastered in two-page ads everywhere – the Ninja 900 gave away some displacement and power to the other bikes. 

Motorcyclist’s Road Test Editor Jeff Karr posted a 10.96-second run, about two-tenths slower than the then-king Suzuki GS1150. Still, the editors raved about the Kawasaki’s power and handling, with this statement closing the test: “The Ninja is a very exciting motorcycle, a leap forward for large-displacement sporting bikes. If you think the essence of motorcycling is the sensation of leaning into corners, you need one.”
The Ninja's notoriety grew its appearance with Tom Cruise in the movie Top Gun in 1986, the same year in which the next performance Kawasaki was introduced. That bike was dubbed the Ninja 1000R and otherwise known as the ZX-10. While the Ninja 900 wasn't imported into the U.S. after that year, it continued to be produced for other markets until 1996, with various upgrades along the way.

Only 300 units of this special-liveried ZX-14R will be built specifically for the American and Latin American markets according to Kawasaki (an additional 30 units will be built for the Canadian market).

Other innovative firsts including moving the camchain to the left end of the cylinderblock as opposed to placing it in the center, making the engine narrower and evening up the cylinder spacing to make the ports straighter. The alternator was mounted behind the cylinders to keep the engine narrow, and a gear-driven counterbalancer, six-speed gearbox and hydraulic clutch were all used. 

And while other manufacturer’s were going bigger and heavier (think Honda Interceptor 1000, Suzuki GS1150, Yamaha FJ1100 and Kawasaki’s own GPz1100), Kawasaki was willing to sacrifice outright power to keep weight down. The Ninja’s engine wouldn’t be too far out of place in today’s world, and many of its features are now the sportbike standard.
Kawasaki is celebrating 30 years of Ninja models in 2015 with special anniversary editions of the ZX-10R, ZX-6R and ZX-14R. Scroll through the gallery above to see more images of the ZX-14R as well as the original Ninja, the 1984 GPz900R, and to learn more about both bikes.

• Gold pinstriping defines the ZX-14R 30th Anniversary Limited Edition's painted areas, and the radial-mount Nissin four-piston calipers are also finished in gold. Mechanically, the 30th Anniversary Edition ZX-14R will be identical to standard model, with the same monstrously powerful 1,441cc four-cylinder engine equipped with traction control and three different riding modes, and the same aluminum monocoque frame with fully adjustable suspension and ABS.