There wasn’t any shortage of great new motorcycles in 2012. But nothing impressed us more, or was more exciting to ride, than Kawasaki’s re-tooled Ninja ZX-14R, our selection for Motorcycle of the Year.

Kawasaki’s top-shelf hyperbike has always been a good motorcycle, but this year it truly became great, offering one of the smoothest, most refined, and, of course, speediest riding experiences. With over 186 horsepower and 110 lb-ft of torque available at the twist of the wrist courtesy of its 1441cc Inline-Four engine, there’s no question that the Ninja is quick.

But the real magic is the way it harnesses that power. Multiple engine power modes and traction control help make all that performance accessible — from the street to the drag strip, and even on a racing circuit. In spite of its 580 pound curb weight, in motion the green bike has the agility that many motorcycles could only dream of.

Versatility is yet another weapon in the Ninja’s arsenal. With its undemanding riding position, cozy seat and big windscreen the ZX-14R is equally adept at cross-country touring as it is laying down 10-second quarter mile runs. Best bike of 2012? We're sticking with the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14R.

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* Last updated by: bean07 on 1/9/2013 @ 10:42 PM *

+1. I'll admit that I'm still getting use to the handling but......OMG....... what an amazing bike to ride. I just got back from a 500km sprint:) They should recommend this bike as therapy for people with depression. It'll put a "smile on your dial" instantly. It has its own persona and thats what I love about it.
My last bike was the same. Completely individual in the way it looked, handled, and powered. I've owned bikes in the past that have been great to own/ride.......BUT ............boring and predictable. Give me quirky and exciting any day!
It's the start of a new love affair..............until I loose my licence ;)
Glad to see that reviewers/magazines around the world still have a "heartbeat".

* Last updated by: svscott on 1/10/2013 @ 3:58 AM *

I have been having a ball on mine. It came with shorty pipes and lowering links in the rear. Otherwise all stock. I replaced the lowering links with stock links and installed the stock mufflers. Now it is all stock except for a tail tidy and Gen Mar risers installed by me. Cant hear the engine running at any speed over 20 MPH. So smooth it feels like it is powered by an electric motor...a STRONG electric motor. The brakes are absolutely flawless and slow the bike down in a hurry.

I am also getting used to the handling. Straight line stability is great at any speed. Long sweeping curves are no problem. On sharp curves, leaned way over, I get a little "wallowing" at the rear. I am going to try some adjustments on the rear shock/spring and see if that helps. I can certainly live with it the way it is but a little improvement wont hurt. It is one awesome motorcyle !!!! No buyers remorse here !!!!

* Last updated by: streetracer on 1/10/2013 @ 8:50 AM *

How about the fact that the 2012 14 is probably one of the best allround road bikes for a decade! Some bikes may be quicker, some may have a higher top speed, some are lighter and handle better, some are more comfortable but NOTHING does everything this bike does to the levels that it does it and that's straight out of the crate before you've even started tailoring and tweaking it to your own personal tastes.

Umm... there are none quicker.

"I get a little "wallowing" at the rear."

Suggestion: start by setting that rear spring preload at 15 mm thread showing; rebound damping at 1.5 turns out and 2.5 turns out for compression damping.

Got this from Sport Rider mag and tried it and liked it; ride a little stiffer but still comfortable.

My impression is better at holding line over rougher or broken surface and changing line is easier; but I hasten to add the disclaimer that I am NOT a Rickey Racer.

"Best bike of 2012? We're sticking with the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14R."

Oh, YEAH!

HELL YEAH!

Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14R announced as 2 Wheels magazine's 2012 Bike of the Year
Ninja ZX-14R Wins Motorcycle-USA.com Hyperbike Shootout
Watch the Video from Kawasaki's 2012 ZX-14R Media Launch at Sydney Dragway
Kawasaki launches the Worlds Most Powerful Production Motorcycle - The 2012 Ninja ZX-14R at Sydney Dragway
Kawasaki Releases World's Most Powerful Production Motorcycle - The 2012 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14R
More in this category: « Kawasaki Corporate Hospitality at WSBK - Phillip Island February 22nd-24th

SunOfAbyss wrote:

...there are none quicker.

Depends on how you measure that. The ZX10R is quicker in many categories, and will eat a ZX14R for lunch in the mountains of western Maryland and northeastern West Virginia where I ride.

But then, I would never buy another ZX10R again, couldn't ride it like it wants to be ridden anymore. But I'd buy a ZX14R in a heartbeat knowing how many things it does well.

My Concours 14 is slower than both, but it is more comfortable going on a 1,000 mile trip hauling you and your stuff for a 2 week stay at your destination.

just gave her a quick bucket cant help posting yet another pic

She's WAY cool Beanman;)I'm likin it!

Im not doing to much this time Grn14 I just think any ZX14R is an outstanding awesome an god damn sexy BEAST!

* Last updated by: bean07 on 1/13/2013 @ 11:39 PM *

Ya...I hear ya....some 'minor' comfort mods...helis...new screen...Dually slips...that's it really.It really doesn't NEED very much...if anything .Killer looks....killer performance....what's NOT to like;)

* Last updated by: Grn14 on 1/13/2013 @ 11:47 PM *

.It really doesn't NEED very much...if anything .Killer looks....killer performance....what's NOT to like;)

Suggestion: start by setting that rear spring preload at 15 mm thread showing; rebound damping at 1.5 turns out and 2.5 turns out for compression damping.

Got this from Sport Rider mag and tried it and liked it; ride a little stiffer but still comfortable.

My impression is better at holding line over rougher or broken surface and changing line is easier; but I hasten to add the disclaimer that I am NOT a Rickey Racer.

Checked the rear tire and it only had 25 pounds of air. Filled it to 40 and changed the rear shock settings to match yours. No more wallowing. It is cornering way better than I expected. Thanks!

Kinda hard to tell when that bigazz rear tire is getting low(er)aint it?LOL!!!I remember my 14(07)had a flat on the rear...picked up a staple in the garage.You couldn't even see it was flat....but something looked odd...with the rear height.