From the 1984 NINJA® 900R – the world’s first production 16-valve, liquid-cooled, in-line four-cylinder motorcycle – to the 2003 NINJA® ZX-9R sportbike, Kawasaki is continually extending its performance heritage. In a single 404-pound package, the ZX-9R delivers awesome engine response, precise handling, modern-day versatility and open-class performance matched by no other open-class sportbike on the market.

The ZX-9R’s lightweight, all-aluminum cylinder block, with chrome composite plating for wear resistance and superior heat dispersion, is the envy of the road and the racetrack. The cylinder head itself is shaped to provide a high compression ratio, while the cam timing and profile are designed for massive torque across the rev range. A dyed-in-the-wool open-classer with abundant power on top, the ZX-9R also boasts usable lower-rpm performance for negotiating tight corners or traffic congestion.

Four Keihin 40mm downdraft semi-flat-slide carburetors equipped with the Kawasaki Throttle Responsive Ignition Control (K-TRIC) provide excellent throttle response. K-TRIC, also linked to the ignition system, adjusts ignition timing for all throttle settings while a 16-bit microprocessor accurately adjusts timing from sensors at both the carburetors and the crankshaft.

Spent gasses exit via a four-into-two-into-one exhaust system with a lightweight, all-titanium muffler equipped with the Kawasaki Clean Air System catalyzer (with the exception of California models, which have a stainless-steel unit and an additional catalyzer for reduced emissions). On all models, the exhaust system benefits from an extended divider plate just aft of the collector for increased mid-range response.

The ZX-9R’s short-wheelbase and narrow aluminum frame features a front engine mount close to the steering head to improve the engine’s ability to function as a stressed member of the frame and increase rigidity. A detachable subframe houses the streamline seat and tail section, providing an aggressive and comfortable riding position. For riding two-up, lightweight seat straps are standard fare – and so is a cowling that converts the cockpit into a solo seat.

Underneath the rider, an extruded-aluminum braced swingarm features a hexagonal structure with ribbing for reduced weight and exceptional rigidity. Kawasaki’s bottom link UNI-TRAK® system features linkage ratios that provide a linear progression of damping and spring rates on the fully adjustable single shock as the suspension is compressed. The shock comes equipped with a ride-height adjuster that allows for fine-tuning the chassis to suit racetrack or road conditions. Damping settings accommodate the responsive chassis, and a stepless damping adjuster uses a check valve for improved damping performance.

Up front, damping settings in the 46mm cartridge fork match the chassis and rear suspension settings to provide an even fluid ride. Like the rear shock, the fork features the state-of-the-art stepless damping adjuster.

With 320mm of semi-floating dual front disc brakes, clamped by opposed four-piston calipers and a rear disc brake holder designed to save weight, the ZX-9R can stop efficiently from virtually any speed. Not that the ZX-9R rider wants to stop — but you can’t enjoy Open-class power and true Superbike handling without filling up the 5.0-gallon fuel tank every once in a while.

Features

899cc, High-Compression Four-Cylinder Engine

• Aluminum chrome composite plated cylinders are light, resist wear and improve heat dispersion
  
• Semi-flat-slide Keihin CVKD40 carburetors provide great throttle response at low- to mid-range rpm
  
• Aluminum flywheel cover allows for easy modification

Titanium Muffler

• Titanium muffler case is used on “49-state” models
  
• Divider plate just aft of the collector increases mid-range response
  
• Upswept muffler design aids in cornering clearance and enhances overall appearance

Liquid Cooling

• The automatic fan is offset to the left behind the curved radiator to save space and keep the engine cooler in various conditions
  
• The temperature gauge reads in actual degrees and includes an LED warning light

Tail section

• Standard fare includes a cowling that converts the cockpit into a solo affair for a more streamlined look

Lightweight Aluminum Perimeter Frame

• The frame has no down tubes to save weight
  
• Front engine mount near the steering head adds rigidity and improves the engine’s role as a stressed frame member
  
• Removable aluminum sub-frame is lightweight

Extruded Aluminum Swingarm

• Massive extruded aluminum beams are welded together for extra rigidity and good handling under extreme conditions
  
• Swingarm supported by a brace contributing toward 20% extra stiffness
  
• 46mm, Fully Adjustable, Conventional Cartridge-Type Front Fork
  
• Front fork is lightweight for high performance, compliant for rider comfort, and rigid for extraordinary handling
  
• Steep fork pitch increases cornering performance and stability
  
• Stepless damping adjuster uses a check valve allowing optimal fork performance

Fully Adjustable Rear Shock

• UNI-TRAK® lower link mount provide smooth shock action
  
• Stepless damping adjuster uses a check valve allowing optimal shockperformance
  
• Lightweight Disc Brakes
  
• Minimize unsprung weight, for sharp, precise handling
  
• Powerful four-piston calipers grip 320mm diameter discs
  
  

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