2021 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14R Unveiled - Should The ‘Busa Be Worried?

Kawasaki has taken the wraps off the updated 2021 Ninja ZX-14R, its highest capacity sportsbike, in the US. 

For 2021, the Japanese giant has given the Ninja ZX-14R a fresh lick of paint, rather than a complete overhaul. It is now offered in a new Pearl Storm Gray/Metallic Diablo Black colour scheme. The new colour scheme bids adieu to the green accents of the 2020 model and switches to sportier red accents coupled with a metallic black finish that gives off a Kawasaki Ninja H2 vibe. 

All other aspects of the bike have been left untouched. This means the ZX-14R’s 1441cc, inline-four motor still fails to adhere to Euro-5 norms. The good news is the bike still puts out around 200PS, 10PS more than the 2021 Suzuki Hayabusa. 

Keeping the Ninja ZX-14R on a leash are its two riding modes and traction control that seem rather dated in this day and age, especially given the fact its arch-rival, the 2021 Hayabusa, gets an extensive electronics package now. 

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Other features on the bike comprise a quad-projector headlamp, a digi-analogue instrument cluster, and a slipper clutch. The underpinnings include an aluminium monocoque frame, a 43mm USD fork up front and monoshock at the rear (both fully adjustable), and Brembo M50 calipers, all of which have been carried forward.

Coming to pricing, interestingly, the 2021 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14R is priced at $15,400 (about Rs 11.25 lakh), a massive $3,200 (Rs 2.3 lakh) cheaper than the 2021 Hayabusa. But, since it doesn’t meet Euro-5/BS6 norms, the NInja ZX-14R will not be making it to most markets including India, thus giving the ‘Busa a major upper hand. With Kawasaki focusing on the Ninja H2, this could be the last hurrah for the iconic sports tourer from the Japanese brand.