Sportbikes
2018Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14R
42 fields on record
The 2018 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14R is a heavyweight hyperbike designed for experienced riders seeking extreme performance and speed. Powered by a potent engine with sophisticated traction control systems, it dominates the hyperbike category with its acceleration and top-end power. Best known as one of the fastest production motorcycles available, it suits thrill-seekers prioritizing raw performance over everyday practicality. A factory ABS option was also available.
- Capacity
- 1441.0 ccm
- Engine
- In-line four, four-stroke
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Wet weight
- 269.0 kg
- Seat height
- 800 mm
- Power
- 215.0 HP (158.1 kW)
How it rides
Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested- Best for
- Built as a hyper-sport/sport-touring hybrid, it excels at high-speed highway blasts and drag-strip style acceleration rather than tight technical riding.
- Built for
- The ZX-14R is a brutally fast, smooth-running in-line four cruiser-sportbike hybrid that prioritizes effortless long-distance speed over razor-sharp agility.
- Not ideal for
- It is not a good fit for new riders, tight urban commuting, or anyone seeking a lightweight, flickable cornering tool.
Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.
Will it fit you?
Worked out in your browser - nothing is sent to usEngine
- Capacity
- 1441.0 ccm
- Power
- 215.0 HP (158.1 kW)
- Engine type
- In-line four, four-stroke
- Power/weight ratio
- 0.7993 HP/kg (wet)
- Bore x stroke
- 84.0 x 65.0 mm
- Compression
- 12.3:1
- Cooling system
- Liquid
- Fuel system
- Injection
- Starting
- Electric
- Ignition
- TCBI with digital advance
- Valves per cylinder
- 4
- Torque
- Not on record - add it
Transmission
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Transmission type
- Manual
- Final drive
- Chain
- Clutch
- Slipper clutch
Performance
- 0-60 mph
- 2.60 seconds
Dimensions & weight
- Wheelbase
- 1481 mm
- Overall length
- 2170 mm
- Overall width
- 770 mm
- Overall height
- 1171 mm
- Seat height
- 800 mm
- Wet weight
- 269.0 kg
- Fuel capacity
- 22.00 litres
- Ground clearance
- 125 mm
- Dry weight
- Not on record - add it
Chassis & suspension
- Frame
- Aluminum monocoque
- Front suspension
- 43mm inverted cartridge fork with adjustable preload, 18-way compression and 15-way rebound damping adjustment
- Rear suspension
- Bottom-link Uni-Trak® and gas-charged shock with adjustable preload, stepless rebound and compression damping adjustments, adjustable ride height
- Front wheel travel
- 117 mm
- Rear wheel travel
- 124 mm
- Rake (fork angle)
- 23.0°
- Trail
- 94 mm
Brakes & wheels
- Front brakes
- Double disc. ABS. Floating discs. Four-piston calipers. Radially mounted.
- Front brakes diameter
- 310 mm
- Rear brakes
- Single disc. ABS. Two-piston calipers.
- Rear brakes diameter
- 250 mm
- ABS
- Optional
- Front tyre
- 120/70-ZR17
- Rear tyre
- 190/50-ZR17
Other
- Color options
- Metallic Spark Black/Golden Blazed Green
- Warranty
- 12
- Comments
- Small windscreen. Traction control. Kawasaki Traction Control (KTRC). Power Mode.
Compiled from manufacturer documentation and user contributions, corrected on an ongoing basis. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.
What changed, year to year
Differences highlighted| Specification | 2012 | 2015 | 2018 | 2020 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 1441 cc | 1441 cc | 1441 cc | 1441 cc | 1441 cc |
| Seat height | 800 mm | 800 mm | 800 mm | 800 mm | 800 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 22 L | 22 L | 22 L | 22 L | 22 L |
Illustrative - generated automatically by diffing the year records already on file, not a manufacturer-published changelog.
Safety Recalls
⚠ 2 recalls may applyPOWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSIONNov 2020 · 20V676000
Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. (KMC) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Ninja H2 SX, Ninja H2 SXSE, and 2019-2020 Ninja H2 SXSE+ motorcycles. In the event of a gear misengagement the engine electronic control unit (ECU) programming doesn't have the capability to suppress high RPM during transmission. If the transmission gears are not properly engaged while shifting into 4th or 5th gear, high engine RPM can cause the output gears of 4th or 5th to fracture when the gears re-engage.
Risk: Damaged gears and the inability to shift can cause the engine to lock up, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: KMC will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the FI-ECU software, free of charge. Owners are advised to not ride their motorcycle until the repair has been completed. The recall began November 16, 2020. Owners may contact KMC customer service at 1-866-802-9381. KMC's number for this recall is MC20-10.
STRUCTURE:MOTORCYCLE:KICKSTAND/CENTER STANDAug 2018 · 18V580000
Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. (Kawasaki) is recalling certain 2018 Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX SE (ZXT02BJ) motorcycles. The pin for the center stand spring may have been improperly welded, and, as a result, the pin may shift or fall off resulting in the spring detaching and the center stand dropping to the ground unexpectedly and dragging while riding.
Risk: The dragging center stand can cause a loss of control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Kawasaki will notify owners, and dealers will replace the left center stand bracket, free of charge. Owners may contact Kawasaki customer service at 1-866-802-9381. Kawasaki's number for this recall is MC18-05.
These recalls cover some 2018 bikes of this model. Whether one applies to a specific bike, and whether the repair has already been done, depends on its VIN — check your VIN with NHTSA or ask a dealer.
Source: NHTSA. View all Kawasaki recalls →
Rider Reviews
Common questions
What is the engine size of the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14R?
The 2018 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14R has a Capacity of 1441.0 ccm (87.94 cubic inches).
What engine power does the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14R have?
The 2018 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14R has a Power of 215.0 HP (158.1 kW).
How many gears does the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14R have?
The 2018 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14R has a Gearbox of 6-speed.
How much does the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14R weigh?
The 2018 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14R has a Wet weight of 269.0 kg (593.0 pounds).
Shop this bike
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The 2018 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14R is a powerful and high-performance motorcycle. With its 1,441cc engine, it is one of the fastest production motorcycles on the market. The sleek design and advanced technology make it a top choice for riders looking for speed and precision. The handling and braking capabilities of the ZX-14R are impressive, offering a smooth and controlled ride. Overall, the 2018 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14R is a top-tier sportbike that delivers an exhilarating experience on the road.
For riders looking for a thrilling and fast ride, the 2018 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14R is the ideal choice. Its powerful engine and advanced technology make it stand out among other motorcycles in its class. The sleek design and impressive handling of the ZX-14R make it a top-tier sportbike that offers an exhilarating experience on the road. If you're in the market for a high-performance motorcycle that offers speed and precision, the 2018 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14R is a top contender.
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