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Email Print Kawasaki Ninja

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Not only did the first Kawasaki Ninja create a name that would become the default characterization for non-motorcyclists describing plastic-clad sportbikes, it was also the blueprint for sportbikes up to and including present day models.

Launched in 1984, the Kawasaki GPZ900R (also known as the ZX900A) was the world's fist Ninja motorcycle. So groundbreaking was its design, the Kawasaki Ninja was faster than bikes with more displacement and lighter than bikes with less displacement. The motorcycle's primary advantage was its engine: the first liquid-cooled, double-overhead cam, 16-valve, inline four-cylinder that Japanese OEMs continue to utilize as the preferred sportbike engine format. The Kawasaki Ninja's 908cc engine produced nearly 115 horsepower at 9,500 rpm that propelled it to a top speed in excess of 150 mph (the first stock streetbike to do so) and to a standing quarter-mile time of 10.9 seconds.

The Kawasaki Ninja's engine, combined with its aluminum-alloy sub-frame, 16-inch front wheel, triple-disc brakes and six-speed gearbox was such an advancement in motorcycle performance that three privateer Ninjas placed first, second and third in that year's Isle of Man TT races, beating factory-supported teams from other manufacturers.

2010 Kawasaki Ninja 250R

Since 1984 the Kawasaki Ninja designation has graced the fairings of numerous Kawasaki sportbikes ranging in size from 250cc to 1400cc. So ubiquitous has the name Ninja become that non-motorcyclists often refer to any sportbike, Kawasaki or otherwise, as a Ninja.

In the 1980s 600cc and 750cc Kawasaki Ninjas did battle with Honda Hurricanes and Interceptors until Honda stopped using the names and instead went to the alpha-numeric insignias (see CBR and VFR). In 1988, the Kawasaki ZX-10 (1000cc) Ninja was launched and immediately claimed the title of the world's fastest production streetbike with a top speed of 166 mph. In 1990 the Kawasaki ZX-11 (1100cc) Ninja replaced the ZX-10, upping top speed to 175 mph and retaining its top-speed title for years to come.

In 1993 Scott Russell piloted a Kawasaki ZX-7R (750cc) Ninja to a World Superbike title against Ducati's legendary 916 ridden by Carl Fogarty. From 2003 to 2008, the Ninja name was even attached to Kawasaki's MotoGP effort and its ZX-RR prototype. The GP bike struggled, however, never winning a race before Kawasaki's withdrawal from MotoGP racing.

Of all the Kawasaki Ninjas, the diminutive Kawasaki Ninja 250 is one of Kawasaki's all-time best selling motorcycles. Since 1986 the liquid-cooled, vertical twin-cylinder 250cc Ninja has been a part of Kawasaki's model line-up and, with minimal competition from other manufacturers, has become the default sport-style bike for beginner riders. The Kawasaki Ninja 250's combination of sporty looks, low retail price, light weight and non-intimidating performance make it the perfect motorcycle for novice riders to hone their skills before upgrading to a larger sportbike. In 2011 Honda introduced the CBR250, a sportbike with a liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine featuring fuel injection, to compete with Kawasaki's littlest Ninja.

View all ReviewsKawasaki Ninja Reviews

2012 Kawasaki Ninja 650 Review: First Ride [Video]

2012 Kawasaki Ninja 650 Review: First Ride [Video]

Just a few short weeks after getting our hands on the new 2012 Kawasaki ZX-14R, Team Green has unleashed another, albeit tamer, sportbike to the motorcycle press - the 2012 Kawasaki Ninja 650.
2012 Kawasaki ZX-14R Review [Video]

2012 Kawasaki ZX-14R Review [Video]

It's neither easy nor politically correct to build the most powerful streetbike ever offered to the public for mass consumption, but that's what Kawasaki has done with the incredibly potent new ZX-14R.
2012 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14R Preview

2012 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14R Preview

Kawasaki's ZX-14R has been given a head-to-toe going over for 2012. Although the land rocket retains a familiar look while gaining the R designation, below the surface the biggest of the Ninjas received its most comprehensive revision since its debut.
2011 Kawasaki ZX-10R Review

2011 Kawasaki ZX-10R Review

For 2011 Kawasaki outfitted the ZX-10R with traction control, power modes and ABS, along with a health boost in power. Honda, Suzuki and Yamaha had better step up their game ASAP or risk a shrinking profile in the literbike wars.
2011 Kawasaki Ninja 1000 Review - First Ride

2011 Kawasaki Ninja 1000 Review - First Ride

For riders who aren't interested in trackdays, the new Kawasaki Ninja 1000 makes more sense than a racer with lights. It's virtually a racer anyway, just slightly less focused than a ZX-10R, but with improved bottom end power, and friendlier ergos.
2010 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Review

2010 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Review

Does Kawasaki's Ninja 250R even need an introduction? Since receiving a makeover in 2008, the Ninja has continued its legacy as a top seller. As the only Japanese 250 imported to the U.S., the Ninja 250R is a class act that's in a class by itself.
2011 Kawasaki ZX-10R Preview

2011 Kawasaki ZX-10R Preview

Few details about the 2011 Kawasaki ZX-10R have been officially released, but based on information we've recently gleaned, we're able to shed some light about what we will see from Kawasaki this fall when the production bike is officially unveiled.
2010 Kawasaki Middleweight and Dual-Purpose Roundup

2010 Kawasaki Middleweight and Dual-Purpose Roundup

To remind us of a few of its underexposed models, Kawasaki invited us on a two-day road/dirt riding excursion from Kawasaki's HQ in Irvine to the mile-high cabin resort at Idyllwild, Calif.
2010 Kawasaki Ninja 650R Review

2010 Kawasaki Ninja 650R Review

The versatile and affordable Ninja 650R has impressed us since it joined Kawasaki's sport line-up in 2006. The original 650R's soft lines got an edgier restyling, plus notable upgrades to increase rider comfort.
2010 Kawasaki Models Unveiled

2010 Kawasaki Models Unveiled

Four existing Kawasaki models are back and updated for next year, with minor tweaks to one of them to create a slightly different but new model. Topping that list is the Concours 14, which has been given reams of updates, including traction control.
2009 Kawasaki ZX-6R Review - Street Test

2009 Kawasaki ZX-6R Review - Street Test

We already knew the Ninja was good after riding it at its introduction. But after seeing it on the dyno (108 ponies!), we think it's great!
2009 Kawasaki ZX-6R Review

2009 Kawasaki ZX-6R Review

The new ZX-6R now turns in as quick as anything in its class, feedback is abundant, its brakes are stellar, and its engine seems to be up to the class standards. If you have another brand's 600cc sportbike, keep an eye on your mirrors.

2009 Kawasaki ZX-6R Review - First Ride

We were impressed with the '08 middleweight Ninja, but it was let down by a relatively flat engine that had a hard time running with the best in class. Check out our initial testing of Kawasaki's thoroughly revised ZX-6R on Japan's Autopolis Raceway.

2009 Kawasaki Motorcycles Released

Slump? What Slump? Despite the slow motorcycle sales in 2008, Kawasaki Motors hasn't let off the throttle for 2009. Team Green unveiled more new models this weekend at its annual dealer meeting held in Dallas, Texas.
2008 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Review

2008 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Review

Forget headline grabbing 180hp liter bikes, or championship-winning 600cc supersports. We ride Kawasaki's littlest king, the Ninja 250R, completely revised for 2008.
See More Reviews | View All Reviews

Kawasaki Ninja Videos

2012 Japanese Superbike Shootout - Video

2012 Japanese Superbike Shootout - Video

Honda, Suzuki and Yamaha have all tweaked their respective contenders for 2012 - the CBR1000RR, GSX-R1000 and YZF-R1, have significant changes, while Kawasaki returns for 2012 with the same traction-control-equipped machine it introduced last year.
  • 2008 Kawasaki ZX-10R Review 2008 Kawasaki ZX-10R Review There I was, just a few miles away from the Persian Gulf, hurtling through space at about 184 mph, and I'm glad that the explosive device I'm astride is in no way improvised.
  • 2009 Kawasaki ZX-6R Review 2009 Kawasaki ZX-6R Review The new ZX-6R now turns in as quick as anything in its class, feedback is abundant, its brakes are stellar, and its engine seems to be up to the class standards. If you have another brand's 600cc sportbike, keep an eye on your mirrors.
  • 2009 Kawasaki ZX-6R Review - Street Test 2009 Kawasaki ZX-6R Review - Street Test We already knew the Ninja was good after riding it at its introduction. But after seeing it on the dyno (108 ponies!), we think it's great!
  • 2008 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Review 2008 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Review Forget headline grabbing 180hp liter bikes, or championship-winning 600cc supersports. We ride Kawasaki's littlest king, the Ninja 250R, completely revised for 2008.

View all ComparisonsKawasaki Ninja Comparisons

2012 Japanese Superbike Shootout - Video

2012 Japanese Superbike Shootout - Video

Honda, Suzuki and Yamaha have all tweaked their respective contenders for 2012 - the CBR1000RR, GSX-R1000 and YZF-R1, have significant changes, while Kawasaki returns for 2012 with the same traction-control-equipped machine it introduced last year.
2011 Supersport Shootout - Track [Video]

2011 Supersport Shootout - Track [Video]

With Suzuki's new GSX-R600 getting rave reviews we figured it was high time to see how it compares to the rest of the 600cc sportbike class. Read on to see how the new Gixxer fares against the Honda CBR600RR, Kawasaki ZX-6R and Yamaha YZ-R6.
2011 Supersport Shootout - Street [Video]

2011 Supersport Shootout - Street [Video]

We awarded the all-new Suzuki GSX-R600 top position in the racetrack specific portion of the 2011 Supersport Shootout. Who will win when we take these 600cc sportbikes to the street?
2008 Hayabusa vs. ZX-14R Shootout

2008 Hayabusa vs. ZX-14R Shootout

For 2008 the two biggest, baddest and fastest sportbikes, or hyperbikes, on the planet got updated and we put them in a head-to-head battle! Read our 2008 Hyperbike Shootout: ZX-14 vs. Hayabusa.
2011 Gentlemen Sportbike Shootout

2011 Gentlemen Sportbike Shootout

Here are three ways to satisfy a thirst for a powerful sportbike without the pretzel-ed legs and sore wrists: the Kawasaki Ninja 1000, Yamaha FZ1 and Suzuki GSX1250FA. Read on to see who wins this three-way battle.
1999 600cc Supersport Shootout

1999 600cc Supersport Shootout

"Let's pretend you're an alien and I'm the curious FBI agent!" What could this ever have to do with testing 600s? Read on and find out...
2008 Supersport Shootout: CBR600RR vs Daytona 675 vs ZX-6R vs R6 vs GSX-R600

2008 Supersport Shootout: CBR600RR vs Daytona 675 vs ZX-6R vs R6 vs GSX-R600

Call them what you like: middleweights, supersports or just plain 600s.These machines may soon become even more important in the U.S. than they already are. We put five of the best supersport machines to the test in our annual Supersport Shootout!
Year 2000 World Supersport Shootout

Year 2000 World Supersport Shootout

In this year's World Supersport shootout, three of the five bikes are completely unchanged from 1999, only one model has been revised, and only one model is included that was omitted before.
The Best of the Best: Part One

The Best of the Best: Part One

Screw the real world. Forget about gas mileage, weather protection, operating expenses, "real world power delivery," and comfortable ergonomics.
2008 Literbike Shootout: ZX-10R vs CBR1000RR vs GSX-R1000 vs YZF-R1

2008 Literbike Shootout: ZX-10R vs CBR1000RR vs GSX-R1000 vs YZF-R1

Our most highly anticipated shootout of the year gets unleashed, with the best-ever literbike crop going head to head on the street and on the track!
Open Superbikes, 1997

Open Superbikes, 1997

Honda's CBR1100XX, Kawasaki's ZX1100R, Suzuki's GSXR1100 and Yamaha's YZF1000.
2007 Liter Bike Shootout

2007 Liter Bike Shootout

What does it take to win? If you take a moment to consider competition, whether it be in the realm of sports, business, interoffice battles or even in nature, there are often clear-cut winners. But this becomes less and less the case as you move up the fo
2004 Middleweight Standards

2004 Middleweight Standards

After reading your answers from our recent "Middleweight Standards" poll, we decided to round-em-up and shoot-em-out.
2011 Kawasaki ZX-10R vs. 2011 BMW S1000RR Shootout - Street

2011 Kawasaki ZX-10R vs. 2011 BMW S1000RR Shootout - Street

BMW's S1000RR sportbike narrowly edged out the Kawasaki's brand new ZX-10R in the racetrack-only portion of our 2011 Literbike Shootout. However, now we get to see how these two speedy streetbikes do in the real world - the street.
2011 Kawasaki ZX-10R vs. 2011 BMW S1000RR Shootout - Track

2011 Kawasaki ZX-10R vs. 2011 BMW S1000RR Shootout - Track

With its all-new design and standard traction control, Kawasaki's new ZX-10R has created a lot of buzz, so we decided to pit it against the reigning literbike champ, the BMW S1000RR, in a mano-a-mano sportbike matchup for outright honors on the racetrack.
See More Comparisons | View All Comparisons

2012 Kawasaki Ninja Specs

2012 Kawasaki Ninja® 1000 ABS
2012 Kawasaki Ninja® ZX-14 SE
2012 Kawasaki Ninja® 1000
2012 Kawasaki Ninja® ZX-10R ABS
2012 Kawasaki Ninja® ZX-14
2012 Kawasaki Ninja® ZX-10R
2012 Kawasaki Ninja® ZX-6R
2012 Kawasaki Ninja® 650
2012 Kawasaki Ninja® 250R SE
2012 Kawasaki Ninja® 250R

2011 Kawasaki Ninja Specs

2011 Kawasaki Ninja® 1000
2011 Kawasaki Ninja® ZX-10R ABS
2011 Kawasaki Ninja® ZX-14
2011 Kawasaki Ninja® ZX-10R
2011 Kawasaki Ninja® ZX-6R
2011 Kawasaki Ninja® 650R
2011 Kawasaki Ninja® 250R

2010 Kawasaki Ninja Specs

2010 Kawasaki Ninja® ZX-14
2010 Kawasaki Ninja® ZX-10R
2010 Kawasaki Ninja® ZX-6R
2010 Kawasaki Ninja® 650R
2010 Kawasaki Ninja® 250R

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  • Kawasaki Ninja 250R Forum Our Kawasaki Ninja 250 Forums cover the latest on Kawasaki's beginner motorcycle the infamous 250R.

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