Tag Archives: ZX11

The Secrets Behind The Suzuki Hayabusa’s Powerful 1.3 Liter Engine

Summary

  • Kawasaki’s Ninja ZX-11 and Honda’s Super Blackbird 1100XX had been the world’s quickest manufacturing bikes, till Suzuki launched the Hayabusa with its prime velocity of 180 mph.
  • The Hayabusa had a novel design, with a concentrate on aerodynamics to attenuate drag and defend the rider from wind. It might not have been visually interesting at first, however its design made sense.
  • Suzuki made vital technological developments with the Hayabusa, together with engine modifications reminiscent of the usage of gas injection, chrome-nitride plated pistons, and twin throttle valves. These updates resulted in a 12% enhance in efficiency.

Nine years after Kawasaki’s Ninja ZX-11 and Honda’s Super Blackbird 1100XX dominated the world with the coveted title of the world’s fastest production motorcycle, it wouldn’t be lengthy earlier than one other producer captured the title. It all began in 1990 with Kawasaki’s Ninja ZX-11. It didn’t simply dominate, it annihilated all the pieces in its wake with its ram air system, energy, and a prime velocity of 176 miles per hour. It didn’t get there by chance, it was elaborately deliberate by Kawasaki since its inception on the drafting board.

Six years later, it was crushed by a few miles per hour (178.5 miles per hour) by Honda’s new Super Blackbird CBR1100XX. The Honda wasn’t something just like the ZX-11, too refined, and didn’t look something like a superbike that might wrestle the crown away from Kawasaki. It wasn’t fairly to take a look at, nevertheless it had its wind-tunnel-tested aerodynamics in the proper place to decrease the coefficient of drag. Enclosed within the aerodynamically constructed fairing was a succesful ram air-assisted 149 countershaft horsepower engine that might hit practically 180 miles per hour.

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Suzuki had plans of its personal and their objective was to create and develop the last word motorbike the world had ever seen. In truth, on the press launch in 1999, Suzuki talked about that their motorbike had invented a brand new class, particularly known as the Ultimate Sport. The Suzuki GSX-R1300R Hayabusa was simply that, a rocket ship despatched to dismantle the CBR1100XX after which create its personal path.

The Hayabusa wasn’t something like a motorbike that the motorbike fraternity had ever seen. It didn’t resemble a sportbike, and it didn’t have the gorgeous design of the Kawasaki ZX-11 D which was an aggressive, but elegant-looking motorbike. Its bodywork took shape in an aerospace wind tunnel, not as a theoretical train, however to guard the rider from the wind; round and over when sitting usually and when fully tucked in. The end result was a slippery, aerodynamic bulbous blob of a entrance that was method too huge, regarded ugly, and had a camel of a hump for a rear. But its built-in design work made sense, and with time, it could develop on you.

The alternative of identify for the motorbike can also be becoming. Named after the Japanese hen of prey, Hayabusa, the identify of a peregrine falcon well-known for its capacity to slice via the wind and shut in on its prey in a vertical dive at 300 miles per hour. A have a look at the instrument panel would reveal a 220-mile-per-hour gauge and the truth that it was widespread for the Hayabusa falcon to prey on Blackbirds. It might have come about as a advertising gimmick put about by the mischievous folks at Suzuki PR.

In order to provide the most recent and correct data doable, the info used to compile this text was sourced from Suzuki, in addition to different authoritative sources like Cycleworld.com, Alan Dowd’s Superbikes, BikeSocial (www.bennetts.co.uk), and Motorcyclespecs.co.za.

The First Generation Suzuki GSX-R1300R Hayabusa

The first technology Hayabusa launched in 1999 heralded a new era of performance known as the Ultimate Sport category. The Hayabusa wasn’t a superbike – Hyperbike can be a extra becoming method to describe it. Its engine was based mostly on the acquainted GSX-R vary and the aerodynamic fairing shaped the fundamentals of the motorbike.

The architecture was ordinary featuring an inline-four cylinder 1,298 cm³, 16 valve DOHC design with a aspect cam chain format that was based mostly on the GSX-R750, with liquid-cooling and a 6-speed gearbox. The 4 valves per cylinder had been set at a narrow-angle and mixed with the compact Twin Swirl Combustion Chamber (TSCC), This was a design modification to encourage managed swirl of the incoming fuel-air cost with the intention to enhance the gas burn velocity via higher flame entrance propagation to spice up torque and maximize acceleration.

A Transparent View Of A Suzuki Hayabusa Motorcycle

What was spectacular was the state-of-the-art expertise used on the engine. The cylinders had been lined with Suzuki Composite Electrochemical Material (SCEM), a coating with wonderful warmth dissipation and put on resistance that additionally aided in minimizing cylinder spacing. Internal friction was additional lowered with the usage of cast pistons that had been continually sprayed with oil immediately from the oil cooler.

A two-stage gas injection system offered the atomized gas to every cylinder, fed by a light-weight injector that maximized effectivity and minimized exhaust gases. The system was just like that of the TL1000R and GSX-R750 with unbiased sequential injection for every cylinder. The gas pump was so compact that it was constructed into the throttle physique whereas the piston place was monitored by an 8X trigger-poled crankshaft-position sensor reasonably than 4 (as used on the TL1000 and GSX-R750) and a camshaft place sensor. The system ensured the exact move of gas to the engine for optimum combustion.

Engine Specifications

Engine

Four-stroke, inline-four, 4 valves per cylinder, DOHC

Displacement

1,298cc

Bore x Stroke

81 mm x 63 mm

Max Power

175 HP (127.6 kW) @ 9,800 RPM

Max Torque

102 LB-FT @ 7,000 RPM

Compression Ratio

11.0:1

Cooling System

Liquid-cooled

Lubrication

Wet Sump

Induction

Mikuni Denso Fuel injection

Suzuki Hayabusa Highlights

  • Minimizing aerodynamic loss was of utmost significance for Suzuki and rising efficiency meant real-world situations that took under consideration crosswind, tailwind, and headwind
  • The one-piece entrance fender is formed to cowl the entrance tire and forks to scale back drag
  • The fairing design, which incorporates the slender air-intakes, radiator and oil cooler format, and rear underside, is optimized for optimum aerodynamic effectivity
  • The low prolonged entrance nostril reduces entrance wheel raise whereas the windscreen, vertically flush mounted twin headlamps, and built-in flip indicators optimize airflow to scale back drag
  • A gear-driven counter-balancer for decreasing vibration is new to the Hayabusa.

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The Second Generation – 2008 Hayabusa

A 2008 Suzuki Hayabusa At A Show
This file is licensed below the Creative Commons Attribution – Share Alike 4.0 International

If it ain’t damaged, don’t repair it! The outdated adage holds so true. In 2006, Kawasaki’s Ninja ZX-14 might have stolen a few of the limelight from Suzuki, however with out making main modifications to the construction of the unique mannequin, in 2008, Suzuki increased the engine displacement by increasing the core to increase the stroke by 2 mm, boosting its cubic capability from 1,298 cm³ to 1,340 cm³.

With larger bores, Suzuki launched cast three-ring aluminum slipper pistons that had been new for 2008. They had been stronger and 1.4 grams lighter with 18 mm diameter wrist pins, down 2 mm from the predecessor’s 20 mm. The piston’s higher compression rings and oil management rings had been electroplated with a chrome-nitride coating utilized in a vacuum chamber using a Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) system. Being tougher and smoother than typical chrome plating, chrome-nitride plating reduces friction and improves cylinder sealing. The higher ring specifically has an L-shaped cross-section and with combustion strain, the ring will get pushed tighter in opposition to the cylinder wall lowering blow-by and rising the drive of really pushing the piston down.

The Second-Gen Hayabusa’s Engine Had An Increased Compression Ratio

The compression ratio elevated to 12.5:1 from 11.0:1, because of the modified piston crown that matched the compact combustion chamber, taking the utmost output to 197 PS. Titanium valves changed the earlier mannequin’s metal valves with a discount in weight of the consumption and exhaust valves at 14.1 grams and 11.7 grams respectively whereas stronger chrome-molybdenum steel-alloy connecting rods had been shot-peened for higher energy.

The cast crankshaft obtained a revised crank pin place and balancing to accommodate the longer stroke. The gas injection system was up to date to twin-fuel injectors per cylinder which have 12-hole fantastic spray injectors as a substitute of 4. The main was geared toward a 30° angle, down the consumption port for improved atomization and throttle response, whereas the secondary was aimed on the secondary throttle valve that added gas when the motorbike was below heavy load. With all these updates, Suzuki claimed a 12 % enhance in efficiency.

New technologies for the second technology Hayabusa additionally included Suzuki’s Dual Throttle Valve (SDTV) system the place every throttle physique barrel had two butterfly valves, a main valve managed by the throttle grip and a secondary valve managed by the ECM based mostly on engine RPM, gear choice and the place of the first valve. The secondary butterfly valve maintained the best consumption air velocity by opening and shutting, which improved excessive combustion effectivity, leading to a linear throttle response and elevated low-to-mid vary torque. Another of Suzuki’s applied sciences, the Suzuki Drive Mode Selector (SDMS), additionally permits riders to pick their desire of energy traits for medium or long-distance journeys on highways or for driving on metropolis streets.

Engine Specifications

Engine

Four-stroke, inline-four, 4 valves per cylinder, DOHC

Displacement

1,340cc

Bore x Stroke

81 mm x 65 mm

Max Power

195.7 HP (146.0 kW) @ 9,800 RPM

Max Torque

113.6 LB-FT @ 7,200 RPM

Compression Ratio

12.5:1

Cooling System

Liquid-cooled

Lubrication

Wet Sump

Induction

Fuel injection, 12-hole injectors, 44 mm throttle our bodies

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The Debut Of A European-Spec Equivalent Performance Model In Japan

A 2014 Suzuki Hayabusa
Licensed below Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported, Via Wikimedia Commons

In 2014, Suzuki developed a Japanese specification, not a third-generation, European-equivalent model of the globally acknowledged world-leading efficiency machine, and in addition launched the GSX1300R Hayabusa 50th Anniversary Edition to rejoice 5 many years of Suzuki’s presence within the United States.

The 2014 Japanese mannequin, specifically homologated for the Japanese market, had the identical displacement at 1,340cc producing a most output of 145 kW (194 horsepower) and a most torque of 155 Nm (114 pounds-feet), equal to the European mannequin. In addition to this, Suzuki’s radially, front-mounted Brembo monobloc calipers had been lighter and extra inflexible on the Hayabusa. It also received an Anti-lock Brake System. In the United States, the fiftieth Anniversary Edition Hayabusa produced 173 horsepower and 104 pound-feet of peak torque, posting a 0-to-60 mile-per-hour sprint in 2.5 seconds and a prime velocity of 186 miles per hour.

Engine Specifications (Japanese, Euro-Spec Equivalent)

Engine

Four-stroke, inline-four, 4 valves per cylinder, DOHC

Displacement

1,339 cc

Bore x Stroke

81.0 mm x 65.0 mm

Max Power

197 HP (145 kW) @ 9,500 RPM (European spec)

Max Torque

114.32 LB-FT @ 7,200 RPM

Compression Ratio

12.5:1

Cooling System

Liquid-cooled

Lubrication

Wet Sump

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Here’s Why You Should (And Shouldn’t) Buy The New Suzuki Hayabusa

The third technology Hayabusa is as fast as ever. However, with a restricted prime velocity, does it nonetheless is smart?

Generation Three – The 2021 Hayabusa

A 2021 Suzuki Hayabusa Motorcycle
Suzuki

While the engine displacement stays unchanged, with Euro norms turning into stricter, the ability is all the way down to roughly 190 horsepower at 9,700 RPM. However, Suzuki has put plenty of work into the third-generation Hayabusa with a complete of 550 new or redesigned elements which have been added for the higher.

The previous design featured an oiling system supplying oil to the crank to 5 predominant bearings from the primary gallery beneath the crankshaft – from 4 of these grooved and cross-drilled predominant bearings, oil entered drillings within the crank that channeled oil to the 4 adjoining crankpins, whereas within the new design, a pair of diagonal inside drillings be a part of crankpins 1-and-2 and 3-and-4 passing via the primary journal between them the place they choose up oil.

Another replace within the engine division is the wrist pin help within the connecting rod and piston, whose space has been maximized to hold extra load, sacrificing some bearing space in the other way. Weight financial savings within the connecting rod and piston have additionally been achieved at 3 grams and 26 grams respectively, whereas the wrist pin has been made shorter.

Suzuki Employed Precision Engineering On The Hayabusa

Suzuki made an vital change in technique regarding the way in which the crankcase bolts are tightened. Once the bolts are pushed in and seated, the ultimate tightening is accomplished through angle-torquing via a specified angle as a substitute of torque-based tightening to forestall the distortion of the bolts holding the crankcases collectively. This was primarily carried out to forestall a distinction within the loading of the bearings.

The 1,340cc in-line 4-cylinder engine additionally incorporates a ride-by-wire digital throttle system and revised consumption and exhaust mechanisms for enhanced output and torque within the low-to-mid velocity vary. Despite having to adjust to Euro 5 emissions, it nonetheless maintains its greatest efficiency at excessive velocity because of its top-level aerodynamic performance. Suzuki’s superior Intelligent Ride System (S.I.R.S.) options SDMS-α, which helps riders choose pre-set patterns on 5 totally different digital management programs, together with Power Mode Selector, Traction Control, launch management, cruise management, and Bi-directional Quick Shift programs that may personalize various driving situations.

Engine Specifications, 2021 Hayabusa

Engine

Four-stroke, inline-four, 4 valves per cylinder, DOHC

Displacement

1,340cc

Bore x Stroke

81 mm x 65 mm

Max Torque

110.6 LB-FT @ 7,000 RPM

Compression Ratio

12.5:1

Cooling System

Liquid-cooled

Lubrication

Wet Sump

Induction

Fuel injection, ride-by-wire throttle our bodies

Rider Aids

Suzuki Drive Mode Selector Alpha (SDMS-α) incorporates a collection of three manufacturing unit pre-sets and three user-definable modes. Traction Control System (10 modes + OFF) | Power Mode Selector (three modes) | Bi-directional Quick Shift System (two modes + OFF) | Anti-lift Control System (10 modes + OFF) | Engine Brake Control System (three modes + OFF) | Active Speed Limiter | Launch Control System (three modes) | Emergency Stop Signal | Suzuki Easy Start System | Low RPM Assist | Cruise Control System | Combined Brake System | Motion Track Brake System | Slope Dependent Control System | Hill Hold Control System

What makes the Hayabusa such a great machine is that many modifications didn’t must be made to it, indicating an awesome design that needed to evolve only a bit via the ages. And coming again to the ‘if ain’t broke’ principle; between 1999 and 2006, the one replace made to it was the set up of a velocity limiter in 2001 – it virtually remained unchanged. This was not Suzuki’s fault, with Kawasaki having a component to play within the ‘gentleman’s settlement’ coming into play between all main producers. The information of its new pre-production Ninja ZX-12R rocked the boat on the time, however that is a narrative for one more time.

When reflecting on the preliminary design in 2009, the creator of the Hayabusa’s look, Suzuki’s Koji Yoshirua, mentioned that the intent in 1999 was, “to create a somewhat grotesque design and create a strong initial impact… The mission was to create a totally new styling that will not be out of date within a few years, and a styling that will be the ‘Face’ of Suzuki.” Yoshirua additionally mentioned that the objective was to not obtain the standing of the quickest manufacturing motorbike, however then, that is one thing that happened as a consequence of Suzuki’s dedication to making sure the motorbike dealt with properly, accelerated properly, had ample energy and a security internet for the well-being of the shoppers. The backside line is that the Hayabusa has guarantees to maintain and miles to go earlier than it sleeps.

The Gentleman’s Agreement restricted motorbike speeds to 186 miles per hour (299 km/h)

Additional Specifications – Third-Generation Suzuki Hayabusa

Ignition

Electronic, transistorized

Starter

Electric

Clutch

Wet, multi-plate, SCAS geared up

Transmission

6-speed

Final Drive

Drive chain, RKGB50GSVZ4

Front Suspension

KYB inverted telescopic, coil spring, oil damped, totally adjustable

Rear Suspension

KYB hyperlink sort, coil spring, oil damped

Front Brakes

Brembo Stylema 4-piston calipers. 2 x 320 mm floating rotors

Rear Brakes

Nissin 1-piston caliper. Single 260c mm floating rotor

Dimensions (L x W x H)

85.8 in x 28.9 in x 45.9 in | 2,180 mm x 735 mm x 1,165 mm

Wheelbase

58.3 in (1,480 mm)

Seat Height

31.5 in (800 mm)

Ground Clearance

4.9 in (125 mm)

Dry Weight

485 lbs (220 kg)

Wet Weight

582 lbs (254 kg)

Fuel Tank Capacity

5.3 US Gal. (20 liters)

The Kawasaki Ninja ZX-11 Is A 90s Legend That Will Eat Up Modern Sports Bikes

Summary

  • The Kawasaki ZX-11 was a game-changer on the earth of superbikes, setting new requirements for high-performance bikes.
  • Its groundbreaking design and technological improvements, such because the Ram Air system, paved the best way for future generations of bikes.
  • The ZX-11’s enduring legacy can nonetheless be felt right this moment, as lots of its improvements have been included into newer Kawasaki fashions.

The Kawasaki Ninja ZX-11 was a game-changer on the earth of superbikes, paving the best way for future generations of high-performance bikes just like the GPX and GPZ did within the Eighties. It spent a while on the drafting board, however the one factor on Kawasaki’s thoughts was horsepower and pace – all the pieces else was secondary. When it was launched in 1990, for $7,599, it was the quickest manufacturing bike that you can purchase on the time.

From an engineering standpoint, it was a continuation of the event of the outdated ZX-10 that adopted the trail set by the GPz900R back in 1984. Though barely much like the ZX-10, little was interchangeable between each when it comes to components. The engine was spectacular and featured a crank with 1mm bigger crankpins, molybdenum connecting rods, and lighter 11:1 ratio pistons with precisely detailed valve aid cutouts. The valve practice was much like that of the ZX-10 with bigger consumption and exhaust valves of 31.5 mm and 27 mm respectively.

In order to provide the most modern and correct info potential, the information used to compile this text was sourced from Kawasaki, in addition to different authoritative sources like CycleWorld.com, and Motorcyclespecs.co.za.

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Technology From Formula One Racing

One of the ZX-11’s most important options is the ground-breaking improvement and design of its Ram Air system (usually aspirated induction), a primary on a manufacturing bike, and is what provides it the additional push to hit its terminal velocity. With an hermetic, fifteen-liter airbox, with out Ram Air, the ZX-11 makes near roughly 120 bhp earlier than the induction system kicks in to max out at 147 bhp at 10,500 rpm.

The system works on the identical precept of Formula 1 racing automobiles – the faster it ran, the more powerful the engine would become with chilly air being thrust into its induction system via a snorkel opening constructed into the entrance fairing. With the airbox pressurized, the air-fuel combination routes via a single financial institution of 4, 40 mm CVKD semi-flat slide Keihin carburetors to be ignited within the combustion chambers.

Because of the house taken up by the airbox and the lengthy snorkel coming from the entrance of the fairing, Kawasaki engineers tilted the engine 2 levels ahead (17 levels from vertical) to make method for a big capability gas tank. With this adjustment, the Ninja advantages from a decrease heart of gravity in addition to elevated front-end weight that improved dealing with. The Ram Air system has become a standard feature on most high-performance motorcycles, and its affect might be seen within the designs of right this moment’s superbikes.

Engineered To Go Fast

Technologically well-engineered, the Ninja encompasses a liquid-cooled, inline-four, 1052cc, 16-valve DOHC engine that produces 83 foot-pounds of torque, due to its bigger 2mm liners pressed into the outdated ZX-10’s bore that provides the ZX-11’s motor 55 cc extra displacement over its predecessor. Its cylinder head lineage continues through the ZX line, with the one change being rocker arms given up for a shim bucket system the place deemed vital.

Its camshaft/valve practice system is extraordinarily environment friendly and sturdy with solely extraordinarily excessive mileage machines ever requiring valve clearance, which is definitely adjusted in case you’re mechanically inclined. Each of its 16 valves is operated by particular person rocker arms which might be laterally saved in place by a horizontally mounted spring that may be slid over to at least one aspect to vary shims throughout valve clearance whereas the camshafts are nonetheless in place. Its Keihin CV four-bank carburetor additionally requires little upkeep with the occasional synchronization, which, when required to be completed, is just not out of sync by a lot.

Kawasaki Ninja ZX-11 Stock Highlights

  • Aluminum twin-beam body that is as robust as metal
  • Ram Air system based mostly on an outdated hot-rodder’s trick and Formula One expertise
  • Self-adjusting cam chain tensioner retains the ZX-11’s cam chain taut
  • The slippery bodywork has been designed by aerodynamic consultants
  • The European model, the ZZR1100, is restricted to roughly 126 horsepower by a in another way designed carburetor cap

Engine Specifications

Engine

Four-stroke, inline-four, liquid-cooled, 16-valve, DOHC

Displacement

1,052 cc

Bore x Stroke

76 mm x 58 mm

Compression Ratio

11.0:1

Power

147 horsepower @ 10,500 rpm

Torque

81.13 foot-pounds @ 8,500 rpm

Firing Order

1-2-4-3

Lubrication

Forced lubrication with moist sump and oil cooler

Top Speed

175 MPH

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Chassis

To match the rise within the motor’s energy, Kawasaki bolstered the chassis with a brand new body and swingarm to deal with the acceleration and enhance the dealing with. The ZX-11’s new aluminum body might look much like that of the ZX-10 that includes a twin beam body, however the E-box foremost beams have been elevated by a thickness of 4 mm whereas the oblong swingarm field part is 90 mm by 30 mm thick, which can account for the 8 lb rise in weight over the 1989 ZX-10.

Suspension

On the suspension entrance, the ZX-11 has 43mm typical entrance forks, 2 mm up from its predecessor’s 41 mm, offering roughly 4.9 inches of journey, whereas the rear encompasses a nitrogen-charged shock absorber with a separate reservoir paired to a bottom-link Uni-Trak system. Both items are preload and rebound adjustable – with no scope for adjusting compression. Both parts do their duties properly, absorbing bumps and potholes and some other inconsistencies that the ZX-11 might discover within the highway.

Wheels, Brakes And Tires

The rims are new, as are the tires and brakes. The entrance and rear forged aluminum rims are 17″ in size to reduce rotational forces and are coated with a toughened clear coat to protect the surfaces and ride on 17″ Dunlop low-profile radial tires. In the braking division, upfront, the ZX-11 beneficial properties a brand new pair of Tokico four-piston calipers that grip semi-floating rotors 310 mm (borrowed from the ZX-7). At the identical time, the rear duties are carried out by a two-piston caliper gripping 310 mm rotors.

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Ergonomics, Handling And Rideability

Kawasaki ZX-11 Ergonomic Triangle Connection
Iconic Motorbike Auctions

The Ninja’s a giant bike, coming in at 577 lbs moist, and it appears opposing in Kawasaki H8 ebony black, however when you’ve slung your leg over it and have gotten it going, it feels mild and simple to handle. It turns and handles properly, although, on high-speed runs via corners, the 11 may do with a rise in preload in case you’re pushing it.

Other than that, all you need to do is level the entrance and the rear follows, and in case you get right into a sticky scenario, the ZX-11 will get you out of bother. The rider triangle connection is good with no leg discomfort in any respect between seat and foot-pegs. The handlebar relationship is first rate too, with the handlebar pretty positioned when it comes to peak, although some riders might really feel that handlebar risers are with a purpose to stop weight being transferred to the wrists when leaning ahead.

The engine is extraordinarily refined due to the balancer shaft that counters any vibration from the four-cylinder bike, and the multi-plate moist clutch system mated to a six-speed transmission transfers energy to the rear wheel easily. The transmission is similar to the outdated ZX-10 with second through fourth gears made stronger to handle brute-force acceleration, whereas the clutch has been revised with thicker, bigger diameter plates with radial grooves to assist enhance oil circulate and improve cooling alongside its surfaces. Early ZX-11s did see gear-shifters coming out of second gear, however this was extra on account of abuse and poor upkeep relatively than manufacturing points.

Hard first-gear pulls rapidly see 60 miles per hour, however as you get into second and open the throttle exhausting, you’re thrown again such as you’re pulling a few Gs together with your palms virtually ripped from the handlebar grips. As you progress via the gears and get previous the 4,500 rpm flat spot, to five,000 rpm, the ZX-11 goes ballistic and the engine will get stronger because it retains accelerating as much as its 11,500 rpm redline.

t’s exhausting to explain its acceleration in case you haven’t ridden one, however it’s virtually akin to an F-14 Tomcat taking off down a runway! Its clean, curved aerodynamic entrance with flush-mounted indicators and streamlined decrease and aspect fairings reduce drag and improve stability at high speeds, and are what permit it to realize its record-breaking terminal velocity of 176 MPH (283 km/h) – Cycle World clocked 174 MPH on their ZX-11 with a standing quarter-mile run of 135.54 miles per hour in 10.46 seconds.

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Taking The Kawasaki ZX-11 To The Next Level; Natural Induction.

Kawasaki ZX-11 Ninja Motorcycle
Iconic Motorbike Auctions

Even at 175 miles per hour, (which remains to be fast when in comparison with a few of right this moment’s liter-class bikes), for some individuals its present efficiency was not sufficient, with engine builders and racers hell-bent on taking the Ninja ZX-11 to the following stage. In 1990, Doug Meyer, previously of Dublin Kawasaki set three information in three days on a modified naturally aspirated Kawasaki ZX-11 Ninja “C1” operating a 1109 cc Wiseco piston package with a 190.49 MPH run after which re-set the report with 191.797 miles per hour.

In 1991, he ran a one-off modified ZX-11 with digital gas injected developed and supplied by Mark Dobeck, founding father of DynoJet Research in a modified 1300 class with a 186+ run, however melted the pistons within the course of.

A Record Setting Machine

In 1992, Doug’s ZX-11 turned up at Motorcyclist Magazine’s “Superbikes from Hell” competitors with gas injection and set the second-fastest quarter-mile and high pace run with a time of 9.99 seconds and 188 miles per hour respectively, solely to be crushed by 2 miles per hour by Lee Sheirt’s nitrous Suzuki GSX-R 1350 with a 190 MPH move. In the article, Lance Holst mentioned:

Meyer’s ZX-11 pulled on the top-end with a vengeance I’ve by no means felt on some other usually aspirated bike.

The similar bike was entered that 12 months in Sport Rider’s journal UFO shootout operating a 1,080 cc engine, 41 mm carburetors and all carbon-fiber bodywork, Marchesini wheels, and a bunch of different modifications, however that is a narrative for an additional time.

The Kawasaki Ninja ZX-11 would eventually lose its crown after being on high for six years, crushed by Honda’s Super Blackbird 1100XX. However, it was so standard that Kawasaki continued its manufacturing run with only one iteration of its design in 1993, the “D” mannequin, until 2001. Its legacy lives on within the Kawasaki line, with lots of its improvements included into newer fashions, such because the ZX-12R which was produced from 2000 to 2006, and the ZX-14R, which continues to be Kawasaki’s flagship bike.

In conclusion, the Kawasaki ZX-11 was a real pioneer on the earth of superbikes, paving the best way for future generations of high-performance bikes. Its groundbreaking design, engineering, and technological improvements set a brand new normal for the business, and its affect can nonetheless be felt right this moment. The ZX-11’s success and enduring legacy make it one of the vital bikes in historical past.

Additional Specifications

Transmission

6-speed

Final Drive

Chain

Fuel System

Fuel Pump. Four-bank CVKD40 carburetors

Engine Management

Battery, ignition coils, CDI pack

Battery

12 V 14 Ah – Yuasa YBL14-A2

Starting

Electric

Clutch

Wet, multiplate

Transmission

6-speed

Gear Ratios

1st 2.800 (42/15) | 2nd 2.055 (37/18) | third 1.590 (35/22) | 4th 1.333 (32/24) | fifth 1.153 (30/26) | sixth 1.035 (29/28)

Final Drive

Chain

Front Wheel Travel

120 mm / 4.7 inches

Rear Wheel journey

112 mm / 4.4 inches

Rake

26°

Trail

102 mm (4.01 inches)

Dry Weight

502 lbs (228 kg)

Dimensions (L x W x H)

2,165 mm x 720 mm x 1,210 mm | 85.25 in x 29.3 in x 47.6 in

Seat Height

780 mm (30.7 in)

Wheelbase

1,490 mm (58.2 in)

Ground Clearance

110 mm (4.33 in)

Fuel Tank Capacity

5.5 Gallons, US (21 Liters)