1998 Kawasaki Sportbikes

Perhaps you were born with the desire to corner. That would make you a candidate for the mind-bending handling of the NinjaZX-7R. It’s the best thing we’ve ever built for carving backroads or race tracks. Just ask Doug Chandler. He rode a Muzzy/Kawasaki ZX-7R to the 1996 and 1997 AMA Superbike Championship. Ninjas have consistently dominated the class and, in fact, Kawasaki has won more AMA Superbike Championships than any other manufacturer. Now that is a championship heritage

The Ninja ZX-7R is a direct descendant of that championship winning heritage and features some of the best technologies developed on the race track - only in a slightly tamer package. A compact 748cc liquid-cooled four-cylinder engine pumps out the power to propel the ZX-7R to the front. The short-stroke and large-bore configuration increases durability and allows more tuning capability so you can get the most out of your Ninja.

The Twin Ram-Air Induction intakes in the fairing send cooler air to the large 38mm carburetors for increased power as speed increases, and a 4-into-2-into-1 exhaust system is designed for low noise levels and great power production. Combine this with an ultra-rigid, lightweight aluminum perimeter frame, 43mm inverted front cartridge fork and Kawasaki’s Bottom Link Uni-Trak® rear suspension system, and you have the top performing Ninja on the road.

Our heritage for besting the opposition, without giving away the midrange you need for running around town, translates into domination on the street. And on the race track. Go with a winning heritage; the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-7R.

• The Ninja formula for Superbike performance starts here: Ultra-short stroke for higher rev potential. Narrow 20 degree included valve angle, four straight downdraft intake paths. Potent Twin Ram-Air. High-volume 38mm CVKD semi-flat slide carburetors. 11.5:1 high compression cylinders

• At the heart of this champion is a 748cc ultra short-stroke, in-line four-cylinder engine that pumps out the power. The short-stroke and large-bore configuration increase reliability at high rpm and allows for more tuning capability for racing applications

• Engine power reaches the wide rear wheel through a six-speed transmission with involute splines on the input and output shafts for easy shifting with less backlash

• Second through sixth gears have five undercut engagement dogs to further improve shift feel and increase gear strength

• The winning equation continues with the lightweight wet-liner liquid-cooling system. Friction reducing direct actuation valve train. Digitally mapped ignition system. And free-breathing four-into-two-into-one exhaust system

• More race technology is borrowed for the massive six inch wide cast alloy rear rim and wide foot print 190/50 Dunlop Sportsmax D204 radial tire

• Kawasaki’s success in Superbike racing has led to incredible developments in frame design and rigidity. Witness the ZX-7R’s light-weight yet exceptionally strong and rigid, aluminum swingarm and perimeter frame with aluminum sub-frame

• The 43mm inverted cartridge fork features a full array of adjustability, from compression rebound to preload so you can tune your front end to match your riding conditions

• The ZX-7R is equipped with the latest, most advanced six-piston, semi-floating 320mm front brakes ever to grace a Ninja. A dual-piston rear disc brake completes this ultimate package

• The piggyback remote-reservoir, fully adjustable rear shock is built to resist fading and deliver plush progressive action to complement the frame’s tremendous "planted" feeling

This article was taken from http://www.kawasaki.com