1998 Kawasaki Sportbikes

When you think sportbikes, the name Ninja immediately comes to mind. That’s because Ninjas are the motorcycles that have shaped and powerfully influenced the direction of sportbike development during the past two decades. Kawasaki Ninjas have continually upped the ante in the high-performance arena and 1998 will go down in the annals as another banner year in motorcycle development. Kawasaki Ninja’s are always on the cutting-edge, always trend setters, and now the Ninja is the first to deliver unparalleled performance and the first to blow your mind with the ultimate sportbike, ever.

The new Kawasaki Ninja ZX-9R: Lighter, more compact, better handling, more powerful. Designing an engine and chassis that accomplishes these tasks for optimum performance is quite an endeavor, but Kawasaki is always up to any challenge.

The all-new compact, liquid-cooled, four-valve DOHC engine has been designed for high power output, long range durability, small overall size and lightweight to make the ZX-9R the ultimate sportbike ever built. With a larger bore and a shorter stroke, power is increased across the rev range. The direct actuated intake valves lower reciprocating weight for more power and a high rev range while the intake and exhaust valve diameter are larger for increased efficiency . You still get Kawasaki’s Twin Ram Air intake system that flows directly into the four Keihin 40mm semi-downdraft carburetors which deliver precise carburetion with light throttle action for superb response.

The high-tension ignition coils are sparkplug-mounted (similar to those used on Formula 1 cars) saving nearly a pound, and precious space around the engine. Plus, the ZX-9R has a new Kawasaki Throttle Responsive Ignition Control (K-TRIC) that senses the throttle position and matches ignition timing to engine load, for better fuel economy and more power over a wide rev range.

The use of magnesium engine covers and many other weight saving strategies, including a more compact transmission, make the new engine some 20 pounds lighter. Plus, the new ZX-9R comes with a new lightweight titanium* muffler to shave weight and provide truly exceptional performance. Along with the major increase in power and acceleration, the new engine is much more civil, with significantly improved transmission and shift action.

The chassis was designed to match the power and weight savings while providing unmatched response, handling and everyday comfort. As a result, the all-new short wheelbase chassis is lightweight, super-rigid and handles the corners like no other machine. The aluminum perimeter frame mounts the new engine as a stressed member, doing away with the extra weight of down tubes. A new fully adjustable conventional fork with 46mm stanchions delivers sharp steering feedback. And the redesigned UNI-TRAK® rear suspension with extruded aluminum swingarm and piggyback, nitrogen charged shock shaves off even more pounds along with providing a superior ride.

This potent package is wrapped in a sleek new fairing with improved wind tunnel tested aerodynamics. And while the look of the new body work and fairing are obvious, the improved seating position and great ergonomics will only reveal themselves when you take it for a ride.

Forget the current hype, results speak louder than words and the 1998 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-9R has just thrown down the gauntlet. More liked slapped the competition in the face. Real world ergonomics, race track bred performance, and cutting edge good looks. Get on and experience what a real motorcycle is all about.

Special Features:

• The all-new, Twin Ram Air-fed DOHC engine is more compact and has a wider bore, shorter stroke, bigger valves, and a narrower included valve angle. The cylinder is inclined 20 degrees forward with straighter intake paths, the valves are direct-actuated and the forged crankshaft is lighter and stronger

• To cut friction and reduce mechanical loss, the alternator mounts directly to the crankshaft end and is built from exotic lightweight rare-earth magnets

• Sophisticated miniature ignition coils are incorporated into each spark plug cap for improved efficiency and less weight. Each spark plug features twin-electrodes for improved combustion propagation

• Magnesium covers for the alternator, clutch, cylinder head, digital ignition pickup and engine countersprocket keep the engine as light as possible

• The engine cooling and lubrication systems are completely updated with a hollow camshaft, single high-volume oil pump and race-bred water pump and curved alloy radiator

• Harnessing the power of this new engine is a more compact and lighter cable operated clutch

• The new ZX-9R features the Kawasaki Throttle Responsive Ignition Control (K-TRIC) which constantly monitors throttle position and engine revs and digitally adjusts ignition timing for optimum performance and response

• Cutting even more weight is a highly-efficient, free-flowing 4-into-1 exhaust system with stainless steel headers and a super-lightweight titanium* muffler

• The new ZX-9R chassis is state-of-the-art with a stronger and lighter pressed sheet aluminum frame that uses the engine as a stressed member doing away with more than 15 pounds

• Improving the agility of this open-class wonder is a 25mm shorter wheelbase and crisp 24 degree rake and 93mm of trail for legendary Kawasaki stability and extra canyon carving ability

• Giving the ZX-9R a great combination of lightweight and increased rigidity is a new conventional fork with beefy 46mm inner tubes that is fully adjustable for preload and compression/rebound damping

• Complementing the new stiffer fork is a redesigned UNI-TRAK® system with a nitrogen-charged, piggyback shock that’s fully adjustable for spring preload, ride height and compression/rebound damping

• Massive six-piston Tokico front brake calipers grip lighter 296mm radially-drilled stainless steel rotors for incredible confident braking performance

• Reducing weight further is a new electronic speedometer and tachometer that feature digital readouts for odometer, tripmeter, temperature and time

• Aerodynamics are improved with the new slimmer, sleeker fairing and use of a multi-reflector-type headlight