2011 KAWASAKI MOTORCYCLES

With a Ninja® ZX™-14 based 1,352cc Inline Four engine with variable valve timing, an aluminum monocoque chassis, traction control, premium creature comforts and ABS, the 2011 Concours™ 14 motorcycle bristles with the technology you need for serious sport touring. So it’s no wonder the editors at Cycle World awarded this technological tour de force Best Sport-Touring Bike honors three years in a row. Bring on the open road.

Introducing the all-new Ninja 1000, a sportbike designed to excel in the real world. Its relaxed, upright seating position and thick dual seats are tailor made for a comfortable riding experience, whether around town or on the back roads. Its 3-position adjustable windscreen lets you fine-tune the aerodynamics to suit your build and conditions, while the large 5.0-gallon fuel tank extends the Good Times. But the heart and soul of the Ninja 1000 is still performance, thanks to its massively torquey 1050cc In-Line Four-Cylinder engine with digital fuel injection, racetrack-quality suspension and radial-mount front disc brake calipers. Now that’s thinking smart.

Following the rules wasn’t among the design parameters when Kawasaki created the Z1000, a hard-edged performance standout cloaked in radically aggressive bodywork that looks like it just zapped in from outer space. With its Cold Air intake and digital fuel injection, the 1,043cc In-Line Four engine punches out monstrous torque, while the lightweight aluminum backbone frame provides the optimal combination of strength, feedback and narrowness. Add a fully adjustable inverted fork and an innovative horizontal rear monoshock, plus superbiketype radial-mount front brake calipers and radial-pump master cylinder, and the Z1000 is street or track ready. And it’s ready when you are.

The nimble Ninja® 650R deftly combines user-friendly power and excellent handling. The 650R offers serious low-end grunt boosted by digital fuel injection, light weight, and a beautiful chassis that will keep riders smiling from ear to ear whether they’re riding in the canyons or commuting on city streets. Its carefully tuned suspension complete with distinctive side-mounted shock, triple petal disc brakes and light weight make this bike a serious presence in the middle of the Ninja line.

When the Versys® arrived on the scene just a few years ago, it astonished the motorcycling press and public. Journalists and riders alike began to heap praise on the versatile “do-everything” bike: it was named “Motorcycle of the Year” by Motorcyclist magazine and was included on numerous top 10 lists in enthusiast publications. And with numerous updates in 2010, the bike that is equal parts useful, affordable and fun is still going strong for 2011.

Reflecting its sporty personality, the Ninja 400R blends an aggressive Ninja image with the fashion sense and chic sophistication of a modern street bike. Dressed in elegant full-fairing bodywork and with a high attention to the smallest details, it offers the same build quality and finish found on its larger sibling, the Ninja 650R. Excellent rider ergonomics thanks to the narrow frame, rider-inspired position and low seat height.

For those beginning their two-wheeled journey, the Ninja® 250R sportbike has always been a great option to start. Its low seat height and peppy engine translate into hours of fun for both novices and veterans. Though its engine may be compact, its eight-valve cylinder head means a rider can wring every bit of enjoyment from each twist of the throttle, from idle to redline. And with sharp styling that matches its supersport siblings, the Ninja 250R looks fast even while standing still. Best of all, the 250R is a great value, with an affordable purchase price and excellent fuel economy.