Kawasaki 1400 ZZR Performance Edition 2011 — Specifications

When Kawasaki plays the Performance Edition card on its ZZR 1400, it sends a clear message to Hamamatsu: the duel with the Hayabusa is not over. Since the Suzuki bulked up to exceed 200 horsepower, the ZZR has been taking hits. This special edition doesn't start from scratch — it refines what already exists with surgical precision. The result is a machine priced at €16,099 that no longer quite resembles the base version, neither in sound nor in appearance.

The most immediate change comes from the Akrapovic silencers that replace the stock outlets. It's not just a matter of decibels. The two new exhausts shed around 6.5 kg from the overall weight, bringing the beast down to approximately 211 kg dry, and give the 1,352 cc four-cylinder engine better breathing. We're talking a handful of extra horsepower on top of the 198 claimed at 9,500 rpm, with 153 Nm of torque at 7,500 rpm that was already hard to argue with. On the motorway, it changes nothing. On a track or an open major road, the engine demands its revs with greater enthusiasm. The sound, meanwhile, shifts register entirely: from a deep, restrained rumble to something decidedly more assertive.

Kawasaki also reworked the rear lines with a seat cowl that tightens the silhouette and gives it a more convincing sportswear look. At the front, a revised aerodynamic screen tops the cockpit and improves rider protection without visually weighing down the upper part of the bike. Tank protection stickers complete the package — a practical detail that shields the paint from knees and keys during stops. It's a small touch, but consistent with the spirit of the series: no revolution, just methodical improvement.

This type of motorcycle is not aimed at beginners. The 800 mm seat height remains accessible for an average build, but 250 kg fully fuelled, a 300 km/h top speed, and an aluminium monocoque frame that demands real mastery — this ZZR clearly flourishes in the hands of experienced riders. The touring rider accustomed to large-displacement machines will find superior comfort compared to a Hayabusa, with a 22-litre tank that allows long stages without anxiety. The track-day enthusiast or sports riding fan will appreciate the four-piston radial brakes biting on 310 mm discs, paired with a well-calibrated 43 mm inverted fork.

Against the Hayabusa, the ZZR 1400 Performance Edition plays a different card: less raw, more refined in the expression of its power, and this special edition further accentuates that positioning. The price represents a significant premium over the standard version, justified when you factor in the cost of an Akrapovic kit alone on the market. For anyone seeking a grand touring hypersport capable of crossing the country in a single day without fatigue, while retaining the ability to embarrass any machine off a roundabout, it's a compelling argument. The volume knob has well and truly been turned to the max.