Cycle News - Archive Issues - 2000's

·_~ In an effort to stay in the hunt in the open-class sportbike category, Kawasaki has redesigned the ZX-9R for 2002. This is not just a case of bold new graphics; the ZX-9R has received extensive updates in both the chassis and engine departments. The 899cc DOHC, 16-valve, inlinefour powerplant has received updates in an effort to increase performance and throttle response. One change that jumps out off of the specifications page is the increase in the compression ratio - now at 12.2: 1, a notable amount higher than anything else in the class. The 899cc engine is the smallest in the current crop of openclass sportbikes, but Kawasaki has made changes to help the bike's streetability, such as increasing crankshaft mass to help low to midrange engine response. The cylinder head has not only been redesigned to bump the compression ratio, it also features new cam profiles that are catered toward torque output as well. One of the previous ZX-9R's weaknesses was the bike's throttle response. The new '9R features new Keihin CVKD40 semi-flat-slide carburetors that were changed in an effort to improve throttle response in the low and mid rpm ranges. The new carbs work' in conjunction with the Kawasaki Throttle Responsive Ignition Control (K-TRIC), which monitors the carburetors and crankshaft to optimize ignition timing. Exhaust exits through a four-into-two-into-one system with a titanium canister, similar the previous model's. (California models have a stainless-steel unit with a catalyzer.) The biggest change to the chassis from a quick glance is the new swingarm, which now features an external brace to increase rigidity by 20 percent. The UNI-TRAK rear end also features new linkages in an effort to make the suspension stroke more linear. Like the previous model, the shock features a ride-height adjuster and is fully adjustable, now featuring stepless adjusters. The aluminum perimeter frame is now stiffer, thanks to a new front engine mount, which has allowed the engine to become more of a stressed member. The chassis features a new, removable aluminum subframe that has been changed to accommodate the new rear cowlings and the new seating position, which is almost an inch and a half taller, heightwise. The 46mm forks have been modified to work in conjunction with the bike's new, stiffer chassis, and receive the same stepless damping adjusters as the rear shock. Another area that was attended to was the brakes. The previous model's 310mm discs have been jettisoned in favor of the new 320mm versions. The new dIscs are supposed to be lighter than the old brakes to help reduce the effects of reciprocating mass and unsprung weight. The new, lighter calipers were updated to help improve feel and increase stopping power. The bike has a fresh new look as well, with a much cleaner tail section that no longer has the ugly grab rails perched on the sides and now features a cowling to convert the cockpit into a solo seat. The rest of the bike looks familiar, aside from the new Candy Gold Spark/Black Pearl paint scheme that is available in addition to the Iime-green-and-black version. List Price Displacement Engine Type $9499 , 899cc Uquid-cooled, 16-valve, DOHC in-line four-cylinder Bore x Stroke 75 x 5O.9mm Compression Ratio 12.2:1 Carburetion .. " (4) 40mm KeihJn Semi-flat-slide Digital with K-TRIC Ignition Transmission Six-speed Starting System Electric Fuel Capacity .....•.• _ .5.0 gal. Wheelbase 56.6 in. Rake/Trail 24/96.5 Seat Height 33.3 fn. Front Tire 120/70ZRI7 Rear Tire 190/50ZR17 Front-Wheel Travel 4.7 in. Rear-Wheel Travel 5.3 in. Front Brake Dual 320mm discs Rear Brake .single Disc Final Drive Chain Claimed Dry Weight 409.2 Ibs. Although the ZX-12R wasn't as the ZX-9R's. The forks are changed that dramatically for 2002, 43mm inverted cartridge units, some signIficant changes were made which are fully adjustable, and also in an effort to increase performance feature the stepless adjusters. and handling. The bike has the same 17 -inch The biggest internal modification rims as last years bike, and wear a was made to the crankshaft and the 200/50ZR 17 tire out back and a flywheel, in an effort to improve 120/70ZR 17 on the front. The front engine response, especially at lower braking is handled by a pair of rpm. The crank received additIonal 320mm discs with opposed six-piston weight by widening the primary and calipers. The rear brake features a balancer gears. The flywheel narrowsIngle 230mm disc with a twin-piston er but has a thicker outer rim to gencaliper. erate additional inertia. The wheelbase has been increased The fuel-injection system features slightly from 56.5 inches to 56.7 inch46mm throttle bodies that rely on es to help increase stability. The hanvarious sensors to gather atmospherdlebars are now lowered to put the ic data in addition to throttle position, rider weight over the front wheel for a to optimize fuel delivery. The system more-planted feel while cornering. works in conjunction with the digital Another nice addition - or subtraction, ignition that has been remapped for actually - is the fact that the ugly mir2002 to favor low to midrange power. rors from last year's model have been The throttle pulley has been changed trashed in favor of much smaller and to a new oval design in an effort to more-attractive units on the 2002 improve throttle control and bike. The front cowling has been response. This is all fed by anew, redesigned to improve aerodynamics, redesigned Ram air system that is not as has the new front fender. The lower only altered in outward appearance front cowls are now a three-piece but is supposed to increase intake design to help aid in removal. area by 30 percent. The transmission has been updated to improve shifting action by reducing the clearance between the gear dogs. This is aided by a modified clutch damper to reduce driveline List Price $10,999 lash. The shift shaft has been Displacement 1198cc Liquid-cooled, Engine Type increased in diameter to help actuate DOHC in-line four-cylinder the gears easier. Bore x Stroke _ 83 x 55.4mm Compression Ratio The ZX-12R's monocoque chas12.2:1 Carburetion Fuel injection sis is the same as last year with the with 46mm throttle bodies difference being a different steerDigital, with K-TRIC Ignition .. _ Transmission _ Six-speed ing-head angle, but the rake and Starting System Electric trail figures are the same as the Fuel Capacity 5.3 gal. previous model's. The swingarm Wheelbase .56.7 in. Rake/Trail 23.5/94mm pivot has been moved to a lower Seat Height 31.9 in. location to help put more weight on Front Tire ' 120/70ZRI7 the front wheel and features a new Rear Tire 200/50ZR17 Front-Wheel Travel .4.7 in. aluminum cross brace that was Rear-Wheel Travel 5.5 in. moved 2.5mm forward. The rear Front Brake Dual 320mm disc Rear Brake .230mm Disc shock is 5mm shorter and now has Final Drive Chain a softer spring. The dampers feaClaimed Dry Weight .463 Ibs. ture the same new stepless design. eye.l. n __ s • SEPTEMBER 26, 2001 21

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