The association of Kawasaki and Bajaj Auto has benefited the former a lot in the launch of performance bikes like Ninja 250R, Ninja 300 and Ninja 650. These bikes were brought to India as Completely Knocked Down (CKD) units and are then assembled by Bajaj Probiking. The bikes of Ninja series have been widely appreciated by critics and also won the hearts of Indian buyers. Seeing this kind of response, the Japanese bike manufacturer, according to reports, is planning to introduce ZX-10R and ZX14R in coming months. As expected, these two super bikes will be sold in India by Bajaj Auto, the country's second largest two-wheeler manufacturer.
Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R, first launched in the year 2004, is essentially a sports bike that has good power, superb acceleration and precise handling. It is equipped with a four-stroke oil-cooled engine that has a displacement of 998 cc. The 1.0-litre engine is mated to a six-speed gearbox that transmits power to its rear wheel. Its highlight is the top class suspension system that is fully adjustable at the front and has inverted fork at the rear. Along with this, there is a gas charged monoshock at the rear, which is horizontally mounted. Industry experts have praised the ZX-10R for its overall performance, terming it as a track oriented bike that has an aggressive riding position.
On the other hand, the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14R is a super bike that is powered by a four-stroke oil-cooled 1.5-litre drivetrain. It is currently one of the fastest bikes offered in the market by the Japanese bike maker with a capacity of reaching up to 297 kmph. The 1.5-litre engine is capable of generating an output of around 210 bhp. Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14R boasts of the famous ram-air system, which provides the engine with more air as the speed of the bike increases. Other features of the ZX-14R include six-speed gearbox, adjustable front suspension, Uni-Trak gas charged rear suspension (fully adjustable) and petal shaped front disc brakes.
Sources have claimed that these two motorcycles are likely to be introduced in India by August end, although no official confirmation has been given. It is widely expected that the Ninja ZX-10R and Ninja ZX-14R will come to India as Completely Built Units (CBUs), which will certainly play a role in its pricing. Reports suggest that the ZX-10R is likely to be priced around Rs. 15 lakh whereas the ZX-14R will cost somewhere around Rs. 17 lakh, both being expected ex-showroom prices.
