Comfort is not a word that is familiar to the vast majority of supersports bike riders, but that's exactly the reason many owners chose the ZX-9R instead of an R1 or FireBlade.
And the 899cc, liquid-cooled in-line four Ninja has developed a cult following thanks to an unburstable engine that, thanks to the Twin Ram Air system, delivers 142bhp at 11,000rpm and tremendous torque.
Kawasaki claim that the ZX-9R has been substantially updated for 2002, with over 130 modifications all aimed at "delivering real-world performance to sporting riders". That could be taken as an admission that the ZX-9R isn't as balls-out as Suzuki's GSX-R1000 or as focussed as the R1. But Kawasaki is right - the new Ninja is big and comfortable, with useable power from 4000rpm.
Chassis changes include the adoption of a braced swingarm and a change to both the linkage ratios of the rear suspension and stiffer front fork springs. The frame has been completely redesigned, along with the way the engine is mounted. As a result the stiffness and handling qualities are improved.
The new ZX-9R looks sharper too, with a new rear seat cowl, a new front mudguard and graphics. Brakes have been revised as well, with lighter, four-piston caliper units to give improved feel with no reduction in braking power.
Ninja Kawasakis have a strong following in British Superbike - not least because they are so cheap to race, with affordable spare parts and a reliable engine/transmission. Engine improvements for 2002 are centred on enhancing low and mid-range power without loosing the famous Ninja top-end rush.
Crankshaft webs are thicker, again for more inertia, and the exhaust collector has been modified with mid-range performance in mind. After all, that's where real-world riders get their kicks. But the Ninja can also be a civilised motorcycle, pootling around town with a passenger on the back.
The ZX-9R Ninja is better than ever. If you're looking for a big supersports that you can live with, book a test ride now.
