Editor
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posted September 20, 2005 04:24 PM
 Edited By: Staff on 10 Mar 2007 08:45
Bikeland.org asks KMC for clarification with 2006 models, Confirms end of ZRX line
 Many readers have expressed concern and confusion over Kawasaki's 2006 Model year and the direction KHI is taking with their product. Several of you have asked which models are to be included in the 2006 line-up, and which are to be dropped from production, and why these decisions have been made.
Bikeland spoke with Russel Brenan, Kawasaki Motors Corporation Media Supervisor in Irvine, California to get official answers to the following questions on your behalf.
Bikeland: Could you please confirm whether or not KHI is dropping the ZRX from it's line-up?
KMC: The ZRX1200 along with the ZZR1200 and ZX-12R will not be offered in (the) 2006 (model year).
Bikeland: What is KHI's reasoning behind the discontinuation of the ZRX model line?
KMC: Market conditions coupled with consumer and dealer demand; along with production focus on all-new models such as the ZX-14 and Ninja 650R.
Bikeland: Does KHI plan on a replacement for the ZRX anytime soon?
KMC: We cannot comment on the development of any future models at this time.
Bikeland: Why did KMC choose to brand the ZZR-1400 as a ZX-14 for North America? Most Stateside Kawasaki owners associate the ZZR line with touring, and many owners question whether or not the ZX-14 actually fits the understood definitions of the more sporting ZX line-up.
KMC: Kawasaki distributors must market products to their specific regions, as such it has not been uncommon for Kawasaki motorcycles and ATVs to be marketed under a different model name to best suit specific regions, customer tastes and riding conditions. The ZX-14 follows in the tradition of the legendary machines like the Z1 and GPZ900 to modern superbikes like the ZX-11 and Ninja ZX-12R, flagship machines that have set the performance standards that others have followed. Like the other "ZX" motorcycles, the ZX-14 features the class-leading combination of absolute power that Kawasaki is famous for and handling that is equally superb.
Bikeland: Does KHI plan on releasing an "R" model of the ZX-14?
KMC: We can not comment on the development of any future models at this time.
Source: Bikeland.org
   
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238mph
Pro
Posts: 1145
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posted September 20, 2005 06:08 PM
Did ya bother to say FUCK YOU on our behalf??? 
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Connman
Zone Head
Posts: 506
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posted September 20, 2005 06:10 PM
..........as reported on Sept 3rd by yours truly............................................................
Do I win a T-shirt for that?
http://www.bikeland.org/board/viewthread.php?FID=2&TID=18760
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fish_antlers
Administrator
The Truth is Out There
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posted September 20, 2005 06:22 PM
Edited By: fish_antlers on 21 Sep 2005 00:29
Nope... everyone guessed, but it wasnt official until we could confirm it today.
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zrx4me
Novice Class
Posts: 42
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posted September 20, 2005 06:37 PM
if suzuki make a b-king 1300 that looks anything like the b-king 600,I will forget all about the ZRX.
http://www.raptorsandrockets.com/images/GSR600_titel_edited.jpg
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OutsiderZX12R
Zone Head
Street Racer
Posts: 841
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posted September 20, 2005 06:48 PM
Almost sounds like a form letter to me.....
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OutsiderZX12R
2000 ZX12R-A1
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fish_antlers
Administrator
The Truth is Out There
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posted September 20, 2005 06:51 PM
the questions are directly from members of this site.
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trenace
Needs a job
Posts: 3056
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posted September 20, 2005 06:52 PM
It would not have been that big of a deal to design a sidedraft head for the Twelve (or 14) motor and thus have a motor suitable for a newer ZRX, just as the existing ZRX used a ZZR motor with a sidedraft head and a little cosmetic cleanup and enhancement so as to look good without a fairing.
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scooter trash
Expert Class
Posts: 407
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posted September 20, 2005 07:00 PM
quote:
Almost sounds like a form letter to me.....
Dear Mr. [insert name here].
We don't make the [insert bike name here] anymore.
Sorry and Kiss Our Ass, KHI Inc.
Same thing I was thinking Bill. 
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OutsiderZX12R
Zone Head
Street Racer
Posts: 841
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posted September 20, 2005 07:41 PM
quote:
the questions are directly from members of this site.
No Fish, I was talking about Kawasaki's responses, not the questions.... 
No ZX12R, no ZRX12, what's next, Christmas??
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OutsiderZX12R
2000 ZX12R-A1
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OutsiderZX12R
Zone Head
Street Racer
Posts: 841
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posted September 20, 2005 07:42 PM
quote:
quote:
Almost sounds like a form letter to me.....
Dear Mr. [insert name here].
We don't make the [insert bike name here] anymore.
Sorry and Kiss Our Ass, KHI Inc.
Same thing I was thinking Bill.
Great minds think alike.
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OutsiderZX12R
2000 ZX12R-A1
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rxrated
Parking Attendant
Posts: 2
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posted September 20, 2005 07:46 PM
Edited By: rxrated on 20 Sep 2005 20:49
Can /Will one of you guys explain to me why you are upset at Kawasaki dropping the ZRX?? I am really curious as to the WHY part that you are upset?
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fish_antlers
Administrator
The Truth is Out There
Posts: 21894
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posted September 20, 2005 11:17 PM
RX.. you have to hold the record for the longest time between registering and your 1st post! Wow! How did you hold it in all these years??
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NinjaNick
Needs a job
'08 ZX14 (Blue)
Posts: 4558
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posted September 21, 2005 01:24 AM
quote:
RX.. you have to hold the record for the longest time between registering and your 1st post! Wow! How did you hold it in all these years??
what is the record he set?
whats the time frame fishy?
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DB
Pro
Posts: 1932
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posted September 21, 2005 03:08 AM
quote:
KMC: Market conditions coupled with consumer and dealer demand; along with production focus on all-new models such as the ZX-14 and Ninja 650R.
Ninja 650R????
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Dan
04 ZX10r (Track only)
08 Concours14
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Outsiderzx12r
Zone Head
Street Racer
Posts: 841
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posted September 21, 2005 04:08 AM
quote:
quote:
KMC: Market conditions coupled with consumer and dealer demand; along with production focus on all-new models such as the ZX-14 and Ninja 650R.
Ninja 650R????
Basically an updated 500R Ninja is my take on the bike.
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OutsiderZX12R
2000 ZX12R-A1
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VincentHill
Needs a life
Posts: 6520
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posted September 21, 2005 04:26 AM
Fish, it just proves that KHI Can piss off even the best of us! I understand your pain RX I do plan to get a ZRX Eventually! even is used or last years model!
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Made History @ Daytona and still one fast old man!!
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DB
Pro
Posts: 1932
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posted September 21, 2005 04:38 AM
quote:
Basically an updated 500R Ninja is my take on the bike.
I hope it's an updated 500R. My wife has been learning on the 250 ninja this past year and it would be a good step up. Hopefully it'll keep the lowish seat if it is.
Or are they talking about a punched-out 636?
The kawasaki web site already has the 2006 500 Ninja posted so it's still around at least 1 more year.
Fish??? I know, you can't talk.
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Dan
04 ZX10r (Track only)
08 Concours14
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DB
Pro
Posts: 1932
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posted September 21, 2005 04:50 AM
I found this on the motorcyclist online web site. Looks pretty good
KAWASAKI'S NINJA 650R BREAKS NEW GROUND WITH BROAD APPEAL AND INNOVATIVE DESIGN
Look at Kawasaki's all new NINJA 650R sportbike and the first impression is one of pure design appreciation. Look a little longer and many of the innovative engine and chassis elements begin to come into play. But the entire package doesn't truly project its intended engineering outcome until the motorcycle is viewed with a rider seemingly melded into its unique posture. Because the 650R was meant to have broad rider appeal, Kawasaki's development team began its task with the ridernot the motorcycle.
Focusing on all kinds of riders, and all kinds of riding, Kawasaki carefully studied the interface between human and machine. Riding positions were studied to discover which instilled the most confidence. Narrowing the distance between foot pegs and striving for a lower seat height and low effort controls all played into the design efforts.
Ultimately, this exceptionally well-proportioned NINJA 650R represents a genre of motorcycling new to Kawasakione that finds itself at home with both novices and experienced riders, and one that will be seen equally in daily midtown commuting situations as well as week-end highway getaways.
The very compact liquid-cooled, DOHC, 8-valve 649cc Parallel Twin with fuel injection delivers a smooth responsiveness that is tuned for rider-friendly power characteristicsespecially in the low and medium rpm ranges that will inspire confidence in new motorcyclists. Its excellent mid-range characteristics will make the 650R a natural for medium speed commuting environments. And slipping in and out of traffic will be a cinch for this new entry, as its lightweight trellis frame and laydown shock also contribute to its overall compactness.
While the powerplant on this new NINJA is compact, it is anything but minimal in its output. Just gauge the 650R's roll-on response when making a highway pass and any concerns in that area quickly subside. The engineers called on their vast experience building NINJA supersport machines to develop a motorcycle possessing performance characteristics that will be a match for anything currently available in the middleweight arena, including those with larger displacement.
Some of the engine's characteristics:
- Triangular layout of the crankshaft and transmission shafts make the engine very short, front-to-back
- The transmission's input shaft, output shaft, and change drum are contained in a cassette-style package that both works for the 650R's compact layout, and facilitates transmission maintenance
- Engine height is reduced through the use of a semi-dry sump design
- This new Kawasaki has a plated, linerless aluminum cylinder which is lightweight; its narrow cylinder pitch reduces engine width
- Under-engine muffler improves mass centralization and lowers the 650R center of gravity
Some of the chassis design elements:
- Compact engine design allows use of a slim, minimalist frame, which results in a design that is narrow at the knees and feet
- Light and nimble handling characteristics are one of the benefits of the extremely short wheelbase of this motorcycle
- A long swingarm is used, so both rear suspension and handling are improved
- Engineers used 3-D analysis to achieve the ideal stiffness balance for the frame, which contributes greatly to its handling characteristics
- Frame construction is of high-tensile steel, rivaling the lightness of aluminum frames
- The layout of the offset single-shock rear suspension allows the battery to be located next to the shock rather than beneath itmaking for a slim design and lower seat height
Bringing the motorcycle to a stop is handled by triple petal disc brakes that look as good as they perform. And the attractive six-spoke supersport-style wheels give the 650R a "light" look while reducing unsprung weight.
This new entry sports a very aggressive headlight design, an aerodynamic windscreen and full fairing, and front turn signals integrated into the faring. The flowing bodywork includes a slim tail cowl with flush-surface tail lamp lens giving the new NINJA 650R a slim, agile appearance from the rear.
Also contributing to the slim design appearance is a two-tone seat and a sculpted fuel tank.
Instrumentation abounds with this multi-purpose motorcycle. A compact step-motor speedometer features an LCD display with digital readouts for odometer, twin tripmeter, and clock as well as an LED water temperature warning lamp.
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Dan
04 ZX10r (Track only)
08 Concours14
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ozzy
Needs a job
need guberment cheese
Posts: 3172
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posted September 21, 2005 04:56 AM
Most Stateside Kawasaki owners associate the ZZR line with touring,
that stupid name ZZR is only a couple of years old here in the states. We have had ZX11 for years and noone called it a touring bike!
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eastbaydave
Needs a job
Posts: 2245
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posted September 21, 2005 07:16 AM
Edited By: eastbaydave on 21 Sep 2005 08:20
quote:
Bikeland: Could you please confirm whether or not KHI is dropping the ZRX from it's line-up?
KMC: The ZRX1200 along with the ZZR1200 and ZX-12R will not be offered in (the) 2006 (model year).
Bikeland: What is KHI's reasoning behind the discontinuation of the ZRX model line?
KMC: Market conditions coupled with consumer and dealer demand; along with production focus on all-new models such as the ZX-14 and Ninja 650R.
Bikeland: Does KHI plan on a replacement for the ZRX anytime soon?
KMC: We can not comment on the development of any future models at this time.Source: Bikeland.org
Can you say FU to your loyal customers any stronger? Geezzus....wake up KHI.
650 Ninja pic:
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Enjoy the ride!
02' ZRX1200
00' ZX12R sold
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fish_antlers
Administrator
The Truth is Out There
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posted September 21, 2005 07:50 AM
DB... cool bike, but old news:
http://www.bikeland.org/board/viewthread.php?FID=23&TID=18440
http://www.bikeland.org/articles.php
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DB
Pro
Posts: 1932
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posted September 21, 2005 08:55 AM
Fish, I'm almost as slow as you ride. (just kiddin') - Thanks for the link. I've been away awhile. Again thanks
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Dan
04 ZX10r (Track only)
08 Concours14
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connman
Zone Head
Posts: 506
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posted September 21, 2005 09:32 AM
quote:
Nope... everyone guessed, but it wasnt official until we could confirm it today.
Hahahahaa!
Well, ok. It was officially announced to me by my KHI "source" on the 3rd. There was no guessing involved.
Maybe your sources missed the memo, or maybe you couldn't post it for legal reasons.
Ah well, who cares.
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fish_antlers
Administrator
The Truth is Out There
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posted September 21, 2005 09:44 AM
Edited By: fish_antlers on 21 Sep 2005 11:09
Connman, all you have to do is read the source quoted in the beginning of the story to know who gave us this info. Many people told us about this earlier, but at that point it was rumoured.
There is a big difference between a rumour from your "source" and a direct quote from KMC.
Would you care to then name your "source" from KHI who made an "official announcement" about this on the 3rd?
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