Bigbore4
Zone Head
Posts: 806
|
posted August 16, 2011 09:27 PM
Blown 14 :(
Kawasaki's supercharged ZZR1400 plans
By Ben Purvis -
New bikes
10 August 2011 14:11
Kawasaki is working on a supercharged four-cylinder bike as a replacement for the mighty ZZR1400.
A flurry of new patent documents from the company show enough detail to suggest the idea of supercharging a new high-performance machine is far more than just an engineering exercise.
Recent power increases in 1000cc superbikes, exemplified by the 190bhp BMW S1000RR, have created a problem for super-fast sports tourers like the ZZR1400 and Suzuki Hayabusa. Once the final word in flat-out acceleration and top speed, they are now outperformed by lighter, nimbler superbikes in a straight line as well as around corners.
The solution? Take advantage of the fact the ZZR has no race regs to conform to and add a huge dollop of power with the addition of a supercharger.
Over the last few weeks no fewer than four patents have been published, all showing different aspects of the same ZZR1400-style supercharged bike. But don't rush out to place your order just yet - Kawasaki is believed to be working on a revised ZZR, so a supercharged machine is likely to be at least 18 months away.
The design neatly slots the supercharger itself just behind the cylinders, underneath the throttle bodies, with drive to the turbine supplied via an idler gear (to increase its speed relative to engine revs) and a short chain. Air coming in through the normal intake between the headlights runs through a filter, over the engine and down to the supercharger, where it's compressed before being fed back up to the throttle bodies. There's no provision for an intercoooler, suggesting the set-up is aimed at providing a relatively modest power and torque increases, rather than drag-strip boost figures.
When it comes to supercharging, Kawasaki isn't breaking new ground; the firm already has years of experience with a remarkably similar supercharged four-cylinder engine. Not on a motorcycle, but in one of its jet skis. The Ultra 300X uses a motorcycle-style DOHC, 16-valve, four-cylinder engine, fairly close to the ZZR1400's in dimensions although with a slightly larger 1500cc capacity. In a bike doing without the Ultra 300X's intercooler around 250bhp should still be within easy reach.
Suggestions of a supercharged ZZR first emerged in 2009, however, this is the first time we've seen hard evidence to substantiate the rumours. The bike's relatively low development costs - adding forced induction to boost performance is a far cheaper way to boost performance than developing an entirely new motor - make supercharging the ZZR a promising prospect for a strong power-to-money ratio.
  
|
Audioboyz
Expert Class
Posts: 265
|
posted August 16, 2011 10:46 PM
Now I would pay for that.In the meantime I'm probably getting a stage 2 port with head shave and throttle bodies.then I'll get my tune.Hope to get 210 HP.
Craig
____________
2009 Monster ZX-14
Brocks Alienhead,PCV, flys out,LSL Riser kit,-1 front sprocket,43 Vortex rear sprocket,K&N Air Filter, Zero Gravity tall smoked screen,block off plates,175HP 104 torque
|
INTIMIDA2OR
Needs a life
RED rider!
Posts: 13081
|
posted August 17, 2011 05:38 PM
Awesome!! 
____________
'06 Passion Red ZX-14
*Lee*
|
Wheelie
Needs a life
Old Man
Posts: 6902
|
posted August 17, 2011 05:46 PM
cool, a badguy beater
wee
|
3000psi and falling
Zone Head
Posts: 848
|
posted August 17, 2011 09:36 PM
Was this not all over the net in 09 for the 2010 version? Every year the same rumors.. Blaa
____________
08 ZX14, 2010 Persimmon Red bodywork.
Flies pulled, 16-42, BMC street, 8" extensions, drag shock, cut pan, Cycle Concepts Drag Pack and springs, muzzy m14 w/ oval can, lowered, Shinco usoft rear, pcv with autotune, leightweight Shori 18ah battery, throttle meister. 500lbs at bandimeres scales with half tank of juice.
|
Bigbore4
Zone Head
Posts: 806
|
posted August 18, 2011 01:25 AM
Looks to me that this is a new deal. If the patent apps are true, then it won't be long.
If the cagers can have 1000 hp with no speed restrictions, then why can't we have a 250 hp bike?
Hope it happens.
Actually, I already have a bike that will make 400. What am I whinin about? 
|
Flame On
Needs a life
Fuel Air & Spark
Posts: 17104
|
posted August 18, 2011 09:29 PM
Kawasaki just needs to fit the supercharged 1500cc jet ski engine on two wheels . Basic Production motor design of it has been in use for a few years on water craft.
____________
77 RD 400
80 GS1000 GT
06 ZX14
|
DellTheMoe
Parking Attendant
Future focused
Posts: 14
|
posted August 30, 2011 11:57 AM
quote:
Kawasaki just needs to fit the supercharged 1500cc jet ski engine on two wheels . Basic Production motor design of it has been in use for a few years on water craft.
Agree!
____________
Dell The Moe
07 ZX-6R
08 ZX-10R
08 ZX-14 LE
Full Lean Motorcycles
|
|
|
|
|
HOME
NEW TOPIC