2009 Kawasaki Ninja ZX14

In the ever changing world of global superbike supremacy, the mantra “evolve or get left behind” still holds true. The 2009 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14 has not rested on its laurels. The winning traits – massive torque, effortless power, agile handling and comfortable ergonomics – of the 1352cc Ninja king have landed it a sizeable collection of open class sportbike victories. Despite ever-tightening noise and emissions regulations; the ZX-14 has continued to set the pace of sportbike excellence ever since its domineering debut in March of 2006.

No doubt about it, the ZX-14 is a testament to effective evolution. Its engine and exhaust system permit it to comply with strict Euro-III emissions and tightening noise regulations. However, the ZX-14’s low-end torque, mid-range surge and its legendary Ninja peak power place it at the top of the sportbike food chain.

Secondary air ports in the cylinder head and its cover flow clean air into the exhaust system and boost the efficiency of the three honeycomb catalyzers employed in the exhaust system. These devices, combined with a wide dispersal of atomized fuel from the fine-atomizing fuel injectors and optimized flow characteristics through the intakes, allow the ZX-14’s 1352cc engine to offer strong performance, yet still meet the toughest motorcycle emissions regulations.

The ZX-14 meets noise standards by producing a minimum of internal mechanical noise, in lieu of using a more-restrictive exhaust system. A special piston profile and a urethane insulation sheet on the inside of the magnesium chain cover help quiet the engine and permit a freer flowing exhaust for greater power.

The ZX-14’s chassis design is every bit the equal of its power plant. Using an advanced version of Kawasaki’s unique aluminum monocoque design, its frame is lightweight and very strong. Die cast aluminum sections on the main frame make for lighter parts, keeping the weight down even more on the slim and compact frame.

The narrow engine, monocoque frame, and fuel tank provide a slim rider interface and a relaxed sport riding position. It is compact without being cramped, with its easy-to-reach bar position, low-set footpegs for ample legroom and a low seat height and narrow seat front to easily plant both feet on the ground when stopped. Comfort levels are high enough to cause riders to think they’re on a dedicated sport tourer – until the ZX-14’s throttle is twisted. When that happens, all confusion disappears, like so many competitors in the rear view mirrors.

Uninterrupted fairing lines give the ZX-14 a smooth, flowing appearance from front to rear, due in part to the monocoque frame that goes over the engine and doesn’t protrude through the cowling. Quadruple projector beam headlights adorn the ZX-14’s front fairing, immediately beneath its menacing ram air intake duct. The turn signals are cleanly integrated into the fairing and rear cowl, with a unique “V” design LED tail lamp capping off a sleek, aerodynamic package that reinforces Kawasaki’s aircraft heritage.

Specifications:

Engine Type

Four-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, four valve per cylinder, inline-four

Displacement

1352 cc

Bore x Stroke

84.0 x 61.0 mm

Maximum Torque

154 N/m {15.7 kgf/m} 113.5 lb-ft @ 7,500 rpm

Compression Ratio

12.0:1

Fuel Injection

DFI with Mikuni 44mm Mikuni Throttle Bodies (4)

Ignition

TCBI with Digital Advance

Transmission

6-Speed

Final Drive

X-Ring Chain

Rake/Trail

23 degrees / 94 mm.

Front Tire Size

120/70 ZR17

Rear Tire Size

190/50 ZR17

Wheelbase

57.5 in.

Overall Height

46.1 in.

Overall Length

85.4 in.

Overall Width

29.9 in.

Front Suspension / wheel travel

43mm inverted cartridge fork with adjustable preload, stepless rebound and compression damping adjustments / 4.6 in.

Rear Suspension / wheel travel

Bottom-Link Uni-Trak® and gas-charged shock with adjustable preload, stepless rebound and compression damping adjustments, adjustable ride height / 4.8 in.

Front Brake Type

Dual semi-floating 310 mm petal discs with dual radial-mounted four-piston calipers

Rear Brake Type

Single 250mm petal disc with twin-piston caliper

Fuel Tank Capacity

5.8 gal.

Seat Height

31.5 in.

Curb Weight

566.7 lbs.

Colors

Candy Lime Green / Flat Super Black, Special Edition Candy Burnt Orange / Metallic Diablo Black

Kawasaki’s new Vulcan® 1700 Nomad

Kawasaki’s new Vulcan® 1700 Nomad™ is more than a touring edition of the innovative Vulcan 1700 Classic. This cruising motorcycle is for riders and passengers who yearn for the open road and nights away from home, but also like to ride in comfort. With a large windshield, hard saddlebags, passenger floorboards, a luxury backrest and standard cruise control, the Nomad is designed for miles of adventure – solo or two-up.

The new Nomad supplies serious wind protection courtesy of an adjustable handlebar-mounted windscreen. A sub-windshield and deflectors on the Nomad further increase wind protection performance. The sub-windshield covers the area between the windshield and headlight when the windshield is in the raised position, while the fork-mounted deflectors help direct air away from the rider’s legs.

Visually setting the Nomad apart from its Vulcan 1700 brethren are the color-matched, lockable hard saddlebags. These top-opening side cases each offer a bountiful 8.6 gallons (38L) of sealed storage space for overnight trips. The Nomad also features front and rear guards to help protect the bike’s engine and saddlebags in case of a fall. Convenient helmet locks are located on the left- and right-side saddlebag guards.

Comfortable seating for the rider and passenger is a must on a touring bike and the Nomad delivers with plush deluxe seats that are sculpted for all-day comfort. Contributing to long-distance passenger comfort is a luxury backrest with integrated passenger grab bars and floorboards for both the rider and passenger.

The Nomad’s light, compact frame holds a newly designed 1700cc engine based on that of the mighty Vulcan 2000. However, it uses a SOHC rather than push-rod actuated OHV arrangement. This permits fast revving and quick acceleration from the 1700cc engine – delivering superior passing performance at highway speeds. The new engine’s increase in compression, displacement and long-stroke design means significant torque and power gains over its predecessor.

This is no V-twin from yesteryear, the Nomad’s fuel injection system, like those in use on Kawasaki’s Ninja® 650R and Vulcan 900 motorcycles, utilizes one sensor in place of the usual three for less complexity and weight. Besides the obvious advantages of FI like improved fuel economy, the system permits easy hand-off starting.

The Nomad’s FI and exhaust are tuned to deliver its peak torque and horsepower at higher rpm – ideal for its open road operating environment. More touring refinement comes from the clutch, which features six damping springs for three-stage progressive damping to smooth out the shifting and the hit from the big 1700cc engine under hard acceleration.

More cutting edge technology is found in Kawasaki’s first fully electronic throttle valve system that makes its first appearance on the Nomad. Working together with the fuel injection system, the electronic throttle valve helps the new Vulcan 1700 Nomad to offer a smooth, natural engine response. This helps the ECU to deliver an ultra-precise metering of both fuel and air to the engine. It also provides accurate cold-engine idle speed control, reduces rider fatigue and helps maintain a “natural” throttle feel.

The system utilizes dual sensors; an Accelerator Position Sensor (APS) on the throttle body and a Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) on the throttle. Both of these sensors feed data to the ECU, which in turn adjusts the throttle plates with exacting precision. The system is capable of functioning on one set of data alone, offering redundancy in the unlikely event of a sensor failure.

The Vulcan 1700 Nomad also features a water-cooled alternator with rare-earth magnets that produces a staggering 48.5 amps of electrical output; plenty to power navigation systems and other electrical accessories that enrich modern traveling.

Likewise, no modern motorcycle could call itself a “tourer” without cruise control, and the Nomad is no exception. The cruise control is conveniently operated from the right side of the handlebar and can be activated between 30 and 85 mph in third gear or above. Disengaging is easily done by using the brake lever, clutch lever, rear brake pedal or manually closing the throttle.

Moving the Nomad down the road is a new six-speed transmission featuring overdrive and super strong carbon fiber drive belt. The sixth gear functions as an overdrive gear, contributing to relaxed riding and better fuel economy at highway speeds. The new carbon fiber drive belt has a 40-percent higher tensile strength than current Kevlar units, and allows it to use a thin and light 28mm belt.

However, this is no cold, mechanical techno-marvel. The designers were able to infuse the abundant technology into the new Vulcan 1700 Nomad with all the charm and visual appeal expected on a Kawasaki light touring cruiser. Meticulous attention to detail and exquisite craftsmanship of the engine covers, bodywork design and saddlebags result in an eye-pleasing product that turns heads whether parked in front of a café or cruising down the highway.

Designed from the start to be as light and slim as possible, the new single backbone double cradle frame uses the minimal amount of forged parts and metal for a reduction of 4.4 pounds and a rigidity increase of 40-percent. With a shorter seat to steering head distance, the new lightweight chassis is more compact and shorter overall with a correspondingly decreased wheelbase. The easy-to-reach handlebars facilitate better low-speed maneuvering and contribute to greater rider confidence and comfort.

Adding to the light and easy handling of the low weight chassis design are the new suspension components – set to match the Vulcan 1700 Nomad’s touring performance. Dual adjustable rear air-shocks provide 3.1 inches of travel, and include air adjustable spring preload and rebound adjustment to ensure a comfortable ride feel with unique settings for the Nomad. Up front, a large 43mm fork offers precise steering feedback, four-way preload adjustment and 5.5 inches of travel.

The Nomad rolls on new nine-spoke cast wheels, which use tubeless tires and complement its new muscular styling. Mounted on the attractive wheels are a 130/90 front radial tire and a wide, 170/70 rear radial tire. These aren’t the giant size tires that can "dull" handling, but beefy treads that offer good traction, smooth ride and good style. Dual 300mm front disc brakes with twin-piston calipers and a single 300mm rear disc brake with a two-piston caliper bring this show to smooth, powerful stops.

A stylish combination of traditional styling, sophisticated technology and touring refinement, the most difficult part of the new Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Nomad will be deciding which of the three appealing color options to chose; Metallic Diablo Black, Candy Diamond Red / Pearl Luster Beige or Metallic Nocturne Blue / Pearl Luster Beige.

SPECIFICATIONS
Engine
Four-stroke, liquid-cooled, SOHC, four valves per cylinder, V-twin
Displacement
1,700cc / 103.7ci
Bore x stroke
102 x 104mm
Compression ratio
9.5:1
Maximum Torque
108 lb-ft @ 2,750rpm
Cooling
Liquid, plus cooling fins
Ignition
Digital fuel injection, dual 42mm throttle bodies
Transmission
Six-speed with overdrive
Frame
Steel, double-cradle with box-section single-tube backbone
Rake / trail
30° / 7.0 in.
Front Suspension / wheel travel
43mm hydraulic fork / 5.5 in.
Rear Suspension / wheel travel
Swingarm with twin air-assisted shocks, with 4-way rebound damping / 3.2 in.
Tire, front
130/90x16
Tire, rear
170/70x16
Brakes, front / rear
Dual 300 mm discs, dual twin-piston calipers / Single 300 mm disc, twin-piston caliper
Overall length
98.4 in.
Overall width
40.4 in.
Overall height
57.7 in.
Seat height
28.7 in.
Curb weight
833.3 lbs.
Fuel capacity
5.3 gal.
Wheelbase
66.5 in.
Colors
Metallic Diablo Black, Candy Diamond Red / Pearl Luster Beige

2009 Peugeot 107 facelift unveiled

The Peugeot 107 has preserved all of its dazzling appeal, both in its three- and five-door models, and persists in expressing its being ‘cool’ and ‘energetic’. Even so it has changed stylistically with a new front-end style that reveals a sharper and fuller character.

Like the 2009 Citroen C1, the new profile of the lower front panel has more substance and toughness. It relocated the number plate in the lower portion, like other Peugeot range versions, and features a modification of the contours of an air intake now highlighting a cross-link grille.

This lowered front panel integrates side vents complete with grille and an attractive two-part insert, which can accommodate the fog lights that are offered as an option. An original and highly modern modification exudes from this design with a wide chrome insert that highlights the fresh bumper capping. More photos after the jump!

The featured profile of the 107 profits from the new lower front panel and the new 14 inch Cordouan wheel trims designed with a seven-spoke configuration, strengthening the distinctive vitality of the vehicle. At the rear, the style of the 107 proceeds to exhibit an eye-catching aspect with its dark glass tailgate/rear windscreen dividing the angled contours of the rear lights. To reinforce its modern qualifications, the 107 shields itself with a wraparound rear bumper and black capping.

The passenger cabin is built to highlight the exterior color with either contrasting or matching trims that add prominence or an imaginative touch.

Simple yet functional, the interior of the 107 is also overflowing with originality – the seats highlight essential head restraints, a unique orange back-lit translucent panel for the heating/ventilation or air conditioning system, blending graphics with a modern feel, a single instrument panel from which a rev counter is located above.

Interior trims have improved in line with transformations of style and body colors. A new “Stilada” trim, followed by a silver grey bead on the seat surrounds, is presented on the Trendy level.

This is available in two variants which, integrated with the body colors, produce very different characteristics : black background with silver-grey flecks and black background with orange-red flecks.

The fundamental Urban level preserves its mainly grey Nokimate mesh trim but also provides highlights connected to the brilliant new body colors.

Advance to the Alcantara/leather trim (offered as an option or limited edition depending on the market). This improves the feature of the seats and is currently followed by new features: the Alcantara is now available in black, the visible stitching that goes with this trim is given a fresh silver-grey color, the housing of the side air bag is now black, blending smoothly with the trim with matching color, interior decors become silver grey including the surrounds of instrument panel and rev counter, side air vents and door handles.

Along with these stylistic modifications, models with the Alcantara/leather trim profit from a black leather steering wheel and a leather gear lever knob.

This design is another feature likely to be popular among customers, complementing the new front design aspect and its broader use of chrome adornment.

With an overall length of 3.43m, its smallness is a real driving benefit and, with electric power steering, manual or electronically-controlled manual transmissions and a turning circle diameter reduced to 9.46m, it has superb handling, which the 107 uses for the convenience and pleasure of its driver, making parking a seamless experience.

If you are caught in a traffic jam, it can turn on very tight spots, or if you decide to wait, it will make the waiting fun with its optional air conditioning or mono CD audio system with auxiliary MP3 connectivity.

The 107 do extremely well in terms of running costs, of environment-friendliness, both in its petrol and HDi diesel variants and pushes these benefits even further.

With further reduction of fuel consumption and more detailed attention given to eco-friendliness, the 107 underscores the economy of its engines and the economy of its greenhouse gas emissions, on both the three cylinder petrol engine and the HDi diesel engine.

This environmental performance adds to Peugeot’s outstanding result in terms of greenhouse gas emissions : indeed Peugeot was the segment-leading European producer of cars emitting less than 120 g of CO2/km in 2007.

Enhanced riding comfort, sound insulation of the passenger cabin has been modified to enhance noise insulation and reduce tremor: the putting in of additional soundproofing materials to the rear cabin panels on three-door versions and the new design of the rear parcel shelf help to minimize noise entering the rear of the car, new soundproofing bonded to the structure of the front floor and a new damper pulley that drives engine accessories to enhance the acoustics and vibration levels at certain frequencies of petrol engine operation.

Short and able to accommodate a maximum of four people, the 107 provides a boot volume of 200 dm3 VDA to the height of the seat backs and 139 dm3 under the tilting rear parcel shelf (due to the parcel shelf’s low position). An extra volume of 751 dm3 and a usable length of 1093 mm is provided by the folding rear seats.

The 107 is as encouraging as ever. Awarded a total of 4 EuroNCAP stars in the adult protection test category and 3 stars in the child protection test category because of its design, safety equipment (up to six air bags can be accommodated) and quickly mastered road holding capabilities, the 107 guarantees peace of mind for its passengers. An excellent urban car, EuroNCAP also awarded it 2 stars for pedestrian protection. To recap, the 2009 107 version confirms and builds on present benefits.