Chassis Design

To ensure that the ZZR1400 also have the best handling in its category, an aluminium monocoque frame similar to that used on the 12R is featured. The reason for choosing this frame was simple: had a conventional twin-beam frame been used, the beams would have had to wrap around the engine, resulting in an excessively wide overall package. The monocoque frame helps realise a much more compact motorcycle.

“The Ninja ZX-12R was the first production bike in the world to feature an aluminium monocoque frame,” says the chief chassis designer. “We learned a lot from that frame. For example, for a supersport bike like the 10R, the merits of the monocoque design could not be fully exploited. However, the design is ideally suited to a supersport touring bike like the ZZR, because it gives a greater amount of design freedom. The result is a more compact, lighter and very rigid chassis. The monocoque frame also delivers excellent handling characteristics.”