KAWASAKI ZZR-X (2003-Present) Specs, Performance & Photos

The Kawasaki ZZR-X was a high-speed touring motorcycle concept first presented at the 2003 Milan Motorcycle Show in Italy. The concept machine was powered by a 1,164cc four-stroke inline four-cylinder engine that delivered smooth power to the rear wheel through a final shaft drive.

The concept motorcycle was billed as a high-speed tourer. It featured an ingenious riding mode mechanism, which allowed riders to adjust the bike to suit various road conditions and riding styles.

In addition, the bike could handle both low-speed touring with a raised windscreen and protective fairing and full sport mode, with the windshield and fairing placed in their most aerodynamic position.

The adjustable windscreen was essential to the machine's aerodynamics by helping the bike stop faster at high speeds. For example, when riding at high speed, the windshield is lowered to let the air flow freely, and when stopping the bike, the windscreen is raised to help the motorcycle stop faster, just like airplane flaps.

In addition, the 2003 Kawasaki ZZR-X featured several clever designs, a radical cone-shaped disc brake mounted on the rim for excellent cooling efficiency, a mass-centralized fuel tank, a spacious storage space in front of the seat, a silencer placed inside the curvy bodywork, and a capable suspension system to carry the motorcycle's massive body.