After years of getting its arse handed to it by Suzuki's all mighty 'Busa, Kawasaki vowed to regain supremacy as the top-end champ when it released the fastest, meanest Ninja to date. The ZX-14 was designed to be an all out multi-mile land-based missile with a no holds barred motor and long stable chassis. But tipping the scales at nearly 500 pounds, it was big and heavy compared to other bikes on the road. With so much power pushing from the 1400cc power plant, there was plenty of performance to be set free by putting the big boy on a diet.
Anthony Jackson is no stranger to customizing big Kawis. Prior to purchasing the ZX-14, he had previously pimped out a ZX-12. The bike never really caught on as a custom platform and Jackon's ZX-12 wasn't standing out like he wanted either. "Everywhere I looked everyone's 12 was chromed out." Rather than building another cookie cutter fat tire, Jackson went to the dark side of customization with his ZX-14.
Not many materials have the beauty and function of carbon fiber. The black weave is not only pleasing to the eye, but its lightweight properties also serve a purpose beyond good looks. "I like the power of the big bikes but I also like riding curves. So I wanted to make it as nimble as I could by dropping weight." Jackson replaced as many of the panels as his credit card would allow. Ultra expensive and lightweight BST carbon fiber wheels reduced the weight even more where it counts the most.
The rest of the mods were kept simple to showcase the Ninja's new figure. Paint was left to only a few discrete stripes to help break up the black weave.
The combination of all the exotic plastics made the bike much more enjoyable when the road takes a turn. "With the BST wheels and the right tire pressure, my 14 doesn't feel like a 14 at all. It is light and I can flick it around almost like you can do with a liter bike," Jackson explained. Hopefully after dropping a few pants sizes, the new king of speed can add king of the corners to its title belt.
Front End: BST carbon fiber wheel, Pirelli Rosso tire, GPR steering stabilizer
Rear End: BST carbon fiber wheel, Pirelli Rosso tire, sprockets (16/43), Muzzy lowering links
Motor: Power Commander III, Muzzy carbon fiber exhaust
Paint: Edge Designs
Bodywork: Powerbronze carbon fiber bodywork
Accessories: Speedo Healer, Corbin seat, Puig windscreen, custom grips and levers
Owner: Antony Jackson
Builder: Antony Jackson, Chrome Accessories