Sudden over-application of the brakes, or braking on low-grip surfaces (surfaces with a low coefficient of friction) such as wet asphalt or manhole covers, may cause a motorcycle's wheel(s) to lock up and slip. ABS was developed to prevent such incidents. Kawasaki ABS systems are controlled by highly precise and extremely reliable programming formulated thorough testing of numerous riding situations. By ensuring stable braking performance, they offer rider reassurance for even greater riding enjoyment.

To meet the special requirements of certain riders, specialized ABS systems are also available. For example, KIBS (Kawasaki Intelligent anti-lock Brake System) is a precision-tuned brake system designed specifically for supersport models, enabling sport riding to be enjoyed by a wider range of riders. By linking the front and rear brakes, K-ACT (Kawasaki Advanced Coactive-braking Technology) ABS provides the confidence to enjoy touring on heavyweight models. Kawasaki is continually working on the development of other advanced ABS systems.

Modern sportbikes often use large-bore throttle bodies to generate high levels of power. However, with large-diameter throttles, when a rider suddenly twists the throttle, the unrestricted torque response is anything but gentle, and often more than the rider can handle. Dual throttle valve technology was designed to tame engine response while enabling high performance.

On fuel-injected models, throttle bodies generally have only one throttle valve per cylinder. On models with dual throttle valves, there are two per cylinder: in addition to the main valves, which are physically linked to the throttle grip and controlled by the rider, a second set of valves, controlled by the ECU, precisely regulates intake airflow to ensure a natural, linear response. With the air passing through the throttle bodies flowing smoothly, combustion efficiency is improved and power is increased.

Like other Kawasaki engine management technology, Dual Throttle Valves were designed with the philosophy of "following the rider's intention, while providing natural-feeling support." They are featured on many Kawasaki models.

Using high-precision electronics for engine management, Kawasaki models can achieve a high level of fuel efficiency. However, fuel consumption is greatly affected by throttle use, gear selection, and other elements under the rider's control. The Economical Riding Indicator is a function that signals when current riding conditions are consuming an optimally low amount of fuel. The system continuously monitors fuel consumption, regardless of vehicle speed, engine speed, throttle position and other riding conditions. When fuel consumption is low for a given speed (i.e., fuel efficiency is high), an "ECO" emblem appears on the LCD screen of the instrument panel. By riding so that the "ECO" mark remains on, fuel consumption can be minimized.

While effective vehicle speed and engine speed may vary by model, paying attention to conditions that cause the "ECO" mark to appear can help riders improve their fuel efficiency – a handy way to increase cruising range. Further, keeping fuel consumption low also helps minimize negative impact on the environment.

3-mode KTRC combines multiple traction control technologies into one: 1-mode KTRC, which provides enhanced stability in slippery situations by preventing wheel slip, and S-KTRC, which helps maintain optimum traction in sport riding situations by predicting the rear wheel slip ratio during acceleration.

The convenient handlebar switch allows the type of traction control to be changed instantly by selecting one of the three modes, even while riding. Modes 1 and 2 maintain optimum traction during cornering, like S-KTRC. Designed with sport riding in mind, they enable sharp acceleration out of corners by maximizing forward drive from the rear wheel. Modes 1 and 2 differ in the amount that they intervene. Mode 1, set for dry, good-grip road conditions, maintains the ideal slip ratio to ensure optimum traction.

Mode 3 operates like 1-mode KTRC, reducing engine power to allow grip to be regained when rear wheel-spin is detected. It is ideal when riding in slippery or wet conditions. Enabling riders to easily change traction control character, 3-mode KTRC is Kawasaki's most advanced engine management system.

Kawasaki's monocoque frame is a hollow composite of aluminum parts. Originally conceived by Kawasaki engineers, it uses the engine as a fixed member so that chassis rigidity is formed not only by the frame, but the combination of the frame and engine together. Joining the engine and front and rear suspension units, the hollow box-style frame envelops the engine from above. In addition to being made from lightweight materials, its main section also incorporates the airbox and houses the battery for an efficient design and even greater weight savings. Further, because the frame does not run beneath or alongside the engine, the chassis can be made very compact. Especially on large-displacement models, the slim chassis design of the aluminum monocoque frame contributes to light handling and ease of riding.

The aluminum monocoque frame was originally developed by Kawasaki in the 1980s for their World Grand Prix works racer. In an era where steel pipe frames were the norm, the aluminum monocoque frame that debuted on the KR500 took the world by surprise. First featured on a mass-production model on the 2000 Ninja® ZX™-12R, this original Kawasaki technology has evolved and can be found on our large-displacement flagship models.

Power modes offer riders an easily selectable choice between Full and Low Power. While Full Power is unrestricted, in Low Power mode, maximum power is limited to approximately 75-80% of Full. Throttle response is also milder in Low Power mode. Riders may opt to use Low Power mode for rainy conditions or city riding, and Full Power when sport riding.

Available on the Ninja® ZX™-14R / ZZR1400, Versys® 1000 and other Kawasaki models, when combined with the 3-mode KTRC (+ OFF) Traction Control system, Power Mode selection offers a total of eight combinations (KTRC: Mode 1/2/3/+OFF x Power Mode: Full/Low) to suit a wide range of riding situations. For example, an experienced rider enjoying sport riding on dry pavement might choose Full Power and Mode 1. On a wet or slippery surface, choosing Low Power and Mode 3 would yield the lowest chance of incurring wheel-spin, and the milder throttle response would offer a higher level of riding safety.