Now Kawasaki has announced a Performance Sport version of the mighty ZZR1400 which, for the European market, will come equipped as standard with a bespoke Öhlins TTX rear shock absorber and Akrapovic lightweight titanium silencers.

With its patented concentric twin-tube design, the Öhlins TTX rear shock – complete with easy to adjust remote pre-load adjuster – separates the compression side of the main piston and rebound valve delivering the possibility to completely separate the adjustment for each function for a high degree of suspension compliance.

Having 22 possible adjustments for both damping and rebound, plus high quality components in its construction, the TTX shock fitted to the ZZR1400 Performance Sport is a joint development between the two companies and promises to deliver increased rear stability, riding comfort and an even more “planted” feel.

Combined with the new rear shock, the European market Performance Sport model also features titanium Akrapovic slip-on silencers which reduce weight and deliver a sporty note adding to the considerable riding pleasure. That pleasure is further enhanced by a bubble screen which allows even more comfortable highway cruising and new seat covering material creating a unified overall look for a machine which is sure to be in great demand when it is released for sale in late 2013.

From a rider perspective, the final part of the ZZR1400 Performance Sport specification is the adoption of black effect speedometer and tachometer meter rings with the Kawasaki “flying K” logo appearing between the respective dials.

“The ZZR1400 is understandably at the forefront of our sports touring offering”, commented Yasushi Kawakami, Managing Director of Kawasaki Motors Europe. “With so many dedicated ZZR fans – and significant numbers of riders migrating from other offerings in the market – the new Öhlins TTX equipped ZZR1400 Performance Sport looks set to add yet more choice for those who appreciate ultimate performance in terms of power, poise and handling”.