The ZX-14R has seen a major redesign especially on the inline four power unit, which has seen its displacement increased by 4mm stroke addition. According to MotocycleUSA it now gives the bike an eye watering 1441cc. The pistons have been increased in strength as well as losing some weight.

There is an all new oil jet cooling system that will provide constant lubrication under each of the new pistons. You also get an updated fuel injection system that has lower emissions and idle adjustment. Kawasaki claim all the changes to the power plant provide more power across the rev range, with the mid to high range benefiting most.

To control the extra power Kawasaki have provided a dual-driven counterbalancer, and has seen some other chassis alterations as well. Over half of the aluminum castings and forgings have been changed, and the rear swingarm has grown 10mm. This has resulted in a much stiffer frame to cope with all that power.

It’s not the lightest of machines tough weighing in at 584.3 lbs, and it is thought to produce in the excess of 200bhp that can produce a limited 186mph. When it is available it will set you back a cool $14,699/£11,000. Use the link to find out more.

The baby Ninja has had the market to itself thanks to aggressive pricing and awesome specs. However, Honda have a lot of money and experience behind them, so it was obvious that they would want to mount a challenge – one that they have done and then some.

The 2011 Kawasaki Ninja 250R keeps up the tradition by being the fastest 250cc bike on the Indian market, but the 2011 Honda CBR250R has an ace up its sleeve, and that is with better drivability. There are a number of reasons for this, and being much lighter certainly is a key factor.

The Indian Cars and Motorcycles Blog believes that when it comes down to it, most people will go for looks, and the Ninja seems to win that round. So does it come down to looks, or will the disadvantage of the Kawasaki Ninja 250R make you choose the Honda CBR250R.