Kawasaki Ninja ZX-RR 1/12th – kit #14109
I didn't except much from this kit as I thought it was an older Tamiya kit (2007). I added Tamiya Detail Up forks #12619 and Top Studio #Md29005 detail set.
I was at first unimpressed with Top Studio set but as I began to work with it it proved very detailed and at times demanding.
I don't want to bomb the headlines with tons of photos so you can see progress shots of the build here https://bike-queen.org/news/?p=683
The details were really great with the add on parts. This is my 4th or 5th Ninja and I am starting to really appreciate the Kawasaki motorcycle.
Here is some history of the bike, copied from the instructions that came with the model.
In the late 1970s, Kawasaki motorcycles dominated the 250cc and 350cc classes of Grand Prix motorcycle racing. The introduction, in 1980, of the KR500 GP racer, which featured a revolutionary monocoque frame, secured the company's spot as the center of attention in the motorcycle racing world. However, Kawasaki withdrew from international Grand Prix cycle racing in 1982, and would remain absent for 20 years.
The final round of MotoGP in 2002 saw the long-awaited return of a lime green bike to the racing circuit, and Kawasaki has participated fully since 2003. The Kawasaki Ninja ZX-RR incorporates a wealth of know-how gained on the World Superbike circuit and features an inline 4-cylinder 990cc engine and Bridgestone tires. In 2004, Japanese rider Shinya Nakano joined Kawasaki, which was in the process of dramatically improving its racing technology.
These developments bore fruit when Nakano took 3rd place in Round 12 Japan GP. In 2005, a number of upgrades were made to the engine, including electronically-controlled gasoline injection and unequally-spaced combustion. In 2006 the ZX-RR was completely re-engineered, from engine to frame, to prepare it for the switch to 800cc racing in 2007.
Engine placement was revised to allow lowered center of gravity and weight concentration. The frame and swing arm were given upgraded durability, while braking stability and cornering speed were also improved.
Team Kawasaki riders S. Nakano and Randy De Puniet of France exhibited great potential throughout the 2006 season. Nakano finished the opening race in 7th place, and almost won pole position at Round 5 France GP, finally winning a podium spot with his 2nd place finish at Round 8 Netherlands.
This kit was a joy to build and improved my micro detailing. Some of the detail shots in the thumbnails below
Enjoy and view more of my bikes on the motorcycle group of iModeler.
"Nice bike" Cricket (@bikequeen) 🙂
I know jack about bikes and bike model kits but your end result looks fantastic. Well done 😀
@scottiya Thank you sir! I appreciate that!
The first time I had interaction with a lime green Kwak, was when a buddy of mine asked me to strip and rebuild his KX125. That was back in 86, I think? That thing tore up the mud, and looked like a diamond! Not bad, for a young man, with no internet and limited tools. Pulling out and pressing in the new bearings, took up most of my time. Especially when I only had a bottle jack!
But that's a lovely representation, of something that I could only ever see in a magazine! Excellent work, Cricket, and thanks for an awesome flashback in my life.
@bozzer thank you Stephen! I enjoyed building it!
I love Kawasakis, Cricket @bikequeen, and this one is as good as it gets.
@chinesegeorge thank you George! It’s not my best Kawasaki but it turned out well, much bette than I expected
Wow, Cricket (@bikequeen). Another great-looking bike in some really amazing colors.
@gblair thak you George .. Kawasaki green 🙂
You can't kid me, Cricket - that's a real one!
Great work and super result.
@tcinla thank you Tom, I assure it’s a model 😉
Fooled me again, Cricket. I thought it was real too!
@j-healy 🙂 thank you John
Stunning result. Looks as real as any I’ve seen
@coondog Thanks again Matt
The CF a display base really lets it pop
@johnaitken Thank you John i like the base too, nice reflections
Fantastic job, awesome result and a really great build thread, Cricket!
Keep them coming!
@fiveten thank you Spiros i enjoyed this build, it testin my micro building skills…and improved them. I recommend the Top Studio stuff
Impressive work, Cricket @bikequeen
It surely looks like to be a showroom bike, very realistic.
Good idea to leave off the fairing so you can enjoy all those detailes.
@johnb yes I was not going to cover all that detail, i sliced the cowling decals along the lines and applied them, turned out to be a good idea 🙂
Great looking bike! @bikequeen
Thank you john1 🙂 @jdtruby
A beautiful job of fine detailing Cricket, it looks so real. As they say "Go like the Kwakas "
@firelockg Thank you Ian, I really like the Kawasaki’s especially the Ninjas 🙂