Do you know the early model of the iconic Ninja moniker was produced by Kawasaki way back in 1984?

From the island of Japan in the North-Western Pacific Ocean, motorcycle brand Kawasaki has ruled the two-wheeler automotive industry since time immemorial. Over the decades, the automobile manufacturer has produced numerous motorcycles, scooters and even boats that are beyond one’s imagination. Out of all their products, the Ninja motorcycle series has consistently been a hot favourite among the two-wheeler community. From racing tracks to the highways, the Ninja has plastered its position forever. While most of the individuals are aware of the series, much may not be cognizant of some fascinating facts related to the Ninja motorcycles. To learn the facts, scroll down.

• The name Ninja originated in the American plant of Kawasaki and not in Japan.
• The H2 and H2R motorcycle belonging to the Ninja family contains pure silver in their paint.
• The first Ninja was introduced in 1984, and it was the 900R. Back in the day, the Ninja 900R was the fastest motorcycle on earth. If you have watched the Tom Cruise flick Top Gun 1, you’ve seen him riding the iconic motorcycle.
• The name Ninja was not the first option for Kawasaki. Kawasaki was looking forward to naming the entire series as Panther until Mike Vaughn, the Managing Director for Kawasaki stepped in and went for the moniker of Ninja.
• Although the Kawasaki Ninja H2 and H2R are not street legal motorcycles and are solely meant for tracks, the pair are not allowed in various races. For example, one cannot take part in the Isle of Man TT using the two motorcycles.
• In 1990, the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-11 was the first motorcycle in the world to use a RAM air intake.
• As per a study by Kawasaki, most of their purchasers of the Ninja 1000 model are aged between 45-47. Also, all the purchasers have an average riding experience of 19.4 years.
• Kawasaki is known for painting most of their models in Lime Green shade. The Lime Green shade was used first time by the Japanese brand in 1969 when they painted their motorcycles in the Lime Green colour for the Daytona 200.
• In 1980, the Kawasaki KR500 Grand Prix motorcycle used a monocoque frame. 20 years later, the brand brought the same frame in the Ninja ZX-12R, which became the first production motorcycle in the world to use a monocoque frame.