ZX12R's through the years

[BladeBoy]

9's were based on the 12, no?

[FrogZ]

The worst part of it is I cant even bag ya for owning a Honda anymore.
And in my new superlight 2 stroke world you are ALL riding barges !!!!
Who needs more than 38 HP after all

(12 withdrawal has this affect, take pity on me, slip me a 'busa or something if you see me on the street)

[BladeBoy]

The worst part of it is I cant even bag ya for owning a Honda anymore.
And in my new superlight 2 stroke world you are ALL riding barges !!!!
Who needs more than 38 HP after all

(12 withdrawal has this affect, take pity on me, slip me a 'busa or something if you see me on the street)

joking...

[FrogZ]

I think the first ZX9 was 1994 and the first 12 as 2000 so it very well MAY be the other way around BUT the 12 has a monocoque (and der wings). Only a 14 has that (or an old GP bike). A 12 may LOOK like a scaled up 9 but in reality I would think they are seperate bikes, taking into account that kwaka is a small company and would obv have a small design team.

[Jonno]

9's were based on the 12, no?

Not until 2000, then it was basically headlights and some stuff, the 12R got the proven bore stroke ratio from the 9 and 6R but nothing else. The 12R was a separate design team and engineered from the ground up all on it's own

[Jonno]

Im thinking of swapping my 636 for a 12.....

Are there things to consider? Is the 06 much better than the 00?

Ok this all i can find out. the 2004 to 2006 models are exactly the same except colors, these models are more refined than the A and early B models.

(written by Phantom on the zx12r.org forum)

The 2000 ZX12R (A1 model) was the only model WITHOUT an electronic limiter. This often leads people into thinking it's the fastest/quickest... but that is not quite the case. You can easily make up to the 2003 model ZX12R unrestricted with a Muzzy Bonneville box. 2004 -2006 it so far has been impossible to bypass the restriction and many have tried.

The 2000-2001 (A1-A2) had a lighter crank than the 2002-2005 models (B1-B4)... this was both good and bad. The lighter crank helped the rpm's spin up quicker, but made launching from a dig very difficult. It also made for excessive engine breaking. Only thing it was good for is acceleration in the first couple gears from a roll. Kawasaki beefed up the crank in the B models and drag racers/road racers seem to like it. Must be why the did the same thing to the new gen ZX10R for 06. Being able to 60 foot a bike and/or come into a corner off the throttle without losing too much rpm is definately more useful than slightly quicker spin up in the first couple gears.

In 2001, the ZX12R got different cams and different throttle boots along with the electronic limiter (186mph). All else remained the same. The 2001's were said to make the same top end power but had a little more grunt in the midrange.

In 2002, the ZX12R got a major revamp. These are the 2nd gen 12's. In total, there were 140 changes over the 2001 model. Most of them being cosmetic and/or suspension related. The B model ZX12R's were more aerodynamic, better handling, smoother fuel delivery, and in my opinion... better looking.

The important upgrades of the B models are as follows:

Heavier crank
Double bubble windcreen
30% larger ram air duct (also ribbed for better effect on the sides)
Revised ram air tubing
Slightly more aerodynamic front fairing
Oval throttle pulley
Revised swingarm pivot
Upgraded suspension and geometry
Better fit/finish overall


In 2003, the bike remained exactly the same... just different colors.

2004 the ZX12R got a few more upgrades:

Radial mount 4 piston calipers
Different rotors
Secondary throttle blades (probably slowed the airflow down but smoothed out throttle response)
New fuel/timing map in the ECU


2006 & 2005.... same as 2004.

Here is a good read on the updates on the 2002 model http://www.sportbikes.com/news/sep01/000918_01_12r.html

and

also some light reading on all things 12R http://www.zx-12r.org/Motorcycle_info/Bike_ZX12_Maintenance_index.htm

Have a read of the recall links, one there about oil wicking on the 2000-2003 through the alternator lead connector onto the rear tyre, however a vigilant owner would have had this fixed.

I hope this helps with your decision.

[Phil]

I gave an honest answer - 12r, for the commute too much fuel, too many rear tyres, get a 9

No offence to 9 owners, but I think 9's are not attractive........

thats ok, they dont think your much chop either

[Smitty]

9's were based on the 12, no?

Not until 2000, then it was basically headlights and some stuff, the 12R got the proven bore stroke ratio from the 9 and 6R but nothing else. The 12R was a separate design team and engineered from the ground up all on it's own

correcto

and I have Kwakas ZX12R design/engineering team's 'Silver' book to prove it

cheers

[Duane]

but what I was saying was in context. the years stereo was looking to buy a bike from, the 9's would have been "based" on looks from the 12, no?

[Jonno]

but what I was saying was in context. the years stereo was looking to buy a bike from, the 9's would have been "based" on looks from the 12, no?

A 9 is a nine, they used the current look at the time to "color all models including the 6", look at other makes/manufacturers and you will see the 2 headlight look from 2000.

[Blue14]

May i have my 2 cents worth please.. Well being the owner of one of the greatest bikes ever made i will tell you this. They are not a sports tourer, as a sports tourer wouldnt try and throw you off the back. Now if you havent owned one nor ridden one then you are so deprived its not funny. Now i have only ridden a handful of bikes, but when its all said and done the 12 is one awesome machine. I definately wouldnt use it as a commuter as they are thirsty and can chew the tyres up, but i know Gosling does use his daily. They are smooth and easy to ride, just respect the throttle and it will respect you.

[Jonno]

May i have my 2 cents worth please.. Well being the owner of one of the greatest bikes ever made i will tell you this. They are not a sports tourer, as a sports tourer wouldnt try and throw you off the back. Now if you havent owned one nor ridden one then you are so deprived its not funny. Now i have only ridden a handful of bikes, but when its all said and done the 12 is one awesome machine. I definately wouldnt use it as a commuter as they are thirsty and can chew the tyres up, but i know Gosling does use his daily. They are smooth and easy to ride, just respect the throttle and it will respect you.

That is pure love
as mentiond un-less you have owned one you can never comment on the 12 and be respected

[z900/zx9]

Stereo get a nine. and might as well get a gold one ask ponti ,robsalv or mal the gold ones are cool and there not dated there just nines and they will never settle down

[mrmina]

Stereo get a nine. and might as well get a gold one ask ponti ,robsalv or mal the gold ones are cool and there not dated there just nines and they will never settle down

whatever helps u sleep at night mal

[mrmina]

This thread is rediculous - the poor boy asked a simple question and has to sift through all this shit to find any reasonable info!

come on jess, u've been around long enough to know that we dont offer clear cut advice, its always grey, nothing ever balck or white