the ZX-12 is already "built" to its extent,
the ZX-12 fit-and-finish is terrible,
the ZX-12 has very little aftermarket support,
need I go on?
Well, yes actually, but on topic this time please.
The first criticism I can understand without having to agree with, the second is entirely subjective and the third is moot - The issue being
build quality.
The statement was made the the Kawi lacks the build quality of the Suzuki. The state of tune of the engine and the supposed lack of aftermarket support have absolutely nothing to do with build quality.
Still listening...
Steve
Still listening?
Nice...
Here's a thought, I went and looked at a 12R before deciding on a Busa, I really liked the 9R I had ridden a few times so I thought yeah OK...
Well, while looking the thing over I notice body panels that do not fit correctly, specifically the pillion cover. Not just on one sample but both 12's in the show room, I asked the dealer WTF is up with all the crooked parts? He says, "They are all like that." Oh OK... Looks are subjective, a personal choice, but body panels that have variable gaps throughout are not. While I support Kawasaki employing the Blind in the assembly process, it may not be to the 12R's advantage, walk around one in a showroom, you'll see what I am talking about.
Lets talk about switch gear, I have always disliked Suzuki's for their cheap feeling switch gear...well I am all better now because I have found someone who does it worse. Let's talk about finishing of your instrument panel and the surrounding areas. Busa looks very nicely finished; the 12R has the same wires and headlight assed up view as the 9R. Important for performance? Hell no, but it sure does add a nice finishing touch.
Still listening? Good, now how about either not including your personal attacks on others in a discussion, or if you are playing, include a motie or two so it's apparent. Sarcasm and jabs translate poorly into text.
A couple of other thoughts sort of standard I suppose...
- Busa if nothing else, for better or worse, is unique looking, my wife says it looks muscular, menacing in black I think...
12R, Looks like everything else...
- Busa has accessible power everywhere, especially down low and mid-range, where 98% of us spend most of our time. 12R from what I have heard has a really cool top end rush, but how Kawasaki managed to build a peaky 1200cc motor is a mystery.
Finally who really gives a rat's ass? Seriously, we're all out there riding to have fun. So who gives a damn about a 1/10th of a second this way or that? We ride because it's a passion, something we got to do, all of us. So are we going to stir a pot of hatred in out own sport bike community? I mean hell everyone else already hates us as a group, why stir up more of it? When I run into a Kawasaki mounted rider out in the sticks I do not give a damn what he or she is riding, I am just happy to find someone else out there having fun...