G
Guest
FIRST LOOK:
Y2K KAWASAKI ZX-12R
There's a new flagship in the Kawasaki Ninja
motorcycle series, one widely expected to set
new levels of performance for open-class
production motorcycles. The machine of the
next century is the all-new Kawasaki Ninja
ZX-12R, the most radical embodiment of
race-proven technology that Kawasaki has ever
built.
The ZX-12R follows a long line of Kawasaki motorcycles, that set standards other manufacturers were
forced to follow. From the legendary H1, to the famed Z1, through other various Ninja models such as
the ZX-11.. which carried the standard of performance for nearly a decade, the ZX-12R will be the
green benchmark into the new world order of extreme performance bikes.
The ZX-12R combines a compact engine in an all-new aluminum monocoque chassis, wrapped in
slippery aerodynamic bodywork, and equals a light weight... and high horsepower to weight ratio...
which in turn lends itself to a hold on and go for it ride unlike any other!
An all new engine... the most powerful in it's class!
Using the same bore/stroke ration that's at the heart of the class-standard setting ZX-9R and ZX-6R,
the ZX-12R engine produces more horsepower
from it's 1198cc displacement than any other
machine in it's class.
Cast pistons ride in all aluminum cylinders...
which feature electroplated bores. The pistons
are heat treated to prevent distortion and wear,
and have thin rings for quicker revs.
Four valves per cylinder are directly actuated by
dual overhead camshafts... and a right side
cam drive allows narrow valve angles for a
highly efficient combustion chamber shape. VX
thin-wire valve springs are lightweight yet
strong, and also allow the engine to rev quickly.
An added benefit of the right side cam drive is
increased torsional rigidity for the forged crankshaft, which has a special nitride treatment for extra
strength and durability. A crank mounted generator with rare-earth magnets significantly reduces
weight and friction. There is also a gear driven engine balance shaft... to smooth vibration.
The high compression engine gets it's fuel mixture through a Nipondenso-brand EFI system, and is
fed through giant 46mm throttle bodies. The injector tips have four holes aimed to spray fuel directly
at the intake valve, ala Top Fuel and Indy Car style. Electronic sensors continuously feed the system
a variety of data, used to control fuel and ignition delivery for each cylinder, independently, based
upon atmosphere and engine conditions. The result is exceptional throttle response and high output
at all engine speeds.
Fresh air is introduced via an all new frame-integrated Ram Air system offers high intake efficiency...
especially at high speeds. A large snorkel-type scoop projects about an inch from the front fairing to
take advantage of the higher air pressure just ahead of the leading edge of the fairing, further
increasing intake efficiency. The monocoque frame backbone creates an efficient airbox and a
cartridge-type air filter slides easily into an opening in the frame.
Compact stick-style ignition coils help generate the electrical current to fire the twin-electrode,
long-lasting platinum spark plugs. Burned gasses are expelled through a four-into-two-into-one
exhaust system, featuring stainless steel head pipes and a lightweight, all titanium, muffler.
Monocoque frame is light, rigid and narrow
Kawasaki was among the first to apply a
massive, twin spar aluminum perimeter frame
to an open-class production sportbike, and
once again it breaks new ground by introducing
the aluminum monocoque frame on the
ZX-12R. While the twin-spar perimeter frame
provides exceptional rigidity, it also adds width
to the motorcycle as it wraps around the
engine. The ZX-12R frame eliminates the spars
and puts the backbone over the top of the
engine. This design significantly reduces
overall width for better aerodynamics and a
more radically streamlined look, while retaining
stiffness and rigidity of a twin-spar frame.
The ZX-12R's frame consists of a cast steering head welded to pressed plates, welded to a cast mid
section, that incorporates the batter case as a stressed member. An alloy bolt-on sub-frame
supports the seat and tail section.
Lightweight aluminum is also used throughout the UNI-TRAK(R) rear suspension. An extruded
aluminum swingarm uses a linkage system to progressively increase the damping and spring rate as
the suspension is compressed. The single shock
features a piggyback reservoir, threaded spring
preload and a 20 way compression and rebound
damping adjustment. Rear ride height can also
be adjusted using shims.
Front suspension is supplied via 43mm inverted
cartridge forks with adjustable preload,
compression and rebound dampening. The upper
fork crown is cast aluminum to reduce weight
while the lower clamp is forged aluminum for
strength.
New 17" three spokes feature hexagonal spokes. The rear utilizes a six inch wide wheel, and an even
wider 200-50 tire for excellent traction. Braking is accomplished with huge 320mm dual front brake
rotors, and lightweight six piston calipers. The rear uses a single 230mm rotor, and a lightweight
opposed piston caliper is secured to the swingarm.
Aircraft inspired aerodynamics
In order to make it as aerodynamic as possible, the ZX-12R spent more time in a wind tunnel during
it's development phase, than any other motorcycle in Kawasaki's
history. Due to the monocoque chassis design, the ZX-12R is
already narrower than any other machine in it's class. The front
cowl wraps tighter ahead of the radiator to reduce frontal area and
enhance airflow through the engine compartment. Small winglets
on either side of the fairing may be mistaken for creating down
force when they actually separate airflow around the motorcycle,
preventing turbulent air coming off the front wheel from disturbing
the laminar airflow along the upper portion of the fairing.
Separating the laminar flow and turbulence greatly enhances the
fairing's coefficient of drag. To reduce drag further, there are also
small wind deflectors cast into the bottom of the forks that deflect
the turbulent air coming off the fork and brakes out and around
the lower part of the fairing, where resistance is low, instead of
allowing this air to flow inward toward the engine, where
resistance is high.
Additionally, the ZX-12R has a passenger seat cover, that easily
attaches to provide a sleek and aerodynamic custom appearance
for solo riders.
Into the new millennium
The new Ninja ZX-12R delivers a radical interpretation of race-proven technology, setting the standard
for sport bikes of the 21st century. With it's high performance, cutting edge engine pumping out the
most horsepower in it's class, innovative monocoque frame and highly-developed aerodynamics, the
ZX-12R extends the performance legacy of Kawasaki's Ninja sportbike lineup.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Engine:
4-stroke, Inline Four, DOHC
180 estimated horsepower
Displacement:
1198cc
Bore/Stroke:
83.0mm x 55.4mm
Carburetion:
EFI w/46mm Throttle Bodies
Ignition:
Digital
Transmission:
6 Speed
Frame:
Aluminum Monocoque
Suspension:
Front:
43mm inverted hydraulic telescopic fork with 12-way adjustable
compression and rebound damping, adjustable spring preload
Rear:
Uni-Trak system with single shock, 20-way adjustable compression and
rebound dampening, adjustable ride height
Tires:
Front:
120/70x17 tubeless
Rear:
200/50x17 tubeless
Brakes:
Front:
320mm dual hydraulic discs, six piston caliper
Rear:
230mm single hydraulic discs, dual piston caliper
Dimensions:
Overall Length:
81.9"
Overall Width:
32.6"
Overall Height:
47.4"
Ground
Clearance:
4.6"
Seat Height:
32.3"
Dry Weight:
476 lbs
Fuel Capacity:
5.3 US/Gal
Wheelbase:
56.5"
Colors:
Candy Persimmon Red, Candy Lime Green
FEATURES AND ADVANTAGES:
4-Cylinder 1198cc Engine
Compact and light weight
Aluminum cylinders with electroplated bores, reduce weight, resist wear and offer superior
heat dispersion
Balancer shaft for smooth running at all RPM
Four Valves per Cylinder
Better breathing for more power at high RPM
Compact combustion chamber for increased compression ratio and more power
Nipondenso Fuel Injection System
46mm throttle bodies for quick throttle
response and high output.
Each injector has four orifices, aimed to
spray fuel directly onto intake valve
Digital Ignition
Independent timing control for each cylinder
based on data from several engine and
atmospheric sensors
Stick-type ignition coils are compact and lightweight
4-into-2-into-1 Exhaust System
Stainless steel header pipes
All titanium muffler
All-Aluminum Monocoque Frame
Lightweight and narrow with exceptional strength and rigidity
Serves as airbox and battery holder to save space
Fuel tank has been relocated beneth the rider, lowering the center of gravity and moving over
30 pounds of weight over twelve inches down in the bike
Ram Air Intake
Increases volumetric efficiency as speeds rise,
for more horsepower
Designed for maximum pressurization
Aerodynamic Fairing
Separates turbulence and laminar airflow for increased drag
Dual headlights for more aggressive look
Distinctive parking headlight for better visibility
43mm Inverted Front Fork
Fully adjustable spring preload, compression and rebound dampening
Bottom-Link Uni-Trak Rear Suspension
Lowers the center of gravity for better handling
Progressive rate provides a smoother, more controlled ride
Lightweight aluminum components provide quick
suspension response
Fully adjustable shock with piggyback reservoir
Rear Passenger Seat Cover
Installs easily to provide sleek, aerodynamic appearance
All Electric Instrumentation
Electric tachometer, speedometer are compact and lightweight
LCD clock, odometer, trip meter, and coolant temperature gauge with LED warning light
17" Wheels - Massive Rear Tire
Wide, modern 17-inch rims, fit low profile, high performance tires
Comes with 200-50x17 rear tire
Y2K KAWASAKI ZX-12R
There's a new flagship in the Kawasaki Ninja
motorcycle series, one widely expected to set
new levels of performance for open-class
production motorcycles. The machine of the
next century is the all-new Kawasaki Ninja
ZX-12R, the most radical embodiment of
race-proven technology that Kawasaki has ever
built.
The ZX-12R follows a long line of Kawasaki motorcycles, that set standards other manufacturers were
forced to follow. From the legendary H1, to the famed Z1, through other various Ninja models such as
the ZX-11.. which carried the standard of performance for nearly a decade, the ZX-12R will be the
green benchmark into the new world order of extreme performance bikes.
The ZX-12R combines a compact engine in an all-new aluminum monocoque chassis, wrapped in
slippery aerodynamic bodywork, and equals a light weight... and high horsepower to weight ratio...
which in turn lends itself to a hold on and go for it ride unlike any other!
An all new engine... the most powerful in it's class!
Using the same bore/stroke ration that's at the heart of the class-standard setting ZX-9R and ZX-6R,
the ZX-12R engine produces more horsepower
from it's 1198cc displacement than any other
machine in it's class.
Cast pistons ride in all aluminum cylinders...
which feature electroplated bores. The pistons
are heat treated to prevent distortion and wear,
and have thin rings for quicker revs.
Four valves per cylinder are directly actuated by
dual overhead camshafts... and a right side
cam drive allows narrow valve angles for a
highly efficient combustion chamber shape. VX
thin-wire valve springs are lightweight yet
strong, and also allow the engine to rev quickly.
An added benefit of the right side cam drive is
increased torsional rigidity for the forged crankshaft, which has a special nitride treatment for extra
strength and durability. A crank mounted generator with rare-earth magnets significantly reduces
weight and friction. There is also a gear driven engine balance shaft... to smooth vibration.
The high compression engine gets it's fuel mixture through a Nipondenso-brand EFI system, and is
fed through giant 46mm throttle bodies. The injector tips have four holes aimed to spray fuel directly
at the intake valve, ala Top Fuel and Indy Car style. Electronic sensors continuously feed the system
a variety of data, used to control fuel and ignition delivery for each cylinder, independently, based
upon atmosphere and engine conditions. The result is exceptional throttle response and high output
at all engine speeds.
Fresh air is introduced via an all new frame-integrated Ram Air system offers high intake efficiency...
especially at high speeds. A large snorkel-type scoop projects about an inch from the front fairing to
take advantage of the higher air pressure just ahead of the leading edge of the fairing, further
increasing intake efficiency. The monocoque frame backbone creates an efficient airbox and a
cartridge-type air filter slides easily into an opening in the frame.
Compact stick-style ignition coils help generate the electrical current to fire the twin-electrode,
long-lasting platinum spark plugs. Burned gasses are expelled through a four-into-two-into-one
exhaust system, featuring stainless steel head pipes and a lightweight, all titanium, muffler.
Monocoque frame is light, rigid and narrow
Kawasaki was among the first to apply a
massive, twin spar aluminum perimeter frame
to an open-class production sportbike, and
once again it breaks new ground by introducing
the aluminum monocoque frame on the
ZX-12R. While the twin-spar perimeter frame
provides exceptional rigidity, it also adds width
to the motorcycle as it wraps around the
engine. The ZX-12R frame eliminates the spars
and puts the backbone over the top of the
engine. This design significantly reduces
overall width for better aerodynamics and a
more radically streamlined look, while retaining
stiffness and rigidity of a twin-spar frame.
The ZX-12R's frame consists of a cast steering head welded to pressed plates, welded to a cast mid
section, that incorporates the batter case as a stressed member. An alloy bolt-on sub-frame
supports the seat and tail section.
Lightweight aluminum is also used throughout the UNI-TRAK(R) rear suspension. An extruded
aluminum swingarm uses a linkage system to progressively increase the damping and spring rate as
the suspension is compressed. The single shock
features a piggyback reservoir, threaded spring
preload and a 20 way compression and rebound
damping adjustment. Rear ride height can also
be adjusted using shims.
Front suspension is supplied via 43mm inverted
cartridge forks with adjustable preload,
compression and rebound dampening. The upper
fork crown is cast aluminum to reduce weight
while the lower clamp is forged aluminum for
strength.
New 17" three spokes feature hexagonal spokes. The rear utilizes a six inch wide wheel, and an even
wider 200-50 tire for excellent traction. Braking is accomplished with huge 320mm dual front brake
rotors, and lightweight six piston calipers. The rear uses a single 230mm rotor, and a lightweight
opposed piston caliper is secured to the swingarm.
Aircraft inspired aerodynamics
In order to make it as aerodynamic as possible, the ZX-12R spent more time in a wind tunnel during
it's development phase, than any other motorcycle in Kawasaki's
history. Due to the monocoque chassis design, the ZX-12R is
already narrower than any other machine in it's class. The front
cowl wraps tighter ahead of the radiator to reduce frontal area and
enhance airflow through the engine compartment. Small winglets
on either side of the fairing may be mistaken for creating down
force when they actually separate airflow around the motorcycle,
preventing turbulent air coming off the front wheel from disturbing
the laminar airflow along the upper portion of the fairing.
Separating the laminar flow and turbulence greatly enhances the
fairing's coefficient of drag. To reduce drag further, there are also
small wind deflectors cast into the bottom of the forks that deflect
the turbulent air coming off the fork and brakes out and around
the lower part of the fairing, where resistance is low, instead of
allowing this air to flow inward toward the engine, where
resistance is high.
Additionally, the ZX-12R has a passenger seat cover, that easily
attaches to provide a sleek and aerodynamic custom appearance
for solo riders.
Into the new millennium
The new Ninja ZX-12R delivers a radical interpretation of race-proven technology, setting the standard
for sport bikes of the 21st century. With it's high performance, cutting edge engine pumping out the
most horsepower in it's class, innovative monocoque frame and highly-developed aerodynamics, the
ZX-12R extends the performance legacy of Kawasaki's Ninja sportbike lineup.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Engine:
4-stroke, Inline Four, DOHC
180 estimated horsepower
Displacement:
1198cc
Bore/Stroke:
83.0mm x 55.4mm
Carburetion:
EFI w/46mm Throttle Bodies
Ignition:
Digital
Transmission:
6 Speed
Frame:
Aluminum Monocoque
Suspension:
Front:
43mm inverted hydraulic telescopic fork with 12-way adjustable
compression and rebound damping, adjustable spring preload
Rear:
Uni-Trak system with single shock, 20-way adjustable compression and
rebound dampening, adjustable ride height
Tires:
Front:
120/70x17 tubeless
Rear:
200/50x17 tubeless
Brakes:
Front:
320mm dual hydraulic discs, six piston caliper
Rear:
230mm single hydraulic discs, dual piston caliper
Dimensions:
Overall Length:
81.9"
Overall Width:
32.6"
Overall Height:
47.4"
Ground
Clearance:
4.6"
Seat Height:
32.3"
Dry Weight:
476 lbs
Fuel Capacity:
5.3 US/Gal
Wheelbase:
56.5"
Colors:
Candy Persimmon Red, Candy Lime Green
FEATURES AND ADVANTAGES:
4-Cylinder 1198cc Engine
Compact and light weight
Aluminum cylinders with electroplated bores, reduce weight, resist wear and offer superior
heat dispersion
Balancer shaft for smooth running at all RPM
Four Valves per Cylinder
Better breathing for more power at high RPM
Compact combustion chamber for increased compression ratio and more power
Nipondenso Fuel Injection System
46mm throttle bodies for quick throttle
response and high output.
Each injector has four orifices, aimed to
spray fuel directly onto intake valve
Digital Ignition
Independent timing control for each cylinder
based on data from several engine and
atmospheric sensors
Stick-type ignition coils are compact and lightweight
4-into-2-into-1 Exhaust System
Stainless steel header pipes
All titanium muffler
All-Aluminum Monocoque Frame
Lightweight and narrow with exceptional strength and rigidity
Serves as airbox and battery holder to save space
Fuel tank has been relocated beneth the rider, lowering the center of gravity and moving over
30 pounds of weight over twelve inches down in the bike
Ram Air Intake
Increases volumetric efficiency as speeds rise,
for more horsepower
Designed for maximum pressurization
Aerodynamic Fairing
Separates turbulence and laminar airflow for increased drag
Dual headlights for more aggressive look
Distinctive parking headlight for better visibility
43mm Inverted Front Fork
Fully adjustable spring preload, compression and rebound dampening
Bottom-Link Uni-Trak Rear Suspension
Lowers the center of gravity for better handling
Progressive rate provides a smoother, more controlled ride
Lightweight aluminum components provide quick
suspension response
Fully adjustable shock with piggyback reservoir
Rear Passenger Seat Cover
Installs easily to provide sleek, aerodynamic appearance
All Electric Instrumentation
Electric tachometer, speedometer are compact and lightweight
LCD clock, odometer, trip meter, and coolant temperature gauge with LED warning light
17" Wheels - Massive Rear Tire
Wide, modern 17-inch rims, fit low profile, high performance tires
Comes with 200-50x17 rear tire
