ZX12r

Speedy2007 · Renault 5 Driver Joined: 24 Oct 2013 Karma :

I have developed a deep need to own a ZX12r. I have had several Blackbirds, a Hayabusa and a ZZR1400. The ZX seems to be such a lot of bike for the money and an initial enquiry with my insurers says that the increased cost on my multi-bike policy is not too bad.

Would I be disappointed? Is it important to look for the newer model after, I believe, 2003?

Any advice would be welcome.

Wafer_Thin_Ham · Super Spammer Joined: 18 Nov 2005 Karma :

I think they're pretty much the same 2000-2006. A couple of changes in 2002 (heavier crank remapped injection/ignition) then radial brakes in 2004.

Buy the best condition your budget allows.
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arry · Super Spammer Joined: 03 Jan 2009 Karma :

I don't think you will be. A friend of mine has had one for as long as I can remember; there's a reason he's kept it.

The owners club take a ride up into Wales every year which by all accounts is a bit of a good weekend.

stevo as b4 · World Chat Champion Joined: 17 Jul 2003 Karma :

Are you a big tall lad?
Back in its day they were seen as the closest thing to a big sports bike a really tall person could fit on and ride. I've only ridden the Black Bird, but out of the three bikes I personally think it's the most compromised.

Some bought them simply because they wanted more power than the Honda and couldn't get on with the melty looks of the Suzuki. There's a very good reason for the way the Hayabusa looks, and it's my opinion that your never going to buy a bike like this to lust over its figure, but you buy it because it's very effective at something.

The late ZX12R's got radial four pot calipers if your one of these people that are allergic to Tokico 6pots.

trevor saxe-coburg-gotha · World Chat Champion Joined: 22 Nov 2012 Karma :

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chris-red · Have you considered a TDM? Joined: 21 Sep 2005 Karma :

Kawasaki Jimbo · World Chat Champion Joined: 09 Oct 2015 Karma :

I've had no negative experiences with my Tokico 6-pots either.

trevor saxe-coburg-gotha · World Chat Champion Joined: 22 Nov 2012 Karma :

please never say that - the gods of six pot callipers do not favour hubris and complacency and indeed have been known to punish it
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stevo as b4 · World Chat Champion Joined: 17 Jul 2003 Karma :

I too was full of Tokico 6pot love. An awesome brake when they are working correctly IMO. Wub

I never rode my Tokicos through winter though, and after a wet ride I'd be one of those fools in the garage cleaning and polishing for hours, and using pipe cleaners etc.

Oh and Chris Red, tbh with you the Yamaha TDM was one of its best put together and well built bikes of its range at the time. A cared for 20year old one can still look really nice, and I reckon it'd take 20years to deliberately kill one too.

If I had to own a 12R it'd probably have to be an early one for me, as like lots of Kawasaki's the first years colours are often the best, most subtle and nicest.

Kawasaki Jimbo · World Chat Champion Joined: 09 Oct 2015 Karma :

I ride through several winters and the bike lived outside. What might have made a difference to the Tokicos was daily use, and rinsing the bike from a watering can after a particularly filthy ride. The bike didn't get washed very often but when it did I was pretty thorough.

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