Kawasaki ZX-12R (2000-2006)

fuck me this is quick,bought new in 2005 after part ex'n my k2 gsxr1000,at 6'5 i wanted a bigger bike physicaly,better bike for 2 up days,and something a little different.all boxes ticked.put a full akropovic and pc3 and kn's on and full dyno with cresents in verwood 186bhp a the wheel is enough for anyone.2 up makes no difference to the way this thing gets from a to b.got the radial brake version and they seem fine bearing in mind they have to stop 1/3 of a ton from 150/160 mph.few down sides most of which are well known.if you want cheap running costs this aint the one for.eats rear tyres,drinks like amy winehouse and finish on the shiny bits isnt the best either.insurance isnt bad £300 f/c for a 32 year old.i love this bike,every time without fail i ride this bike i enjoy it.if you want a bike that IS quicker than anything else on the road with more comfort than an out and out sports bike this is the one.go one treat yourself

Having just recently chopped in my R1 after nearly 8 years of ownership and taking delivery of what can only be described as a Cruise Missile, I was a little apprehensive at first as to how I was going to get on with it. At first it appeared absolutely HUGE in comparison to my, from a cereal packet, R1. However, the stability amazed me and I found myself wafting along at silly speeds. Cornering stability is so much more predictable than my old R1, which seemed hell bent on trying to kill me every time I took it out for a spin. Maybe it’s the slower steering, or the extra weight? The engine is absolutely stonking. Even short shifting through the gears you find yourself miles ahead of practically everything. The most shocking thing was the fuel gauge. Having just put it in for a service I had them check the fuelling was ok as the tank range seemed ridiculous. I’ve been taking it relatively easy while I get used to it but the gauge seems to drop at an alarming rate. It’s the only bike I know that uses fuel just “looking” fast. Oh well, it’s only money…

Simple awesome... just so glad Kawasaki made this beast, its incredible. Best of bunch for sure. =o)

A fantastic bike how ever its top heavy and really not suitable for mountain roads with tight bends.I have toured Eurpoe on mine. It has been Maxtonised front and Rear. For all normal roads its very hard to beat but as soon as you hit any slow tight bends it shows its short comings.Long motorway hauls are a pleasure if you can control the urge to ride quickly. It needs a bigger fuel capacity, as at decent speeds it will drain a full tank in 80 miles. Back tyres should be ordered as soon as you fit a new one. Mine last 2000 miles aprox I think the new ZZ14R is pig ugly so will keep mine until Kawasaki build a prettier alternative.

I bought mine as a pre reg. It is an awesome bike. Fitted a 190 to the rear and dropped the forks 8mm so she even handles better ( I'll never do 185mph on it btw). My only downside was a BIG fallout with the warranty dept. so I'll never EVER be buying another Kawasaki...but if you want a good fast COMFY bike ( oh and fit a pair of HELLI BARS, brilliant ) then this is a good bet. Not as well finished as my Triumph though :-( Finally, ditch the Dunlops..seems to be a world wide recommendation but as we all know..tyres are a personal touch.

Bought in March 2006 . Banned May 2006 . Sums up were this bike can take you if the right hand is allowed to rule the head. Simply awesome.

Surprisingly agile big sports bike, excellent brakes, lights and comfortable riding position. Did 3500 miles in the first two weeks of ownership and didn't have a problem, what more can I say! Strengths: Good handling, sensible proportions, great lights & brakes. Weaknesses: Slightly too low handlebars, poor pillion seat, could do with more range.

Like one of the previous reviewers I used to own a zx7r and thought that it was pretty quick having owned a ehem er5 previously to gain my experience. But fuck me. This thing is fast I fitted a Blue flame Evo dual port can to it and I swear it has added at leat 8bhp. This thing flies I shit myself at the thought of what it could do if I dared. You need to recalibrate your brain to deal with the fact this thing goes so fast. The speed can be very deceptive though and you need to constantly be aware of the needle so you dont go too mad. It can be a bit heavy in the corners and the brakes do need sorting. I fitted some braking disks and braided hoses and it made all the difference. Its is definately a bike for the road (real world) Whils you can huslte it round a track i think its strenghtsd lie in fast A and B roads. I am certainly not disappointed and would def buy one again. Strengths: Unbelievable power like you have never felt. Pisses on a R1 without even unzipping its pants. Looks like Mike Tyson on steroids. Weaknesses: Poor fuel tank range. My god you need to fill up as soon as you replace the cap and start it. Poor brakes. You need to write them a letter a week in advance to notify them of a corner. Also I have been informed by the missus that the seat is so hard it could give you piles.. No bad thing I suppose at least then u can go out on your own.

Bought one from scratch 2 years ago but had it nicked from a quiet London street, so decided to save money and get a slightly used one, same glorious black and gold livery. Now had this one 6 months and still really pleased with it, for the most part. In London, insurance is a problem - standard garage of Bikesafe is compulsory, and even then it's a fortune for fully comp. Not good for city use really. Never gets out of 1st/2nd, heats up, guzzles fuel and feels temperamental, jerky and snatchy. Depends a bit how you tune it, but I always find mine frustrating till at least 2k and until past 1st gear. Might end up getting a runaround for London and keeping this for Sunday best/touring abroad. Riding position is great, long-haul trips a joy, no complaints on the ergonomics front. Strengths: Great pull after about 2-3k, very smooth in any gear above first (see weaknesses below) and beautiful finish (while it lasts?). For its cubic capacity, the profile is pretty slim. I managed to follow a mate on his new ZZR6 through really tight London traffic, so must be about same width, I would have thought. Great set of tripmeters and alternative displays. Weaknesses: No centre stand . No hard luggage available to speak of (not quite true, found some ultrasmart but practically naff, tiny hard panniers in the US that would have cost £600 to buy, another £100 to spraypaint same colour as bike and probably a good £50+ to ship over from the US). Cruising range too short for my liking (especially abroad and in remote areas): only ever managed to get 120 out of her on a full tank, even riding carefully without urban stop/start palaver.

I bought the bike brand new in 2004 after riding a ZX7R for three years and nothing could prepare me for the awesome power of the machine, this thing kicks arse believe me. People say that this bike eats rear tyres, well maybe they should try pirelli diablos as they give plenty of grip and are slower wearing. Mine is now fitted with a twin port blueflame exhaust and none of my mates on there bikes; r1s, blades etc can keep up. The bike is very capable on long journeys too with a very comfortable seat especially two up and suits my 6ft frame easily, but the only downside is the limited fuel tank range but when you have a bike this powerful you can expect shortfalls (ballistic missile). Strengths: Very very torquey engine,handles quite well,looks good,good brakes,grin factor.. Weaknesses: Tank range.