Segment:
Sport-touring / Naked sportbike
Target Audience:
Enthusiast riders, DIY mechanics, and professional motorcycle repair shops.
Key Competitors Era:
Suzuki GSX1300R Hayabusa, Honda CBR1100XX Super Blackbird, Yamaha YZF1000R Thunderace, Yamaha FJR1300.
Vehicle Appeal:
Classic Japanese muscle bike styling, potent inline-four engine, comfortable riding position for longer distances.
Manual Utility:
Provides essential information for maintaining peak performance, diagnosing issues, and performing repairs, extending the lifespan of the motorcycle.
Engine Management:
Detailed diagnostics and repair for fuel injection, ignition system, emissions control, and engine mechanical components.
Drivetrain:
Comprehensive coverage of clutch, transmission (gearbox), and final drive (chain and sprockets).
Suspension:
Front fork (including adjustment and internal components) and rear shock absorber servicing and repair.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake system maintenance, caliper overhaul, master cylinder, and hydraulic line bleeding procedures.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, starter system, charging system (alternator/stator, regulator/rectifier), lighting, instrumentation, and accessory circuits.
Cooling System:
Radiator, fan, hoses, thermostat, and coolant replacement procedures.
Frame And Bodywork:
Chassis inspection, fairing removal/installation, seat, fuel tank, and control cable adjustments.
Preventative Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance checks, oil changes, filter replacements, chain lubrication and adjustment, spark plug service, and general inspection points.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts and flowcharts for common issues related to starting, running, and electrical problems.
Component Overhaul:
Step-by-step instructions for disassembling, inspecting, and reassembling major components like the engine, carburetor (earlier models), fuel injectors, and brake calipers.
Engine Rebuild:
Detailed procedures for engine disassembly, piston ring replacement, valve adjustment, camshaft timing, and cylinder head service.
Electrical Diagnostics:
Procedures for testing battery voltage, alternator output, ignition coil resistance, and sensor readings.
Diagnostic Capability:
Advanced diagnostic capabilities, including specific troubleshooting flowcharts and specifications for identifying and resolving complex mechanical and electrical faults.
Repair Procedures:
Comprehensive repair instructions for virtually all systems, suitable for experienced home mechanics or professional technicians.
Specification Accuracy:
Precise torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, and electrical resistance values required for accurate servicing and repair.
Engine Type:
Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC, inline-four
Displacement:
1199 cc (73.1 cu. in.)
Bore X Stroke:
79.0 x 58.0 mm
Horsepower Est:
120-125 HP (at crankshaft, depending on market and year)
Torque Est:
100-105 Nm (approx. 74-77 lb-ft) (at crankshaft)
Fuel Delivery:
Fuel Injection (for most models), Keihin CVKD36 carburetors (early models might differ slightly by market)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, minimum 91 octane (RON+MON)/2
Ignition System:
Digital CDI with electronic advance
Overall Length:
Approx. 2,170 mm (85.4 in.)
Overall Width:
Approx. 785 mm (30.9 in.)
Overall Height:
Approx. 1,185 mm (46.7 in.)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 1,465 mm (57.7 in.)
Dry Weight:
Approx. 215 kg (474 lbs)
Wet Weight:
Approx. 245 kg (540 lbs) (fully fueled)
Safety Ratings:
N/A (Motorcycles are not typically assigned NHTSA or Euro NCAP ratings like cars)
Braking System:
Dual 320 mm discs with 4-piston calipers (front), Single 270 mm disc with 2-piston caliper (rear). Some models/markets may have optional ABS.
Suspension Stability:
Adjustable front forks and rear monoshock contribute to rider control.
Lighting:
Halogen headlight, LED tail light, front and rear turn signals.
Instrumentation:
Analog tachometer, speedometer, LCD displays for odometer, trip meters, fuel gauge, clock, and indicator lights.
ABS Availability:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was an optional feature on some models and markets.
Connectivity Features:
N/A (No Bluetooth or smartphone integration typical for this era)
Oil Change Interval:
Every 6,000 km (3,700 miles) or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Valve Check Interval:
Every 24,000 km (15,000 miles)
Chain Maintenance:
Lubricate every 800 km (500 miles) or after riding in the rain; adjust slack every 1,600 km (1,000 miles).
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 10W-40 API SG or SH or SJ, JASO MA certified.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 3.6 L (3.8 US qt) without filter change; 3.8 L (4.0 US qt) with filter change.
Coolant Type:
Permanent type antifreeze coolant (ethylene glycol based) mixed with distilled water in a 50/50 ratio.
Fork Oil Type:
Kawasaki Suspension Fluid 10W or equivalent (check manual for exact spec).
Charging System Wear:
Stator and regulator/rectifier can be prone to failure with age, leading to charging system issues.
Cam Chain Tensioner:
Some owners report the automatic cam chain tensioner can wear out, leading to a rattling noise.
Fuel Level Sender:
The fuel level sender unit in the tank can sometimes fail, causing inaccurate fuel gauge readings.
Kawasaki Legacy:
Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. has a long and storied history in motorcycle manufacturing, known for performance and innovation, particularly in the sportbike and muscle bike categories.
Zrx Lineage:
The ZRX1200R is an evolution of the ZRX1100, which itself was inspired by the legendary Kawasaki Z1. It represents a modern interpretation of the classic 'muscle bike' era.
Production Period:
Introduced in 2001, continuing through 2007. Successor to the ZRX1100.
Motorcycle Press Reviews:
Consistently praised by motorcycle publications for its strong engine, comfortable ergonomics, and classic styling, often reviewed as a benchmark sport-touring motorcycle.
Owner Satisfaction:
Generally high owner satisfaction due to its reliability, performance, and distinctive character.
