Category:
Hyperbike / Sportbike
Target Audience:
Performance-oriented riders, sportbike enthusiasts, DIY mechanics
Key Competitors:
Suzuki Hayabusa, Honda CBR1100XX Blackbird, Yamaha YZF-R1 (earlier models), BMW K1200S
Unique Selling Proposition:
Intended as a direct competitor to the Suzuki Hayabusa, boasting impressive horsepower and acceleration in its era.
Design Philosophy:
Aerodynamic styling, powerful inline-four engine, advanced chassis for its time.
Engine:
Complete engine overhaul, top-end, bottom-end, lubrication, cooling
Fuel System:
Fuel injection system, injectors, throttle body, fuel pump, pressure regulator
Ignition System:
Ignition timing, spark plugs, ignition coils, ECU control
Exhaust System:
Exhaust pipes, catalytic converter (if applicable), mufflers
Transmission:
Clutch operation, gearbox overhaul, gear ratios, shift mechanism
Drivetrain:
Final drive, chain and sprockets maintenance
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems, hydraulic lines, master cylinders, calipers, pads, rotors, bleeding procedures
Suspension:
Front fork (upside-down telescopic) disassembly, assembly, oil levels, damping adjustments; rear monoshock absorber, linkage, adjustments
Steering:
Steering head bearings, fork adjustments, steering geometry
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, battery, charging system (alternator, regulator/rectifier), lighting, starting system, fuses, relays, sensors
Instrumentation:
Tachometer, speedometer, indicator lights, diagnostic codes (if applicable)
Bodywork:
Fairings, seat, fuel tank removal and installation, minor body panel repairs
Cooling System:
Radiator, cooling fan, coolant type and capacity
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, chain lubrication and adjustment, brake fluid replacement, coolant replacement
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common issues, fault finding charts, electrical system diagnostics
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all major components and systems
Overhaul:
Complete engine, transmission, and suspension overhaul procedures
Adjustments:
Clutch adjustment, throttle cable adjustment, suspension settings
Torque Specifications:
Detailed torque values for all critical fasteners
Depth Level:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine rebuilds and electrical diagnostics)
Diagnostic Capability:
Advanced diagnostic information, including sensor data interpretation and fault code analysis
Rebuild Procedures:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for engine, transmission, and suspension rebuilds
Diagram Quality:
High quality, detailed exploded views and system diagrams
Engine Type:
Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC, 16-valve Inline-Four
Displacement:
1199 cc (73.2 cu in)
Bore X Stroke:
81.0 x 58.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
12.2:1
Power Delivery:
High horsepower, strong mid-range torque
Horsepower Approx:
178 PS (175 hp) @ 10,500 rpm (claimed, often higher in reality)
Torque Approx:
133 Nm (98 lb-ft) @ 8,000 rpm (claimed)
Fuel Delivery:
Fuel Injection, DFI (Digital Fuel Injection)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded premium gasoline (95 octane or higher recommended)
Fuel Tank Capacity:
20 Liters (5.3 US gal)
Oil Type:
API SG, SF, or SH with JASO MA (e.g., Kawasaki KAWASAKI ENGINE OIL 10W-40)
Oil Capacity With Filter:
3.7 L (3.9 US qt)
Coolant Type:
Permanent type antifreeze coolant (50/50 mixture with distilled water)
Coolant Capacity:
2.4 L (2.5 US qt)
Type:
6-speed, constant mesh
Clutch Type:
Wet, multiple-disc, back-torque limiter
Gear Ratios:
1st: 2.615 (34/13), 2nd: 2.063 (33/16), 3rd: 1.714 (30/17), 4th: 1.478 (34/23), 5th: 1.333 (32/24), 6th: 1.227 (27/22)
Final Drive:
Sealed chain, 17/43 (2.529:1)
Transmission Oil Type:
API GL-4, SAE 80W-90 hypoid gear oil
Transmission Oil Capacity:
0.7 L (0.7 US qt)
Infotainment System:
N/A (Focus on performance, not infotainment. Basic LCD display for odometer, trip meter, fuel gauge, clock, and warning lights.)
Driver Assistance Features:
N/A (No electronic rider aids like ABS or traction control were standard or widely available on this model.)
Engine Control Unit:
Digital Fuel Injection (DFI) with ECU control for optimal fuel/air mixture and ignition timing.
Sensors:
Includes essential sensors like Throttle Position Sensor (TPS), intake air temperature, coolant temperature, and crank position sensors.
First Service:
1,000 km (600 miles) or 1 month
Subsequent Oil Change:
Every 6,000 km (3,750 miles) or 6 months
Subsequent Air Filter:
Inspect every 12,000 km (7,500 miles), replace as needed
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 12,000 km (7,500 miles) or as per inspection
Valve Clearance Check:
Every 24,000 km (15,000 miles)
Engine Oil Viscosity:
10W-40
Coolant Spec:
Permanent type antifreeze coolant (50/50 mix)
Charging System Reliability:
Some owners have reported regulator/rectifier failures, especially on earlier models. Routine checks are advisable.
Fuel Pump Longevity:
While generally robust, occasional fuel pump issues can arise, often due to contamination or wear.
Cam Chain Tensioner:
The automatic cam chain tensioner can sometimes fail, leading to a rattling noise. This is a critical repair.
Chain Maintenance:
Regular cleaning, lubrication, and adjustment of the drive chain are crucial for longevity and performance.
Heritage Statement:
Kawasaki Heavy Industries is renowned for its high-performance motorcycles, particularly in the sportbike segment with its long-standing Ninja lineage.
Predecessor:
The ZX-12R was developed as a direct response to the Suzuki Hayabusa, aiming to reclaim the title of the world's fastest production motorcycle.
First Generation A Series:
Introduced in 2000, the A-series featured a more radical, higher-strung engine and a unique monocoque frame.
Second Generation C Series:
The 2002 model (covered by this manual) introduced a revised engine with a slightly detuned but broader powerband, improved fuel injection, and chassis refinements for better handling and rideability, officially listed at 178 PS.
Later Updates:
Subsequent models saw minor updates, but the core C-series platform remained consistent through 2006 before being succeeded by the ZX-14.
Production Years:
2000-2006
Manufacturing Location:
Japan