Buying ZX 12R,

An engine laughably ‘limited’ to 186mph, huge power, impressive handling and now yours for a smidge over two grand. Cripes…

WACKY DESIGN

Kawasaki went off-script with the ZX†12’S monocoque frame, which doubles as the airbox. Two huge ram air scoops pull air into the frame either side of the headstock then through two filters that sit within the frame and finally into the throttle bodies that push through the bottom of the frame. This allows the ZX†12R’S 20-litre petrol tank to sit under the seat. All this helps speed up handling through masscentralisation and creates a narrower profile for aerodynamics. The ZZR1400 still uses a similar monocoque setup today.

SPEED UNLIMITED

Because of a gentleman’s agreement between Japan’s manufacturers, a top speed limiter was added to the ZX†12R from the A2 (2001) model onwards. This limiter dropped the top speed from 192.3mph (in the US with stock ECU, cat and exhaust) to 186mph. I wouldn’t bother delimiting a ZX†12, but if you wanted to it’d require an ECU flash.

HEAD GASKETS

After servicing 500 ZX†12RS in this workshop, the only real issue I’ve seen is a blown head gasket. And that’s only featured on two of those 500 bikes. There’s no odd noise to warn you before the head gasket goes, but it’s at least a very rare occurrence. A top end rebuild will fix it for £650 including VAT.

SERVICING

Valve clearances need checking every 8000 miles, and this is part of the £500 full service. Also included: throttle body balance, fluid changes, brakes, drivetrain, cable adjustments. Fork oil needs doing every 20,000 miles. Minor services are £150 at every 4000 miles: oil, filter, brake check, chain and sprockets, fluid check. Prices include VAT.