Kawasaki ZX-12R (2000) Weight, Color, HD Wallpapers

Kawasaki ZX-12R

With more than I70bhp on tap, a flick of the throttle in first gear was all it took to get the ZX-12R’s front wheel lifting. The Kawasaki's performance was even more impressive at high speed due to its ram-air induction system.

Its intake slot protruded from the fairing, below the headlights, to an area of undisturbed high air pressure.

The mean and rapid ZX-12R with which Kawasaki entered the new millennium was a potent reminder that the Firm that had made its name with big, four-cylinder superbikes was still a major force. With its rocketlike acceleration and top speed of almost I90mph (307km/h), the ZX-12R challenged Suzuki’s Hayabusa for the title of world’s fastest superbike. Yet amid confusion regarding its precise power output came reports that the ZX-12R had become the first bike to be affected by the manufacturers’ agreement to limit top speed to 186mph (300km/h), for fear of more drastic government-imposed restrictions.

In the real world, away from deserted airstrips and electronic timing lights, such figures mattered little. What was certain was that the ZX-12R, like its main rival, was very, very fast. Equally importantly, it soon became apparent that Kawasaki had not fallen into the trap of concentrating on pure speed to the detriment of all else. The ZX-12R also worked well at more normal velocities, and was a good looking and technically interesting bike.

Ironically the l I99cc, liquid-cooled engine was not the bike’s outstanding feature. The dohc 16- valve unit was essentially an enlarged version of the motor from Kawasaki’s 900cc ZX-9R. with fuel-injection instead of carburettors. A ram-air induction system supplied the engine from the duct that stuck out below the twin headlights, helping boost peak output to a heady 176bhp at 11 .OOOrpm.

The most innovative part of the Kawasaki was its monocoque (one-piece) hollow aluminium frame. This was like nothing previously seen on a production motorcycle, although the firm had used something similar on its KR500 grand prix racer in the 1980s. By dispensing with the normal beams running outside the motor, Kawasaki had been able to design a stiff structure that allowed the machine to be narrower, improving aerodynamics. The hollow frame also formed the large airbox. Fuel lived under the seat, lowering the centre of gravity.

Other chassis parts were conventional. However the ZX-12R benefited from the work of engineers from the giant Kawasaki corporation's aircraft division, whose input resulted in the small wings on each side of the fairing. These were not for downforce but to prevent turbulent air off the front wheel from disturbing How along the bike. Such things were important at the high speeds that the ZX-12R reached with tempting ease.

Violent yet docile

This deceptively ordinary looking bike was capable of tearing from a standstill to I40mph (225km/h) in just ten seconds and a quarter of a mile. Even at that speed the ZX-12R still had plenty of acceleration in hand. Yet this most violent of machines was also very docile. Peak power arrived close to the 11,500rpm redline, but the Kawasaki pulled crisply from 2()00rpm. This made for easy town riding, plus effortless travel with minimal use of the six-speed gearbox.

The motor was smooth, too. although annoyingly its main patch of vibration arrived at a common top-gear cruising speed of 8()mph (I29km/h). Comfort was good in other respects, thanks to a roomy riding position and reasonable wind protection. And the ZX handled well for a bike weighing 462lb (210kg). Its geometry was fairly sporty and its suspension firm. The 12R was a reasonably agile yet stable bike that encouraged spirited cornering, and its six-piston front brake calipers gave plenty of power and feel.

Kawasaki ZX-12R Exishowroom price in india

Despite all the speculation before its launch, the ZX-12R proved slightly slower than the Hayabusa in most independent tests. But it was an impressive machine, even so - a stunningly fast, pleasantly flexible, stylish, comfortable and versatile bike that brought Kawasaki’s reputation for four-cylinder performance hurtling into the 21st century. Other chassis parts were conventional. However the ZX-12R benefited from the work of engineers from the giant Kawasaki corporation's aircraft division, whose input resulted in the small wings on each side of the fairing. These were not for downforce but to prevent turbulent air off the front wheel from disturbing How along the bike. Such things were important at the high speeds that the ZX-12R reached with tempting ease.

Violent yet docile