The Kawasaki ZRX1200R is a standard/naked motorcycle and was manufactured in Japan from 2001 until 2007. It was sold in the US until 2005[6] and in Europe until 2007. It was updated in 2008 with a six-speed transmission and fuel injection. It was sold exclusively in Japan as the ZRX1200 DAEG model until 2016.[7][8] It is the evolution of the ZRX1100 which is a stylized version of the "Eddie Lawson Replica" KZ1000R[9] sold in 1982.[6] With the ZRX1200R, Kawasaki's goal was to produce a motorcycle with the performance of a modern motorcycle, while retaining a design similar to the original Eddie Lawson Replica.

Kawasaki ZRX1200R
ManufacturerKawasaki
Production2001–2005 US
2001–2007[1] Europe
2001–2016 Japan 2017 Final Edition Japan
PredecessorKawasaki ZRX1100
ClassStandard motorcycle
Engine1,164 cc (71.0 cu in) inline four
Top speed147 mph (237 km/h)[2][3]
Power122 hp (91 kW) (claimed)[4]
111.7 hp (83.3 kW)[2](rear wheel)
Torque80.7 lb⋅ft (109.4 N⋅m)[2](rear wheel)
Weight223 kg (492 lb)[4] (dry)
247 kg (545 lb)[5] (wet)

Worldwide, the ZRX1200 was available in three styles: the ZRX1200S, which was partially faired; the ZRX1200R, which had a bikini fairing; and the ZRX1200C, that had no fairing. Unlike sport bikes the handle bars made of tubular aluminium are utilized. The saddle contains more than one centimetre of padding between the seat covering and the pan "for comfort." Foot pegs are positioned similarly to standard motorcycles, creating a seating position reminiscent of the classic Universal Japanese Motorcycle (UJM).

The frame is a conventional steel tube with the engine supported in a removable cradle. The suspension configuration is similar to that found on a UJM. The rear shocks, designed with a piggyback reservoir, are adjustable for preload and damping. The front suspension consists of conventional forks with adjustable damping and preload.[10] The reinforced swing arm was designed to mimic the modified/aftermarket swingarms produced in the 1970s.

The bike features a liquid-cooled 1164cc inline 4-cylinder engine. Induction comes through four 36mm Keihin Constant Velocity carburettors. The exhaust system is a 4-into-1 stainless steel unit. The exhaust system on models produced up to 2004 are painted black, with the exception of the muffler, models produced from 2004-onwards are equipped with polished exhaust systems. The "Final Edition" model has special "Final Edition" decals, plus optional factory paint along with optional accessories such as a steering damper and motorcycle lock. It was available until 2017. [11]

Kawasaki ZRX1200
ZRX1200S
2011 Kawasaki ZRX1200 DAEG

Specifications

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Engine
Configuration in-line four-cylinder four-stroke
Displacement (cc) 1,164 cc (71.0 cu in)
Bore x Stroke 79 mm × 59.4 mm (3.11 in × 2.34 in)
Compression Ratio 10.1:1
Cooling Water Cooled
Valve train Four valves per cylinder (DOHC)
Fuel delivery 4 36mm Keihin Constant Velocity carburetors
Power 122 hp (91 kW) (claimed)
Torque 80.7 lb⋅ft (109.4 N⋅m) (rear wheel)
Transmission
Type 5 Speed, constant mesh
Final Drive Chain
Chassis/Suspension/Brakes
Front Suspension Conventional 43mm Showa forks, adjustable for preload and damping, 4.9 in (120 mm)
Rear Suspension Twin remote reservoir KYB shock absorbers, adjustable for preload and damping, 4.6 in (120 mm)
Front Brakes Dual 310 mm discs with 6-piston calipers
Rear Brakes Single 250 mm disc with 2-piston caliper
Front Tire 120/70-ZR17
Rear Tire 180/55-ZR17
Dimensions
Length 83.5 in (2,120 mm)
Width 30.7 in (780 mm)
Height 45.3 in (1,150 mm)
Ground clearance 5.3 in (130 mm)
Wheelbase 57.6 in (1,460 mm)
Rake 25 deg
Trail 4.1 in (100 mm)
Seat Height 31 in (790 mm)
Fuel Capacity 5.3 US gal (20 L; 4.4 imp gal)[4]
Dry Weight 489 lb (222 kg)

See also

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Notes

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  1. ^ "KAWASAKI ZRX1200 (2001-2007) Review". Motorcycle News. November 23, 2006. Retrieved July 8, 2017.
  2. ^ a b c "Performance Index Winter '12/'13 Edition" (PDF), Motorcycle Consumer News, Bowtie Magazines, January 2013, archived from the original (PDF) on 2016-12-29
  3. ^ "Sportbike Weights and Measurements". Sport Rider. August 23, 2011. Archived from the original on February 23, 2018. Retrieved July 8, 2017.
  4. ^ a b c Sobat, Warren (November–December 2004). "Kawasaki ZRX1200R". Road Runner. Retrieved July 8, 2017.
  5. ^ Kunitsugu, Kent (June 30, 2010). "Birth of the Super Standards". Sport Rider. Retrieved July 8, 2017.
  6. ^ a b "Kawasaki ZRX1100 - BEST USED BIKES". Cycle World. September 24, 2010. Retrieved July 8, 2017.
  7. ^ Dirck Edge (December 12, 2008), "Kawasaki ZRX1200 DAEG: A Thoroughly Modern UJM", Motorcycle Daily
  8. ^ "Product Lineup". Kawasaki. 2017. Archived from the original on May 24, 2015. Retrieved July 8, 2017.
  9. ^ "Kawasaki KZ1000R: The Original Lawson Replica". Sport Rider. June 30, 2010. Archived from the original on October 25, 2016. Retrieved July 8, 2017.
  10. ^ Kawasaki Heavy Industries, ZRX1200 service manual, 2001.
  11. ^ MSN Bikepoint review, Robert Smith, 07/2006.