Why Kawasaki’s ultra-rapid, but often overlooked, ZX-12R is gaining popularity.
![Ninja Power](https://magarticles.magzter.com/articles/5202/206092/588b2c6086282/Ninja-Power.jpg)
The Kawasaki NinjaZX-12R is a beautiful reminder of a time when a far more carefree attitude was prevalent in motorcycling. And when we say carefree, we mean a time when you could show a total disregard for speed limits and more often than not get away with it. Well, in bits of Europe anyway…
Head hunting
Launched in 2000, the ZX-12R was a typical Kawasaki attempt to break open a nut with a sledgehammer. In this case, however, the nut was encased in concrete and made of hardened steel. Yep, in 2000 this Ninja only had one thing in its sights – the Suzuki Hayabusa.
In a wonderful display of corporate willy-waving, Kawasaki basically only developed and released the ZX-12R to get back its purely honorary title of ‘world’s fastest production motorcycle’ from Suzuki. They must have predicted, or at the very least felt, the rise in the anti-speeding brigade’s voices and strength, but Kawasaki chose to ignore this and instead went all out for the Busa’s jugular. And good on them for that! But did they succeed?
Identity crisis
Time for a fact check. In Fast Bikes back in summer 2004 we tested the latest ZX-12R (radial brake model) against a Hayabusa and the Kawasaki set a faster top speed of 184.54mph against the Suzuki’s 181.93mph. It also made 165bhp compared to the Busa’s 156bhp, although it lost out on torque with 4Nm less than the Suzuki. So by a gnat’s wanger the Kawasaki was the top dog of the pub bragging fight.
By the end of 2006 the king of speed was dead – replaced by the more touring orientated (but still blisteringly fast) ZZR1400.
この記事は Fast Bikes の March 2017 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
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この記事は Fast Bikes の March 2017 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です? サインイン
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DAN LINFOOT THE WORLD AT HIS FEET...
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RATING RUBBER...
We love a tyre launch, and especially ones of a sporty disposition. So when Michelin dropped us a line about not one, but two additions to their range, we didn't need our arm twisting to get stuck in and see what they're all about...
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Is the understated Suzuki GSX-S750 worth considering in the used market?
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YAMAHA MT-09 - If you like your bikes nutty, naked and packed full of punch, you'll love the fourth-generation Yamaha MT-09.
Ten years ago, I found myself a part of the maddest, baddest, and arguably most illegal motorcycling I've ever a put my name to.
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It's been a while since KTM last had a 990 Duke in its range, but the name is back - and this new addition is perhaps one of its most exciting offerings ever. Here's why...
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A CUT ABOVE
Four years on from the revolutionary release of the RCV-inspired Fireblade, Honda's given its flagship sportsbike a masterpiece of a makeover.
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Steve Parrish
I'm fresh back from the South African Classic TT races and Christ, it's still bloody raining over here.
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Well, my last column was all about just how I'm going to be the most prepared I could ever be for the season ahead.
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SHOEI X-SPR PRO
I'll cut to it... when it comes to my kit, I don't mess around - especially when it comes to helmets.