Description
Additional photos are available here for your perusal.
When it was introduced in 2000, the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-12R earned the title of most powerful production bike thanks to a ram-air intake that bumped power from 178 hp at low speed to 190 hp at high speed.
Kawi planned on having a big release to counter the then-current top speed king, the Hayabusa. Team Green was hinting that they’d be able to top 200mph, and that was enough to scare some regulators into calling for an import ban on these top speed monsters. So in 2000, the ‘gentleman’s agreement’ that capped top speed at 300 km/h (186 mph) was instituted by manufacturers to avoid political issues. The ZX-12 thus never got the glory it probably should have because it had to be capped even before it was released.
In their quest for performance supremacy, Kawasaki introduced an aluminum monocoque frame – the first of its kind on a mass-produced production motorcycle – for increased stiffness and a narrower/more aerodynamic design. It was also Kawi’s first use of fuel injection in a sport bike since the GPz1100 from nearly two decades prior.
Manufactured in December of 2000, this example is VIN: JKAZX9A181A027225. The seller acquired the bike in May 2022 from the second owner.
The odometer shows 22,508 miles.
Maintenance:
Per the seller, “the bike was completely serviced last June. Valves adjusted, oil and filter change, brake fluid flush, K&N filters cleaned, cables adjusted, new fork seals. Brake pads are about 300 miles old. New tires balanced.”
In Autumn of 2023, the seller had us perform a safety inspection and replace the kickstand switch as well as the gear position switch. At the time, our service department noted the following in their condition report:
Fuel Tank Internal: Ok, Like new
Tire Years – Front: 2831; Rear: 3521
Tire Life – Front/ Rear: 100%
Tire Pressure – Front: 31.5 PIS; Rear: 37 PSI
Brake Life – Front/ Rear: 90%
Hydraulic Fluid – Front/Rear: Ok
Drive Chain Condition: Ok, little dry
Engine Oil – Level: Ok; Quality: Ok, clear
Coolant – Level Ok; Quality: Ok
Low Beam: Ok
High Beam: Ok
Parking Light: Ok
Hazard Lights: Ok
Turn Signals: Ok
Tail Light:
Brake Light: Ok
Plate Light: Ok
Killswitch: Ok
Horn: Ok
Battery: 12.6
Test Ride: 0.5 Miles, bike operates as intended
BIKE CONDITION:
-Bike includes service manual and a set of forks
*Bike has original tool bag
*Yoshimura muffler installed
*Aftermarket seat
-Slight seeping from stator cover
Since that time, he notes that he has replaced the sprocket and chain.
Modifications:
“New ColorRite paint and decals. It was painted like the 2000 model as the 2001 splash decals are no longer available from Kawasaki.”
Yoshimura muffler.
Corbin seat with aftermarket leather cover.
Aftermarket turn signals.
Swingarm spools.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Dunlop Roadsmart IV tires with date codes of 2821 and 3521.
The sale includes two keys and a ZX-12R service manual.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
The seller states that under previous ownership, the bike “fell off of the rear stand on the right side.”
Currently located in San Diego, California, this Kawasaki is offered on a clean Illinois title. Have any ZX-12R stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
