Description
Additional photos of this Kawasaki Ninja ZX-12R 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.
This example is VIN: ZXT20A007855. It came to us from a collection in Japan.
The odometer shows 72,326 kilometers (44,941 miles).
Maintenance:
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us install a new battery and a new turn signal stalk. Steve did the work, and this is his condition report:
Tire Years – Front/ Rear:2019
Tire Life – Front: 25%, Faceted; Rear: 80%
Tire Pressure – Front: 36PSI; Rear: 38PSI
Brake Life – Front: 30%; Rear:<10%
Hydraulic Fluid – Front/Rear: Ok, Looks New
Oil – Level: Ok; Quality: Ok
Coolant – Level: Ok; Quality: Ok
Low Beam: Ok
High Beam: Ok
Turn Signals: Ok
Tail Light: Ok
Brake Light: Ok
Plate Light: Ok
Killswitch: Ok
Horn: Ok
Battery: 12.6V
Test Ride: 2 Km Test ride, bike operates as intended
Steve also noted that the fork seals are leaking and the chain/sprockets should be replaced.
Modifications:
Carbon fiber rear hugger/chain guard.
Carbon fiber front fender, steel braided brake lines front and rear.
Tinted windscreen.
Green aftermarket coolant hoses.
Aftermarket mirrors.
R&G bar ends, Nankai grips.
Swingarm spools.
Tank protector.
Tail tidy.
Checkerboard decals, green rim tape.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport tires with date codes of 0619 and 4819.
The sale includes two keys.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located at our facility in Santa Monica, California (please make an appointment for an inspection), this Kawasaki is offered on a clean Oregon title. Have any ZX-12R stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
