Description
Click here for a VINData report on this 2000 Kawasaki ZX-12R. 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 June of 2000, this example is VIN: JKAZX9A15YA018783. The seller acquired the bike from a private seller in Texas in February of 2021.
During his ownership, the seller has covered “a few hundred” miles. The odometer shows 15,774 miles.
Maintenance:
The seller reports that he replaced the head gasket with a new OEM unit from Fun Bike Center, as there was a leak front left. Additionally, he states that a new battery was installed April 2021. Finally, he cleaned, lubed, and adjusted the chain at 15,300 miles and then again at 15,500 miles.
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us flush the brake fluid and service the chain. Our service department notes the following in their condition report:
Gas Tank Condition: OK
Tire Year Front/ Rear: 2619/3519
Tire % Front/ Rear: 80 / 80
Tire Press Front/ Rear: 36/36
Brake % Front/ Rear :50/50
Hydraulic: NEW
Oil: OK
Coolant:OK
Low Beam:OK
High Beam:OK
Turn:OK
Tail Light:OK
Brake Light:OK
Plate Light:OK
Kill:OK
Horn:OK
Fork:OK
Shock/s:OK
Final Drive: OK
Battery:12.8V STAND / 13.3V CHG
Notes:
• HAS MUZZY FULL SYSTEM EXHAUST
• VENHILL BRAIDED BRAKE LINES FRONT AND REAR
• POWER COMMANDER III
Modifications:
Not pictured: Power Commander III.
Full Muzzy Titanium Exhaust.
Venhill braided brake lines.
Corbin seat.
Aftermarket rear hugger.
Tinted windscreen.
Frame, swingarm sliders.
Battery tender lead.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Michelin Pilot Power 2CT tires with date codes of 2619 and 3519.
The sale includes one key, the stock seat, the stock exhaust, and a ZX-12R service manual.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located in Santa Monica, California (please make an appointment for an inspection), this Kawasaki is offered on a clean California title. Have any ZX-12R stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
