Please Note: This is part of the Max Sizemore Collection.
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… but this is no stock ZX-12!
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 February, 2002, this example is VIN: JKAZX9B172A002316. The seller states: “The build design was started by Rob Muzzy, and completed by me using Rob’s notes and parts. The bike will make 210hp on pump gas, it can be ridden on the street with no problems and it only has 800 miles on it since the build. The bike comes with full documentation of the build and has the seat pan autograph. this bike has the last R-cal motor ever built. Top speed is unknown but the bike has been over 211mph more then once. This bike is not for fools.”
The odometer shows 8,265 miles.
Maintenance:
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us perform a safety inspection and have the seat sent out to be redone. Our service department notes the following on their condition report:
Gas Tank Internal Condition: Ok (Carbon Fiber Fuel Tank)
Engine Oil Level: Ok
Engine Oil Quality: Ok (Age Unknown)
2T Oil Level: N/A
Coolant Level: Ok
Coolant Quality: Ok (<0.15V)
Front Hydraulic Fluid Level: Ok
Front Hydraulic Fluid Quality: Ok (<1.5% of moisture contamination)
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Level: Ok
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Quality: Ok (<1.5% of moisture contamination)
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Level: N/A
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Quality: N/A
Final Drive Condition: Ok
Headlight High Beam: Ok
Headlight Low Beam: Ok
Passing Light: N/A
Parking Light: Ok
Turn Signals: Ok
Tail Light: Ok
Brake Light (Front Switch): Ok
Brake Light (Rear Switch): Ok
Plate Light: Ok
Horn: Ok
Kill Switch: Ok
Brake Pad % Remaining Front: 90%+
Brake Pad % Remaining Rear: 90%+
Forks: Ok
Shock/s: Ok
Tire Date Code Front: 23/18
Tire Date Code Rear: 02/19
Tire % Remaining Front: 90%+
Tire % Remaining Rear: 90%+
Tire Press. Front: 28 PSI
Tire Press. Rear: 30 PSI
Battery Standing Voltage: 12.43V
Charging Voltage @ 4k RPM: 13.45V
Running Condition: Runs Well on Bench
Test Ride Completed: None Taken
Test Ride Distance: N/A
Notes:
-Left hand fork has residual oil that is believed to be from transporting the bike on a trailer to Iconic.
Modifications:
The seller states: “The bike has a fully built R-cal 1272 motor. Wiseco pistons, APE crankshaft, ported heads, bigger valves, after market throttle body, custom cams by web cam, back cut transmission gears, APE built proof clutch basket, custom made ron davis radiator and all aluminum hi output fans. The bike comes with Ohlins suspension all around, custom triple trees, Galfer brakes and a set of Dymag wheels. It has one of only 2 Rob Muzzy stainless steel exhausts. The bike has no speed limiter, an all carbon fiber porcelain lined gas tank, custom seat, paint job, and much more.”
1,272cc engine built by R Cal Racing.
Custom paint.
Muzzy exhaust.
Ohlins forks, Dymag wheels, wave rotors, radial brake caliper adapters.
Ohlins shock with remote preload adjuster.
Aftermarket tail tidy.
Carbon fiber chain guard and rear hugger.
Tinted windscreen, mirror block offs, tinted headlight covers.
Aftermarket gas cap, carbon fiber gas tank.
Tank grips.
ProGrip grips, aftermarket mirrors.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Pirelli Supercorsa SP tires with date codes of 1923 and 0129.
The sale includes one key.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album in the “Photos” tab for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located in Panorama City, California, (please make an appointment for an inspection) this Kawasaki is offered on a clean California title. California DMV states that registration fee’s are not currently due. It is believed registration is current through September 2026
Have any ZX-12R stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
