Kawasaki ZX-12R Ninja

Kawasaki had long owned the 'fastest motorcycle' crown with its ZZ-R1100, until Honda's Blackbird then Suzuki's Hayabusa moved the class on. The ZX-12R Ninja was Kawasaki's response. An all-new design, it uses a unique monocoque frame, together with a 142kW (190bhp) engine, the most powerful up to 2005. The chassis is aimed at speed: the frame is narrower than a twin-spar design, and houses the airbox and battery, saving space elsewhere. Aerodynamic bodywork is dominated by a massive ram-air scoop, and huge mirrors, small canard wings on the lower fairing and cast spoilers on the forks help the ZX-12R to a top speed of 299km/h (186mph). It is also more sporty than the Hayabusa or Blackbird.

The ZX-12R stands ready to redefine performance in a production motorcycle. Built to deliver the lightest weight and highest power-to-weight ratio of any machine in its class, the ZX-12R combines a compact engine in an all-new aluminum monocoque chassis, wrapped in slippery aerodynamic bodywork. The result is exceptional high-speed stability and nimble handling in a layout that provides all-day riding comfort.

The ZX-12R produces more horsepower than any machine in its class, electroplated aluminum cylinders, heat treated pistons prevent heat distortion and have thin rings for quicker revs. New countershaft-mounted generator with rare-earth magnets reduces weight and friction, electronic fuel injection system with 46mm throttle bodies, Kawasaki Ram Air system projects ahead of the fairing to take advantage of the higher air pressure, and the aerodynamic fairing wraps in tighter ahead of the radiator to reduce frontal area and enhance airflow through the engine compartment. New winglets on either side of the fairing separate airflow, preventing turbulent air coming off the front wheel from disturbing the laminar airflow along the upper portion of the fairing, small wind deflectors cast into the bottom of the forks deflects turbulent air coming off the fork and brakes out and around the lower part of the fairing.

New monocoque backbone frame incorporates an efficient airbox and a cartridge-type air filter easily slides into the frame, four-into-two-into-one exhaust system features stainless steel head pipes and a lightweight, titanium muffler, bolt-on aluminum sub-frame, extruded aluminum swingarm and a single shock features a piggyback reservoir, threaded spring preload and 20-way compression and rebound damping adjustment w/rear ride height adjustment. Also new is the 43mm inverted cartridge fork with preload, compression and rebound damping and ultra-wide 200/50 tire mounts on 6.0 x 17 rim.

The ZX-12R stands ready to redefine performance in a production motorcycle. Built to deliver the lightest weight and highest power-to-weight ratio of any machine in its class, the ZX-12R combines a compact engine in an all-new aluminum monocoque chassis, wrapped in slippery aerodynamic bodywork. The result is exceptional high-speed stability and nimble handling in a layout that provides all-day riding comfort.

The ZX-12R produces more horsepower than any machine in its class, electroplated aluminum cylinders, heat treated pistons prevent heat distortion and have thin rings for quicker revs. New countershaft-mounted generator with rare-earth magnets reduces weight and friction, electronic fuel injection system with 46mm throttle bodies, Kawasaki Ram Air system projects ahead of the fairing to take advantage of the higher air pressure, and the aerodynamic fairing wraps in tighter ahead of the radiator to reduce frontal area and enhance airflow through the engine compartment. New winglets on either side of the fairing separate airflow, preventing turbulent air coming off the front wheel from disturbing the laminar airflow along the upper portion of the fairing, small wind deflectors cast into the bottom of the forks deflects turbulent air coming off the fork and brakes out and around the lower part of the fairing. New monocoque backbone frame incorporates an efficient airbox and a cartridge-type air filter easily slides into the frame, four-into-two-into-one exhaust system features stainless steel head pipes and a lightweight, titanium muffler, bolt-on aluminum sub-frame, extruded aluminum swingarm and a single shock features a piggyback reservoir, threaded spring preload and 20-way compression and rebound damping adjustment w/rear ride height adjustment. Also new is the 43mm inverted cartridge fork with preload, compression and rebound damping and ultra-wide 200/50 tire mounts on 6.0 x 17 rim.