Okay, so, I’ve been messing around with motorcycles for a while now, and I recently got my hands on a Kawasaki ZRX 1200R. This thing is a beast, and I’ve been having a blast with it. I wanted to share some of my experiences and thoughts on this bike, especially since I also have a ZRX 1100R and a 2000 ZXR in my garage.

First off, let’s talk about the ZRX 1200R. I picked up a used model, and it’s been a real treat. The first thing I did was give it a good once-over. Checked the fluids, tires, brakes, the usual stuff. The engine on this thing, a four-cylinder, liquid-cooled 1164 cc, is fed by a bank of carbs. I’ve heard it delivers around 123 bhp, which is more than enough power for me. I’m not trying to break any land speed records, but it’s nice to know the power is there when I want it.
Getting it Ready
- Fluids: I started by changing the oil and coolant. It’s always a good idea to do this with a used bike, just to be sure everything is fresh and clean.
- Tires: The tires were a bit worn, so I replaced them with some new ones. I went with a brand that I trust, and it made a big difference in the handling.
- Brakes: The brakes were in decent shape, but I bled them anyway. I like to have responsive brakes, especially on a powerful bike like this.
Once I had the basics sorted, I started taking it out for some rides. I noticed the handling was a bit off, so I did some tinkering. I adjusted the suspension a bit, and it made a world of difference. This bike is supposed to be a bit sportier than the 1100, and with the adjustments, it really started to shine.
Now, comparing it to my ZRX 1100R, the 1200R definitely feels more refined. It’s got a bit more power, and the handling is sharper. I also like the look of the bikini fairing on the 1200R. It gives it a bit of a retro vibe, which I’m really into. Someone said that its design may be 26 years old but I loved it.
I also have a 2000 Kawasaki ZXR, which is a completely different animal. It’s a sportbike, so it’s much more aggressive in its riding position and handling. I love taking it out on twisty roads, but for everyday riding, the ZRX 1200R is much more comfortable. I even saw someone on a forum mentioned that the handle bars are made of tubular aluminium, which is a nice touch.
I’ve been riding the ZRX 1200R for a few weeks now, and I’m really enjoying it. It’s a great all-around bike. It’s got plenty of power, it handles well, and it’s comfortable enough for longer rides. I’ve even taken it on a few weekend trips, and it performed like a champ. It’s not the fastest bike out there, but it’s fast enough for me, the faster Kawasaki green color really did it for me. Oh, and the top speed is said to be around 143 mph, and the 0 to 1/4 mile time is around 11.19 seconds, not that I’ve tested it, wink.

Some Other Things I Did
- Exhaust: I replaced the stock exhaust with a slip-on. It’s not too loud, but it gives the bike a bit more of a throaty sound.
- Seat: I found the stock seat to be a bit uncomfortable, so I swapped it out for a custom one. It’s much more comfortable now, especially on longer rides.
- Lights: Someone in the forum said he had light problem with his ’00 Zx12R so I did a thorough check of mine, and I had no problem.
Overall, I’m really happy with my ZRX 1200R. It’s a great bike, and I’m looking forward to putting many more miles on it. I’ve also been reading up on some forums and found out that there’s a version called the ZRX1200S with a partial fairing and a ZRX1200C with no fairing at all. Might have to check those out sometime! There’s also talk about a 2002 ZRX1200 with more displacement, a redesigned swingarm, and wider running gear. Sounds like Kawasaki really listened to the riders!
If you’re thinking about getting a ZRX 1200R, I say go for it. It’s a fantastic bike, and you won’t be disappointed. Just make sure to give it a good once-over before you buy it, and be prepared to do a little bit of maintenance to get it running just right.