In this video we show our 2023 ZX-10R and 2004 ZX12-R, which was the fastest production bike in the world from 2000 to 2006. Both bikes are super bikes and even though the ZX-12R is 19 years old, it still produces over 190 HP.
We are doing an oil change and David is giving great tips for doing the maintenance such as: putting a little oil in the oil filter prior to install and changing the crush washer on the the drain plug.
We also changed the original Titanium exhaust for a New Yoshimura Exhaust made in USA. David also recommended to change the exhaust gasket, that we ordered OEM direct from Japan. Part of the culture in US is that people customize everything from cars, trucks, bikes, guns, etc. I personally think it's a waist of money that you might not get back when you re-sell but it's personal preference. From a collectors prospective. the closer to original, the better. But, I'm ok with changing the exhaust because I always wanted a Yoshimura! The sound of the Yoshimura is fantastic. However, we noticed the rear tag holder and turn signal assembly is very close to the exhaust, so I will have to buy and install a fender eliminator kit to solve the problem.
As Japan's only motorcycle manufacturer that builds aircrafts, Kawasaki had a wealth of expertise to draw on when designing the ZX-12R's aerodynamic package. Kawasaki's aircraft engineers were involved in the ZX-12R's aerodynamic design from the very beginning, greatly influencing the character of the ZX-12R's final aerodynamic profile. And with a closer relationship than ever before between aerodynamics, chassis and engine, the styling designers had plenty to think about in packaging this Ninja.
Few Historic facts about the ZX-12R are that rumors of the ZX-12R started on 1998 but Was announce in 1999 in Paris Motorcycle show with the impressive debut of their all-new Ninja ZX-12R. This Ninja was reportedly created in the image of a fighter plane, which comes as no surprise considering that its slippery aerodynamics involved the cooperation of the Aerospace Division of Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. In fact, the ZX-12R spent more time in the wind tunnel during its development phase than any motorcycle in Kawasaki’s history.
A gentlemen's agreement was made among the major motorcycle manufacturers to limit the speed of their machines to 300 km/h (186 mph), starting with 2000 models.
In 2002 the model was upgraded with 140 changes. The last update was in 2004, with the addition of radial brakes and more fuel injection changes. The ZX-12R was discontinued in 2006, and was followed by the 2006ZX-14 (ZZR1400) which had a similar monocoque frame.
Even thou both are super bikes I did some research and compared both bikes:
,-There are 19 years in difference and the ZX-12R is basically 201 cc bigger.
- Regarding horse power: The ZX-12R is 178 hp at low speeds and 190 hp at high speeds when the ram-air system worked at full potential. On the other hand, the ZX-10R is 203HP so there is no much difference in terms of power.
- Max speed on the ZX-12R was limited by the Gentlemen's agreement to 299 km/h (186 mph) and the ZX-10R is 190 mph (305 km/h) also limited
- Seat hight: ZX-12R is 31.9 inches and the ZX-10R 32.9 inches.
- Wet or curb weight is 545 lb on the ZX-12R and 452 lb ZX-10R which is 93 lb lighter but quite hones the weight is well distributed so i could not fell much of a difference on the ZX-12R being almost 100 lb heavier.
- The Tank capacity is 5.30 US Gallons and the ZX-10R is 4.5 US gallons so the ZX-12R will have a bigger range on miles.
- Acceleration is as follow:
ZX-12R 0-60 mph: 2.96 seconds and the ZX-10R 2.91 seconds so the 10 is 5 seconds faster lol not a big deal!
ZX12R 0-100 mph:05.31 seconds and the Zx-10R 5.23 seconds so the 10 is 8 seconds faster but hey I am not planning to race this bikes!.
After riding both bikes we both came to the conclusion that the ZX-12R is very confortable and could be used for longer rides, due to the feel and comfort, as compared to the ZX-10R . The ZX-10R , being a racing bike in nature, is still much better in riding position as compared to most of its competitors. Both are amazing bikes and we had a great time comparing and riding both machines.
Thank you for your support and all the people that contribute to makes this video posible: David Salebe, David Marroquin, Ricardo Echeverria and Jonatan Melara.