Kawasaki ZZR 1200

For all Based on the legendary ZZ-R1100, the new ZZ-R1200 gives sport touring riders everything they want in a sport tourer: awesome engine performance, sporty handling and high comfort. And although the new machine shares much of its design with the original ZZ-R1100, significant modifications to the chassis, engine and bodywork make the ZZ-R1200 an entirely new machine.

The most obvious modification to the engine is the increase in displacement from 1,052cmł to 1,164cmł. The engine has also been retuned for more mid-range torque and for less emphasis on top speed. New ZX-12R type pistons have improved skirt contours and internal strengthening ribs for lower friction and high durability while a new crankshaft also makes an appearance. Two fuel pumps ensure plenty of fuel is always available to the 40mm carburettors with TPS. Helping to transfer the power is a new close-ratio 6-speed transmission runs with stronger gears for greater reliability.

Chassis improvements have been no less significant and were aimed at improving ride quality and comfort while enhancing the bike's sporty handling characteristics.

An aluminium twin beam frame provides added stiffness, sportier handling qualities and high stability. Main beams have larger cross-sectional area for increased torsional rigidity and the steering head has been strengthened with internal ribbing. A steel rear-frame gives added strength when carrying touring gear. A 3.5mm lower Swingarm pivot for high traction improved off-corner acceleration and enhanced ride quality. Steering stem bearings have changed from tapered to ball bearings for smooth steering qualities.

Preload adjustable 43-mm cartridge forks help keep the front end under control and are lifted directly from the ZRX1200. Front fork rake is reduced from 26° to 25° and fork offset reduced from 35mm to 30mm for lighter handling qualities and improved steering feedback when compared to the previous ZZR 1100. A new aluminium swingarm with 9R-type hexagonal arms has reduced stiffness to match the new frame.

Helping to pull the show to a stop are dual 320mm semi-floating front discs clamped by powerful 4-piston front calipers with differential bore pistons (30mm x 34mm) and sintered pads. A 250mm stainless-steel rear disc with an opposed-piston rear brake caliper will help during tight maneuvering.

Long distance riders will welcome the addition of an under-seat plug facilitates the attachment of various touring accessories.

Model		Kawasaki ZZR 1200 (ZX1200-C1)
Type		4-stroke In-Line Four
Displacement		1,164 cm³
Bore and Stroke		79 x 59.4 mm
Valve system		DOHC, 16 valves
Carburettor		Keihin CVKD40 x 4 (K-TRIC)
Ignition		Digital electronic
Starting		Electric
Cooling		Liquid
Lubrication		Forced lubrication, wet sump
Exhaust		4-2-1-2
Transmission		6-speed
Primary drive		Gear
Final drive		Sealed Chain
Clutch		Wet, multi-disc
Type		Aluminium perimeter frame
Suspension	front	43 mm telescopic fork
	rear	Bottom-Link Uni-Trak with gas-charged shock with adjustable preload
Wheel travel:	front	120 mm
	rear	120 mm
Tyre:	front	120/70 ZR17 M/C (58W) T/L
	rear	180/55 ZR17 M/C (73W) T/L
Caster (rake)		25°
Trail		104 mm
Front brake		Dual semi-floating 320 mm discs
Front caliper		Opposed 4-piston calipers
Rear brake		Single 250 mm disc
Rear caliper		Single opposed-piston caliper
Fuel capacity		23 litres