I have been looking at some zx12s on line and am wanting to make a purchase. I am looking at one that is a 2000 and has tons of upgrades and
looks great. I am wondering about the differences/changes that were made in 2002 and if it is worth waiting for a 2002 0r later model. I read someplace that the pre 2002 was best suited for straight line riding. Is this so?

Please give me your thoughts.

Jeff

Hey bigbuster, welcome to the Kawasaki World family! Where in Germany are you at?

2000 is the only unrestricted ZX12R ever made. For the 2001+ ZX12R, you have to make a modification to make them unrestricted.

In 2002, Kawi released the 2nd gen 12R and going off of memory, it had over 120+ updates throughout it along with updated styling and bodywork, different swingarm, etc.

IMHO, all ZX12R's are great for straight line riding. Even with the single 2000 model year where the 12R was unrestricted, most people never reach those limits on the restricted ones, as thats bloody fast!

I'm sure others will chime in...

Keep us posted on what you end up doing or if you have more questions or concerns. We are here to help.

Lash thanks for your comments. I'm in Kaiserslautern now but will be leaving for Tennessee on the first of Feb.. Your Avitar showes a green 12 that is the same color as the one I am bidding on at the moment. I can hardly wait to get my hands on that bike. I think that if I don't win this one I will go for one of the newer bikes. The bike that I am bidding on has everything that
I wanted on a bike, muzzy after market exhaust, pc3, corbin seat polished or chrome wheelsand new tires.



Jeff

The 2000 12R color green rocks! Kawasaki finally brought it back after 8 long years with the the upcoming ZX14 model.

Congrads! Sounds like you're getting a loaded bike! Let's see some pictures of it as soon as you get it!

bigbuster - Welcome to our corner of the internet!!

IMHO, the biggest (most noticeable on a day-to-day basis) difference in the early 12s ('00 & '01) and later ones is the heavier crankshaft of the later models... This made them a little easier to launch (flywheel effect of greater crankshaft mass), but slightly slower to revv (greater mass has greater inertia)... On any 12, throttle control is a pretty necessary skill, and the "on-off" throttle phenomenon of the early 12s is sometimes a bit off-putting to some until the grace of the skill is mastered!!

Many (myself included) actually prefer the lighter crankshaft models... There is a slightly more "edgy" feel, sometimes described as a "raw" feel... This is not a bad or good thing; it's a "preference" thing...

ON ANOTHER SUBJECT - I noticed you're heading for Tennessee... Where in TN would that be??

Welcome Bigbuster! You cannot go wrong with a 12R...lots of aftermarket stuff and parts. It is a truly amazing machine...

I was in "Kaiserslautern" in the early 80s, spent time in the hospital there (was not fun) and then in the late 80s and early 90s on operations. I loved that area!

You will find the membership here very helpful should you pick up the 12R...good luck and again welcome!!!!

the first ones look better, and the newer ones have a slightly better clutch from the factory. any problems can easily be taken care of with a few aftermarket goodies.

Go 200 I will be going to Ft. Campbell Kentucky but living in Clarksville TN.
Well, I won the auction and am waiting for a sign from the seller so that I can pay and have it shipped. I called him and sent an email but can't get him yet. The link is below just copy and paste.

JEFF

eBay Motors: Kawasaki : Ninja (item 300280988993 end time Dec-21-08 16:28:49 PST)

Great deal on a killer bike. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did last year when I bought mine-Enjoy!

nice deal on the bike.. you are gonna dig it...good luck with delivery and the move...

welcome

Congrats on the purchase and welcome to the site.



You will find all the information you need about the 12 from the folks around here. Damn, you got a SMOKIN' deal on a loaded 12! You will surely enjoii the attitude that the 2000's have....I couldn't help but smile every time I road my partners. My '03 was so much fun, I'd love to buy another mint 12 someday.
I was stationed at Ft Campbell before....fond memories of the place. I go back every two years to visit my inlaws & outlaws.
Congrats again on the 12.
jeff

Just read the eBay auction and that's a smoking deal on a 2000 12R, not too bad on the mileage, make sure the valve inspection has been or gets done, other than that a great bike, lots and lots and lots of goodies that most people do over the years. Congrads on an awesome purchase!

I'd say put a better clutch system in, from Muzzys, and make the sure the 15k valve inspection was needed. I doubt any adjustment will be needed.

Jeff - Let me know when you make it to Clarksville, as you will be about 20 - 30 minutes from me!! I live in Cadiz, KY & usually make it to ClarksVegas several times a week for one thing or another... If you happen to wanna go to the Deal's Gap Rally in the spring, I've got a trailer space open!! Info in General Discussions Forum: RALLY - SPRING 2009 - Sign Up!!! Lemme know!!

Mike

Good bike, nice price. Enjoy it!

According to the e-bay ad, it already has a muzzy clutch/basket. Another expensive upgrade that he doesn't have to do. Damn good deal on that 12.

Go, I have no idea when I will be back up that way. Pretty busy on this end...and money is a bit tight. Believe me, the next chance I'm up that way, we'll get together.

watch the stack height with the muzzy clutch pack. it puts it to the low end of the spec. very easy to fix. been there, done that.

I paid for the bike earlier then called the seller and talked for over an hour.
he assures me that the bike is perfect and has nothing wrong. says the pics doesn't do it any justice. Just think I probably won'tget to see it for 2 more months. Hopefully it will warm up by then...

Jeff

2 more months! Whoa - make him send you pics weekly, so you can drool, and then post them here weekly, so we can drool!

I think I have read everyything on the web on this bike, does anyone have something that they think I may have missed. The 12 is a very interesting subject.


Thanks
Jeff

AMEN to what he said! It feels like a "Motorcycle" and the Motorcycle it feels like is a KAWASAKI!!

muzzy clutch/basket - is it more suitable for big bore project bikes or stock setup?

buster - Just have him send it to my house... I'll make sure no dust settles in the exhaust... I know it's over-the-top generous, but that's the way I am... I'm a giver...

jeremy - Each of us has our preferences & prejudices, but I see it like this:

• <>Under normal circumstances, the stock set-up is fine... My stocker has lasted 23,000 (pretty hard) miles, with no sign of a problem...
  
  <>If I EVER had any clutch basket related problems, I'd replace the whole unit, basket/hub/steels/friction plates...
  
  <>Remember that the clutch failure problem is/was identified as a lubricating problem, and was addressed by adding oil holes in the basket in later models...
  
  <>If I was working on a big bore project, a Muzzys unit would definitely be on my list, because it's not that much money, & you'll (probably) be pushing the stocker past it's design limits...
  
  <>The stocker can be made more robust by drilling the aforementioned additional holes in the correct locations (A search on here should yield a thread or two...)
  
  <>The stocker can also be made to hook-up more firmly by replacing the ZX-12R clutch springs with ZX-6R springs... The ZX-6R springs are stiffer, pressing the friction plates & steels together with more force... This results in stiffer clutch pull (too stiff for some)... For those wanting an in-between option, the 12R & 6R clutch springs can be alternated in the assembly...

Hope this helps...

Order front springs for your weight. It will make an extreme difference in handling

As those of you that have read this thread know I have purchased a 2000
zx12r from a guy in Cal.. Well it haas shipped on 31 Jan. on it's way to Hinesville Ga. My brother will recieve it and give it the first look over, I sure hope it looks as good as the pics. The previous owner said the pics did not do it justice. I am 46 yo but at the moment I am acting like my 9yo.
I am totally pumped.


Wish me luck
Jeff

Every person reading your post knows exactly how you feel!! Good luck (I'm betting you won't be disappointed!!) & post pics when you can!!

i can pull my clutch lever in with one finger, and it presses the clutch pack together enough to hold a 1287 with a 90hp shot of nitrous from slipping. gotta love a lock up ;)

I'm still on my original clutch and she is going in for her 72000km service this week.

Is that a record?

And what do i win??

I had 72000 miles on my first clutch which is 44,738km so you win bugger all . Keep trying though

Shiggsy, not trying to be an azz but 1 mile is equal to 1.6km.
So that means 115200 KM if my math is right.
Thanks
Jeff

Ok so that should read:

I had 72000 miles on my first clutch which is <wot he said> so you still win bugger all.

A Little OT But I have always liked the Name "Lie to ME"! Now they are going to have a TV Show by the same name! See how popular you are!!

I'm gonna hunt you down mate! lol

Well she was delivered today and in the words of my brother she is looks
great and is without a scratch. I guess I can start smiling. Now i guess I will make a trip to Hinesvill GA before going to Ft. Campbell. Talking about a kid at Christmas, this describes me perfectly.


Jeff

Excellent news!!

Hit me up when you get to Ft. Campbell & wanna ride a bit...

BTW - 12s are as rare as hen's balls around here!!

200, you know when I was looking I wanted to find something in the Kentucky/Tennessee area but couldn't find a thing. After talking to my bro. I think I might have hit the jack pot though. As soon as I get settled I will come looking for you. we can get a couple of rides in and exchange a few stories.

I can hardly wait to get going. My wife keeps reminding that I have a motorcycle but WE have no house and my answer is there are tons of houses in the area but I haven't seen any 12s yet.


Take care
Jeff

Better listen to mama... If she ain't happy, ain't nobody happy!!

Priceless!!!

Also have greeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeen 2000 12R X)

Hey I never knew that the 2000 was unrestricted.
Hey I have a 2000!............................I....will......ha ve.........to.....find...a....road.......

Well, today was the day. I finally got to Georgia to see and ride my bike.
I am pleasantly pleased with the look and the way it rides. I did have the run in with the light crankshaft and stalled it three times in a 15 minute ride. I love the power the comfort and what the heck I'm in love. I will spend most of the day tomorrow on her and the next 2 weeks in Georgia and VA..
the motor runs great and she look awesome.


I just need to get used to her now.


Jeff

Please consider replacing the stock 18 tooth countershaft sprocket with a 17 tooth... It's cheap & smart!!

This is the voice of experience talkin' here... I stalled my 12 & dropped it @ "0" mph, roachin' the left side plastics (including the wing)... Cost me over $500... AND IT HAPPENED TWICE, WITH THE EXACT SAME RESULT!! <Yes, I'm stuuupid> I almost sh*t myself the second time... I was so pissed, I couldn't see!!

Anyway, I replaced the sprocket, made the bike more pleasant around town, & never had the problem again...

'Course you do drop a coupla mph on the top, but realistically, how often do you use that on the street??

I've been out riding for the last 3 days just short rides 15-20 minutes and the 12 is a Hoss and feels really stable in the windy conditions, acceleration is awesome and I've got the takeoffs locked in, no more stalls. I'll be glad when the weather heats up. I'm in VA and it is damn cold today.


Jeff