Hello, I'm in the UK and just bought myself a 2001 ZX12-R for £3000 so thought I'd say hi. I think its completely standard and has done 20k miles.

It looks fine but will need a day or two to clean it up. This is a photo from the website so I'll post another when I have collected it.

Not sure what I want to do to it yet, although I need a rear seat cowl. Had a quick look and cant seem to find any. Anyone know any websites that sell them? And do cowls from later models fit?

I am collecting it tomorrow and a little worried as I have been riding a Honda Hornet 600 for the past ten years so its going to be a bit of a difference.....

Next on my list will be a new can but I cant afford that straight away.

Well done, you have made a great purchase.
When you sit on it, it will feel big and heavy compared to the Honda. Get it going and the bike will feel fine. (Have a look at some of the tyre threads if it still feels heavy or turns in a bit slow.)
If you're a bit anxious, I suggest not getting the thing beyond 9000 rpm for a while. You will think the bike is rediculously fast just upto 9000, only go beyond if you can see a clear path to the horizon!! That's where it gets really daft!!
The bike can break all UK speed limits in 1st.
There is a lot of torque and power right from tickover, I took a me a while to learn to slip the clutch more at slow speeds. The throttle is a bit lively, I found it difficult to control things like low speed roundabouts with the throttle.
The 12R is lovely to ride. Just take it easy for a while. And Welcome.

Where are you collecting from, local or a cross country learning experience?

Welcome Singularity!

Agree with all SHEP has stated.

Cowls fit all years, but the particular red for the A1 I think is only repeated on the A2. Just re-looked at the pic and I noticed you state it's a 2001 model. The full red fairings suggest it is a 2000 A1, does the speedo show up to 340 kms / 220mph, if so it is a A1. The A2 usually has the 'tear' graphics.


Interesting 'Blueing' spots on the stock muffler/can from what I can see in the pic - unless it's a photo glitch? Look like hot spots for some reason.

Cheers,

Don.

I'm collecting it from a shop in the midlands so I will have a 35 mile journey home up the A1(M).

I am not sure whats on the speedo so will check tomorrow but it was registered in March 2001.

I didnt really notice the blue spots when I went to look at it so maybe they have just shown up more in the photo. To be honest, I was a bit dissapointed when I went to look at it as it was a bit more untidy than I thought it was going to be. Nothing serious, just corrosion on bolts and a load of crud inside the belly pan. The problem is, I have been after one of these for a couple of months now and couldnt really afford to pay any more so thought 'what the hell'

Hey, cleaning, changing bolts, surfing eBay for shiny stuff to fit on it. All part of the fun.
I bet you get back to Stamford with a grin, even if your wet!!

Welcome here, Singularity... Nice example of an '01!!

I think the "Bike Bandit" & "Ron Ayers" type sites still sell OEM cowls, but if you're not in any hurry, just watch the Classifieds Forum here on the site... Cowls come up occasionally... You can post a WTB in the classifieds also...

On the exhaust, there's plenty of OEM cans laying around people's garages... Most can be had for shipping cost... Almost all 12s have had their exhausts replaced with aftermarket units (for good reason), and the "Pumpkin Launchers" are gathering dust...

Again, you can watch the classifieds here for deals on OEM & bolt-on aftermarket pcs...

Hi and welcome
you have seen the light and gone not only for a Kawasaki but the best one too shame about the colour blue is the fastes
but red is still quick

Read up on the sticky posts about the stator if it is an A1 for def need looking at.

You will find you dont have to twist the grip so much as your H... last bike.

the can is a must along with dinging the CAT out if its still there.

I had a problem getting the platics off mine as I dont think they had been taken off much. bolts solid etc.
I got new brakets and bolts from Kawasaki £30 odd posted .

once you have a nice day and a good ride on it you will love it. it is quite heavy going into the bends at first so slow a bit more before them and open it up a bit at a time.

If its dry when it pick it up them 35 miles
if you dont get off at home with a big grin
ebay is a good place for bits have a good search. I'll keep an eye out for you

Like a few others have said... go easy on that throttle... this bike has been known to cause bowels to be released unexpectedly

Which shop you getting it from ?, couple of us are in the midlands.
The bikes power will blow your mind lol.

You have chosen wisely
This is a brilliant forum, great guys, great info

hi and welcome.top site this.if you have a problem just ask and someone will have the answer.just got the same bike as yours in the same colour and i reckon its defo the a1 model.

Couldn't agree more. What I will say is your going from a 600 to this beast treat it with respect, it is FAST!

Great-looking bike! Welcome..........

Hello Singularity (interesting name)
I too had a Hornet 600 and the two bikes are like chalk n cheese. You will love the 12 and do take it steady at 1st. Had mine about a year and a half now and am still learning to tame the beast.

Welcome to the site. Just agreeing with what everybody else has said except for DOA. He likes to think the blue ones are the quickest but we all know that it is the red ones.