Kawasaki Ninja ZX-12R reviews

I bought this bike 3 years ago after I got bit with the motorcycle bug again after an absence of nearly 40 years. I started riding my sons GSXR 600 and thought it would be nice if we could ride together. I bought it on EBay with 15800 miles, it was in good shape. It had Delkevic mufflers an SS pipes, but was otherwise Stock. I immediately changed the springs in the front since I weigh 190 lbs and I tried a rear shock from another bike (SV500) but that did not work. The biggest improvement were the michelin pilot radial tires, they really transformed the handling. I ride with my son and we sometimes trade bikes, and there is no doubt that this is not a highly refined sport bike, the brakes the engine everything is so much better on the GSXR, but also uncomfortable for more than an hour. I can ride the EX all day with no more than the normal aches. I'm 6.1 seating is OK a little cramped power is of course limited but more then enough to have fun on twisty roads. A perfect little bike Show less

After riding a Roketa 150cc scooter, a Honda Shadow 600, and a Kawasaki Concours 1000 for commuting, I finally found a good fit. I purchased my 2005 Ninja 250 used with 5,300 miles on it in May of this year. I have racked up 3,400 more miles, and have had no issues at all with it; just replaced a worn rear tire. Unless you need to prove something to yourself with power, glitz, and acceleration, this could be the perfect motorcycle. It gets me to and from work reliably, easily keeping up with traffic doing 60 - 80 miles per hour on a 2-lane state highway with rolling hills (and the ever-present Oklahoma winds). It is light, very easy to maneuver, predictable and confidence-inspiring. I did give the quality a 4; this is because the mirrors are the only weak spot I have found on this machine. They are mounted too close to the fairing (and too small) to give a good view to the rear. They can be adjusted to give an adequate view by tucking your elbows in when checking the long view backwards, but I would still like to have seen Kawasaki use a better design. The seat was an initial concern as it seemed to create hot spots, but it has broken in to my seat, and is now quite comfortable. Overall, I would buy this bike again in a heartbeat. It is a perfect solution for those on a limited budget, with moderate mechanical skill, who want to ride simply for the enjoyment of riding. It won't put your eyeballs in the back of your skull, but once you adjust to the Ninjette's nature, she will provide plenty of thrill. The Ninja EX250....not JUST for beginners. Show less

I bought mine exactly one year ago. I could not be more pleased with what this bike can offer for its age and I can rest assured that its performance is comparable with the state of the art present bikes. I consider it a sport touring ultimate machine. Power, style, dependability are my main characteristics of the 1988-1990 ZX10 (B3) Show less

My ZX7R is a power and smooth ride. There are faster bikes, but the feel of this front end is unmatched. This bike is easy to control due to its tame power below 6000 rpm., but after this make sure your Nava computer is functioning properly, because this bike isn't "like dustin crops at home. You will fly through a star or too close to a super nova which would end your day real quick. The stars will stretch like the Millennium Falcon in hyper drive. It is what a sportbike should look like. It is big and beautiful. On the highway it is smooth and stable. The strongest wind will not bother you and its seating position, for a sportbike, is very comfortable. GSXR's and R1 feel hard. The ZX7R feels like a Gold Wing compared to these bikes. It sounds like a diesel at idle but it's like a hive of angry bees when at full throttle. It is sweet! Buy one and you will not be sorry. Show less

I purchased this bike 5/31/2012 and I haven't regretted the choice once. The bike has smooth acceleration and well enough power for highway. The only issue I have is the dash. It feels a little cheap but they have digital upgrades for that. I would recommended this bike to any beginner. Show less

This was a gift to me from my daughter. It wasn't driven for five years until I moved to Vancouver Island to a town called Sooke. The ride here is absolutely amazing as all the roads are hilly and loaded with curves. This bike is absolutely amazing. My son rides an R1 and really enjoyed taking my bike for rides. He says it is absolutely a great ride - handles the hills and curves and has lots of power in the upper rpms. What a truely great time I have with this gift. Since I am a retired man, guess what I do to spend my time? Show less

Only 1-1/2 hours in the seat so far (70 mi.), but it has a super comfy seat, great riding position and feels like a dirt bike. Yet you can lay on the tank and get behind the windscreen "Crotch-Rocket" style. The engine is a "Torque-Monster" & super smooth. The power-band is awesome, "Power Every Where" at 55 mph. top gear, rolled the throttle 3/4 on & in less than four seconds I was going 120 mph. This thing ROCKS. Handling is great, super smooth. Just need to keep handlebar pressure on the inside bar to keep her leaned over. My last bike was a 2003 GSX-R 1000. The 2011 Ninja 1000 is way more comfortable, almost as fast and handles almost the same. I am 54 years old and love this bike. PS - when I get it broke in I'll give you a "Wheelie Report". Show less

This was my second street bike and I love it. I even got some friends and my dad to get the same bike. It gets a ton of attention everywhere I go and in my opinion I couldn't have got a better bike. The speed and power it has is amazing along with the braking. It was also voted the fastest 600 on track in 2009! Show less

This Ninja 250 is very nice. I drove it for long distances. It has great gas mileage (60 mpg.) It's a comfortable, light bike and has good high speed for the highway. Show less

I have been riding nothing but bigger cruisers my whole life. I had an opportunity to get a Ninja 650R with 8 miles on it for 1,000 bucks. How do I pass that up? Riding this bike is a pleasure. Since I bought the bike I haven't been in my car since. I take it to work every day. If I had to say one bad thing about the bike. There is a slight vibration right between 58-60 miles per hour on the handle bars. But you can ride right through it. Overall, it's a great commuter and new rider bike. But if your looking for a speed demon, this is not the one for you. Show less