Kawasaki ZRX1200R reviews

I ve been riding for 38 yrs. Had 33 bikes. The last few yrs have had Busa, GSXR, TLR, CBR, all big bores. The Zrex is the best all around bike I've had the pleasure of owning. Great torque, awesome real world riding positon, classic looks and I just couldn't say no to the candy blue retro machine. Once in a while I miss the top end of the GSXRs but when I pull up to a stop light I'm reminded of just how uncomfortable those other bikes were and when the light goes green and I wheelie away in comfort with a smile. I think how someone at Kawi must have done their homework. Show less

I own a stock ZRX 1200R. I have been riding bikes since the 60's. The ZRX has a very streetable power band that pulls strong from 2500 RPM. It is a very fast bike but the powerband makes it reasonably forgiving. It turns around 4000 RPM at 75MPH. The seating position is upright but slightly forward with the stock seat. Highway handling is good and the smooth motor means there is no handle bar buzz until you get out of the double digits. Being a virtually naked bike, it doesn't offer a lot of wind protection. The bikes true strong suit is a daily commuter for city riders. It has great low speed stabilty and the wide powerband makes it a great bike for the city. The suspension is more than adequate for anyone that isn't going to do a lot of canyon carving. ZRX's are a bargain in the market place and tend to be highly sought after for drag bikes and for making naked street fighters. For those wanting a budget ride, the ZRX is a no brainer. Show less

I've had many a bike over the years and have always loved the stump pulling power of a torque monster. This Hooligan is just such a bike. Plenty on tap all the time and everywhere and the cool factor is off the charts. The green ones are the fastest. Show less

Owned/ridden many bikes. This is one of my favorites--does everything very well. Does get a little uncomfortable on longer rides with the stock seat, but that's easily improved with a Corbin. Show less

I have a 2005 ZRX and bought it last November. I have been commuting on it and have gone on several long rides. I sure like the power and the way it handles. I'm a pretty big guy so I need a good size bike to look normal on. This bike has tons of power and great looks that gets the heads turning. My gas mileage has been great, about 43 around town and 48 on the freeway at 75/80 mph. I haven't touched the engine with any custom performance mods because it's fast enough for me. I have added a Laminar lip, engine guards, a back rack and a little billet aluminum extras but overall it's stock. The only gripe I have is on my last long trip to LaGuna Seca in July I had major seat pain. The stock seat is not good for long time cruises. I had a little pillow under me for a while, which helped, but an aftermarket seat is definitely in the future or a good gel pad. I am very pleased with this bike and love the low maintenance. don't worry about breaking down on this ride because the engine is bullet proof. Ride safe everyone and be careful with the power of the ZRX1200R. Show less

Like our old 2000 ZRX1100, the 2005 ZRX1200R is one sweet machine. For passengers the Gunfighter & Lady Corbin seat with back rest is a must. My wife contends her riding pleasure has increased 100 fold. She no longer fears of flying off the bike when I accelerate (and I do accelerate!!!!) Show less

This is not my first ZRX. I had an 01 a few years ago that I put 10,000 miles on. It was a great bike but fool that I am I sold it. Well a year later I had to have another one and found someone who was willing to sell me their 04. I have owned maybe 30 to 35 motorcycles in my life and the ZRX is the only motorcycle that I sold that I had to get back. When I die my son will get two motorcycles because I will never sell my 1800 Goldwing or my ZRX. What can I say about the ZRX? It is an excellent bike for an older individual. Plenty of power, handling, and comfort. No it is not cutting edge but it works great for me. If I could only have one bike the ZRX would be it. Torque monster and plenty of aftermarket stuff so you can make it your own. There is nothing that can't be improved on the bike if you have the money to spend. I don't like stock bikes because I don't want to have someone pull up to me at a stoplight on the exact same motorcycle. Fat chance that that will happen. I probably have about forty mods that makes my motorcycle mine. If you can find a low mileage ZRX by all means give it a try. In my mind it is one of the best kept secrets in motorcycling. Show less

I bought a 01, used with 702 miles on it. Now my ZRX has 2400 miles on it. The gears are wearing in Very Smoothly. The Power is outrageous. I was cruising at 110 mph in 4th, rolled on full, shifted up to 5th at 130 mph (on a track of coarse). After 5K rpm the 1200 really comes alive. This is the last bike I'll ever buy. It's VERY comfi, im 6'4". Easy to work on and modify. Show less

I purchased my bike new in November 2004. This bike is heavy but handles and feels much lighter once your start moving. It corners really well. I like the seating position and the seat itself is great. But, I've only done some 200-mile trips at a time. It has plenty of torque, just roll on the throttle and it goes. No problems so far. I'm averaging about 43mpg. I didn't buy the bike for the fuel mileage, but I've been pleased with the efficiency. The suspension is very good. The mirrors could be a bit wider. When new, the shifting was too notchy, but now that I have accumulated a few miles, it shifts smoothly. A very high quality bike that you don't meet yourself on every few minutes like the sport bikes. Show less

This bike has the ultimate combination of style, power and comfort. It has the low-end torque of a big V-twin with the endless top-end of a multi. Completely easy to ride, very docile, yet will carve corners or BLAST down straights to suit your mood. Great suspension, smooth power delivery, comfy ergos. The seat is the only negative, but it is OK for about an hour. This bike gives me a thrill every time I get on it. Show less