Kawasaki ZZR1200 reviews

This bike is amazing! I bought it in October '03 and have put 3000 miles on it. I've done road trips and commuted from work to home in rush hour. The bike's acceleration is very easy to control on the low end and pulls extremely hard to nearly the top of the speedometer and the ride is smooth stable right to the top. Steering is neutral and steady. For a bike weighing over 500 lbs. dry you can lean it way over in a corner, though doing so is a little un-nerving considering the weight. I get lots of comments on its looks. Color is deep metallic blue. Riding position is more comfortable than it looks, pretty easy on the wrists, too. I'm planning on buying the $400.00 Corbin seat, only for the reason that I slide around on the stock seat a little bit. I've also noticed a slight vibration from the engine around 5000 RPM, nothing to worry about; most engines have an RPM range where this happens. Until the ZX10R came out the only bike faster 0-60 and 1/4 mile was the ZX12R and I think the GSXR1000, try putting in 500 miles a day on one of those. And for the little 600 posers... Get a real bike. Show less

Riding the ZZR1200 has been a revelation. My eyes have been opened to the Zen of motorcycling. If I were 30 years younger I would take up motorcycle racing. The ZZR1200 is a near religious experience (especially at 150mph+ or when taking curves silky smooth). I can't and won't compare this bike to the myriad other sport or sport/touring bikes since my experience is limited. I test drove the ST1300 and I had no "wow" experience (bah humbug, the high pitched whining sent shivers up my spine). I test road a Suzuki R600 and it beat me up miserably, my hands and back ached after the tiniest of test rides (a medieval torture device inspired that bike). I called on insurance rates for the Hayabusa and R1000 and nearly fainted. Undaunted, I continued my search for something wilder and wickeder than my beloved, but now outdated, Suzuki Intruder 1500 LC which sputters and screams in agony at a mere 115mph. (My intruder is still the most comfortable riding game in town, for me, with it's "comfy chairseat from factory heaven - I'll keep the intruder for my decrepitude and retirement days). While stalking out the used bikes at a local dealership, I spied a dark-blue beauty, said "wowand wanted it before I knew what it was I wanted (I grabbed for my wallet instinctively). The "wowis a used 2003 low miles dark blue ZZR1200 beauty. The price was incredibly right and I took her home with a feeling I had stolen half of her. I could insure three ZZR1200s for the outrageous insurance rates of one hyped up Hayabusa, and yet, the performance of the ZZR1200 is but a small margin less than the Hayabusa (can you really tell the difference between 180 or 200 mph with your eyes closed, young man?). Thankfully, Kawasaki markets the ZZR1200 as a "touringbike and insurance companies have taken the bait. A mountain lion for the price of a kitty cat. The ZZR1200 has great looks, incredible performance, and marginal comfort for a sport-touring bike in stock configuration (the stock seat relentlessly slides you forward while gusts of wind blowing over the stock windshield thrash you back). To be able to ride with greater comfort, I am investing in a Corbin seat, aftermarket touring windscreen, Genmar risers, Givi bags and Throttlemeister to tame the beast enough for long distance comfort. I can image already the joy of riding this beauty in the twisties of the Colorado Mountains that beckon me for this summer's tour. Originally created for the German autobahn, the ZZ1200 beast craves speeds that can only be enjoyed in illegal stealth with risk of mandatory court appearances and oodles of points against your driver's license for years to come if caught. Nonetheless, if you dare own this beauty, and can always ride her at the posted speed limits, then you must be made of sterner stuff than me, or are nearly dead. Madness takes over me when my hand touches the throttle and power surges in the ZZR1200 with a vengeance and effortlessness that is intoxicating. Yes, the wondrous feeling of recapturing my lost youth - who needs viagria with a ZZR1200 - to enjoy the wind blowing through what's left of one's hair (yes, even wearing a full-face helmet the wind somehow manages to blow through your hair when riding a ZZR1200). What I am trying to say is this: Do your homework, dear friend. This bike should be on your short list of bikes to consider if you want a sport bike that won't tear your old bones up and spit you out like the tired old flabby middle age paunch bucket that you probably are. Put a few more bucks into this beast and spruce her up for comfort and long rides - it is still a deal compared to the Honda ST1300 or Yamaha FJR1300. You will fall in love with the bug-eyed taillights, I promise. Strangers will drool. Law enforcement will instinctively point radar guns in hatred at you, so beware. You will regain your lost youth - or if you are young, buy a ZZR1200, ride it a thousand miles a day for the rest of your life and you will never lose your youth, no matter how old and flabby you become. (Hope this unbiased matter-of-fact review helps). Show less

I really enjoy riding this bike. For someone my size though a recommend a zero gravity screen and a Corbin seat for supreme comfort. Stock this bike is a strong 8 to hit 10 you need to invest in the Holeshot pipes, seat, screen and a fork brace. I did them all. I can run with any bike out there and blow out all of them on the quarter due to the early power build up. The weight keeps her stable on high speeds and the fairings work better than any other bike out in its class. Handling is heavy but it's a small sacrifice. If you want huge improvements on handling get better tires with a progressive shock and look out. This bike is ideal for larger riders who can't fit on the CBR or R1. The carburetor set up rival's fuel injection and it's easier and cheaper to tinker with. With this bike you won't go wrong. You won't see many on the road so you'll stand out. And the Holeshot pipes will shame any 900 or 1 liter. Invest the extra 1500 on this bike and you'll love it as a daily rider or commuter. Show less

I have owned a ZZR 1200 for about a year now, and this bike is absolutely awesome. Plenty of power and low end torque, but most important, comfort. I am 44 and enjoy a good ride, but comfort is getting harder to find on these sport bikes where they keep lowering the handle bars. This bike handles, accelerates like a missile, and all with good riding comfort. I may buy a cruiser one day, but I will never get rid of this bike.......too much fun! Show less

Although I have much to say about the ZZR1200, I can't wait to get back out on it and hit speeds I am not sure are legal except on a race track. If you are looking for a Sport-tourer and get the urge to keep up with that Suzuki Hayabusa that just passed you, the ZZR is your bike. Handlebar risers, Corbin Bettle Bags and a Corbin seat is about the only items needed for motorcycle perfection. I test rode the BMW GT1200, Aprilia Futura 1000, Ducati ST4, Honda ST1300, and even Yahama FJR1300, and I have a Kawasaki ZZR1200 in my garage-enough said.. Show less

This is hands down one of the best motercycles I have ever owned. If you loved the ZX1100 your going to fall in love again. Show less