The Kawasaki ZRX1200 was a retro-styled muscle bike that was inspired by Eddie Lawson’s 1980s superbike and was manufactured from 2001 to 2005.
The ZRX1200 featured a 1,164cc inline-four engine producing around 122 horsepower and 82 lb-ft of torque, delivering strong midrange performance and a top speed near 150 mph.
The bike came in several variantions, including the ZRX1200R with a bikini fairing, the naked ZRX1200C and the partially faired ZRX1200S.
Kawasaki ZRX1200 DAEG (fuel injected – Japanese market only)
Panoramic view of a 2004 ZRX1200R
Panoramic view of a 2004 ZRX1200R
Models, prices and years (in the UK)
Models and years (in the UK)
Note: The bike is referred to as the ‘ZR1200’ in the info below, the ‘ZR1200’ and ‘ZRX1200’ are the same bike (ZR1200 was the model code Kawasaki used for the ZRX1200).
ZRX1200S
ZR1200 B1 (Jan 2001 to Oct 2001)…..
Frame number started:
Description:
Half faired retro/muscle bike with a braced swinging arm, twin rear shocks, 43mm front forks and 3 spoke alloy wheels.
Available colours:
Price (new):
£6595
ZR1200 B2P (Nov 2001 to Oct 2002)…..
Frame number started:
Description:
Same as above model
Available colours:
Silver, red or blue
Price (new):
£6595
ZR1200 B3P (Nov 2002 to Aug 2004)…..
Frame number started:
Description:
Same as above model.
Available colours:
Price (new):
£6595
ZRX1200R
ZR1200 A1 (Jan 2001 till Oct 2001)…..
Frame number started:
JKAZRT20AAA0000—–
Description:
Bikini/headlight faired retro/muscle bike with a braced swinging arm, twin rear shocks, 43mm front forks and 3 spoke alloy wheels and stepped dual seat. Retro style headlight fairing and looks inspired by Eddie Lawson’s bike.
Available colours:
Price (new):
£6395
ZR1200 A2P (Nov 2001 till Oct 2002)…..
Frame number started:
JKAZRT20AAA0105—–
Description:
Same as above model.
Available colours:
Price (new):
£6395
ZR1200 A3P (Nov 2002 till Jan 2004)…..
Frame number started:
Description:
Same as above model.
Available colours:
Price (new):
£6395
ZR1200 A4H (Feb 2004 till Dec 2004)…..
Frame number started:
Description:
Same as above model with minor detail changes.
Available colours:
Green
Price (new):
£6395
ZR1200 A5H (Jan 2005 till Oct 2005)…..
Frame number started:
Description:
Same as above model with a stainless steel exhaust.
Available colours:
Price (new):
£6745
ZR1200 A6F (Nov 2005)…..
Frame number started:
Description:
Same as above model.
Available colours:
Price (new):
£6745
ZR1200 A7F (2007 model)…..
Frame number started:
Description:
Available colours:
Price (new):
ZR1200 A8F (2008 model)…..
Frame number started:
Description:
Available colours:
Price (new):
Engine and gearbox specs
2004 Kawasaki ZRX1200R engine
Engine and gearbox specs…..
Displacement:
1164 cc
Engine type:
Inline 4 cylinder
Note: An inline-four cylinder engine (also known as a straight-four), is an engine where all four cylinders are arranged in a row using a single crankshaft.
Note: The term ‘double overhead cams’ (or DOHC for short) refers to the layout and number of camshafts used in the engine. So ‘double overhead cam’ refers to 2 cam shafts situated in the top of the engine (as in the ER-5 engine pictured above).
Note: You can use any grade oil in the ZRX1200 engine (mineral, semi synthetic or full synthetic). Although fully synthetic is the best and will offer the best protection for your engine, we normally recommend a semi synth as it’s a good balance between engine protection and price. More info…
5 Speed manual (1st gear down, 2nd to 5th gears up, neutral between 1st and 2nd gears)
BHP:
123 bhp
Torque:
112nm (82.6ft/lb)
Top speed (claimed):
155 mph
0 to 60mph time (claimed):
2.9 seconds
Quater mile time (claimed):
11.4 seconds
Note: Top speed, 0-60 time, 1/4 mile time etc are all very APPROX!! as it’s not unusual for these figures to be slightly inflated by the manufacturer to help sell more bikes! It is also worth noting Kawasaki stated the top speed was tested on a flat road with no wind (and probably a rider who weighted slightly more then a cat!) 😀
Piston ring to cylinder bore clearance:
New: 0.010mm / Max 0.037mm
Valve clearance (inlet):
0.13mm to 0.19mm (when cold)
Valve clearance (exhaust):
0.18mm to 0.24mm (when cold)
Idle speed:
1,100rpm (+/- 50)
Panoramic view of a 2004 ZRX1200R with the bodywork removed
Panoramic view of a 2004 ZRX1200R with the bodywork/fairings removed
There are variations in MPG and tank range between users, mainly due to different riding styles and areas (e.g. city riding vs open road, weekend blast vs touring etc)
Fuel tank capacity:
19 litres
Fuel type:
Unleaded petrol (95 octane grade – aka standard petrol from your local garage)
Note: Yes, you can run the ZRX1200 on the newer E10 petrol, but MAKE SURE you drain all the E10 petrol from the tank and carbs if the bikes not being used (e.g. being stored up over winter). E10 grade fuel causes horrendous problems clogging up carb jets and moving parts when left for longer periods! More info…
Note: You can use any grade oil in the ZRX1200 engine (mineral, semi synthetic or full synthetic). Although fully synthetic is the best and will offer the best protection for your engine, we normally recommend a semi synth as it’s a good balance between engine protection and price. More info…
Engine oil capacity (if just changing the oil and filter):
3.0 litres
Engine oil capacity (after a complete engine dismantle):
Note: If your not using a torque wrench, spark plugs should be tightened up to a half turn past finger tight. This means tighten up the plug by hand (being careful not to cross thread the pug into the cylinder head) and then tighten the plug a further half turn using a socket.
Notes: The YTX14-BS battery is a 12 volt, 12 amp/hour battery and is length: 150mm width: 87mm height: 145mm in size (more info…). The 1st letter(s) of the battery reference code are a manufacturers reference mark and may vary between different battery makes (different battery manufacturers use different 1st letters), so CTX14-BS, YTX14-BS and DTX14-BS (etc) are all the same battery just from different manufacturers (more info…). Also…… Avoid buying the cheapest of the cheap type batteries online as they have a horrendous failure rate (and they can be a bug!er to post back when it fails).
Note: To pass an MOT in the UK the tyre must have at least 1mm of visible tread over 75% of the tyre and the tread must be continuous (so you can’t have 40% of the tyre on each side with good tread and a bald stripe in the middle! More info…). Also, tyres must not have any lump, bulge or tear caused by separation or partial failure of its structure and, although subject to the MOT testers discretion, tyres can fail because of age related cracking (depending on the severity).It’s worth noting most tyre manufacturers recommend changing the tyre once the tread depth is down to 2mm as once the tread gets below 2mm performance can be severely affected!
Rear wheel spindle torque:
98nm
Rear wheel spindle/swing arm clamp bolts:
39nm
Front brake:
Twin hydraulic Tokico disc brakes with 6 piston calipers
Note: Brake fluid is hygroscopic (which means it absorbs moisture from the air) and becomes less effective over time. As the fluid absorbs more moisture it becomes less effective (because water compresses much more then brake fluid). Brake fluid goes yellow when it absorbs moisture (the darker the colour the more water it has absorbed), which is why it is almost clear when new. More info…
ZRX1200-R clocks showing the fuel gauge, speedo and rev counter
Frame number location
Frame number location…..
The frame number is usually stamped onto the right side of the headstock (the front part of the frame just below the handle bars).
ZRX1200 fusebox lid showing the fuse layout
Useless stuff…..
The Kawasaki ZRX1200 was produced from 2001 to 2007 (with a Japanese market only DAEG model until 2016) and is a retro-styled motorcycle that pays homage to the legendary Eddie Lawson Replica KZ1000R of the 1980s.
It was designed to offer modern performance while retaining a classic look and was available in either unfaired, semi faired (S model) or bikini faired (R model) variations.
The ZRX was designed for owners looking for a blend of character, style and raw power.
The ZRX1200 attracted riders who appreciate vintage looks but want modern reliability. Owners typically include seasoned riders and fans of retro superbikes. Many are former sportbike riders looking for something more comfortable without giving up speed and character.
The ZRX1200 enjoyed considerable popularity, especially the ‘R’ variant with its distinctive bikini fairing and green, Eddie Lawson colours, thanks to its nostalgic appeal and strong performance.
The engine, which was derived from the 1990’s ZZR1100 engine was known for its toughness, reliability and ability to handle high mileages.
While carbureted in most markets, the ZRX1200 DAEG in Japan had fuel injection and a six-speed transmission.
Despite the weight and size of the bike, riders often praised the surprising agility at speed and its impressive mid-range pull.
The bike was (is!) popular among customizers and many have been converted into cafe racers and streetfighters (personal note – for the love of god…. WHY?????).
Buying advice…..
Generally the ZRX1200 was a good, solid and reliable bike and often owned by older owners who looked after the bike and serviced it regularly.
All the usual stuff applies with bike buying though, check service history and make sure to HPI check it before buying and check the usual stuff older bikes suffer from, check the fork seals/stanchions, wheel and sprocket bearings, handle bar switches etc etc.
As far as we know, these bikes weren’t raced so ex race bikes shouldn’t be a problem.
However, these bikes are getting older now and, as with all bike, they do have a few weak points that should be checked before buying.
Pre 2005 the ZRX came with mild steel exhaust systems which are likely to have rusted and been repaired by now (post 2005 Kawasaki used stainless steel exhausts).
The standard rear shocks (the ‘piggyback’ ones) can wear out early so check carefully for leaks or a bouncy ride.
The automatic cam chain tensioner was a weak point and was prone to failing, many owners upgraded to a manual one.
When you start the bike check for any cam chain noise which is likely to be a rattling, slapping, or clattering noise from the engine.
The automatic alternator/starter chain tensioner is known to fail and strike the clutch pressure plate, leading to visible clutch damage.
Symptoms often include a rattling or tapping noise from the clutch side of the engine. Heavily damaged clutch basket from a ZRX1200. The damage was caused by the chain adjuster (top of the pic) failing.
A very rare fault usually caused by excessive and heavy handed wheelies is cracks on the swing arm.
In the unlikely event that it’s still got the original rubber brake and clutch hoses these will need replacing (although most will have been replaced by braided/metal hoses now)
It’s also worth checking for a weak spark as this can be due to a blown resistor in the base of the ignition switch (not tested this, just something we’ve heard about)
Luckily, there are plenty of spares around in breakers.
If you’ve got any questions, comments or suggestions please feel free to leave them below 🙂
Disclaimer: The information on this page is correct to the best of our knowledge. But the info should NOT be taken as 100% accurate as we can, occasionally make mistakes!
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