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Driving report Kawasaki ZZ-R 1200
Stroke twelve
For twelve years now, the ZZ-R 1100 power bike with its consistent aerodynamics and Ram Air has not only fascinated speed freaks. Can also inspire its successor ZZ-R 1200, which is even more clearly trimmed for Gran Turismo?
The dance around the blue ribbon of high-speed bikes is history, speeds around the 300 mark at the latest since the appearance of the Suzuki Hayabusa and Kawasaki ZX-12R have almost been taken for granted. Kawasaki has looked and is propagating the current edition of the former ZZ-R 1100 supersonic sling as an elegant super sports tourer. In other words: within the family, the twelve hundredths between the ZRX 1200 and ZX-12R. In any case, in terms of performance, it hits exactly the middle with 152 hp. Whether it’s also a golden one?
We’ll see, but before it really starts, the row quad, which has been lifted by 112 to 1164 cubic centimeters – as usual – wants to be put in the mood by means of loving choke juggling. In contrast to the ZRX 1200, with which the ZZ-R shares a large part of the engine base and the bore / stroke ratio, here, as is typical for the ZZ-R, the intake air captured by two openings below the headlights rushes straight through the airbox above the engine – to be processed into a mixture in the 40 downdraft gasifiers and thrown into the combustion chambers for consumption.
That works. From 2000 rpm, the big block, cleaned by means of uncontrolled catalytic converters, delivers a lot of booze, yes, if you click your way up to the sixth even in city traffic and miss out on downshifting before the end of the town, you won’t get an unwilling, bronchial gasp when you open the gas. On the contrary, if necessary, the big pot pulls itself out of the speed bog like Munchhausen once did, in order to storm off with a deep humming sound.
He could actually manage everything in the sixth, but the slightly bony six-speed box always provides several translation alternatives for town and country. Crisp, tight connections and massive torque guarantee free gear selection. Not entirely free from edgy vibrations, the twelve-hundred-year-old always mimes the serene, sneaky surprises are far from him.
The ergonomics of the newcomers also contain few surprises: with good contact with the 23-liter tank and the profiles of the reinforced frame that are drawn in in the knee area, even the tallest feel completely taken care of, but small pilots have to stretch themselves quite a bit to the handlebars. Typical supersport tourer and helpful when taking cover to explore the possible top speed. That goes quickly. In no time at all, the speedometer needle enters numerical no man’s land, more precisely: virtual 290 km / h. Which should be at least a real 270 and is done on the side because of the straight-line stability and good wind protection. No wonder, thanks to the Ram Air system, up to eight extra horses should be present at such speeds, making a total of 160 tugging on the chain.
A few less are welcome on winding country roads, especially since the Kawa can hide its weight of over 270 kilograms with a full tank and is quite handy when it comes to roaming the area. However, when there are fast combinations of corners, like its predecessor, it demands decisive action. And acting cleanly on the brakes. If you put the stopper on in the curve, you have to do with the erection moment, when suddenly loosening the load tilts inwards noticeably. In addition, the softly tuned 43 fork gets a boil and creates additional unrest. Tip: use the Tokicos, which are excellent in dosage and effect in front and rear, as far as possible in front of the bend and rush around the corner with a clean pull, then a lot goes with the big Kawa. Especially since the mounted Bridgestone BT 020 R are convincing in terms of adhesion. Put on? Usually not an issue. Just like adaptation to a passenger: In a jiffy and without tools, the spring base and rebound stage can be adjusted using a handwheel or wheel.
In general, the ZZ-R flatters its user. Main stand, unfortunately with exhausting translation, luggage hook, increased alternator power, adjustable hand lever, fuel gauge, fuel tap and a practical storage compartment under the seat are included, painted accessory cases including carriers are available for just under 600 euros. Equipped in this way, the ZZ-R 1200 calmly look forward to the inevitable test of strength with well-known figures in the sports touring industry. Coming soon at this point.
Technical data – KAWASAKI ZZ-R 1200
Engine: water-cooled four-cylinder four-stroke in-line engine, a balance shaft, two overhead, chain-driven camshafts, four valves per cylinder, bucket tappets, wet sump lubrication, Keihin constant pressure carburetor, Ø 40 mm, digital transistor ignition, uncontrolled catalytic converter with secondary air system, electric starter, 400 W alternator , Battery 12 V / 14 Ah. Bore x stroke 79 x 59.4 mm Displacement 1164 cm³ Compression ratio 10.6: 1. Nominal output 112 kW (152 PS) at 9800 rpm Max. Torque 124 Nm (12.6 kpm) at 8,200 rpm Power transmission: primary drive via gear wheels, hydraulically operated multi-disc oil bath clutch, six-speed gearbox, O-ring chain. Chassis: Bridge frame made of aluminum profiles, screwed beams, telescopic fork, standpipe diameter 43 mm, adjustable spring base, Two-sided swing arm made of aluminum profiles, central spring strut with lever system, adjustable spring base and rebound damping, double disc brake at the front, Ø 320 mm, four-piston calipers, disc brake at the rear, Ø 250 mm, two-piston caliper. Cast aluminum wheels 3.50 x 17; 5.50 x 17 tires 120/70 ZR 17; 180/55 ZR 17 Chassis data: wheelbase 1505 mm, steering head angle 65 degrees, caster 104 mm, suspension travel f / h 120/120 mm. Dimensions and weights L / W / H 2160/755/1245 mmSeat height 800 mmWeight dry 236 kgTank capacity / reserve 23/6 , 5 liter guarantee two years with unlimited mileageColors black, blue, silverPrice including VAT 11,995 euros Additional costs approx. 153 euros
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