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Presentation of the Kawasaki ZX-12R
Presentation of the Kawasaki ZX-12R
Now it’s striking twelve
MOTORRAD caught the brand new Kawasaki ZX-12R cold on a test drive in the Frankfurt area.
Gerhard Lindner
08/16/1999
There was a lot of speculation, so far no evidence. But finally the secrets of the new super model from Kawasaki are over. The ZX-12R was caught red-handed by MOTORRAD. And what can be seen in these first “real photos”, in connection with the little secured information, makes us expect a lot.
Lately there has only been talk of sensational performance data (182 hp at 10500 rpm) and a top speed that is said to be above the Hayabusa record, but the spy photos reveal a lot of technical highlights. In addition to superlative power, they could make the ZX-12R one of the most interesting newcomers of the year 2000. For example, there is the frame construction. In order to reduce the overall width of the machine, waived Kawasaki Make sure to run the frame profiles around the outside of the engine as usual. A solid aluminum construction runs over the four-cylinder from the steering head to the swing arm mount. The large airbox is integrated in this frame, the air filter can be easily replaced from above after lifting the dummy tank. The tank and battery are placed in the frame triangle under the seat, which ensures a low and therefore easy-to-use center of gravity. As with the ZX-7R models, the front wheel is guided by an upside-down fork.
On the engine side, Kawasaki also paid attention to a compact design. The timing chain on the right side of the engine saves a bearing point on the crankshaft, so that the completely redesigned, 1198 cubic centimeter muscle man should not exceed the dimensions of the ZX-9R. The four cylinders are fed by an injection system with one injection nozzle per cylinder. The ignition coils are integrated in the spark plug sockets. All in all, the ZX-12R should weigh only 225 kilograms – and that with a full tank!
In addition to the small, stabilizing side wings on the cladding and fork dip tubes, the huge, protruding inlet throat under the cladding nose is particularly noticeable. Not particularly elegant, but certainly effective. After all, this construction is already standard in the 500 World Cup. Above the entrance, two large, simultaneously burning headlight eyes create a light source that even the blindest road user should recognize in good time. This is called passive safety. And given the expected driving performance, you can’t have enough of that. This also includes a revised braking system with large 320-format discs.
The paintwork is extremely simple. In addition to the caught model in silver / black, the twelve will also be available in red. Kawasaki is still thinking about another color variant especially for Germany. The sporty hump cover will be standard, although the marketing strategists tend to focus on the touring character of the ZX-12R. The new high-flyer should find its own place between the ZX-9R and ZZ-R 1100. The maximum speed of around 310 km / h that can ultimately be achieved is therefore only seen as a by-product of a technically modern and consistent design. Much more important: sovereignty, stress-free, lazy gliding along and a significantly better wind protection than with the Hayabusa should make the Kraftmeier an amiable everyday companion. In addition to an analog rev counter and speedometer, a large, multifunctional digital instrument à la Honda VFR provides information about useful things such as the amount of fuel, the time or the distance traveled per day.
The constant comparison to Suzuki’s Hayabusa doesn’t really appeal to those in charge at Kawasaki. The Zwolfer is not to be seen as an answer to the fast peregrine falcon, but as an independent idea. After all, Kawasaki started development back in 1996? long before there was talk of a Hayabusa. And the Kawasaki concept can be described as conclusive, has you even thought of a regulated catalytic converter in contrast to Suzuki? this time as standard and not as an option as with the ZX-9R.
By the way: rumors that the ZX-6R and ZX-9R will be modified with the same new framework principle for the coming year should be regarded as such. The fact is: both models remain as they are and are only given a facelift to the conventional extent.
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