2001 Kawasaki ZRX 1200R
Purchase Date: Fall 2010
I have always admired the Eddie Lawson replica bikes Kawasaki made in the early 80's. Kawasaki's late 90's version (ZRX1100/1200) was just as impressive. In 2010, I was in search of a new daily riding motorcycle and decided to search for a slightly used ZRX.
The 2001 Kawasaki ZRX 1200R has a 1164cc liquid cooled engine. Power output is 122 hp @ 8,500 rpm with a torque of 82.6 ft/lbs @ 7,000 rpm, top speed is 142.9 mph. The Kawasaki has a five speed gearbox with a chain final drive. The bike has good braking with dual discs up front and a single disc at the back. The ZRX has a dry weight of 500.4 lbs, with a fuel capacity of 5.02 gallons.
While searching on craigslist, I found the ZRX with 23,000 miles from a private seller. The bike was located in Sonoma, California. After a short test ride and a quick cash transaction, the bike was mine.
The 2001 Kawasaki ZRX 1200R has a 1164cc liquid cooled engine. Power output is 122 hp @ 8,500 rpm with a torque of 82.6 ft/lbs @ 7,000 rpm, top speed is 142.9 mph. The Kawasaki has a five speed gearbox with a chain final drive. The bike has good braking with dual discs up front and a single disc at the back. The ZRX has a dry weight of 500.4 lbs, with a fuel capacity of 5.02 gallons.
While searching on craigslist, I found the ZRX with 23,000 miles from a private seller. The bike was located in Sonoma, California. After a short test ride and a quick cash transaction, the bike was mine.
Myself, and/or previous owner completed the following aftermarket upgrades:
Exhaust: Muzzy 4 into 1 headers and muffler.
Air cleaner: Chopped battery box with a single large K&N air filter.
Jetting: The carburetors had been jetted and tuned to the exhaust and air filter.
Seat: At first I tried riding with the stock seat but after a few thousand miles decided it was too uncomfortable. I reshaped the OEM foam and added some closed cell foam according to an instructional website, which worked okay for the time being (better than stock).About six months later I stumbled on and purchased a used Corbin gunfighter seat. After installing, I found the Corbin seat is a well suited upgrade.
Handle bars: I purchased a set of clip-ons from a damaged bike listed on ebay. I drilled and tapped locating holes and installed them.
Exhaust: Muzzy 4 into 1 headers and muffler.
Air cleaner: Chopped battery box with a single large K&N air filter.
Jetting: The carburetors had been jetted and tuned to the exhaust and air filter.
Seat: At first I tried riding with the stock seat but after a few thousand miles decided it was too uncomfortable. I reshaped the OEM foam and added some closed cell foam according to an instructional website, which worked okay for the time being (better than stock).About six months later I stumbled on and purchased a used Corbin gunfighter seat. After installing, I found the Corbin seat is a well suited upgrade.
Handle bars: I purchased a set of clip-ons from a damaged bike listed on ebay. I drilled and tapped locating holes and installed them.
Tires: A local shop installed Pirelli Angels.
Hand grips: Oxford heated handgrips spliced into the ignition system to turn off with the bike.
Battery: Yuasa.
Bodywork: I painted the front and rear fenders black, adding a Top-Sellerie tank cover. I also installed a set of frame mounted crash pegs.
Chain: 530 DID chain.
Wiring: I installed an electrical SAE connection for optional heated gear.
Brakes/lines: EBC brake pads along with Galfer stainless steel braided lines.
Hand grips: Oxford heated handgrips spliced into the ignition system to turn off with the bike.
Battery: Yuasa.
Bodywork: I painted the front and rear fenders black, adding a Top-Sellerie tank cover. I also installed a set of frame mounted crash pegs.
Chain: 530 DID chain.
Wiring: I installed an electrical SAE connection for optional heated gear.
Brakes/lines: EBC brake pads along with Galfer stainless steel braided lines.
Headlight: I installed a round headlight bracket from a Kawasaki Zephyr along with an aftermarket 7 inch chrome bucket and HID headlight. This replaced the original square headlight bracket-fairing assembly.
Cam chain tension adjuster: After first getting to know the used Kawasaki, the cam chain sounded loose. I researched the automatic adjuster learning how the mechanism worked. It is supposed to automatically "click" into the next tension level, tightening the chain on its own as needed. I began to get suspicious as to why it was not adjusting itself. I've discussed this issue with friends and learned that it's a common issue, and racers are known to swap out the automatic to manual style. I was debating about making the swap, then one day the rattling solved itself. The mechanical adjuster finally clicked into the next adjustment. This was around 24,000 miles and I did not have any problems with the cam chain since.
The ZRX is a fast bike, drag bike fast on the straights. Not exactly nimble in the corners and not the best in comfort for touring either. This is basically a great all around motorcycle that handles well with smooth shifting. The stock gear ratios are just right, hitting power at perfect spots in the rpm range. Brakes work decent, although I feel they could be a bit stiffer. With the bike's large stature and 150 hp power output range (with aftermarket modifications), this bike is a blast to drive.
The ZRX is a fast bike, drag bike fast on the straights. Not exactly nimble in the corners and not the best in comfort for touring either. This is basically a great all around motorcycle that handles well with smooth shifting. The stock gear ratios are just right, hitting power at perfect spots in the rpm range. Brakes work decent, although I feel they could be a bit stiffer. With the bike's large stature and 150 hp power output range (with aftermarket modifications), this bike is a blast to drive.
Sale Date: December 2013