I purchased my 2000 model Kawasaki ZX12R just over six years
ago and I would have to say that I have mostly loved owning it in that time.
There have been only a couple of small problems which ZX12s share, all of which
I have experienced
- warped front discs due to seized calipers
- warped front discs due to seized calipers
- the clutch grumbles like crazy in the early models due to
oil starvation in the clutch basket
- difficult battery access
The only way to solve
the warping discs problem is to regularly clean the pistons in the brake
calipers. If you are having hot start problems then it is 99% likely that your
battery needs replacing, I have read that batteries tend to get hot because
they are fully enclosed and right behind the engine. Access to the battery in
the 'twelve' is a painful process which involves removing the tank cover, then
five screws on the cover plate and then removing some cables! If your ZX12 gets
ridden only now and then, definitely invest in a trickle charger and wire it up
so you can plug it in with everything in situ.
It is a brilliant 'highway blaster' being very stable and not to mention comfortable for long periods. I actually bought the ZX12 because I wanted a sportsbike that was comfortable and capable a commuter. It does run fairly hot in slow traffic even on cold days and does not like travelling at anything below 40km/h anyway, so I have yet to overheat it! I live in a fairly warm climate where summer days often go above 40 degress celcius (110 farenheit). My bike is not a high mileage unit having only done just over 36,000km (only having 19,000km when I bought it).
It is a brilliant 'highway blaster' being very stable and not to mention comfortable for long periods. I actually bought the ZX12 because I wanted a sportsbike that was comfortable and capable a commuter. It does run fairly hot in slow traffic even on cold days and does not like travelling at anything below 40km/h anyway, so I have yet to overheat it! I live in a fairly warm climate where summer days often go above 40 degress celcius (110 farenheit). My bike is not a high mileage unit having only done just over 36,000km (only having 19,000km when I bought it).
In the time I have
had it, the neutral sender was replaced under warranty, had two batteries, had
the front dics replaced with MetalGear discs, sprockets and chain and
both tyres. On the subject of tyres I am now running Michelin Pilot Powers
front and rear. The old rear tyre was a 200 wide tyre, but was replaced with a
190 wide tyre to improve turn-in, which is noticeable. I am very happy with the
bike because I still own it!
No comments:
Post a Comment