2004 Kawasaki ZZR1200: road test review

A review of the 2004 Kawasaki ZZR1200. I couldn't find any useful reviews, only footage of the bike being ridden so I hope this fills a gap.
Roadcraft Nottingham is a UK motorcycle school which was established in March 1989.
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[@bjwlancashire]

I found your review AFTER I bought mine two weeks ago, no test drive and 260 mile away in Brighton - good review by the way. Previously ZZR I had was a 1994 ZZR 600 in the late 90s and spent nearly 4 years working away from home in Warwickshire on it, faultless all year round. Brought the 03 ZZR 1200 home via the Ace Cafe before the non stop run to Lancashire, 4 hours via M40 including cross country bit from Warwick to M6 which was full of the usual traffic and long-distance roadworks. Bought 32mm risers after the trip home, much more comfy on the wrists. Seat a bit uncomfy after 3 hours or so but should probably have a break. A few for sale with Corbin seats MPG for trip home 54mpg Top gear roll on amazing at motorway limits. Steady as a rock on motorway or A roads, just rolls effortlessly into corners. Brakes are braided hoses, new disks and pads, one finger enough most of the time with 2 for extremes. Love riding it already. It's now parked alongside my 1981 Z1100ST. Got the panniers and topbox for it for TT next year, could not find the luggage for the old 1100 and my daughter does not pack light for a 10 day trip. In summary mine is a lot of bike for £1900, it has almost 68k miles on the clock but with stamped service book and bills. 4k miles per year is still not high.

[@johnharris7353]

That's a great bike, it's similar to my Super Black bird I think. These are my favorite class of bikes, big, comfy, fast, sporty sport-tourers.

[@markariewilliams]

just sold my K1200s which had hellibar risers and bought 03 zzr1200 with risers, changed fork oil to 10wt 400ml each leg and standard rear suspension, few tweaks and this is one impressive machine! had over 100 bikes and in my stable at the moment have a multistrada enduro and a RF900 and the zzr is fantastic and comfortable being 6 foot 2,

[@bjlwijnen]

Best review I've seen in this category of bikes! thnx!

[@JoshuaHults]

man all of your videos are straight top notch, thanks for the uploads !

[@boefje1971]

hi m8 greatings from holland, i just bought a zzr1200 and your video and others convinced me to buy one, thnx for your video again m8 o/

[@roadsonboard]

Another quality real world genuine review. Glad to see you using the same roads as me in this clip :-) I would have liked to see a walk around the bike either at the start or end of the videos as you have done in some other videos.

[@lukethekanefan]

i love all your vids but especially love your review cant belive u get to ride all those awesome bikes keep it up

[@Ryzen_56X]

Sport-tourers muscle bikes, as I call them +1000cc models, when buying used the first thing you should do is to get an upgrade with improved suspension kit front (springs) and rear (shock) there are many brands and models to choose from, is the best investment you will do trust me on this one, these engines will last forever they are build tough to do a lot of kms/miles to it for many great years, do a good maintenance, keep them clean and you will have a bike for life, I started with a ZX10 '89, later ZZR1100 '92 and now I got Honda's X11 '01 and CBR1100XX Blackbird both fuel injection PGM-F1 units. Safe riding mates.

[@BIKERMETOO]

Great review as usual !!! Keep 'em coming

[@appstate1996]

There is one of these for sale locally to me and I am thinking of purchasing it. This review helped me a great deal. I think I may make the purchase. Thank you!

[@opmike343]

It's hard to find good reviews of ANY bike on KZbin. Most seem to be biased, lacking in content, or just an excuse for the "reviewer" to show off in front of the camera. This was well done, and videos like this is why I stay subscribed to this channel.

[@blipco5]

Thanks for the memories. I had one and loved it. Gorgeous dash board. I bought a pricey LSL handlebar kit for it and transformed the comfort. Problem with the stock bars is the angle and bar risers alone don't fix that. The LSL kit does.

[@niconestra]

Ahhh, finally a private test video with great commentary. Filling the gap between an advertisement and some guy recording himself speeding. Fresh air! Thanks..

[@kftmanley8500]

Well update had the bike about a month now and very pleased had to have the handle bars raised about 1 inch to wrist pain ...well put a smile on my face every morning going to work ...

[@madheadmadDAZ]

Thanks for turning the video off as you was heading into eastwood, Saved me from having nightmares

[@ruijorge3554]

great review, interesting points of view, nice images. I got one ZZ1200R, moved from younger brother 1100.

[@MrPoopnoddy]

Sorry, have to disagree with some points on the review...first, it's a 160+bhp bike and second, you mention that it doesn't have the 'kick you in the arse' power of bikes like the BMW K1200S. I beg to differ. You opened it up a couple of times in the review but didn't once get passed 7000rpm. That's where the magic is - do 10,000rpm+ changes and you WILL change your mind and you WILL leave BMW's in your wake. The bike comes alive beyond about 7k rpm and changes the shape of your face forever...

[@pinkiewerewolf]

After all these years I finally decide to look up reviews of my ZZR1200. I'm only at 62,000 miles on the fastest color (02) Galaxy Silver. My only mods have been to make it into a XCountry tourer and I have gone across the US on it, along with many decent length road trips... some two-up. the last few years I've been thinking about changing bikes but every riding season I hop on it and fall in love again.

[@talochinha]

Hi thinking in buy a ZZR1200 and i tell you now your review is really good many thanks and carry on with the good job.

[@dheller777]

Good job! Thanks for the ride and the review.

[@kftmanley8500]

I found one today on a 53 plate 9000 miles showroom condition ..so looking forward to riding many miles on this..

[@juliebethhunt8676]

Good review as always. Thanks.

[@Phisio_Fly]

Really good review, finally someone made it ! Thank you for that. I'm actualy thinking abaut buy my zzr 1200, and this wideo helped me to make choice, See you on the road :)

[@diarmuidolaoghaire3922]

Great review! Very helpful, you should do more.

[@Phisio_Fly]

really good review, finally someone made it ! Thank you for that. I'm actualy thinking abaut buy my zzr 1200, and this wideo helped me to make choice, See you on the road :)

[@bombousboy]

Very good review. Well done and thanks.

[@doohan12345]

Very nice review, looking for one of these at the moment :-)

[@DrivingStandardsNI]

Nice one you have gone and made me miss my old ZZR1200 C1H even more now! I hope your happy with yourself! The big boy could hit the limiter with ease on the Autobahn when conditions allowed, a better all rounder than my also now traded in ZZR1400 (making 220bhp). More stable at big big speed not that, that is ever really a real world issue but its nice to be able to on occasion where allowed. As always RCN a great video.

[@rdsii64]

Here in the states that bike is known to be one of the fastest sports tourers of ifs time. It won't outrun an GSX1300R it will go from zero to "I need a bail bondsman" faster than you think. I currently ride a 93 CBR1000F Hurricane. I would have no problems picking up a ZZR1200, they are fine bikes.

[@cagdascevrim69]

Yeah the whole time I’m watching this video I’m like that bike is very quick I have no idea what he’s talking about. 0-60 in 2.9 seconds and 10.3 quarter mile. It was like the third fastest bike you could buy after the Hayabusa and I believe a certain Honda 1100 or something. My dad had one so I’m a little biased but I remember him hitting the gas on it a few times and it was fucking insane hahahaha you felt like you were on a missile and just along for the ride.

[@Bob-Maplethorpe]

@@cagdascevrim69 he's talking about power at 3500 rpm and the engine wakes up over 5. Hit 7500 and then talk about the engine being behaved. I have a ktm 1290 and my ZRX impresses me every time I ride it. Just grabbed a zzr 1200 as well and will know how it compares now as well.

[@cagdascevrim69]

@@Bob-Maplethorpe ohhh I understand. Awesome purchase, congratulations on the new bike. Get back to me on how you like the zzr1200 if you remember brother 👍🏼

[@1compaqedr8]

I have a zzr1200. It is an excellent sport touring bike that can also keep pace with modern 1000cc sport bikes on a spirited ride. Excellent wind protection and very low purchase price. Long wheelbase helps fight the power wheelies, but not always! 😎

[@Elkfazer1]

Very good review there RC! I like the various camera angles you put into the vid too, but must be a bit of a headache to edit together. These ZZR engines are great though and can be found in various guises across kawasaki's past models. I think I just love the top gear roll on of these machines the most, easy for overtaking and relaxing at the same time.

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

Corbin seats are very comfortable. The riding position is really a personal thing as I prefer more upright. All the best.

[@jaberry33]

Very good review!! :)

[@johnragan9946]

well done - appreciate the input

[@pariah7724]

Well done mate!

[@marcs990]

Brilliant review, you seem to be a very level headed rider, you have the road sense to know when to give it a bit & when not to, think you may of talked me into popping down to m.up

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

I understand what you're saying for sure. I have to draw a line on my road riding due to the nature of this channel if you see what I mean? But... I did the same riding on the tuono v4 and BMW k1300s and they made me giggle like a school kids. It's more about feel than pure power. :-)

[@KarlFisher]

great review..

[@flybobbie1449]

Had mine several years now. Was tempted to be rid of it, last ride was a ball ache, rough roads, bike rode like a rocking horse, traffic jams, fumes. Claustrophobic in helmet.. But this season decided to re tax, etc. Only last year did all tappets, etc. Made sure tyre pressures spot on, even warmed tyres and forks before set off. Well went for a ride last week. And it reminded me why liked biking for 40 years. Just ordered some 2nd hand risers, sensible price.

[@markariewilliams]

with the brakes, EBC HH and braided lines do the trick, this bike would rape the k1200s big time!

[@kaiser9100]

+1 for a street triple review

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

@Thermoman69691 I couldn't get on with the roughness of the ZX12, wasn't good around town at all, like you say, wanted to go fast all the time. The 1200 is still very saleable as you can't really pick up a 14 for under 5k at the moment. Thanks for your comment. :-)

[@IceBoNeZ]

Nice review, I love the ZZR series, if you ever come across a ZZR600, I'd love to see a review of one, as I'm hoping to purchase one after getting my unrestricted licence.

[@hypercarter3301]

I will be back up and riding again next year for sure. Thanks^_^ Man after being in that leg cast for over 3 months, leg is super stiff. It is a painful workout but i gotta go through with it if i ever want to get back to riding soon lol

[@defender714]

He under rated it. It's one of the best bikes ever made

[@markariewilliams]

200-240 mileage too, can tear this baby down for a full service in 2 hours at the side of the road! hell if i had a vacuum gauge i could balance in the middle of no where too! too much tech on these new bikes now for my liking!

[@johnwayne3564]

I owned a 2005 zzr12 for 3.5 years until chick drove into me. It was an awesome bike and once fitted with genmar risers it was really comfy, engine could fly got 270 kmh on roads up in centrel otago NZ.

[@lawrencecollins4646]

I love my ZZR 1200

[@thatmanfromyorkshire]

Like the reviews rc as you always put thought and effort into them.Always good for any potential buyer

[@SkinbeatersamCam]

I've got a ZZR600. ZZR's are great!! Slowly working my way up to a ZZR1400 . . . . :-)

[@378-V8]

...still own one of the early zzr1200 since 2002! keep it, even I bought a new bike meantime, still love every ride n tour with it, but the weak point is still the upcoming shimmy phenomenon at the end of tirelife! D/A/G

[@DustySquitoNM]

Old Kawi sport bikes are my favorites, hands down. Something about the way they look pushes all the right buttons for me. If you feel like dropping that bike off over here in the US some time, I'd be more than happy to take it off your hands lol.

[@geoffhalsey2184]

I had the ZZR1100. Lovely bike, OK riding position for up to 70 miles, but killed my shoulders when touring. Weighty, but a lot of power too. Had some scary moments on the Pirellis that were on the bike when I bought it. The rear would spin up in the wet all to readerly and then grip again. Though they had loads of tread left I dumped them in favour of a pair of Bridgestone. Solved the problem. It's not boring, but not that sporty either, though as expected illegal speeds for the UK were just a twist away. The solution, tour Germany. Shop around for insurance, some quotes were just silly.

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

@MysteriousVlogger ...Totally agree, who cares if it's half a second a lap faster at Mallory, it's the comfort, feel and fun factor that makes a bike good on the road.

[@Lewis0249]

These reviews are better than MCN ones!

[@ssacra22]

Thanks for this very good review. I am currently considering a 2005 model. I live in the states, and do a lot of distance riding 150 miles (plus)... often 400+. I am 44 and one of my concerns is the more aggressive position. Before I buy, I will be looking to see if there are better handlbar risers on the market, and also a Corbin seat. Any thoughts on that from any of you? Thanks again!

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

@elkfazer1 Thanks Elkie, once you have the 3 videos synched, and you only need to do that once, it's more time consuming than difficult but very rewarding (and I can change the view when the speeds are looking dubious!) lol

[@hedgehog3900]

Plug ugly lights but what a bargain for someone. Thought i had watched all your vids,nice to see a new (old) one. That was a hint......upload again.Please?

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

@thatmanfromyorkshire Thanks matey, nice to be appreciated. :-)

[@federicoamigo]

Thanks fornthe review was great, but a i have a cuestion for you. What do you have to say about the fuel consumption avarage?

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

@i9MaGiX Hey Michael, the review on the Scala rider G4 will be coming very soon, keep an eye out and well done on the CBT, another motorcyclist in the making. :-)

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

@bombousboy Thanks. One of my instructors has bought it off me and loves it!

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

@MrPoopnoddy hehe, hope you had fun. The ZZR is a highly recommended bike and if it was the only one I could own, I wouldn't feel at all upset. :-)

[@MrPoopnoddy]

Just out of interest (possibly) for you, I still have a ZZR1200 - had it about 8 yrs (along with other bikes) and it's at 71000 miles as of Sunday... Sure, I've had to replace the rear suspension and uni-trak and radiator etc but it's actually "sweeter" to ride now it's fully run-in. Also have a ZZR1200 with only 17,000 miles on the clock, almost showroom fresh. And guess which one of the two I prefer?

[@johnwayne3564]

genmar make bar risers put set on mine made big difference

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

@samxtx1 My mate had one of those, was sweet to ride. If you get a chance, test ride one. If you're a very experienced rider, go for the 1050 Speed Triple instead. Have a look at my comparison with the Tuono. Cheers

[@toecuttergpx]

i own one afther being used to the old scool kawasaki gpz gtr dash i find the idiot lights rather small on this bike and sometimes forget my indicators,i like how they made expension tank of the coolant dont need to take off any panals to check that,on my gtr it was on a rather odd place

[@hypercarter3301]

Man right there at at 6:15, thats how i lost my bike last year. I was going a little bit faster though and that person charged out like a bull and took my zzr12 away. That happened 10mins after I clocked out from work. I have a video of my 12 on my rtiger19 account. The ZZR12 is one awesome bike and once Im all healed up, I'll get another one for sure. November 8th was my last ride on it. Now I've got 6 screws in my knee

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

@MysteriousVlogger Thanks, I saw their test and was very uninspired, this has put me on a mission. lol

[@Lewis0249]

@RoadcraftNottingham The thing with MCN is they take all the bikes to the track and not everyone wants a bike to be fast round a track. Most people buy them for commuting :)

[@jacquenoir7876]

Men and Motors have done a review on the ZZR1200!

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

@MrPoopnoddy There's no accounting for the "feel" of a bike and the ZZR didn't feel like the BMW or my Tuono. Bear in mind if you have to go above 10,000RPM to get anything out of a bike it should be on the track. I was referring to the lower down power and mainly did this review because I was sick of people like MCN doing track style reviews when we ride on the road in real life. The ZZR is a lovely bike to ride but, in my opinion doesn't have the character of the BMW or Tuono.

[@Lewis0249]

@RoadcraftNottingham I couldnt agree more. Can you do a review of a 'big' bike to go to when you pass your restricted?

[@56yqc]

@cjhurrell I agree, alarms drain the battery and are a pain in the ass with their bleeping and blipping.

[@Luissteven0691]

Excelente

[@1100HondaCB]

Spot on mate. Big toys for brainless boys. Bikes aren't the problem, but some people are. I had a ZZR600 which was a category D write off, but you'd never know and I got it really cheap, repaired the panels and it was like show room condition. I sold it and made a profit on it. The person whom I sold it to practically pulled my arm off as he couldn't believe how clean it was.

[@Lewis0249]

@MysteriousVlogger Also forgot to mention can you do a review of a good bike to go on when you pass your restricted test?

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

@ddazzler64 Yeah, we're still laughing at that one too!! You know exactly what I mean by that don't you? lol. For others reading this, it happens at 8:46 onwards.

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

Yeah, all the best with that. Get back in that saddle asap. :-)

[@solomonstemplers]

I hated my BMW i got the zzr1200 im in love with it!Far better bike with more to offer than the beemer!the bmw was qiucker from low revs but horses for courses!the kwaka is a winner just on looks alone for me.

[@jasondavies7295]

ZZR is a great bike no doubt about it but sports bike you can't beat it

[@richardthompson5992]

I am considering purchasing a 2002 with 18000 miles on it. Are there any known/common issues with the ZZR1200's that you know of? Any insight will help. Thanks!

[@ryanflemming464]

Richard -- don't know if you are still looking for a ZZR1200. There is actually one issue -- the alternator chain tensioner can be overwhelmed by the starter motor, especially starting in gear, and the arm can contact the outside of the clutch basket. This has sometimes led to catastrophic failures if the arm breaks off or shaves. The dents are easy to check for through the oil fill port. ZZR owners' club can clue you in further than that.

[@Lewis0249]

Been offered a 2005 R6 on Cat C damage for £1900. The who is selling it is a family friend and car mechanic.

[@slimsean]

Excellent review. You should of been in a camera man

[@bigvern6050]

And now it's mine :-)

[@BababaBitch]

What was the fuel usage like?

[@clarkn8307]

zzr is a great bike more comfortable and still very fast

[@MrPoopnoddy]

@RoadcraftNottingham Fair point. I was probably slightly drunk when I wrote that... ;)

[@dbohemian]

Good review. I know you know this and you said its a real world test but you did not once even get on it good. How can you completely test it if you putz around in 4-5th gear and only do roll-ons? You have got to show us a little more gusto than that.

[@Jastongues]

"watch this guy!" 🤣🤣🤣🤣 I say that 🤭

[@geonerd]

Great review! It's a shame you couldn't get it out on a proper high speed road and run it into the second half of the RPM range.

[@kenmar62]

I would have liked to see it above 8-11k rpm range when passing your ass might have gotten a kick in the pants mate

[@UniversalGamingUK]

Have you driven the 1400ZZR yet?

[@Thermoman69691]

Kick you in the arse power:-) ZX12R can't be used like your ZZR just wants to go fast all the time!!! Great review:-) Been looking at the ZZR14 prices and they are cheap to buy on the secondary market and that must be hurting punters selling their ZZR12's. +1

[@Josh-lj4et]

I'm thinking of buying this bike. I've been riding a Honda scooter 150cc for the last few months. Is it absoletely crazy for me to get this? It's selling for $3,500 and I am a 6' 4" 200lb male.

[@jayflash2035]

Did you buy it

[@bikercamper8714]

Yeah he did and he died

[@G33MAN65]

I loved mine , regret selling it

[@bmu1982]

This or a K1200S for a 4-5 hrs commute twice per week?

[@kwak1k]

You'll be commuting to the nearest workshop a lot on the K1200 😂

[@russianwolfhound1]

@@kwak1k ...and ATM machine.

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

Not really, any bike can be dropped. It's down to the rider.

[@ddazzler]

no "neerk neeks"? lol nice review :)

[@QBTO]

Back to back the ZZR1200 will stay with the ZZR1400 up to 120mph

[@commonsense769]

It's 155BHP actually and top speed is 186MPH restricted!

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

Depends where you look, different sites/countries, different specs... 150.194 british horsepower or 158.24 with ram air... www.kawasaki.co.uk/en/products/archive/Sport_Tourer/2004/ZZR1200/overview?Uid=060AWlhZXFhZWV5ZW1tfW19fXl1QUVlZRg0GRT0j