The iconic ZRX1200R / motorcycle review

[@dylanstack8710]

They simply don't make bikes like this anymore. For my money the King of Standard Japanese Motorcycles. This was the tipping point between carburetors and fuel injection and the carbs on this bike are so awesome. The cornering on this bike is impressive and you can move so smoothly at lower revs. Handles nearly as good as my CBR in a bend.

[@combsjason8356]

15 years ago a friend of mine got a 99 ZRX 1100 and I thought "that's the coolest looking bike I've ever seen, one day I'll own one". This summer I bought my first 01 ZRX 1200R with a stage 2 carb and yoshi exhaust. Literally had slight buyers remorse at fist because I wasn't familiar with that kind power. After a few months warming up to that ever so exhilarating rev limiter, and cornering with some speed, I must say love it very much. Great Video.

[@Spartansrule118]

ride safe!

[@Lar308]

I used to be a police biker now retired and my ZRX 1200R gives me the same feeling when riding the police bikes - big powerful bike with real presence and so competent and the feeling that you could ride one all day without a bother.

[@aikidragonpiper71]

I have a 2003 Kawasaki ZRX1200R . I got it new and over the years I’ve put over 52,000 miles on it and it still rides great.

[@MichaelHoward-fr3hp]

NICE BIKE!!!

[@1972RB26Datsun]

heck yeah man, my 01 ELR has 70k miles on her and she gets in the 160s from time to time ;)

[@kutejikashi1959]

Man, I went ro a biker event and a dude rolled up on one of this. Everyone was gazing at this beast and the sound is magnificent, strong and beautiful. I wan to own one so badly 😭😭

[@leviefrauim1425]

As the former owner of 2 ZRX's- an 01 and an '03- I can testify to the truths he's laid out in this vid. It was an awesome bike to own/ride.

[@philhicks3390]

Enjoyed that review guys. Yes I traded my cb1300 the moment I heard kawasaki was discontinuing the zrx1200r in 2008 and have enjoyed ownership since. However kawasaki should have recalled the bike and fixed the alt starter tensioner problem which most owners around the globe are familiar with...if not do some research it could save you $$$. Mine broke destroying the clutch and I was lucky not the engine. James Compton customs in the us sell a cure for the issue for around about $75 us, works a treat and is easy to install. He's on KZbin with a step by step tensioner install, a must to watch.

[@jonnymac8925]

Damn man, a CB1300 would be hard to give up, but if there's a bike to give it up for the ZRX1200R would be the one!

[@idrismohdyunus1915]

That's why Kawasaki came out with the improved version of ZRX1200DAEG.

[@joemcgovern4863]

Be very very careful about buying a ZRX. You might well quickly find that one ZRX is not enough. You've been warned.

[@jonnymac8925]

The ZRX is more bike than 95% of people can use on the street, and a lot of guys can't even use all the bike on the track. That being said, I do get your point, there is always that need for more! Haha

[@daytonwintle6051]

@@jonnymac8925 I think he means you will quickly realize you need the original kz1000R ELR, and a new z900r to have all the cool bikes 😂😂 I know that's where I'm at currently

[@Cammisa10]

I loved mine

[@Mybwain]

You're right, I have 12.

[@uhtred7860]

I only have one, and its the baby, ZRX 400 😆 in lime green, as they should be.

[@petedetraglia4776]

I owned the original 1970 Kawasaki KZ1000A Eddie Lawson model here is the USA. I called that motorcycle the WIDOW MAKER!!! It was 90 plus HP stock back then...Now I own a 2005 ZRX 1200R i bought new in 2005, with a full Akrapovic titamiun exhaust, 4 degree ignition advancer, custom jetting, K&N filter, 3 teeth up in the rear sprocket, and a Borg & Warner race clutch. It does 10.38 seconds in the quarter mile without any wheelie bars and no stretched swing arm. On the dyno it's putting out 138 Horsepower to the rear tire....

[@daniellargey8430]

did not know they had the 1000 in 1970... the things you learn on FB

[@DanielEDugger]

1970 !?😮

[@brookcampbell2940]

390lbs., 170 hp at the reAr wheel, 100ft.lbs. Of torque With a Compton Customs 1224 kit. Unstoppable! I got a 2003 last summer. Get them while you can.

[@johnnygorena5318]

How much does the 1224 kit cost I have a ZRX 2003 w10K on it

[@teokastelan2930]

Oh that’s great ! How much $ for the kit Only ? I mean without the work.

[@gregspouse3298]

Dam it!! After watching this video review, I WANT ONE hahah awesome review mate, your editing is just 👌

[@BibTheBoulderTheOriginalOne]

To any modern rider who is used to bikes with a full on electronic package the ZRX will likely end their riding days. These bikes take a lot of skill to tame, and I honestly question how many new riders have that skill....

[@1990-t1j]

Yep, it certainly looked good. A friend in London used to have one back in the mid-00s. I love the fairing. Great under-seat storage. I see this one has a Ventura Bike-Pack system. They are really good. I have one. I would rather have had a GSX1400 to be honest, as I like torque. Ended up with a B-King a few years later. Great video.

[@andrewc2024]

Twenty years ago, my wife & I moved to the city and I landed a desk-jockey cubicle job in a windowless studio. By way of consolation, I figured I'd have to buy a bike. Had my heart set on a ZRX (I'd had a series of rattly twins prior to this but proper job meant proper bike) and found a great used one at a dealership on the west side; great condition, great mileage, great price. When I sat on it.. it was bloody miniscule, like a toy bike, knees up by my ears, had to squeeze myself in just to sit, and it felt like I was sitting on top of a fence, not part of it at all. Fortunately, at the back of the shop was a used black honda cbr. Sat on that, perfect, everything at the right place, nothing too tight, so that's what I got. Still got that old Blackbird: best money I ever spent: would never have got it had it not been for that beautiful but impossible ZRX.

[@kleinbottled79]

My brother had one. Bike did not seem to care what gear or RPM - twist anytime and get all the thrust you would ever need. You would expect that. What surprised me about the ZXR though was how easy it was to ride at low speeds. Particularly the on/off throttle response from the carbs, perfectly seamless and smooth. The motor was really such a pleasure to use in almost every way. Didn't even buzz too bad at higher RPM like some big i4's I've ridden. Handling was well balanced and predictable but the suspension was kinda soft and spongy. Combine that with the sheer size and weight of the thing and I honestly didn't much care to ride it through my local hills as I do my little sport bikes. I wouldn't own one, but it's a cool bike.

[@Nifilheimur]

Just found this channel when looking into the GSX 1400 and love it. Crashed my Road King and want something classic looking but with more horses than Harley has to offer. Both the ZRX and the big gixxer look glorious.

[@uhtred7860]

The "Gixxer" is a name for the GSX-R series of bikes, the GSX would be...🤷‍♂ "Gixx'😄

[@TheStranger52]

Hard to find Aussie KZbinrs that have your style of reviewing. I hope you do come back whenever that might be and update us on what you have ridden whether it’s cool or not! Wishing you the best brother.

[@iaindouglas4829]

Had an '04 for a couple of years, loved it, just classic muscle bike, looked gorgeous and was plenty quick enough for me.

[@gm16v149]

It’s a good looking bike that’s for sure. It would be nice to see a modern reincarnation like the Z900RS with upside down forks and all the electronics, possibly including the twin shocks, although I guess a mono shock is better. In other words a Z900RS Cafe with a bigger engine.

[@6tdegrees]

Couldnt agree more

[@doxydoxdelamanca9902]

If Kawasaki ever does decided to do something like that, it SHOULD have twin shocks. Otherwise, it should not come out.

[@DeathComesSwiftly]

Z900rs is pretty close to these specs in power. 111hp and 73ft lbs of torque. I own one and it’s brilliant. Similar sound and power curve. Kawi seems to get the grunt out of these pretty well

[@kleinbottled79]

@@DeathComesSwiftly Having ridden both bikes I will say the experience of the two motors wasn't all the different. The 900 is a little less stout at like 2-4k RPM by my butt dyno, but the midrange and top end felt similar in pull. The carbureted 1200 has silky smooth on/off throttle response that the fuel injected bike lacks. The main difference you feel is outright size. The ZXR is larger in every dimension. It feels big and a touch gangly on it's softish suspension, compared to the compact and buttoned up RS. I must say I prefer the composed, confidence inspiring handling of the z900rs and if it takes a mono-shock to get there - so be it. One could imagine a 180hp z1400rs based on the zx-14r motor. What a monster that would be.

[@DeathComesSwiftly]

@@kleinbottled79 an ECU flash and proper tune will correct the throttle issues and actually increase hp and torque by a decent amount. Usually with full exhaust and tune, you can gain 10-15hp at the rear wheel.

[@afnx6]

the only youtube chanel i found which is close to Top gear level...hats off mate! love from Bangladesh.

[@MichaelHoward-fr3hp]

Im an old Suzuki GS1100E Rider but always respected the KZs!!!

[@Budget-Cars-And-Bikes]

Great to see someone else reviewing these old classics! I've also reviewed all 4 of the big boys on my channel, although perhaps not with the same level of editing skills you have. And am about to buy my 2nd GSX1400 for the channel, so I've done 2x CB1300 - 2x XJR1300 - 1 ZRX1200 and 2x GSX1400 - and love them all, although the GSX is my favourite of these big buggers. Great channel BTW 😁

[@uhtred7860]

" old classics!" You just made me feel old, I still think of these as pretty new😆 I remember when the first ELR, the Z1000R was a new model.🤣

[@toucheturtle3840]

I bought an A1 1200. Remember one night giving it the beans along the local bypass with a gaggle of blokes on 1000cc machines…the only guy that passed me was on a K5 GSXR… Awesome bike. Great looks, incredible handling considering its weight & enough grunt to plough a field😁

[@vicpnut1]

Always wanted one of these since I first saw one in the local Kawasaki dealership showroom ….sadly also I’ve Also always been horrible at saving $ and miss out everytime ones available near me …..the dreams still alive though such an awesome bike . Me Being Tad older ,started riding in the mid 80’s ,this is what always “looked” like the ultimate bike to me . If that makes an sense

[@michaelmam]

Thanks for this review . Enjoyed it . Bought one this year after borrowing my friends to make a KZbin video and liked it so much I had to find one. Have a good Christmas 👍

[@ericlagarde3807]

Love my 2002 ZRX! And very accurate video and facts. Needs some mods to be enjoyed fully but it doesn't stop to put a smile on my face in my helmet while riding her. that kinda smile my FTR1200S nor my 800 Tiger can put....

[@СергейМандрик-ф6е]

Super video. Level of preparation, operator's work, music - thanks SO MUCH for this! Love this motorycle, by the way!

[@keijomuuri]

Spot on mate, i just love my ZRX. Sold one years a go but bought one back this summer and it`s a keeper

[@cb4me450]

You're not kidding about the state of Aussie roads. Looks like a nice day up beechmont for the shoot. Tossing up between one of these and a CB1300.

[@imthatguy1878]

I had my zrx1100 ELR from 99 til this year when I traded for the new z900rs cafe and its an incredible bike, it just lacks the cool of that lime green and stripes. Had they released a zrx with the technology of the z900rs it would have been incredible

[@rubo1964]

Funny I am debating between both...

[@toddsavage7576]

Excellent review and very entertaining 👏 👍 😎 from a brother in the great white North. 🇨🇦 🍁 love my ZRX

[@vaughanboyce3702]

The mighty zrx, I've got a red one with load of mods... She hauls arse.. I've owned dozens of bikes and still own a shed full but the zrx is my favourite....

[@rodneybrimer5171]

One of the best looking bikes ever in my opinion. I just don’t understand why they didn’t add the 6th gear? Anyway still my bucket list bike👍

[@teokastelan2930]

That is a nice bike ! I have Yamaha XJR 1200 for 20 years. Yeah, that lack of six speed transmission is annoying on the highway…

[@Friday773]

Great review! Very funny & also informative. Of all the retro, nostalgic throwbacks this is my favourite.

[@djefferson02]

For 12 minutes I was entertained. Nice job keep it up

[@6tdegrees]

YES! this is the comment I was most looking forward to. I'm glad we kept you entertained

[@stanleyernest7109]

I had a mint 2008 and regret selling it. Great video. Thanks.

[@mr1bienvenu1]

I love my ZRX. I've been riding it for 15 years now and have no plans on ever selling.

[@cuntstubbl]

Had mine since 2007 and I’m planning on keeping

[@LTLT900]

Me too.

[@eddieeddie299]

i want change my bike from k9 1000 to zrx1200..which one caburator or injection is better

[@idrismohdyunus1915]

I own ZRX 2012 model for 7 years and I enjoy riding it. Six speed gearbox and fuel injection.

[@Don1atUTube]

The Snap, Crackle and Pop of the exhaust was my favorite when owning one.

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Just a stellar video! Need one of these!!

[@uhtred7860]

Ha, fancy seeing you here😃

[@harrypalmer291]

I used to have a smashing nice example of this bike. Low miles, rock solid handling, and I obtained it for basically a good song and dance. 3500.00 us dollars in 2007 for a 2001 model with 2795 miles on it. I enhanced sound and performance (in my opinion) with a Yoshimura can, and a Dynojet "stage 3" carb kit/k+n filter combo. It became a tad dyspeptic of idle but W.F.O. was the sweet spot. Ran like the proverbial "Raped Ape" and it just seemed to be a little more special than other bikes.

[@Matt-wg1xi]

stepping it up! best video yet fellas

[@sonnnyboystudios]

Great photography and editing. Currently shooting my ZRX1200 to get ready to sell and was inspired by your video. Keep up the good work.

[@scottastell9415]

Fun review. Had the Suzuki 1400 and loved that. A mate has the Kawasaki and its paint is wonderful.

[@ralphwarom2514]

oh, Hi , welcome back. Merry CHristmas

[@keithgregory2800]

Great bikes love them . Another great video guys

[@6tdegrees]

Cheers Keith

[@deanzaZZR]

The ZRX 1200R did get fuel injection (and a 6th gear) in the Japanese market, (DAEG). I would love to give that model a go on some wide open police free roads in Hokkaido.

[@Matt-wg1xi]

@10:24 6tdegrees meations that. Shame we never witnessed it 😕

[@phoenixarizona8441]

Old School with new school heart

[@dalehawkes1698]

Great video I love the big quacker I think as they no longer sell the ZzR 1400 here in the UK ,I reckon Kawasaki should do a modern version using the zzr lump but make it identical to the old one but use latest tech 🤔🤣🏍🏍🎉🎉

[@joebulgozdi5099]

I’ve loved Kawasaki’s for 55 yrs, thanks. You are wisards

[@balta123]

...evil handshake then? ...ahh this made me smile 🤣 Amazing video mate good luck and I'm waiting for Your opinion on honda cb1300 in video. ❤👌

[@9of966]

This is a good and fair review. And yeah, I have one, a green '01. And no, it will never be for sale.

[@Spartansrule118]

Are they reliable ?

[@savinnikola949]

My friend, what a incredible timing to record this video. I'm just looking for a new bike and my favorites are zrx1200r and xjr1300. I've been looking for various reviews for weeks now, and then all of a sudden your video comes out ... just delightful. Everything looks great, and reminds me of old top gear videos. I immediately followed your channel. One question only, I am about 190cm tall, 90kg heavy, so I wonder, in your opinion, am I too big for these motorcycles? Tnx

[@6tdegrees]

No, not at all. If anything the ZRX1200R will suit you to a T 👍 The xjr1300 on the other hand does feel smaller in comparison to all the other big bore motorcycles such as the cb1300 and gsx1400, however i dont think you'll feel cramped riding the yamaha. Its strange to say this, but these bikes seem to benefit riders of any stature. Personally i believe you wont be upset with any option you decide upon, they are all great motorcycles in their own way.

[@savinnikola949]

@@6tdegrees thank you a lot for your answer. Keep up with good work, I'm looking forward to watch next video on your channel.

[@w00ey21]

Nice work mate, straight onto bikesales for a quick look lol

[@6tdegrees]

Haha you watch, they will disappear off Bikesales now

[@Nitermare]

Excellent review.. so glad to see some decent Aussie reviews and content.. did you ever review the xjr1300?

[@zardportugal]

Beautiful bike, great review. Cheers

[@bretthall4673]

Nice one. Would like to see the Yamaha V Max, interested to see ya thoughts on it.

[@6tdegrees]

Hopefully 🙏

[@Mrthecrux1]

"Give us another gear ya bastard!"🤣🤙

[@RealSamski]

Really nice video :)

[@leightonwatkins7253]

Really enjoyed this fella

[@6tdegrees]

Cheers mate, still got the XJR and CB1300 to go yet

[@leightonwatkins7253]

@@6tdegrees looking forward to it 👍

[@leightonwatkins7253]

Any news on the XJR and the CB vids ?

[@brookcampbell2940]

Where else are you gonna get Candy Lime Green flake from the factory? Psalm Zrx12 “ know thy gear selection”. Listen to the motor no need for gear IndicAtor needed #bestbikever

[@Tigerloco70]

Mine has 8800 miles 2001 green , but i am 1.90 mts its small for me , need a taller seat , and the fork is on the soft side , anyway i love it and i will never get rid of my zrx 🤘🏻👍🏻

[@boskop7094]

It's just a wonderful bike, hope will buy one in good condition soon 👍💪

[@bvcage]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 I can't believe you threw that in there at the very end. hahaha. I just died laughing hahaha.

[@hachewie]

I'd love to ride/own one of these.

[@sandeepanmazumdar6473]

I am waiting for the Honda CB1300 review please 🙏

[@donweaver1600]

iv a zrx but prefer the cb1300

[@bradyjones6771]

Awesome video! Awesome bike!

[@smileypureblood930]

I love mine 2006 1200r the only thing I hate is the seat for day cruises need a day to recover 😂

[@knzaharin7720]

Yezz osem bike.. mine 2012 15k km still runing great n luv it.. peace bro fr Malaysia

[@muhammadhafizkamarudin4304]

Nak jual gtau ye bang..rendah sgt mileagenya tu..😃

[@LTLT900]

Best thing in my life is having a ZRX instead of a wife.

[@stuartlomas3661]

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿😎😁💚🏍💚 lm a Good Old English Boy at 66 l Absolutely!!!! Love All ZRX'S!!!! I've Had my REX for 21years!!!! She's a 1999 1100 & Been Riding for 51 years lm Looking Forward Riding my AWESOME!!!! 💚REX for Another 21years 😁 lol a GREAT!!!! REVIEW THANKS!!!!! Let The GOOD!!!! TIMES ROLL!!!! All you WONDERFUL!!!! Hairy 🏍BIKERS 😎👍

[@keithdaniels5918]

Still riding my 2001 in 2022….bought it new July/2001

[@scottlochans4180]

'85 got a ex Demonstrator GPZ550 uni track, fuel inj. A bit Gutless low down, but kick it, make the fuel inj. get going ?, kinda of a WOOSH, not the WOOSH you'd get engaging the turbo, on my '84 nearly new Kawa.750 turbo, nice bike. Bandit Time though, was biking joy just so extraordinary. Certain that the fuel inj., made my late beloved Bandit ??, INCREDIBLE BIKING JOY, BLISS. Remember EVERY ride ?, can remember EVERY twist of the throttle. Sincerely Scott Loch. Na, Professor Bandit B.T.E. 650 inj. out. ps ZRX1200 ?, think it was Fast show, VERY NICE. thinking, Z1400 shaft drive, got to be SUPERB. PPS. Oh BANDITS BANDITS BANDITS, BANDITS ARE THE BEST BIKES EVER, and I'm not even lying !!!, It's an Engine Thing ?, Can't EVER top out a Bandit, just Mad Çrazy, Mad Biking JOY, BLISS, what a Treat. And I ain't even lying.

[@MajorTom6]

I'd love one to go with my XJR1300, but ZRX prices have gone nuts.....

[@uhtred7860]

It seems all second hand bike prices from the 80s thru to 2000s have gone nuts where i live.

[@mauriesl]

Love this bike.. but my XJR will always have my heart.

[@kellyburton]

I miss my 05 1200. I got rid of it when I sold off all my carb bikes. This I regret! Still hoping the fuel injected model makes it to the USA.

[@uhtred7860]

LOL, I don't even own an injected bike, the era of bikes i'm into, it was just starting to be common.

[@bobknight33]

I once had to make a decision. Sell the Harley Wide Glide or the ZRX. My decision came down to this. 1 was fun to ride the other was exciting to ride. I kept the Z. That was nearly 8 years ago and I have no regrets. I only wish they would bring it back to the states. I would buy another.

[@samuellillibridge5501]

Awesome video! Thank you

[@rcole4092]

My dad has one of these in mint condition, with like 6k on it, his health is preventing him from riding. I'll be riding it soon with no intentions of ever getting rid of it.

[@spurgear4]

I bought mine new in 2002, Still own it and likely always will. I love it. BUT for gods sake buy a new fuel petcock from Skunkworks, because the Kawasaki one will fail and dump a full tank of fuel into the sump causing you no end of sadness. Ask me how I know.

[@koopalovetoast2409]

My dad owns a 1200s. Great bike!

[@julieoliver8170]

I have a 99, super good shape. Just dont like the way it floats in corners. Otherwise im keeping it forever. Always starts and runs like a top.

[@oktanskioktan9372]

Got mine for 10 years now. I'm not even consider change :-D

[@Jpizzle925]

we don't have any of these bikes in the US... i miss them old school street fighters

[@uhtred7860]

The US missed out on some awesome bikes, I was real surprised to find out how many really good bikes were never sold in the US, apart from all the really good 250 two strokes from the 90s TZRs NSRs RGVs etc they missed the Yamaha TRX850, the MT-01 from early 2000s, that one really surprised me, all the big retro bikes he listed here, the Yamaha XTZ750 and Honda XRV750 two big Paris Dakar type adventure bikes, the list go's on and on.

[@KevinG9012]

My bike. I love it, ride it everyday. It's the perfect motorcycle.

[@quayinlock]

Where can I buy genuine body parts like a front cowl or side covers for an '04 zrx in Australia? Also trying to hunt down the upgraded and appropriate brakes, shocks and gear/chain set. Any recommendations besides the obvious webike etc? Cheers

[@richardsoules6244]

I have an 04 1200 silver needs carb n tank work bought it in Hawaii carbs set st sea level

[@fakenattypolice8317]

What mirror do you have on the bars, what model or brand

[@bvcage]

mmmm, that is one sexy car @8:27 🤣😂🤣😂 I really need a big ass sign on the side of it ha ha ha ha

[@MrB590]

I prefer the suzuki does and has everything I want in a bike , and a 6th gear , the three others only have a 5 speed

[@Tigerloco70]

Have a zrx 2001 , also a 1980 gs 1100 e silver and a 83 gs 1100 e dark blue 👍🏻 love muscle bikes

[@uhtred7860]

They could get away with 4 to be honest.😆

[@kirklamd1919]

i just noticed it has the same exact turn signals as my 1990 zx600 lmao

[@brookcampbell2940]

The jApanese market adores this bike

[@Motocentrick]

Best bike of all time

[@Bare36]

When you drive the zrx in 5th gear at 100kmh,what are the rpms? 3500-4000?

[@LTLT900]

About 3800rpm.

[@happyfacedleaf7349]

perfect first bike

[@kingkire1556]

What happened to the CB vid?

[@brutalblues]

I just push the turn signal indicator in if it occurs to me I might have forgotten. My HD self cancels, so I have to remember which bike I'm on...( not really). Love my ZRX!

[@richardsoules6244]

Anybody know where I can get work done on it?

[@nortnad138]

I should of bought one when i had the chance

[@6tdegrees]

Still can, it’s never too late

[@captainamerica9353]

Nort Nad , that would be "should have", and why can't you buy one?

[@nortnad138]

@@captainamerica9353 because i have a 1975 Z1 instead😀