Bike World Used Review | Kawasaki ZRX1200R On The Road

Another used review with Datatag, we recently rode the Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe, this time it's the iconic Kawasaki ZRX1200R.
#bikeworld #usedbikes #bikereviews

[@SeanFromTX]

Great review of this ole beast. It’s an absolute hooligan cult bike. Can’t believe my blue 2003 ZRX will turn 20 years old next year.

[@peterkoning21]

I come from that era when we COULD ride bikes....those things would 'dance' and wiggle their rears but we rode them like that !! ....and loved them !!!

[@kevinblaylock9883]

Biking for 40yrs ,had all sorts of bikes. Saw one of these and loved the way it looked. Had a test ride and bought it (in green!) One of the most fun to ride bikes I've owned! It just does everything I want ,without paying out a fortune! Great bike!

[@skandix]

Owned a 2001 since 2003, a great BIKE!

[@1MrBryn]

Used to have one which I fitted a no name brand, hand made full system I bought from a fabricator in Japan. To this day, the best sounding four cylinder bike I've ever heard.

[@RUBBERNMETAL]

As a new ish generation rider I actually only know older bikes through stories told by more senior riders. It’s great that you’re telling people like me what these are like cos there’s no KZbin reviews back then when these were launched. Hoping for this series to continue.

[@blipco5]

You need to buy one so you can have your own stories. You won’t regret it and you’ll never sell it. Make no mistake, it’s plenty powerful.

[@disekjoumoer]

Thank you so much for these vids, Chris. The ZRX is a timeless machine.

[@daronabsher7878]

Loved my 03 REX, still miss it. It was an everyday, real-world bike with some attitude and style.

[@garythornhill4635]

Great review of a truly satisfying motorcycle to own and ride. I’m on my second ZRX 1200R - my first one was totaled when I t - boned a huge SUV that turned in front of me. After riding and owning many other bikes, I got the urge to get another one. I currently own a beautiful green 2003 model. Here are just a few mods that I have done to address some of the stock bike’s shortcomings and make it such a joy to ride now: Race Tech Gold Valves and springs in the front forks, aluminum fork brace, braided Teflon coated brake lines and EBC HH brake pads front and rear, Ohlins Black series shocks, Michelin Road Pilot tires, Yoshimura slip - on, Dyna jet kit., 4 degree advancer, Sargent saddle, 1 “ bar risers, and lots of other minor upgrades. Made 129 + HP on the dyno before the advancer was installed. The bike now handles and brakes beautifully. Make no mistake, it is not a sport bike, but it is a blast ride now and is very comfortable and confidence inspiring. I always get compliments and offers to buy when I go to bike meets. If you really want a ZRX, I would strongly recommend suspension and braking upgrades, at a minimum. Remember, the stock suspension is around twenty years old! I really love this bike now and can’t wait to take it out for a ride. By the way, I have had no issues with the stock 6 piston front calipers after the upgrades. You do need to keep the calipers and pistons clean, though. Thanks so much for recognizing these under valued bikes.

[@MikeXMorgan]

Thanks again guys. We love having you here and thank you for the support. Happy to help! Ps, this one SHOULD be iny garage!! 🤣

[@vaughanboyce3702]

I have a red zrx1200r, best bike I've ever owned and I've owned dozens and still have a stable full. These bikes have a huge following checkout James Compton customs he specialises in zrxs and not too long ago was runner up at Pikes peak on a modded one, these bikes are very capable with some easy mods. I've done full system & rejet, rebuilt forks with brace, upgraded brakes and a few more and its more than enough for me. Old school cool with the reliability and easy maintenance what's not too like.

[@elgar6743]

Agree! Could not have expressed it better.

[@philliphicks3428]

James is the man. Only wish the Aussie dollar was stronger. So many desirable upgrade. Dymags next on the list 😁

[@geneharrogate6911]

My first proper road bike was a GPz 750. Held together with bits from the wreckers due to crash damage and sparsely maintained on an apprentices budget. Flogged mercilessly and still going strong at 125k (km) when I swapped it for a dirt bike or something. Those old school, or a least my one, Kawasaki fours were bullet proof as they come.

[@gzig61]

Yup these bikes can be a handful when pushed hard and can develop some exciting wallow and potential headshake on fast undulating sweepers. A fork brace and steering damper will tame this tendency. I've had two 1100's and three 1200's and ridden 15-20 of them over the years only wish they were six speeds otherwise I would consider them to be one of the most fun and finest all-around sport bikes ever made!

[@BreakStuffClub]

Did any of yours ever develop transmission issues? I have a 1200 with 45k miles and have it torn down getting a new third gear made because it started wanting to pop out of third under load. Yup had to get e new gear made because Kawasaki discontinued them.

[@Thundercats-HOOOOO]

@@BreakStuffClub yes, my 05 had issues with either 3rd and 4th or 4th and 5th. Its been 6 years, can't remember exactly. It happened when I switched motor oils at about 80,000 miles.(the motor oil lubricated the transmission as well if I remember correctly)

[@aledcooper2183]

Had a Lawson rep zrx1200r Bought new in 05, still regret selling it. Probably the nicest bike I've ever owned. Always put a smile on my face and looked amazing

[@granite676]

I had the R version in the lime green (A6) and a red,silver and black s version. They were fantastic bikes and easily quick enough. Swapped the pipes for full stainless sandys system and MTC silencer sounded lovely. As for the brakes I never had any issues because good thorough regular maintenance with braided lines and titanium pins with good pads, NO issues and stopped well enough to do stoppys !!!. No silly sensors all over the place easy to work on and looked after with regular polish and servicing these will go on forever. We don't all wanna be Eddie Lawson or Wes Cooley !!!!😅🤣😅🤣👍😉

[@nathybaby1982]

Absolutely love these used reviews! Thanks

[@jean-francoisdufour319]

Good idea to do used bike , help a lot of people in the "real" world. I had a zrx 1200 it was a lot of fun !

[@michaelschaefer3124]

I bought a new ZRX1100 in Eddie Lawson Green. I paid $6200 for it, and it never failed to put a smile on my face.

[@yulaw5110]

I have a lawson rep myself. Have owned it 12 years now. Great machine. I used it daily even in winter. Have the 4 pot brakes big improvement. I also put new springs and a valve kit into the front forks. New jets needles and pod filters for more grunt. Will never sell

[@HenriDeCarvalho]

I'm dying, for years, to get a ZXR. I had speed triple/street triple. Currently using a 2016 daytona but still love to own one

[@robbiejsaris3586]

Mine’s on 41k miles and still going strong. Brilliant road test and you explained the ‘handling’ perfectly. I had a ZRX, sold it for a ZZR1400 and went back to the ZRX because day to day in most situations, it’s way more fun. And yes, green is the best colour 😊

[@blipco5]

I did the same only it was for a ZZR1200. I’ll never sell my second ZRX.

[@stp7049]

Really enjoying this series, thank you! Agree on the infamous 6-pot calipers, swapped mine for 4-pot Nissins but on a '98 SRAD...preferred the feel, much cheaper and easier to service

[@trevorphillips3055]

I was going to say did he mean nissin calipers? Tokico 4 pots are crap too, had them on my TL1000S and swapped for nissin 4 pots. They are a huge improvement and better built, mine are coated internally which means they shouldn't corrode like the Tokico ones do.

[@georgejameson9317]

The same 6 pots were standard on the hyabusa they stopped pretty well for Suzuki. A lot of people changed to another master cylinder with a larger bore with good results the ex 500 kawasaki was the most common donor. The 6 pots were difficult to bleed when mounted and caused a number of people problems.

[@stp7049]

With a master cylinder bleed nipple and PTFE tape to all threads, I found 6 pots to bleed like 4 pots. The servicing difference for me was cleaning the seal grooves, 24 of doing those and you'll want 4 pots, never mind the seal and piston cost...

[@blipco5]

@@georgejameson9317 The ex500 mc has a 'smaller' bore. But yeah, huge improvement.

[@shanecannon7253]

I cleaned all 12 pistons until they were spotless. Afterwards the brakes were massively better. More powerful with shorter lever travel. Try it!

[@clutchpack1969]

34yrs of riding and more bikes than I can count. I miss my ZRX1200 as it was probably hands down the best bike I ever owned.

[@Spartansrule118]

was it reliable?

[@clutchpack1969]

@@Spartansrule118 yes, yes it was

[@philliphicks3428]

Owned my zrx1200r 2008 from new, best colour scheme closest to the original z1000r2 which I bought new in 1983 for $4200.00 😆. This one I am keeping there slowly but surely becoming collectable. One issue all zrx owners must address..the starter tensioner, they weaken over time and backup on the clutch basket, eventually let go destroying the clutch..if your lucky. Take off your oil filler cap and look inside on the outside of the clutch basket,you will see heaps of markings from the tensioner. James Compton customs sell the fix for this look him up on you tube. Has a step by step install. Kawasaki should have recalled this.

[@LTLT900]

Kawasaki fixed mine even though the bike was out of warranty.

[@MotoGoato]

love those 'braced' swinging arms

[@bombaya85]

I had a -02 for two seasons up until last year. No safety features, utter fun. Even got a few "how did I survive that" moments😄

[@aikidragonpiper71]

I love my 2003 Kawasaki ZRX1200R. 50,000 miles and it still roars like a rocket down the highway. I have a jet kit , K&N air filter and Two Brothers slip on pipe. It has a nice mean growl. I bought it new in 2004 .

[@DeadRoman]

A 99 zrx 1100 was the first motorcycle I ever owned. Wonderful bike.

[@underwaterwatchesunderwater]

Really appreciate these used bike reviews. I'm new to riding and so I've missed out on the best bikes from "the past" (anything you can't buy new) and some of them are real gems that have been forgotten about because of our addiction to the latest, the newest thing. More of these videos please =)

[@markputnam6371]

Another awesome review Chris. I have a 1999 XR1300 and my bud has a ZRX. Just did 3500kms on a tour and they were both awesome. Don’t hold a chance against modern bikes but lots of fun and easy to work on.

[@KUKI_de]

Nice Video 🔥 Thumbs up and keep it up

[@GriffioenE]

I have had an 1100 for 2 years now and I really like it. The engine runs wonderfully smoothly and does what it is supposed to do👊🤙

[@tav6459]

Love this kind of series! Keep it going!

[@Wilberon_McBane]

Another great review. Refreshing to hear some realistic views about not being able to afford the latest and greatest and that there's plenty of bang for your buck when you look about and you shouldn't feel like you're missing out (too much) if you're not riding the very latest brand new spanker......great job! 👊😎

[@MrTomYeoman]

Brilliant stuff, Chris. Keep ‘em coming.

[@speedozrx3755]

Hi from Paris, i have the model N, the same love since 20 years, thanks for this nice video 👍

[@cecilwilson5442]

Good real world experience with your series. And fair honest review especially with the pricing of newer stuff ☺️☺️☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️ from northern Ireland great video

[@saxjonz]

The brakes may not feel adequate but they certainly work well enough. Also, if you haven't piped and jetted the bike, you aren't getting much of anything stock that's fun. I've ridden several. They are heavy but really nimble and I have no problems in the corners keeping up with following sport bikes, especially if you know how to ride. It's a great bike and I have ridden mine around 40k miles worth of fun. Aftermarket pads, fork mods and exhaust/Ivan's kit are a must for enjoying to it's full potential.

[@tractioncontroldelete]

These used bike reviews have become my favorite you’re motorcycle videos to watch

[@magellanicspaceclouds]

I love this series. More used bike reviews please!

[@stevesmith6236]

I owned two ZRXs, both US spec bikes, a green 1999 ( when they first came out) ZRX 1100 and a few years later a beautiful blue metallic 2003 ZRX 1200. The 1200 is much stronger and quicker. Both have an incredible amount of under seat storage due to the dual "old school" twin shock set up. Should have kept the '03 😐

[@andrewandlm]

Brilliant series. Keep 'em coming 👍

[@jackfisher4908]

Always love these used reviews, top work guy's! Should do a tl1000 s/r review as I want one 😉

[@duke7888]

Quality video! Love the REX !

[@matfejpatrusin4550]

I think it's absolute CLASS in this colour scheme.

[@syaqsakma81]

I've let go of my GSX1100G and been looking for a replacement for quite a while. The kind of ride of a muscle, naked, retro theme with neutral styling that would be able to look great of whatever thing you slap on it. The ZRX1200 is the one that came close to it. The newer so-called retro RS900 came a bit a bit short to replace the ZRX in my opinion.

[@MrSimonfoz]

Great series , I just got a 2008 ZZR 1400 for £5800 brilliant bike came with full luggage also I recommend one for this segment mate .

[@shanecannon7253]

Great review. I ride the older 1100 and your review mirrors my feelings very closely. It’s almost confusing why this bike is so fun to ride.

[@P3iSwe]

I like these old bike reviews. Keep it up

[@raggysbikes1589]

Excellent video mate. I wish if you also did the ZRX1100R. Also if you're planning on doing another video on old bikes is the ZZR600 one cracker of a bike that packs a punch. I had one which had 60000kms and was still doing 100bhp at wheel ( measured at the Dyno).

[@eddiet204]

Ok I wanted one of these since they were new. Found a low mileage ZRX1200 and rode it for a year. These ride OLD SCHOOL and are best left as dream bikes lol.

[@raceface119]

One of the nicest looking bikes ever made imo

[@grenphelps7455]

I've a very modified ZRX1100 (in Eddie Lawson green with the stripes) love mine 👌👌

[@neilboastmbe4428]

Great review..... Picking one up tomorrow

[@tonyciriello6872]

Mine was black Rented the 1100 version in the UK and upon returning to the states I got the 1200.. Should have kept it but I say that about every bike I have owned. Your right about it being a great everyday rider. Wish the Honda CB1300 was available in the states. Would be a 2022 replacement I would buy.

[@jodavey3053]

Great review... Great bike

[@pdark3930]

Great review!

[@howardrathbone2120]

I have a green 2002 ZRX in Australia, sold my white Z1000R back in the late 80’s😭

[@justjeff4173]

I would avoid any ZRX that looked like it was down. These motors will starve for oil very quickly if they are run horizontal. Having said that the '05 that I owned for 15 years since new was the most reliable bike I've ever owned. It had nearly 60k miles when I sold it due to a move (if I could have taken it with me I would have) and it still rode like it was new. Like so many former ZRX owners I really really miss that bike. That engine was amazing and made it a perfect commuter bike.

[@stramasher2953]

Was already to buy one in green, then Suzuki teased the GSX1400… just more of everything, so the Kwack was never to be. XJR/ ZRX/GSX/CB love them all.

[@georgejameson9317]

Second thing you do after getting the sag right or getting the right springs for your use and size is flip the rear eccentrics. This lifts the rear end about an inch and then drop the triple clamps down a few mm at a time. You’ll wind up with much quicker handling and more ground clearance.

[@detslutarmed]

There is an aftermarket kit to replace the common worn part in the gearbox that causes the clunkiness. Also new fork oil, correctly adjusted suspension and the right tires dramatically improve the characteristics.

[@bikeygeoff9833]

Great series, I’d love to see a review done on a 1990 GSXR1100, just because I have one.

[@jeffkeni]

Well done. Very accurate review me thinks.

[@thedarkknight1971]

Cut my wrist... And I bleed green! I F@@@@@CKING love these bikes. I've ridden Gpz550s, 750's even had a go of a GPz1100 (heavy bugger), but these... But MAN! this is MY type of bike. I had a ZR-7 once, Jetted/Zorst'd, replaced the standard round headlight with a 2nd hand ZRX headlight/cockpit fairing unit, to me, classic air cooled 80's 750 sound, with 'classic' retro 80's looks, it was quite tidy, no, not as fast as a modern 16v lump, but, hey, I'm 51, I grew up with late 70's/80's/90's etc bikes... Blame me? Hahaha. I'd LOVE to have one of these in green (the blue variant would do too, as I can't afford a 900RS 😕😉 😎🇬🇧

[@gpzfan5272]

Love this series. Please try a GSX1400 and compare with this 🙏🏼

[@exothermal.sprocket]

Cousin had a GPz1100, the predecessor to this 1164cc motor. It was glass smooth and crazy torquey, fast bike.

[@georgejameson9317]

I had one of those too, red ‘95 after removing the ridiculous gpz stickers it was a beautiful smooth and fast bike. A little slow on turn in but a front tire with a triangular profile and increasing rear ride height improved that. Effortless speed, which I used to outrun my headlight one night and struck a transmission lying in the road. My first helicopter ride.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

@@georgejameson9317 Struck a transmission lying in the road?! What in the world was a transmission doing lying in the road? hahaha

[@georgejameson9317]

@@exothermal.sprocket apparently had fallen off of a truck, the police told my wife it looked to have hit and slid over 100 feet by the marks in the road before my impact with it. Very little fluid in the road. I had enough time to think wtf and release the throttle then boom a long tumbling slide and the bike tapped into me at the end. I didn’t hit anything after the transmission other than the road. Broken collarbone, multiple ribs, and collapsed lung, but still here. Went with the naked zrx for the next one though, no long high speed runs on that. Even swapped the bikini fairing with a kz reproduction headlight. The bikini fairing is not for sale.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

@@georgejameson9317 Sounds like a very traumatic time, which usually has the unique power to change one's perception about things.

[@IanTed]

Brilliant engine, brilliant bike….I had the naked CB1300, it wasn’t bad either but the ZRX has to be green.😀

[@chrisjohnson9306]

yup great bike they really come alive with few mods

[@liv0003]

It's beautiful!

[@wonkywheels1037]

Second hand reviews are great. Enjoy them.

[@JoeMama-qd4iu]

The wobble you are mentioning can be tuned out with suspension adjustment. Even with stock suspension.

[@danieljackson6504]

Help? Good for a newish rider? These are my all time favourite bikes and I’m 26. Have rode motocross earlier in life but had quite a break from riding, just done my A licence and was hoping to snap up my favourite bike but wary of the weight and power. im 6’1 and 16 stone for reference haha. Thanks to anyone that reads this just noticed that most of the comments are by current or ex owners of these cheers!

[@elgar6743]

Nice review and a truly great, real world road bike. I think it looks best in the old GPz 'red' or the very suzuki like 'blue'.

[@georgejameson9317]

I have an ‘03 blue, the best thing for looks is to grind off the fake fins on the clutch and timing covers and paint them and the valve cover rattle can satin black. It matches the rest of the motor perfectly and looks absolutely great. Another option on the timing cover is from the zx11 family which doesn’t have fins, but does have the inspection port to see timing without removing the cover and a small Kawasaki emblem.

[@AnIdiotOnTwoWheels]

120 hp!?? That's massive!

[@mathieuconstantin3356]

If Kawasaki rebuild this model like my Z900rs café I’ll buy it in instant…

[@eddieomahony507]

Great bike

[@1MrBryn]

Oh yeah, gearbox is really oil dependant on these. Mine got a hell of a lot slicker with a different oil weight. Can't remember the exact one, it was a decade ago.

[@25pence]

Hi, have you ever ridden the A537? It’s where I live and I ride it everyday, such a fun road to ride even with average speed cameras and you can go on other mountain roads to make the ride about 1hr30 long and they are so fun, twisty dangerous roads to ride

[@user-sw2lv3zp6o]

I'd be interested to know what you'd think about a Suzuki B-King. I used to have one. I like the ZRX, too.

[@frankparente8183]

Hi love the reviews I'll would like to see a review of a Suzuki tl1000r.

[@JoaquimGonsalves]

I wish I had this exact road here in Dubai...need to search for one.

[@wugypropuh7792]

love this "used bike" videos , maybe you dont have money for new , or you just want old legendary bike ! hope to see cb1300 soon ...

[@Ginga7r]

Always wanted one and I might just go and have a wee look and see what's out there cheers chap. I have a ZX7r I've had it from new a P6 in Green and I love that bike we are getting old together, Well I am she still looks Amazing. 😛

[@michellewilson8845]

Great looking bikes these, i had a bandit 1250 but always thought these looked way better. What would you expect to pay for a low mileage minter do you think? Excellent review

[@stevesmith6236]

I owned two Bandit 1250 Suzukis and two Kaw ZRXs. My 2016 Bandit 1250s had the horsepower of the ZRX1100, but the torque of the ZRX 1200. I feel the Bandit and ZRX 1200 are both good looking bikes with the Bandit being more handsome and the ZRX being more retro and sporty. The Bandit's engine was easily much smoother than the Kaw engines.

[@philliphicks3428]

Don't wait too long they are on the way up. Heading for collectable status.

[@paullacey2999]

Big Beastie😍

[@erickkiarie2209]

Im looking for some conrod bearings for the bike, might you know where i could get them?

[@failranch9542]

Love the ZRX, hate em in green

[@rafterman3712]

The ZRX is a retro of a retro of the original. Eddie's Bike

[@nnickingram]

I have a 2001 ZRX 1100, not the 1200. On a day-to-day basis, and for the average rider, is there really that much difference? I know that apart from the larger cc/power there are slight differences in geometry, the swing arm length being one, but they are close enough to each other.

[@reevvveey]

Nice reviews... If I may request, what about Suzuki Katana? Ever ride it? Coz in my country the hype was so high but never seen once in real life 😂. Salam dari +62 🙏

[@alexboyde8129]

Sold Rex and bought a ZZR1200 guess what... I miss Rex

[@BibTheBoulderTheOriginalOne]

Loved my old ZRX, but it still does not evoke as many good memories as my old Z1300-6

[@milodebruin4821]

Would love one of these or a xjr1300, but to find one in low km's is hard.

[@georgejameson9317]

Nether the air cooled Yamaha or the big Honda or 1400 Suzuki made it to the u.s. so it was the zrx, the bandit or the fz-1 over here.

[@cryptic_badger795]

For motorway type cruising, I think it badly needs a 6th gear......I know some have fitted the 6 speed ZZR gearbox, but that's not exactly a minor job. Otherwise it is a great retro classic bike.👍

[@nome5184]

Can you do Suzuki GSX 1400 test?

[@gregorysmires4807]

The silver REX the best one …I had a 03 blue i crashed lost it at 110 ride hard

[@bluefen]

😁👍

[@michaelhastings7441]

Would you consider the CB1300 ? Better or worse ?

[@remsangachhakchhuak1738]

Should have used the red one.