Kawasaki ZRX1200R Review - Best retro motorcycle ever?

In this ride and review video, I am revisiting an old friend - Kawasaki's ZRX1200R. To my eye, the ZRX is the best looking retro bike ever made! It's an early eighties super bike on steroids - a 1980 GPZ with the heart of a Ninja! When it was introduced, the ZRX was in a class by itself as the only retro-styled performance standard. Sure, there was the Suzuki Bandit and then Yamaha's FZ-1, but though these were performance standards, they were not retro bikes. My two favorite ZRX color schemes were the Eddie Lawson Replica Green/Blue/Silver and the GPZ inspired Red/Blue/Silver.
With a tuned-for-torque motor based on that of the mighty ZX-11, the ZRX was no slouch. Top notch, fully-adjustable suspension was on the firm side but up to the task of keeping the ZRX's chassis well controlled in most riding situations. Massive six-piston front brake calipers clamping down on huge rotors meant that the ZRX stopped hard. Hard enough in fact that you could feel the weight of your face in your helmet under aggressive braking! The controls were set up "tight" - a twitch of the wrist produced instant acceleration and the brakes required judicious use of the front lever. Aggressive riding required concentration and smoothness on the controls. Ham-fisted riders beware!
Steering input was light and the ZRX loved tight, twisty, smooth back roads. The upright seating position had a bit of forward lean but the ZRX was truly comfortable just cruising through the countryside, doing light-duty touring, or carving it up in the corners. Minimal wind protection meant that highway work could get tiresome without an aftermarket windshield. The 5-speed transmission also left riders wishing for a sixth gear at higher speeds.
I have lots of great memories riding ZRX 's over the years. But, is it as good as I remember? How does it stack up against more modern bikes? Has the ZRX become a flabby slouch over the years? Let's go for a ride and find out together!

[@ScottMiller-tu3gg]

I was at a dealership back in 2000 and they had a new 1100. I looked at it, went to walk out the door, and before the door closed I told my wife that the bike is amazing looking and I have to have it! It still is in my garage and I still love it! Thanks for all of the amazing videos!

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

You're welcome, Scott! I can certainly relate to your story. My first ZRX was the 1100. I saw it at a used car dealership. After test-riding it, I fell in love. What a fun bike! I rode mine 1500 miles in the first two weeks of ownership.

[@dorisandjohn8582]

Is the 1200 or 1100 zrx better ?

[@ScottMiller-tu3gg]

From what I found on line, the 1200 has a little more power but the 1100 turns sharper. There are lots of videos on KZbin comparing them. It`s a matter of choice I suppose. I like my 1100, some like the 1200 better. @@dorisandjohn8582

[@blipco5]

@@dorisandjohn85821100 good. 1200 better. More power. Nikasil lined cylinders.

[@imthatguy1878]

I loved my 99 zrx1100 ELR

[@jimmartin2112]

Damn near made me cry. In '04 I bought a new RED ZRX1200R ...BEST BIKE EVER!

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@jimmartin2112 Right on, Jim! They are awesome machines!

[@scottpickell6287]

Enjoyed the review! Agree with you - the ZRX provides a rare blend of beauty and still-relevant performance in a 20 year old package. Mine is an ‘01 and recently turned over 1,800 miles (purchased it a couple years ago with fewer than 400 miles on the clock).

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Wow, it sounds like you found a rare gem there!

[@mikemet1744]

Ride that thing Scott! No sense saving it for someone else. Have fun.

[@kiddcisco]

Start riding it lol

[@fw1421]

I bought one in the fall of 99 and I loved it. A set of ZX11 spec cams a jet kit,pod filters,and a set of headers took it from 90hp to 136hp. The ZRX has essentially a ZX11 engine with a side draft head. Easy to soup up.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Awesome! I did the same mods to my ZRX1100. Lots of fun! Cheers!

[@oldtimerf7602]

My brother and I are getting a pair. Perfect bikes for us 80s kids.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Nice! Always fun to ride with family and friends.

[@WillysPerformanceCycleCtr]

Great review! I too still have my 05 model in green. I stopped in to look at bikes at my local dealer and bought it new off the showroom floor. I had Suzuki GS750’s and GS1000’s in the later 70’s and this bike took me back to those earlier riding days. Thanks for this great review!

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

You're welcome, glad you liked it - especially since you're a ZRX owner yourself! They're great bikes.

[@williamcoach7738]

I bought a new 2003 in blue ,put on a slip on.what a awesome bike,it was a torgue monster and had plenty of power,was a joy to ride,like an idiot i sold it 2 years later and have regretted it ever since. I think it is time to start looking for another one.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on, they are fantastic bikes!

[@DBMD7]

I have a 2000 1100 Mean Green. Love my bike. 23,000 miles and it never gives me a problem. Change the fluids, brake pads, coolant, and tires that’s it. Keep the carbs clean and these will run forever. Every time I take my bike out I get a lot of compliments.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Very cool! I agree with you - I've never had an issue with any of my ZRXs. I was riding mine this week. Awesome bikes!

[@gregc6661]

Pretty accurate review, glad I found your channel. I absolutely love my green ‘02 ZRX1200 and wouldn’t dream of selling it.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on Greg, the ZRXs are great bikes!

[@bradmyers6429]

Yet another great video! Your combination of knowledge, experience, riding savvy and taste in bikes is just right up my alley! Cheers 🍻

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Thanks Brad! It's always nice to start the day with a compliment. 🙂 Cheers!

[@billreynolds2221]

My wife actually bought mine back in June of 05. It’s an 05 model in the correct color. Today she looks brand new although I’ve put 24,000 miles on the odo. Best and most tractable engine I’ve ever had in a bike. Power is easily accessed at anything above 2,000 rpm. In any gear at that. I’ve never pushed this bike because there’s no need to really. 99%of my riding is spent between 2 and 4 thousand rpm. It just pulls instantly and without complaint. Carbs have never been touched and it start’s instantly (if used often enough) and fuels perfectly. Can’t say enough good things about the zrx. I’m glad to see the values rising. Much deserved.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on! The fueling on the ZRX is better than most of the fuel-injected bikes I've ridden. I never had a problem with any of the ZRXs I've owned over the years. Great bikes. Cheers!

[@DocJonesGarage]

Great video Jon, easy to see your love for this bike in the way you present it. Very scenic ride too!

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Thank you Doc! I just finished filming, editing and uploading a ride review of the Honda CB750K today (finally got it running great). So stay tuned, I'll schedule it to release soon.

[@jodavey3053]

Great review Jon, I have a 2004 Green model and absolutely love it, the bike still looks new.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Thanks Jo! The ELR colors on the ZRX are amazing. I like the green on the 1200 better than the green on the 1100. The 1200s green was much deeper looking and more metallic.

[@flexjay87]

I thought about buying one of those a couple different times, but never did. No doubt they are an awesome piece of Kawasaki history !

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Agreed!

[@danielkeel9265]

Love these bikes, successor to the Zephyr 1100, which was more a '70's z1, aircooled, two valves per cylinder. Love that they're it's much the same idea, but to the 80's watercooled, 4 valve gpz1100, but better with carbs. They got a bit burned by the early dfi machines, I reckon and am amazed that they were sticking with carbs for so long I like carbs mind. Love to own one of these. Beefy monsters all, just got me a basket case concours 1000. Looking forward to that, but I've heard the zxr12 engine slots right in. And the zx9f with the fairing removed and twin front headlights, looks pretty retro with that ducktail, and wee crome grlls over the air intakes through the frame.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on! I have a 1983 air-cooled, 2-valve/cyl, fuel-injected GPZ1100 as well. The ZRX1200R has better fueling with the carbs. A Concours with the ZRX1200R motor would be a fun bike. Happy New Year!

[@sfzx54]

One of the best motorcycles ever built and does not give up much compared to the venerable ZX1100 D series 1997 model.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

The ZRX1200R is one of my favorites!

[@chriscollins7604]

I AGREE. My 2003 still rocks and turns heads

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on!

[@benpruitt196]

Great video Jon! I bought my first ZRX in 2000 after going in to a Kaw dealership for dirt bike parts. I seen it on the show room floor and it was love at first sight, I had o have it. Since then I have owned 5 of them and currently have a 2000-1100 and a 2005-1200, one of my favorite bikes. Keep up the videos, love watching them.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Thanks Ben! You sound like me (also at 5 ZRXs over the years). I bought my first ZRX1100 in about 2000 as well (ELR colors). I then got a black and silver 1100 and put ZX-11 cams in it. Then I bought a 1200 in ELR colors. Then a blue/silver 1200 and now the 1200 in the GPZ red/blue/silver combo. All of them have treated me well - absolutely no issues other than wearables. I will be releasing more ZRX videos in the coming weeks so stay tuned! 🙂

[@kchappelle]

Ben, Love my 2005!

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@kchappelle Right on!

[@mikemet1744]

Simply the BEST bikes. My 2001 is stunning. Have fun all.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on!

[@petedetraglia4776]

I own a 2005 Kawasaki ZRX 1200R that I bought new in 2005. I put an full Akrapovic Titanium exhaust, a Borg & Warner racing clutch, 4 degree ignition advancer, K&N filter, custom jet kit, 3 teeth up in the rear sprocket, and a custom House of Kolors Golden Candy Apple paint job with black ghosted 3d flames on it. I got 23,000 original miles on it and it still runs like a beast. These motor are basically bullet proof. When I brought it to the track it ran it ran 10.38 sec 1/4 mile with no wheelie bars and it's not stretched...I will never sell this bike it's a BEAST and grabs all the attention when I take it to bike rallies...

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on, Pete! It sounds like you've got a great bike with quality mods. I'm a ZRX fan myself. Cheers!

[@Lar308]

Great video - loving the engine noise from some of those pick up trucks that pass by - we don't get to hear noises like that in Europe. I got a fully restored to original 2005 model a few years ago and still enjoying it.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Thanks Rodger, sounds like you've got a nice one!

[@andrewhills6535]

Love my 1200r , good review 👍🏻

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Thanks Andrew!

[@davidanderson4500]

great vid jon. brill bike.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Thanks David!

[@cristopherwebster9638]

I have that exact same bike same year and color with 22k on it. All ive done is put a kerker exhaust and pods on it and it by far is my favorite bike to ride. Kawasaki made a fantastic machine 20+ years ago! They should make a replica of the replica

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

I think you're onto something there!

[@DWBmotorsports]

Everyone I know that has owned a zrx and sold theirs regrets it. I will never sell mine.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on!

[@williamcoach7738]

Add me to that list. Bought a new blue 2003 and sold it two years later.big mistake.

[@gtemnykh]

On my bucket list. I keep ending up with Bandit 1200s, they’ve always been cheaper, but I need to do something sooner than later, as you said the ZRXs are becoming truly collectible. I suppose I do have a slight preference for the Bandits’ air/oil cooling simplicity. You’re also right to note that this is retro done *right.* it’s got the vintage aesthetic but it’s a legit performance machine, not some watered down weak kneed nostalgia special.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Well said! I put together a fun ZRX1200R ride video that will air on Wednesday. Having owned both, the ZRX1200R is much more of a sportbike than the Bandit. The Bandit might be the more relaxed, plusher-riding tourer, though. In quality of components, paintwork, and style, the ZRX1200R is the clear winner.

[@gtemnykh]

@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 looking forward to it. I need something to hold me over, we went from a few unexpected weeks of (brisk) riding weather in Central IN back to snow flurries. Hoping to trailer my XS1100 down to the Hocking Hills in OH next weekend if weather turns around. If you ever find your way to Central/Northern PA for some riding, my brother and I have been doing annual two-day tours on our vintage UJMs in the summer. This coming summer it will probably him on a 79 XS750F and me on my 78 XS1100E.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@gtemnykh Nice! I'm in south central PA but get up into the mountains north of here when I can. I'd love to meet up for a ride if I'm able. I rescheduled the ZRX video for next Wed. but will have a fun GS1100L video tomorrow am. Let me know what you think.

[@lowe102]

I just bought a green 2005. I get so many complementary comments and attention each day I ride it. People really like the styling and they would sell a lot if they sold them again

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

It's a retro bike that deserves it's own modern retro bike. Truly a classic!

[@jamesfrancismchalejr7944]

A buddy bought the green one. The one drawback was no center stand. Other than that beautiful machine

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Good point, James.

[@ridingwithrusso7790]

Beautiful bike! For a 20 year old bike that seems solid as anything new. In terms of the new retro bikes, I will say the Z900RS Cafe with the black and brown seat is a real looker too, and it has the old school dual analog clocks. Great video.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Thanks! I agree 100% (I mentioned the Z900RS Cafe toward the end of the video). It's another gorgeous retro Kawasaki that I can't wait to ride!

[@ridingwithrusso7790]

Ha, yes, great minds think a like. I commented midway thru the video, cheers.

[@lottdawg515]

Great Vid Sir! I have the exact same bike, still look and run like a champ/ I also own the green 06 models. IDK about slow, but mine will do 130 mph crazily easy being all stock!

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Thanks Lott! No doubt the ZRX is still an awesome performer.

[@davapod]

Love the differences in pronunciation from across the pond. Whilst you have GP Zees, we have GP Zeds (in the UK at least).👍

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on!

[@mr1bienvenu1]

I've been riding my ZRX for 15 years now and I've always thought it was ugly but I enjoy the way it runs and rides so much I just can't see myself getting ride of it. 😊

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

They are great bikes!

[@imthatguy1878]

Got rid of my 99 ELR zrx1100 for the 2023 z900rs cafe and I miss the rex even though the z900rs cafe is loaded with technology

[@kleinbottled79]

Brother has one. Poster bike for those who like to put it in top gear and leave it there. Thing pulls so hard and smooth from 2k RPM even 25mph corners don't require down shifting. (I love shifting, this isn't the bike for me per se) The motor is amazingly flexible and easy to use. Honestly, the thing that impresses me most with the zrx1200r, is how good the low speed manner are. Very easy to mooch around town. Pussycat muscle bike. Bit lazy in the bends if you are really hustling - would be the main drawback in my mind. At over 500lbs wet she's not a ballerina.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on! The ZRX1100 was a better-handling bike, though it still required body English in the corners. But I like the 15hp extra of the ZRX1200.

[@shinethelight01]

So sad you sold this bike....I'm keeping mine! lol!

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Me too, but the garage is only so big, and I need to keep some money circulating.

[@ivansakent]

Just pulled the pin on my 3rd zrx ,last one I let go in 07 and have never got over it ,just bagged the same year same paint model ,collecting in January ,can’t wait .

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Awesome!

[@toddspaulding-sv8dp]

I agree super great bike of all time

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on Todd!

[@sfzx54]

As an extra comment the final drive on the ZX1100 6 speed and the ZRX 5speed ran same RPM at 80 MPH I have both bikes and know this for a fact.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

While the ZRX1200R has taller gearing than the ZRX1100, the 6-speed still seems optimal to me. And, it was already an off-the-shelf item in the GPZ1100 and ZX-11.

[@sfzx54]

@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538That is true but not much different at most 200 rpm at 70. I have both an1999 1100 ZRX and a2003 1200 ZRX. The difference varies by which tire you've chosen as well.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@sfzx54 Very true.

[@vicpnut1]

Best bike ever , never rode one but had ridden kawasakis on off since my first csr 650 ( I think that’s what it was lol) from I believe it was a 1981 That I go got it in 86… maybe because it was my first bike that’s why I love the standard, inline 4 , more upright riding position , with the high rpm redline ……imo ….green is the only thing I’d prefer and that bike you got there would be perfect 👍🏼

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Thanks Vic, it seems that your first bike definitely influences your taste from then on. Mine was a 1980 KZ750 LTD twin - boy I wanted the 1000cc four- cylinder.

[@vicpnut1]

@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 you are correct about prices rising ….last year there were a few in my area in “ok” condition so to speak for around $4k +/- and in very good condition $6k +/- …just did a cycle trader search for one and there’s 1 that’s anywhere close to me , in pretty great shape and low miles …., but $7k from a dealer which means closer to $7500 when all said and done … I screwed up and should’ve gotten one of the “rougher “ shaped ones last year instead of my basket case fz1 ,that’s sitting under its cover broken down again lol .

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@vicpnut1 OH man! Sorry to hear that!

[@butzaman5139]

Love my Zrx1200. 2002. In Red! Cause red is faster😎

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on!

[@empanada7]

Great review, please help me decide between this one and the vmax1200.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

The ZRX1200R has similar power and is better in every performance category except maybe 1/4 mile. There's no wrong answer here but I've ridden a V-max and feel no compelling need to own one. I've owned 5 ZRXs to date.

[@empanada7]

@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 thank you!!!!

[@kchappelle]

Beautiful road! What state is that? Enjoy the bike...I have a 2005 in Taiwan. Love it!

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

I blessed to live in beautiful Pennsylvania, USA with an abundance of great roads and great scenery. Do you have nice places to enjoy the ZRX in Taiwan?

[@kchappelle]

@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 , Oh I sure do. Taiwan is mostly mountains and they are filled with roads. :) I used to live in Toronto Canada. I rode my bike through PA once. Did the Allegany mountain range. How beautiful is that!

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@kchappelle Awesome! I live about 1/2 hour from the mountains and it's always a treat to ride there.🙂

[@kchappelle]

@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 I’ve done your roads in the fall. Stunningly beautiful

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@kchappelle I won't argue with that!🙂

[@joshuaowens4797]

One of the most reliable too..... ZRX1100 and ZRX1200.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Great bikes!

[@user-bg8bt1rg5w]

👍👍👍❤❤❤ zrx

[@luiscardozo0000]

its one of the most beatifull retro bike the only problem its a modern bike not a remake of an 80s bike

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

You can always buy an 80s bike instead.

[@Bare36]

I wonder is it reliable as a suzuki gsx 1400 retro muscle bike..? I belive,that zrx is more nimble,but engine of gsx produces huge low down torque,6 gears,and the bike will easily do 250 000- 300 000kms,even without valve adjustment..

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

I can't say. Unfortunately, we didn't get the GSX 1400 here! The ZRXs are solid bikes though.

[@martynj-c4965]

1999? In the UK it must of been released a lot earlier. There are ZRX 1100 bikes here from 1996 so Europe must of importing them very early.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

You often get the good bikes before we do!

[@martynj-c4965]

@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 well some here are very overpriced esp 2001 onwards with 30K plus miles. I'm not sure what you paid for your 1200R but a low mileage under 20K miles here are on the market anywhere between £6K - 10K GBP ......under 10K the higher range but I've seen late 2006 bikes with 3K miles for £15K dealership. There certainly are bargains but its patience and to be honest most of the bikes £5K upwards are sitting there for months and months unless they are absolutely immaculate. I do like the green which I think came in 3 or 4 different variants depending on year etc but in groups I've seen the purists say the lime green is the real EL replica 🤷🏻‍♂️ but the candy green is a nice colour. If I'm honest I prefer the black & blue and the electric blue ( not sure of the exact colour name ) but also the black 1100R which they didn't do in the UK anyway in a 1200R .... the red is nice too and obviously reminiscent of the GPZ .... Just great bikes i love them and still looking. I'm the era of the Z1 ...GS1100S ...Z1300 etc and you're so right about the exhaust...a good one just compliments the ZRX ...again I'm the era of the Harris 4 into 1 and the Alpha 4 into 1 which were banned in the UK decades ago lol 😆 Stay safe Jon 🙏

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@martynj-c4965 Thanks Martyn! Good luck in your ZRX search. Over the years, I've actually owned every color of ZRX that was imported here. I'm partial to the electric blue, green (the 1200 green) and the red. I think prices are much better here in general. If you've seen other videos on this channel, you know I like the 1970's - 1980's air-cooled muscle bikes. I've got a 1978 KZ1000 project in the garage along with a 1980 XS1100 Special I'm working on and I'm getting a 1983 GS1100E on Friday. So... lots more content on the way from the golden era of motorcycles! Cheers!

[@robcig]

I owned one, my “forever bike”. I foolishly sold it.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

The good news is that they're still around, but they are climbing in value.

[@georgebrowne5935]

I have one of these in Green, and would never part with it. EVER.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on!

[@donmason356]

Sorry but a black bird would kill that bike at the strip or track hands down. One can debate where they enjoy a power band but when it comes time to flex the muscle that kawi will be toast FACT.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

I spend my time on winding back roads. Sure, the Blackbird is better in a straight line. It's just not where I enjoy riding. To each his own, however. Cheers!

[@calspeed1]

Po j

[@YouCantSawSawdust]

Wrong colour. Sort of like buying a blue ferrari. A ZRX has to be green.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

I've owned every color ZRX imported to the US. I do like the green ones but the red is also very appropriate nod to the early GPZs these were styled after. Cheers!