Ninja ZX12R vs GSXR 1300 Hayabusa

These test riders take both the Kawasaki ZX-12R and the Suzuki Hayabusa to their limits in a head to head top speed race, 1/4 mile drag, and around a road race circuit!! Both riders swap bikes and compare results! Definately a MUST SEE video for any fan of either of these great bikes.
These are some of the magazine tests pitting these two giants of the sportbike world. Both the Kawasaki ZX-12R Ninja and the Suzuki GSX-1300R Hayabusa are incredible machines on par with each other for the most part as the Kings of Speed. Of course, magazine tests are often inconsistant with each other, but this isn't about which bike is better,faster,quicker... it's about overall comparisons and the opinions of the test riders who piloted them. Either way, you can't go wrong with either of these machines.
Sportrider Oct. 2001 "BIG DOGS" / SUMMARY
STOCK (restricted)
Top Speed
ZX-12R - 185.6mph
Hayabusa - 183.9mph
1/4 Mile
ZX-12R - 9.95 @ 144.4mph
Hayabusa - 10.23 @ 140.6mph
Horsepower/Torque
ZX-12R - 159.8rwhp @ 10,250rpm / 91.4ft lbs @ 7,750rpm
Hayabusa- 158.0rwhp @ 9,750rpm / 98.4ft lbs @ 7,000rpm
AFTER MODS (derestricted)
Top Speed
ZX-12R - 193.5mph
Hayabusa - 191.3mph
1/4 Mile
ZX-12R - 9.573 @ 146.75mph
Hayabusa - 9.559 @ 146.75mph
Horsepower/Torque
ZX-12R - 165.7rwhp @ 10,750rpm / 93.3ft lbs @ 7,750rpm
Hayabusa- 163.2rwhp @ 9,750rpm / 100.1ft lbs @ 6,750rpm
SUPERBIKE MAGAZINE / SUMMARY
Top Speed
ZX-12R - 188mph
Hayabusa - 184mph
1/4 Mile
ZX-12R - 10.21 @ 144mph
Hayabusa - 10.05 @ 142mph
MCN March 2005 "NO LIMITS" / SUMMARY
Top Speed
ZX-12R - 185.09mph
Hayabusa - 178.65mph
1/4 Mile
ZX-12R - 10.44 @ 139.36mph
Hayabusa - 10.50 @ 140.42mph
0-60mph
ZX-12R - 2.90
Hayabusa - 2.91
Braking 70-0
ZX-12R - 48.10 meters
Hayabusa - 49.20 meters
FASTBIKES Magazine / SUMMARY
Top Speed
ZX-12R - 183.11mph
Hayabusa - 181.93mph
1/4 Mile
ZX-12R - 11.22 @ 141.35mph
Hayabusa - 11.43 @ 142.95mph
Horsepower/Torque
ZX-12R - 156rwhp @ 10,100rpm / 87ft lbs @ 7,600rpm
Hayabusa- 154rwhp @ 9,500rpm / 94ft lbs @ 7,500rpm
0-60mph
ZX-12R - 3.83
Hayabusa - 4.22
60-120mph
ZX-12R - 4.56
Hayabusa - 3.79
6th gear roll-on 60-140mph
ZX-12R - 12.77
Hayabusa - 13.34
0-150mph
ZX-12R - 12.76
Hayabusa - 11.62
Cycleworld Magazine June 2002 / SUMMARY
Top Speed
ZX-12R - 186mph
Hayabusa - 184mph
1/4 Mile
ZX-12R - 9.93 @ 144.01mph
Hayabusa - 9.89 @ 143.55mph
Horsepower/Torque
ZX-12R - 162.8rwhp @ 9,900rpm / 90.5ft lbs @ 7,500rpm
Hayabusa- 159.2rwhp @ 9,250rpm / 98.2ft lbs @ 6,900rpm
0-60mph
ZX-12R - 2.59
Hayabusa - 2.47
Lasfida Magazine 2005 / SUMMARY
Top Speed
ZX-12R - 188.3mph
Hayabusa - 187.7mph
0-400m
ZX-12R - 10.3 @ 146.08mph
Hayabusa - 10.4 @ 141.36mph
0-1000m
ZX-12R - 18.5 @ 174.8mph
Hayabusa - 19.1 @ 166.7mph
Horsepower/Torque
ZX-12R - 155.8rwhp @ 9,940rpm / 90.3ft lbs @ 7,670rpm
Hayabusa- 151.8rwhp @ 9,490rpm / 95.1ft lbs @ 6,940rpm
T.W.O Magazine Dec. 2002 / SUMMARY
Top Speed
ZX-12R - 186mph
Hayabusa - 186mph
Horsepower/Torque
ZX-12R - 156rwhp @ 10,100rpm / 87ft lbs @ 7,600rpm
Hayabusa- 154rwhp @ 9,500rpm / 94ft lbs @ 7,500rpm
PERFORMANCE BIKES 2005 / SUMMARY
Top Speed
ZX-12R - 187.17mph
Hayabusa - 182.13mph
1/4 Mile
ZX-12R - 10.71 @ 141.03mph
Hayabusa - 10.49 @ 143.46mph
0-100mph
ZX-12R - 5.83
Hayabusa - 5.61
70-0mph
ZX-12R - 48.39 meters
Hayabusa - 51.49 meters
Top Gear 40-120mph
ZX-12R - 13.0
Hayabusa - 11.7
Lap Time/Avg.Speed/Vulcans sections
ZX-12R - 3m03.02s/122.35mph/24.74s
Hayabusa - 3m10.64s/117.46mph/25.92s
FASTBIKES Magazine 2004 / SUMMARY
Top Speed
ZX-12R - 184.54mph
Hayabusa - 181.7mph
0-60mph
ZX-12R - 3.52
Hayabusa - 3.96
1/4 mile
ZX-12R - 11.13 @ 140.14mph
Hayabusa - 11.43 @ 142.95mph
Horsepower/Torque
ZX-12R - 165bhp @ 9,800rpm / (130nm)95.8ft lbs @ 7,800rpm
Hayabusa- 156bhp @ 9,000rpm / (134nm)98.8ft lbs @ 6,800rpm
MOTORRAD Magazine / SUMMARY
Top Speed
ZX-12R - 188.27mph (303km/h)
Hayabusa - 186.41mph (300km/h)
0-100km/h
ZX-12R - 2.6
Hayabusa - 2.6
0-140km/h
ZX-12R - 4.2
Hayabusa - 4.1
0-200km/h
ZX-12R - 7.0
Hayabusa - 7.3

[@DefLeppardYT]

Thumbs up for ZX-12R

[@Ninjahall-12R]

Got a '00 A1 12R since 3 years and am still madly in love with it. Mine has a full exhaustsystem and a +1 rear Sprocket.. Its kicks Ass!! To the day not one bike has passed me that I did'nt let past... 😅

[@kiddcisco]

​@@Ninjahall-12Ri am getting one this weekend and will be riding it across Canada in June/July 2024, bone stock A1 12R

[@2wheelobsessed]

One of the best comparisons I've ever seen! I've been In love with the Busa since 99 I adore that bike, that being said I just picked up a 03 ZX12R and coming off a ZX11 it takes some getting used to. What a beast! I'm a big guy 6'2 295lbs so these hyper bikes r only way a big ol fella like me can a achieve performance like that. Love the hyper bikes keep em rolling out!!!

[@Guds777]

2wheelobsessed I just bought ZZR1100 C3, and it feels more like being strapped to a rocket rather than a motorbike, its scary fast. And going 250 km/h on a willy, no thanks...

[@ras4782]

I feel you I'm a big guy so yeah

[@DeeYarEss]

Just bought a 12r identical to this one. Outlandishly fast. Even today!

[@kiddcisco]

I have bought a bone stock 12R and its being delivered this weekend. After owning an 2020 H2 SX SE for 3 yrs which was an AMAZING bike i sold it to add a 12R to my 96 ZX11 that is tricked out. Cant wait, 23 yrs later the ZX12R is still a brute and A1!

[@mattybt400]

Brilliant video. I am thinking about buying a 12R. I was surprised how equal the bikes were. I thought the 'busa would be more powerful but much heavier. Those guys certainly know how to ride. Thanks for the upload.

[@pauldark3044]

I'm buying a zx12r again

[@markrabone6584]

The wheelie nearly went south - gutsy as hell

[@fabzrustrider9838]

Even tho an old video I really enjoy this I have a lot of bikes so seeing put a smile on my face 👍🏾💯🇬🇧

[@keithallen4389]

Good times! Matt and Gary rode the wheels off those bikes. I preferred the Hayabusa on track but would love to own either bike even now in 2024!

[@gixxerboy555]

Best superbike comparison-test i've ever seen and with 2 good-minded and very good drivers... nice thx... :-)

[@panzerfaustwot8530]

Both superbikes, but the Kawa just looks a hell of a lot better !!

[@rafaslki4682]

Sports tourers

[@ras4782]

I love both but have a 12

[@aldo5658]

Thanks for uploading this fun video

[@Alps6408]

12R looks better and deffo performs better, just watch fast bikes.

[@katsesfotis6368]

Looks like the sight Mad Max was filmed. Great bikes!

[@Facewest]

Amazing the ZX-12R only has 1199cc and makes more horse power than the Hayabusa.

[@MegaVin88]

Zx12r is better

[@raynic1173]

difference in engine design details and how they decide to tune/maximize.

[@G4gazhotmail]

My old man had the same colour 12 when it first came out, he went from a zx9r and said he had to sit in it properly before he gave it some welly haha

[@grego10r]

after 22 years i got mint 03 zx12r lol love it 49 now

[@solomonstemplers]

i love the commentator he really knows how to put it across.

[@gixxerboy555]

2 awesome drivers....with many experience...and especially Gary Petersen...the Wheelie-Man... :-)

[@C_71]

Everyone needs to understand he said the Busa was better because he's afraid of it as many are. His comment is what I deal with everyday...it feels like it's trying to throw you off the bike when you rip the throttle; it never stops accelerating and my 2000 is stock!

[@shawnsiam4768]

Stone Love evidently haven’t rode an a1.

[@DexMaster881]

This video taught me one very important thing. Brits could pronounce Kawasaki in the 90s.

[@Alex-ei6qr]

This was a South African program and so are those accents.

[@darrentokar4800]

Thats super cool dude

[@senecamcmillian]

King Kawy all the way baby loving my zx14r aka Busa killa!

[@ross5506]

Seneca McMillian, RN same here brother just putting a turbo on my 08 special edition.

[@Ninjahall-12R]

Greetz to u bro but original and true "busakiller" is the ZX-12R A1 unrestricted model...

[@DefLeppardYT]

Thumbs up for GSXR 1300

[@Mr03HarleyDavison]

ZX12r all the way...

[@EEEBA1]

+Gary Woods Hi, Gary, Do you have a ZX12R? I'm looking for one but they are hard to find. How do you like yours? Thank you

[@Mr03HarleyDavison]

+E.S. BiH Yes I do .. Just bought it this past summer . What a machine ! Crazy power

[@Mr03HarleyDavison]

I'll sell it to ya for $4500

[@Mr03HarleyDavison]

E.S. BiH I'll sell it to you for $4500

[@EEEBA1]

***** Is it in great shape? Why are you selling it? Send me a few more pictures when you can. [e-mail] Thank you

[@peterhayabusa]

Great vid.love it still

[@karlknudson4991]

yall put it down ,prudy dam good thar guys the kawi had issues when seting the front tire back down on the ground @250 kph ,but the suzi was stable ,did you run the suxi up to 250 kph on the back tire? im thinking the front tire skidded when it hit the pavement and caused the wobble ,hate the wobbles ,see that shyt kicking off alot in the isle of man race, wonder if it would be possible to get the rake angle to change at high speeds while on the fly?that would be kool as fck im thinking!

[@justmusic6876]

..busa is not bad ,but kawa is still the best.

[@nyplantingsgardendesigners5645]

Love listening to English vs. American....Even 7 years old the vid is interesting

[@milok337]

Thumbs up for Def Leppard !!!

[@peterhayabusa]

Hayaaaaabussssssaaa

[@popolupoz11]

zx12r like.

[@solomonstemplers]

haha the zx12r got more thumbs up that's the bike for me!

[@MrCamarokid83]

Is that Joe satriani at the end of the video?

[@meltondaniels6830]

The new 14 is a very quick Nike but the 12 still has the handling and looks and is actually about 30 hp down stock

[@posniknelb6114]

12 r is 178 bhp without ram air, with ram air its 190 bhp so its not 30 bhp down, more like 15 to 20 down, but it's a lighter bike than the zx14

[@Brakballe]

12R defo. And I have one... B1...

[@Ninjahall-12R]

A1...😉

[@jesselee4405]

SIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIICK!!!!

[@Coyote-ds7rm]

Proof ... Why have modern journalist reviews are so bad, modern journalists always talk with no riding in the video's. These classic reviews are too cool!

[@GychuPL]

Aż miło popatrzeć :} LwG !

[@777Ruffdriver]

I have owend both bikes in my time and i have to say, ZX 12 is a good bike for the tall rider im a short guy so busa wins for me.

[@bekeneel]

+777ruffdriver I heard so, also the Hayabusa has like hardly been upgraded since 1999? While Kawasaki has been working on the ZX14, and now the H2 which is a masterpiece... But I still really love the ZX12R!

[@777Ruffdriver]

Suzuki are working on new busa project, which should be out 2017 I read this in MCN news this week..

[@RocketPropelledWombat]

Yarp. Really wanted a Busa a few years ago, tested the new one, was around 2008 (and I found the same with the 2022-2023 model when I sat on that), it's like i'm looking down on top of the screen :-( Probably nothing a double-bubble screen wouldn't sort out but then i'm in a weird riding position still.

[@cleanassfrd3703]

Definitely hayabusa. Can’t beat the performance, the aftermarket it spawned, and the longevity. I know a guy who has a turbo ‘99 model with 200k miles. There’s a reason the zx12r was replaced with the zx14, trust me

[@MegaVin88]

Hahaha

[@Brakballe]

12R defo, Have one.

[@jonathanharris1491]

more technology than what it took to put man on the moon my f****** watch has more technology than the Apollo missions had.

[@АндрейЯрцев-з2н]

Боже какое классное видео

[@wowerman]

haybusa handling 8 and looks 8?must be joking

[@tonywhite7094]

Yet again busa on top .!! When will the zx12 boys get the message BUSA is BEST

[@HunterHunter88]

Calm down, son...

[@Ninjahall-12R]

Ehhh no...

[@markjones4572]

Watch my bike on Mach 3

[@MegaVin88]

Who is lighter, stronger, faster the zx12r surely

On this politically correct world this kind of test no longer can be made.

[@71sc502]

2:57 is bros riding

[@ruffypoo]

Here in the future they're going to stop making these big bikes. Kawasaki said hold my beer watch this ZX1400

[@kiddcisco]

Had a 14 sold it after a year, just gave off way to much heat, 08 w second fan mod and many other goodies. Brutish and def fast. Got a ZX9R, amazing bike sold it bought a collector ZX11 and a brand spanking new 2020 H2 SX SE, best bike inever owned. Kept it 3 yrs sold it rhis past July 23. Kept the ZX11 to go deep and trick it up and have bought a 12R being delivered this weekend bone stock, cant wait tonride it across Canada in 2024 Ont to West Coast!!

[@DefLeppardYT]

Get to the action 01:10

[@jeff2all]

Back in the day when the only terrorist are on 2 wheels.

[@jozepsofronof3513]

Олды тут?

[@bigdaddyktk24]

Its the fukn rider

[@АндрейЯрцев-з2н]

👍👍👍👍👍😍

[@scorpionreptyle]

one rider is FAT ,another SKINNY ,this plays a big factor too.

[@scorpionreptyle]

4:35 look how hayabusa rider try to keep his bike not to accelerate too much ,just to keep even with kawasaki. his hand make a pretty good job for publicity.

[@losteden]

the zx12B is better!! just get rid of limiter, more power, better brakes, best seat

[@Ninjahall-12R]

Wrong...

[@raybusa6086]

Everyone hates the busa but how many zx12 u see out there with turbos...drag racing..etc... Junk in my opinion

[@scorpionreptyle]

4:36 busa rider plays with acceleration just to not embarrasing zx12 and match her speed

[@Ninjahall-12R]

Hahahhahaa... Lmfo

[@maptun2]

no its not the best its only ugly

[@Da_Asshole]

They were good bikes of that time but they are not shit anymore, my new zx14 has 50 more hp stock lol check my page

[@Ninjahall-12R]

And my A1 12 will smoke ur 14 period...

[@DLongRas47]

I love my 12

[@kiddcisco]

Had a 14, sorry but its uhly overall , serious power but sold it and bought an H2 SX SE that is light years ahead for handling and farkles, kept it 3 yrs and reduced the heard keeping a mint ZX11, this weekend a xR12 joins it