The MAM Journals. Comparing the Kawasaki ZRX1100 to the ZRX1200. And the winner is..

Had an opportunity to ride a very nice , 7000 mile, ZRX 1100. How did it compare to my late registered ZRX1200? What are the differences on the bikes and what impact do they have ? The million dollar question? If I had my time again , which bike would I buy?

[@Adikxx]

Great video, could see the passion that the owner has for those lovely bikes. I used to own 1200R in green, what a cracking bike it was, only sold it as needed money.. Bloody miss it !

[@nightrider1040]

Good man comment on a great bike I follow your channel by the way

[@marco-58]

I bought your bike. USD forks etc, as featured on your channel. Sold it, missed it, and just got a ZRX 1100 in green with ZX1100 cams and stage 3 Dynojet. Set up on a dyno. Goes very well. Smooth and fast.

[@Adikxx]

@@marco-58 yeah that bike looked AMAZING. Seriously one of the best bikes i owned! Hope you're all good bud👊

[@jomomma8291]

As a 62 yr old Zed hesd myself I really enjoyed this vid. Very informative. I'm also in the market for a ZRX at the moment, so thank you, thank you very much!

[@michaelmam]

Glad you enjoyed it . Thanks for commenting 👍

[@1999zrx1100]

I owned a 1999 1100 for a few years, God I wish I had kept it. Did some long road trips on it as well as a daily driver. It sure got your attention, easy to get in trouble, she bailed me out a few times, the brakes are a life saver. Love that machine. 😎

[@michaelmam]

Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment . Definitely a mile eater . A friend has toured over 80,000 miles on one 👍

[@michaelmam]

Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment . They are certainly mile eaters ! A friend has toured over 80000 miles on them 👍

[@mauriceclemens3286]

I bought a ZRX1100 when they first came out. After a while I wanted a bit more power. I bought a set of Muzzy ZX1100 spec cams as the ZRX1100 engine is essentially a ZX1100 engine with side draft carbs. A jet kit and a Muzzy titanium exhaust with a carbon fiber muffler to top it off. It made 134hp on the dump. Great bike,all it needed was fork tuning and a set of Fox shocks. One if the best bikes I’ve ever owned.

[@michaelmam]

They are good bikes . Nice power and a proper , straight forward “ muscle” bike . 👍

[@johniredale912]

thoroughly enjoyed this video! I am currently obsessing over these two bikes, mostly because we cant buy a gsx1400 in canada, but even being a suzuki guy all my life i still love these zrx's, after this video i will be buying the 1100 at weeks end

[@michaelmam]

Have fun John 👍

[@aikidragonpiper71]

I’ve got a 2003 Kawasaki ZRX1200R that I bought new in 2004 off the showroom floor. I’ve put 50,000 miles on it and it still runs great. Course my high miles are mostly highway miles. I do have a medium size jet kit,K&N air filter and a Two Brothers slip on racing pipe. Nice mean sound.

[@innateone]

Wow!

[@Travis_Montgomery]

I have a 1100 model that's identical to that one there. I bought it 6 years ago for $1500 USD. Still Ride it, what a bargain.

[@ChefDaveWillard]

"....for those of us who've developed an aversion to hospital food...." Well done, sir. I do believe I'll borrow that phrase from you. Thank you for your video - appreciate the details and the personal experience with both bikes. You're helping me sort out which one I want to add to my garage.

[@speedozrx3755]

This is mine since 20 years, thanks for this video 👍👍

[@frederickwoods5943]

Hi Michael. Being 72 years old I think the 1200 would suit me better. I like the mention of the Enfield big-bore at the 22-minute point of the video! Love those big 4-cylinder bikes; they are very smooth and tractable. Keep making videos and be safe my friend.

[@michaelmam]

Always good to hear from you . Thank you !

[@theronwood5806]

Almost 6 years ago I overpaid for a Zrx1100 that needed professional help that I wasn’t able to do myself. I “needed” that bike and still ride it a lot. It’s the 🐝 knees!

[@michaelmam]

Looking forward to getting out on mine again soon 🏍️👍

[@mr1bienvenu1]

I have a 2001 😊 I've been riding it for 18 years and love it ❤

[@michaelmam]

Great to hear 👍

[@71rcode72]

24:45 much wisdom here. Took me a lot of years to figure this out. Spot-on

[@treasurechest1993]

I owned a 2000 model 1100 for 8 years. Loved it...untill a small, but known , problem with porous head castings raised its head. Ended up with coolant getting into the engine. A can of radiator stop leak worked, but i thought it best to say goodbye to the beast. I used to refer to it as an old farts bike....comfortable riding position, nice big seat, and a strong torquie engine negating the need to wring its neck. Cheers

[@michaelmam]

😂 many a true word , said in jest ..

[@torque-aholic5039]

Thank you

[@LordyBeevill]

Had an 1100 20 ish years ago .. that’s a nice example . They still look good

[@davida1679]

Been waiting a long time for a video like this. I have a bunch of bikes but always wanted one of these!! Thank you.

[@michaelmam]

Glad I could help!

[@cadmanchannel]

I own a 1200 and 2 of the 1100s, and I prefer the 1100 due to the better handling. Those are nice examples you have there!

[@julianroberts9757]

Another great video that I learned a lot from. Looks like my A6F needs the PDQ treatment. 😀

[@3PDL4LIF]

Another great video. Thanks Michael! Watching in Ontario Canada Would love to see you review a first Gen R1 if you could. Cheers

[@JWSoundworks2]

Very enjoyable video! I had a red ZRX1100 (the one with silver and black stripes) for several years. Rode it in all weather. Was actually snowing the day I picked it up (trading in an import ZRX400!). It took me on camping holidays to France, the Scottish highlands with the wife, and was my daily commuter. Never missed a beat. Bike always turned heads where it went and I couldn’t help but drool over it every time I went out to ride it. Unfortunately I had to sell it because it became too uncomfortable to ride after tailbone surgery. I now have a VFR800 which is fun but has nothing of the charisma and charm that the big Kwak did. I let it go for a song, too, as the downpipes had started to rot and I needed the money. Would love to get another but the prices are getting silly these days!

[@michaelmam]

Glad you enjoyed it and thanks for taking the time to comment. I think they are very charismatic bikes as well . Prices got really hot during the covid period .. I guess people had more time to look and a lot less things to spend money on , but they are cooling a bit now . The mint , low milage, low owners one are holding but useable riding bikes are a bit more reachable …maybe one day ? 👍

[@bknowles98]

Awesome review. I love these motorcycles. .

[@steady2wheels]

They are magnesium, kawasaki were using them on some of their bikes at the time. I had a 1998 zx6r many years ago and it had magnesium cases. Good video sir.

[@michaelmam]

Thanks you ! 👍

[@georgebrowne5935]

If I could only pick one bike to own, it would always be the 1200r. Great Bike to ride, and look at parked up in the garage even.

[@imthatguy1878]

I had the same zrx1100, I preferred the purple stripe on the top

[@michaelmam]

@@imthatguy1878 I think they were just slightly different years from memory .. 👍

[@ryancraig2795]

Loved my red, silver and black 1100. Ended up replacing it after a few years for something with more comfort and weather protection. But it was the best looking bike I've owned - looked like the GPz I wanted when I was in high school. Lots of torque, first gear wheelies on demand.

[@michaelmam]

Great bikes .. 👍 Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment .

[@cmbiker]

Great video Michael! I'm on my 3rd ZRX1200R (2002 model) with almost 40,000 miles on it. I bought it 2 years ago for a song but it has needed a bit of work to bring it back up to speed. You are dead on about the suspension on this bike. It is good for basic everyday riding, but if you want to really get the most out of it and go faster, you need to upgrade the suspension. My plan in the coming months is to do exactly that.

[@michaelmam]

Thank You . Glad you enjoyed it . Have fun with the suspension upgrades..

[@m0ogy]

Great video Mate, really enjoyed it, all the best Dave

[@michaelmam]

Thanks Dave . 👍

[@roberthughes2452]

A great comparison review Michael. Delivered eloquently and thankfully with no background music. I have a Red 1100 and absolutely love it. For me it fits like a glove. At only 5ft 4in (on a good day) the relatively low seat height is ideal. I recently sat on a Z900 RS, which I would also like, but was surprised at how tall it felt. At 41,000 miles I think I will go with suspension upgrades on the ZRX. And save money on buying the RS. Cheers Rob

[@michaelmam]

Thanks Robert . I do like my RS as well . Less outright power but significantly lighter and more nimble although I have upgraded the suspension on mine . The ZRX is definitely the “ muscle “ bike of the two . 👍

[@mm-tg8oo]

Low seat height? I am 5'6" and have trouble planting feet on the ground. I have a 2000 ZRX 1100 and it definitely feels like it was built for guys 5'9" and up.

[@mrdoodle8748]

I have a 1200, exactly the same as yours. I agree with everything you have said. Thanks for posting , regards from Perth, Aus. Subscribed!

[@michaelmam]

Thank you !

[@rogerrojas4612]

Great review, thank you

[@michaelmam]

Thanks for watching!👍

[@jackc3205]

Owned a zephyr 550 as my first 'big' bike and really liked it. Would love to find a decent 1100 example, which are like hens teeth here in Canada. Eventually also owned a green ZRX1100 and loved that as well. A classic head turner, conversation starter. Heavy bike though. Eventually sold it, but it was a great bike. Very comfy on long rides because of the wide seat.

[@postersm7141]

I had a 2000 ZRX 1100 completely stock with relatively high mileage around 19,000 if I remember. It still ran great and I love that bike. I would probably still have it today but it was stolen from the motorcycle shop of all places. I know I have a 2021 Z900 RS Café.

[@true-moto-resto]

Great Video Michael, I just did a video on my ZRX1100 today. I'd love a 1200 to go with it. Keep up the great Vid's

[@michaelmam]

Thanks 👍 Feel free to share your video on here !!

[@true-moto-resto]

@@michaelmam Very kind of you. here's my video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hXjNf56FhcaDfJI. started my channel end of last summer. Ride Safe !

[@denisg4288]

Hi Michael. Camera angle favoured the 1100, just showed the profile better. Looks lovely. For me, either is quick enough on our roads. I do wish you hadn’t mentioned the Barn. Just looked at their site and thinking, oh dear, this could cost me money🤔 great stock. Will keep an eye on that. Regards Denis

[@michaelmam]

Hi Denis , we wanted the camera angle to favour the 1100 so glad you noticed 😂 Rob at the barn is an old friend and has a great eye . Bought a few off him over the years and I am fussy ..

[@denisg4288]

@@michaelmam good enough for you, then good enough for me!

[@denisg4288]

Just down the road from me really. I live in Newport Pagnell. Love that Honda CB1100EX in red. Waiting for a Triumph 900 Scrambler due for delivery in Sept to go with my T120, otherwise……..

[@kiddcisco]

I love the ZRX! I have a cherry '96 ZX1100D/ZZR1100. I am watching for a nice ZRX and would probably opt for a low mileage 1200. But i would take either tbh, just love the style.

[@michaelmam]

Happy hunting .. 👍

[@transsimracer5003]

If you want the 1200 to turn quicker, drop the forks through the yolks and run a lower profile front tire.

[@michaelmam]

Happy with a standard bike . Have a few fast bikes in the garage if I feel the need 👍

[@Voyagerss77]

Oh mate what a beuties, my dream bike! Kawasaki zrx1200 !!! Wow I saw those bikes still in production for Japanese market on the expo called Tokyo Motorcycle Show on the year 2011, the called Kawasaki 1200 Daeg!

[@michaelmam]

Ahh . The fuel injected model . Japanese market only . The last of the carburettor bikes proved hard to sell in both the States and Europe which is interesting when you think about how well they are regarded now ..

[@leightodd7335]

Aversion to hospital food! Hahaha This is like comparing The Green Lantern to The Green Hornet. They both kick ass. 🙂

[@Aprilseahorse]

I worked at a Kaw dealership back in the day and drove both of them. Great bikes! I preferred the 1100, but if I was going to put on bags and go cross country, the 1200 seems to be the better for that.

[@michaelmam]

A friend of mine has done 150000 miles on them ( 2 bikes) and tours in Europe most years. Very versatile bikes . 👍

[@kchappelle]

I've got the exact bike as you do. Love the lime green on the newer 1200. The only thing that puts me off with the 1100 and it always has is that ugly metallic green colour. I would much rather like it in the old red GPZ dress. I loved the 1100 when it was released but hated the metallic green. Was so relieved when the 1200 came out in the lime green cream true Kawi color.

[@adrianleeds3468]

Funny I’m the opposite. Owned a ZRX11 from new and was sad when I saw the ZRX12 in ‘that’ green. Everyone’s different.

[@kchappelle]

@@adrianleeds3468 the was the Kawasaki lime green you’re talking about… that Kawasaki is famous for. The metallic green that came on the 1100, well… I don’t know where that came from. But, I’m glad you like it. To each his own. :)

[@aleksgs854]

As a former owner of 2018 Z900RS....it seems like a natural successor in looks and performance....a stretch...perhaps, but I see some parallels. Never ridden either of these, but curious if someone does have experience on all three...grreat content btw!

[@michaelmam]

I agree . I have a Z900RS SE and will be making a comparison video with the 1200 ZRX in the Autumn series 👍

[@chriscarbaugh3936]

Mine has a full Maxton set up with cams. My 1100 works very well.

[@harrothepilot]

They’re nice bikes for certain. I own a ZRX1200S which has the slightly larger upper fairing. It suits me being 62yo and liking nice steady country rides. I’d own an R if I were 30 years younger. The bike is a 2003 model which has the silver and weird red to pink scheme. It has been garaged for many years now and has only 6000kms on it. Unfortunately, I stored it with fuel in, so there’s going to be a bit of work to get it going again ( don’t ask…… ). Also ride a K75S which is why the Z has such low kms I guess.

[@michaelmam]

Hope you manage to find the time to bring the ZRX back on the road . Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment ! ZRX -Z900RS comparison later this year 🤞

[@paulmcleod6061]

Should have bought ZX12R, what a weapon they are.

[@Jesus_Iced]

No. The ZX12R looks shit.

[@elontusk7565]

This guy sounds like hes just licked down a fish supper and two pints of stout 😂😂 brilliant video all the same.

[@michaelmam]

😂only two ?

[@dorisandjohn8582]

Thx a lot for the super deep review. I would ask you if you would be able to compair the zrx 1100 and the 1998 Yamaha Xjr 1200 SP? Heasitating between both. Thx

[@michaelmam]

Sadly I don’t currently have access to a suitable XJR but I will keep my “ear to the ground” 👍

[@Berealwith]

Hi Michael, thanks for another fine Vblog, I wondered if you'd get round to the Rex. We got both(1200 and 1100) and by the sounds of it you've got another keeper, mine is. That's why I have modded mine I've got Ohlin's front and back, and the change is the difference of night and day. Cheers once again, nice review.

[@michaelmam]

Thank you 👍 Great bikes ..

[@kathygarber3230]

I had a 99 zrx 1100 with a full d@d exhaust k@n filters and carbs jetted. A fellow i knew had a 01 zrx 1200 with full muzzy exhaust k@n filters carbs jetted and a timing plate and he could not get away from me.

[@mateuszwojnar1388]

1100 looks better, balck engine and nicer green makes it beautufull

[@splodge5714]

The black painted exhaust on the 1100 goes rusty at first sight of rain.

[@michaelmam]

Yes . Take some looking after . I like the look but the 1200 is easier to keep together 👍

[@hafizabdullah3385]

If you asked me,i will take them both,for me its a great bike

[@captainamerica9353]

Can anyone tell me if the gearing is any different from the 11 to 12 ? I keep wanting to shift into 6th on my 2000 1100. I'm turning about 4,000 at 70 mph and it's just a little buzzy. I think if I ever need a chain and sprockets, I'll drop 2 teeth in back. Otherwise a great bike.

[@michaelmam]

The very last of them - asia market - actually had fuel injection and a six speed gearbox . I regularly look for sixth and a friend of mine , who has done over 150000 on ZRX’s said he still occasionally looks for another gear so it is not just you . Try one of the facebook forums for various solutions . The 1100 and 1200 felt very similar in ratios to me . Some of the more technical guys have put a 6 speed in .. they normally change the forks as well to improve handling . Not sure what they do with sprockets but they are normally very helpful . Thanks for watching 👍

[@mickroom7603]

Major chickenstrips on the 1100 😯

[@michaelmam]

Quite old tyres as well, from memory . Only had it for a few days but got a good feel for it . My bike had new tyres on and I ride it with slightly more spirit . I am not a particularly fast rider.

[@mickroom7603]

@@michaelmam one can see, but a nice bike (I'm kinda Kawa fanboy sitting on my old ZX7R)

[@nnickingram]

Michael, does your research show the tyre pressures of both? Are they markedly different?

[@michaelmam]

Don’t have any records to hand , will check next week but from memory they were the same . The 1200 is , according to the handbook and from memory, 36 PSI front and rear ..

[@fokkegorter2754]

I found a zrx 1100 with green wheels. Is this an original color for the wheels? Mostly they are black. The bike is 03-2001.

[@michaelmam]

It is not unusual for different countries to have cometic differences . I don’t remember UK bikes having completely green wheels but I may be mistaken . Mostly black but some had dealer fitted green rim tape is how I recall it .. 👍

[@fokkegorter2754]

@@michaelmam Thanks Michael!

[@tghw539]

@@fokkegorter2754 ZRXs were never sold with green wheels, anywhere. Black or silver is all that were ever offered, I believe.

[@fokkegorter2754]

@@tghw539 Thanks!!

[@anonimous2451]

I've heard that if you swap that rear pivot to the bottom that it handles far better. Your Thoughts?

[@michaelmam]

I have heard the same and spoken to a few owners who have done it . They say it does but I haven’t ridden one . It would make more demands on the front which is probably the area that benefits most from improvement so maybe start there first? I rode a bike with upgraded forks recently . Transformed the handling ..

[@anonimous2451]

@@michaelmam Ohlins?

[@michaelmam]

@@anonimous2451 That is a popular upgrade . The one I rode had Kawasaki 1400 forks 👍

[@anonimous2451]

@@michaelmam Yea I've seen kits that adapt them to other bikes as well. Specifically older gold Wings.

[@skandix]

Buy what you can afford!

[@andrewlucas6214]

Would I be correct in saying that the 1100 had a five speed gearbox and 1200 a six speed?

[@michaelmam]

Hi Andrew . They both have 5 speed gearboxes as standard although a few people have fitted 6 speeds to their bikes 👍

[@vicpnut1]

@@michaelmam shit I didnt know they were only 5 speeds…I just assumed 6 as they’re late 90’s through mid 2000’s….so I’m clear are all models in all years 5 speeds?

[@michaelmam]

@@vicpnut1 The Japanese market injection model (DAEG) had 6 gears but the rest had 5 👍

[@herkko61]

@@michaelmam And with 6 gears that is 2016 model only, the "Final model".

[@Saxondog]

Is the 1100 up for sale yet..😂

[@michaelmam]

😂

[@williamrae9954]

How old are you? I started school in 1972,and have no idea what a pound is,relative to weight...yet again, we Scots were educated 400yrs before the English, so we're a bit more forward thinking! Fireblades are the benchmark, 185kg dry...compare everything to that!

[@michaelmam]

In terms of measurements I now tend to use Kilos , PS and decimal HP and Nm but invariably get comments that they think in imperial , pounds , ft Ibs and BHP . In the meanwhile we all continue to order tyres that combine metric and imperial measurements and a % ratio just to confuse it further . With 8 billion of us on the planet , the chances of us agreeing measurement systems remains remote . I tend to increasingly use metric but can’t find many that think in kW 🤔

[@Saxondog]

Why they changed the paint scheme for the worst on the 1200 I'll never know. The swinging arm looks better too on the 1100. I once owned the same with the purple stripe at the top and not on the bottom, as some had. I lost count on the admiring glances and comments made by Joe public and car drivers whilst parked up or waiting at traffic lights. When I win the lottery the first thing I'll do is buy another one. The house can wait..lol!

[@michaelmam]

Thanks for commenting Derek ! Great to hear your views ..

[@kathygarber3230]

1999 purple stripe on the bottom 2000 purple on top

[@theaustralianconundrum]

@@michaelmam I've ridden both and returned them to their owners with relish. lol. A personal thing for sure as I was more used to a ZX9R or ZX12R.

[@Saxondog]

@@theaustralianconundrum Boy racer on a plastic enclosed pocket rocket. Each to their own eh?.

[@theaustralianconundrum]

@@Saxondog ZX9R or ZX12R are ancient relics and were never pocket rockets that we think of since 2003 onwards. The riding position of both are positively VFR sports tourer compared to their successor aka 2003- ZX10-R.

[@taufikkurniawan3189]

Give me one plisss♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️

[@granite676]

I had a 1200r and a 1200s loved them both and just like any bike regular maintenance keeps em tip top and very enjoyable to ride. They will turn on a sixpence at slow speeds and put other bikes to shame with their tight turning circle. People slag the brakes off but they're like any jap bike if you neglect them they cause you problems. I replaced both bikes brake lines with braided and the s got stainless pistons. I believe the 1100 could have zzr 1100 high lift cams fitted quite easily which gave it more umph. To stop the fuel rot use redex in the tank on every other fill up. I sometimes stored em over winter and never a problem after being on a trickle charger (optimate) I never had any issues with handling as the frames were super strong and could chuck em around easily especially doing the ama style riding through corners and they could give plenty of sportsbikes a real good run for their money. I regretted selling my r model ☹ and would have another tomorrow 👍😉

[@michaelmam]

Great to hear from you Stephen . Thank you for sharing your experience 👍