Motorcycle specifications Kawasaki1200 ZX-12R 2002 The devil gets better

in pursuit of the Hayabusa, Kawasaki has produced a high-tech missile that's not necessarily easy to ride. To make it more accessible and still as demonic as ever, the ZX-12R has been redesigned. Externally, little has changed on the ZX-12R: a larger but better-designed air intake, a higher bubble, smaller rear-view mirrors...

apart from that, the changes are mainly internal, and the big Kawa changes its behavior radically. But Kawa has managed to preserve the essentials, namely its superb engine, which delivers no less than 178 horsepower. Along with the R1 and Hayabusa, it's one of the most expressive 4-cylinders on the market.

it has undergone very few modifications (new mapping, vilo with more inertia, reinforced clutch...) and we can't complain. Acceleration offers an excellent feel and is easy to modulate. The power available is enormous, allowing you to spurt out of corners, yet docile enough to accelerate very early in the curve.

to contain so much enthusiasm, the chassis has to be unflappable. And on this point, we couldn't help but feel a certain apprehension when recalling theold 12R. It was heavy and stalled too much during corner changes - not to mention having a tendency to widen the trajectory. The Suzuki 1300 gsx-r's direct competitor didn't suffer from this lack of liveliness. Yet the first ZX-12R boasted a unique feature: an aluminum monocoque frame that was supposed to offer high-speed stability and agility in small threads. While there's nothing to be said for stability, we couldn't be truly satisfied with the rest. With this new version, these complaints are a thing of the past. The machine's geometry has evolved: the column angle is more open, the caster has increased, rigidity has improved and a host of other small details have transformed the way the machine is ridden.

now more incisive, the 12R phase 2 is easier, more efficient and more aggressive. The riding position, closer to a sport-GT, allows you to negotiate corner changes almost perfectly; there's still a slight resistance to straightening the bike - but nothing like the old one, where you had to fight. Of course, such a monster can't be ridden like the latest hypersports... the respectable weight and colossal power leave little room for improvisation. Efficiency can only be achieved through anticipation. The front drivetrain is reassuringly precise, but you have to be careful not to go too far outboard when accelerating hard on the corners. Nothing exceptional for a machine of this size, and less pronounced than on the previous model.

the other major improvement comes from the suspension. Now more comfortable, they maintain the machine's stability. Kawa can still be criticized for retaining the huge 20 cm tire. Okay, it looks good, but it's a bit detrimental to handling. Stiffer, more precise, more agile and less expensive (now at almost the same price as the Hayabusa), the ZX-12R has evolved very well. It recovers the best of the first generation and displays rigorous handling. A machine that may be a little marginal, but well worth discovering or rediscovering.

M.B
(inspired by Moto-journal n° 1 516
manufacturer's photos)