2005 Kawasaki ZRX1200R

Summary:

No sports bike, but awesome in its own way

Faults:

No faults at all.

General Comments:

Very quick bike, but a little heavy.

Great for distance riding.

You gotta fit a FUEL can, as the sound is awesome.

A lot quicker than the XJR1300 that I traded in for it. It handles better too.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd June, 2007

2003 Kawasaki ZRX1200R

Summary:

Very good road bike

Faults:

Chain wore out.

General Comments:

I chopped in my 20 year old VFR750 to buy this bike for £4300.

It was four years old, but a brief test ride pressed all the right buttons with me.

I've had it for 3 months and 5,000 miles now, so feel qualified to comment on it.

I use my bike as main transport, it takes me the 70 mile round trip to/from work each day, come rain or shine.

It is a torque monster, will pull cleanly from tickover to the red line, and is surprisingly economical.

Following my usual modifications (taller screen, panniers, heated grips, power for the heated waistcoat), I find it very comfy and easy to ride.

It is no sports machine, go into a corner too fast and the standard suspension lets you know all about it.

But ride it smoothly and sensibly, and the rewards are fantastic, 52mpg.

Mine is the S variant with the half fairing, there is surprisingly little protection from the wind on your hands.

It is very reliable, and given a handful, the acceleration is phenomenal.

The original Continental RoadAttack tyres fell apart very quickly, and have been replaced with Dunlop D220 touring tyres, which grip well and have given me no problems in the 1000 miles I have so far used them.

I will update this report as time passes and the miles rise.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 17th May, 2007

25th Nov 2007, 06:23

I'm up to 24,250 miles now.

Rear tyres last 5k and cost £100 fitted, fronts 10K £90.

So doing 20k miles per year was going to cost £600 in tyres alone!

So I bought a cheap 500cc commuter hack to pile the miles on and preserve my 'nice' bike for when the sun shines.

My only 'complaint' is that the bike is just too fast.

A moments concentration lapse on the motorway can see you doing speeds likely to get you locked up.

Stay on the A roads and take it easy.