Comments: 1-15, 16-17
The only problem I have had is the spark plug wires rattled loose and there was a loss of power. You've got to every now and then take off the fuel tank and check them, it is super easy. From reading other peoples experiences, this is common with this bike.
This is an amazing bike. No matter where I take it people stare at it. It is so much fun to ride, it has amazing power. For the price you cannot find a better 1200 cc superbike.
The suspension is fully adjustable, and the bike is set up for super easy maintenance. The handling is very good, it's not like rocket style handling, it takes more effort. I'm 190lbs and I can throw it around wherever I want. One thing I really notice is as the fuel goes down the handling gets a lot better/easier. So obviously an extra few pounds would make this bike perfect.
Also I have rode this bike for over 1000 kms in one day and I was fine. Try doing that on a crotch rocket. Plus the underseat storage is excellent. I wouldn't buy a crotch rocket if I had a choice.
I took possession of a new ZRX1200R recently and I couldn't believe that one can get so much bike for so little money. It "rested" for 3 weeks in the garage because there was no real opportunity to ride it.
Not so during the weekend of 5 November 2005, when my wife and I decided to take a ride to the Eastern Transvaal (South Africa). This part of South Africa is notorious for its twists and bends. With two up, the bike handled very well and acceleration out of corners excellent. On the long stretches (150 km of freeway between Belfast and Pretoria) the bike showed that it can run for kilometers on end at high speeds.
Excellent bike!
I purchased an excellent used 2001 REX last year, and have found the bike almost ideal to my needs. Although a heavy machine, the handling is sharp and responsive, and hustling through the twisties just takes more body throw.
Speed will never be an issue unless you are a complete nut, and I know that both nitrous and turbos are available if that’s your thing. But you’ll easily get a few more ponies with a good after market header and can, and a stage one jetting kit. If you ever take off the existing set of pipes and put on say a set of Muzzy headers with a carbon fiber can, you’ll save up to 35lbs right there.
Brakes are excellent and the rear suspension is up to the task, although the front end is a bit on the soft side, no matter how you set it up. But unless you go gonzo, this really isn't too much of a problem.
This bike offers probably one of the best values for ya buck out there, but it does have its limitations. Fit and finish are top notch, and apart from very frequent chain adjustments, something you need to keep on top off, the bike is pretty well maintenance free. Just don't miss a service interval.
The ZRX is a crowd pleaser, and never fails to draw admiring glances, and I suspect envy from some of the more sport minded riders. Very comfortable for a pillion, good storage and plenty of available accessories make upgrading easy and fun, and help to keep away the upgrade nag that so often happens shortly after getting a new bike.
Overall score is an 8.5/10.
I bought a used 2002 ZRX1200R green in colour in late 2005. It only had 4860kms, a Hindle Pipe and no other mods.
A real looker and most impressive for it's low end pull. I accelerated hard and on the 2nd gear shift, I could feel the back end shake loose.
Tried two-up riding, but the passenger was not comfortable, so in my view, it is a solo rider.
First, let me say that green is the fastest color. Having said that, let it be known that I am the proud owner of a 2001, Green ZRX1200R and I love it.
Power on tap at any given moment. Handling on par with more sport or race oriented bikes. Great brakes. Excellent riding position. (6' 280lbs.) Plenty of on bike storage. Tons of after-market mods available.
Excellent ZRXOA to rely on for super tech info and modding ideas.
You cannot go wrong with this one. The key here is fun, fun, fun.
Bought mine new in 2005. The only problem I had was rear footrest hangers pitting. This was due to the poor quality japanese alloy/laquer. They were replaced without any quibbles under warranty. You can commute, tour and scratch on this bike. The best all rounder for your money. Oodles of torque, good on the gas, but watch the mpg drop if you are heavy on the throttle.
The best smiles per miles bike I've ever owned. Green ones are the best, being the Eddie Lawson replica. Other colours do not hold their price as well come resale time. You can mod these more than any other bike out there. Even the Harleys ain't got this much modability. Ditch the standard pipe for a full ti system. Lose 35lbs, gain 25+bhp. Monster.
Bought a 2004 ZRX1200R in Oct of 06; far and away, the best all around bike I have ever owned...
Comfortable, nice to look at, great gas mileage (if you're easy on the right wrist, that is...) and most of all... FAST!!! have a K&N jet kit and a Kerker 4-into-1, been dyno'ed at 147HP, which is more than enough for a wussbag like me... would I buy another one? Damned right I would!
I bought my ZRX1200 a couple of years ago, and I really like the bikes performance. I recommend an after market seat if you do over 3000 miles a year. I have taken the extenders that are on the directionals, back and front. And have put them behind the front fairing for the front directional and behind the tail piece for the rear. Lower profile look but you maintain a large directional flash. Also have cut the back fender to be flush with license plate. Looks good and costs you nothing. Enjoy.
I bought my 2006 ZRX1200R in green brand new, and cannot think of another bike I could buy worthy of replacing it.
My bike now has 5,500 miles on it, and these have been trouble free miles, and the bike still looks brand new.
Best tyre I have found for it after replacing the OM BT020s after 2,000 miles due to being worn out, have been Avon Storms, as I have now travelled over 3,500 miles on these and there are still plenty of life left in them, and the grip is good enough for even me to only have about 3mm of chicken strip on the rear tyre.
I have applied mainly sensible modifications on the bike, one of which is an after market seat from "Digger". This alone has made the bike a lot more comfortable, and an excellent bike for 2 up.
Also fitted a scott oiler, and can highly recommend these as my chain never needs cleaning or adjusting.
Go and buy one, you won't regret it!
All I can say about the zrx1200 is it's green and fun. Buy one, you will be well pleased.
No dislikes yet. 021s going on and seat cos my bum can go dead.
It's no Hayabusa, but who cares.
I've had my 05 model for almost 4 years now. It is a comfortable bike with enough power to please just about anyone.
The looks take me back to the original KZ and GPZ models of the 70s and 80s, but thankfully it is functionally modern and only retro in appearance.
It is a substantial bike in that it weighs 540 pounds wet, but once moving it can be easily managed. The suspension can be adjusted to accommodate just about any riders needs. I enjoy cruising at a moderate pace, and feeling like I have a completely competent machine under me, and the ZRX fits that description. It is not a master of any particular riding application, but I believe it can handle more tasks completely than any other bike out there.
These bikes are well kept secrets despite having the best OA (ZRXOA) on the net. I guess we'll just have to continue keeping these bikes to ourselves. Ride safe and wave back.
I just purchased a 2005 ZRX1200R, but I had to travel 3.5 hours north of New York City to get the best one I could find. It is still a bit cold to ride and the owner of the dealership recommended that I not drive it back to the City until April.
I used to ride a 79 CB750K back in the early 80s when the KZs and GPZs were the top bikes, and I was so envious of people who had them. I am sure when the time comes to ride my REX and with all the positive comments on it, I will not be disappointed! Man, I cannot wait to ride my new bike!!!
I bought a 2002 green ZR in 2008. It only had 6000 miles and was a one owner bike.
All I can say is I LOVE THIS BIKE!!! I cannot seem to find a bad thing to say about this green, powerful, sexy machine. I have had more compliments about the ZRX than any of my other bikes that I have owned in the past. A couple of my young neighbors own crotch-rockets, and when they saw my bike, you could tell they were impressed with the way the ZR looked, sounded and most of all blew them off the road.
I plan on having this bike for a long time, and adding just the right after market pieces to make my bike a one of a kind racer.
I bought a silver 04 new from the dealer in 2004. I was immensely pleased with the motorcycle right out of the box. Unfortunately, I love to tinker and modify. This can get expensive, but ultimately, I have the bike I have always wanted. The engine is capable of producing a lot of power.
I have modified the suspension, engine, and electrics. In my opinion, the 'ZRX' is as close to a perfect motorcycle as exists. Comfortable, powerful, good handling, and handles 2 up riding with ease. There is much to be said for the universal Japanese motorcycle and the 'ZRX' may very well be the best ever made.
I have owned a number of motorcycles and none were close to the "REX". Bill.
Well I have to write another comment on here. I wrote a couple before explaining my love of my ZRX, but now as I sit in front of the computer writing instead of RIDING my bike, it makes me a bit bummed out, because I had laid my bike over (not by riding it) by backing it up. Had slipped and my bike had fallen on my right leg and broken it in three places down by my ankle. I had to have surgery, and I'm waiting for one more surgery to be able to walk again without the assistance of a crutch. So I don't think I'll be riding this year BUUUMMMMMEEERRR!!!
Anyway, my bike didn't get a scratch on it, and that's good news even though my leg got broke. It is sitting in my garage looking all nice and stuff, and I do go out and start it up and sit on it, waiting until I can ride again.
I bought the bike in winter of 07, and only got to ride it in 08 for about 4000 miles until my accident in Sept. of 08. It was a one owner bike that had only 6000 miles, and was in perfect mint condition (and still is).
I have the green Rex and will be adding a Corbin "gunfighter" seat to it hopefully in the near future. I am also going to add a Jardine or Akropovic exhaust system, as well as a Gimble belly pan as soon as I can get back to work.
The short time I did get to ride though was awesome!!! The ZRX has all the power that one could want for a street bike, and the paint job is as attractive as you could want for a factory sport bike. I have had it up to 135mph, and to some that isn't fast, but for me it was faster than I care to go, and I just enjoy riding my ZRX at a normal speed, although every once in a while you have to get on it! If not, then I would have bought a moped.
I have nothing bad to say about the ZRX, haven't had any problems whatsoever except staying on it! LOL.
The handling of the ZRX is good, and the acceleration is super, it has a roll on performance that is hard to beat.
People ask if I will ride my ZRX again when I am healed, and I tell them "you bet I will". Hope you all have enjoyed my comment, and hope to be riding soon.
I bought my ZRX1200R in May 2006, in the best colours on this planet (Eddie Lawson Green) Since then I have had 8000 miles of trouble free riding, both in this country and europe.
The power of this fantastic machine will put a smile on anyones face. The only criticism sometimes is the notchy gearbox, but you can put up with that due to the grin factor as soon as you twist the throttle.
I have no regrets buying such an iconic machine, it always turns heads when seen on the road, especially amongst us older riders.
It is one of the best bikes I have ever owned, and I have had a lot over the last 31 years of riding, from sports bikes to tourers and muscle bikes.
If you have ever wanted one, bite the bullet and get one, you won't be disappointed. The raw power of the Kawasaki engine is music to your ears.
Thanks
Kawasaki Lover.