15th Feb 2006, 19:12

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.

19th Feb 2006, 13:48

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.

20th Oct 2006, 23:25

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.

5th Jun 2007, 06:35

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.

23rd Oct 2007, 18:28

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!

15th Mar 2008, 14:07

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.

11th Jun 2008, 02:50

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!

21st Jan 2009, 18:05

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.

23rd Feb 2009, 16:08

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.

11th Mar 2009, 01:16

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!!!