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!
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