Kawasaki unveiled its new sports tourer at the Paris show, the 145bhp 2002 model ZZ-R1200 is aimed squarely at competing for sales with Yamaha’s FJR1300, with a similar power output, but a much higher top speed of 174mph compared to the FJR’s 150mph. Expected in the UK by March 2002 at around £8400 it is priced to be comparable with Honda’s VFR800, offering 1200 performance for 800 prices.

The chassis is derived from the original ZZ-R1100 and is an aluminium twin-beam frame, which has been redesigned for stiffness making it more rigid which helps the handling. Steering angle and swing arm pivot geometry has been changed to help get the power down onto the tarmac, especially out of corners. Many of the components have been taken from the ZRX1200, but have been reworked to make them lighter,  including the 17-inch wheels, 43mm front forks, with the cush drive and the fuel gauge being nicked from the ZX-12R.

The bike has been designed to cover long distances in comfort and  includes several features useful for touring, including pillion grab rail, luggage hooks, colour matched panniers will be an option. Upgraded alternator and battery allows the electrical system to deal with extra power equipment such as heated clothing and grips, and an easy access plug under the seat is provided to power these items.

Brakes are 4-piston Tokico calipers gripping twin 320mm semi-floating discs at the front with a single 250mm disc at the rear squeezed by a sliding single pot caliper.

Single shock at the rear allows easy adjustment of pre-load via a remote adjuster for carrying pillion or luggage.

The twin exhausts incorporate catalysers and are manufactured from stainless steel.

The engine looks to retain Kawasaki’s image for being ‘bullet-proof’ and retains the traditional double overhead cam 16-valve liquid cooled in-line four designs, now being 1164cc with four 40mm Keihin carburettors. The engine has been tuned to increase low and mid range power, more useful when touring. Twin electric fuel pumps feed the carbs while twin fans cool the radiator.

The riding position has been altered by moving the handlebars back, and the footpegs forward and down.

The ZZ-R1200 replaces Kawasaki's much loved ZZR1100 in 2002

Any information on this model you would like to see included you can send it here

Last updated 19/03/02