ZRX1200 DAEG: the “big naked” Z family from Kawasaki

Kawasaki ZRX 1200 road motorcycle

was introduced in 2001 as a successor to the Kawasaki ZRX 1100. The main difference from the previous version was the engine increased to 1164 cm³, which in the export version produced up to 122 hp. power and up to 112 Nm of torque. Japanese modifications were “strangled” to 100 hp. power and 180 km/h maximum speed.

Other differences between the ZRX1200 and the ZRX1100 include a new frame and swingarm, which have become stiffer and significantly improved handling. of the Kawasaki ZRX1200S has also appeared

with a sports plastic fairing (factory designation -
ZR1200B
).
The version with a classic half-fairing began to bear the name - Kawasaki ZRX1200R
(factory designation -
ZR1200A
).
The classic version with a round headlight was available only in some countries and only until 2004, it was simply called Kawasaki ZRX1200
(factory designation
ZR1200C
).

By 2007, the Kawasaki ZRX1200 was only available in Japan, and was discontinued in 2008. It was replaced by an updated version, available only in the domestic Japanese market - Kawasaki ZRX1200 DAEG

(factory designation -
ZR1200D
). The new version received an injector, petal brake discs, 4-piston calipers (instead of 6-piston), a 6-speed gearbox and increased maximum power to 110 hp.

2016 was the last year of production of the Kawasaki ZRX1200 DAEG, in which Kawasaki released a limited edition Final Edition of the motorcycle. Motorcycles in this series were distinguished by Ohlins rear suspension, gold calipers and gold rims.

Kawasaki ZRX series lineup:

• Kawasaki ZRX 400
• Kawasaki ZRX 1100
• Kawasaki ZRX 1200

Main competitors in the class:

• Honda CB 1000 / Honda CB 1300
• Suzuki GSF 1200 Bandit / Suzuki GSX 1200 Inazuma
• Suzuki GSX 1400
• Yamaha XJR 1200 / Yamaha XJR 1300

Brief history of the model

• 2001 - start of production and sales.

Model

: Kawasaki ZRX1200R;
Kawasaki ZRX1200S; Kawasaki ZRX1200 (Japan, Europe, North America). Factory designation
: ZR1200-A1; ZR1200-B1; ZR1200-C1.

• 2002 - no significant changes.

Model

: Kawasaki ZRX1200R;
Kawasaki ZRX1200S (Japan, Europe, North America). Factory designation
: ZR1200-A2; ZR1200-B2.

• 2003 - no significant changes.

Model

: Kawasaki ZRX1200R;
Kawasaki ZRX1200S; Kawasaki ZRX1200 (Japan, Europe, North America). Factory designation
: ZR1200-A3; ZR1200-B3; ZR1200-C2.

• 2004 - due to updated environmental legislation, Japanese versions produce 95 hp. Starting this year, the motorcycle is available with black calipers (instead of yellow).

Model

: Kawasaki ZRX1200R;
Kawasaki ZRX1200S; Kawasaki ZRX1200 (Japan, Europe, North America). Factory designation
: ZR1200-A4; ZR1200-B4; ZR1200-C3.

• 2005 - from this year only the R version of the motorcycle is available.

Model

: Kawasaki ZRX1200R (Japan, Europe, North America).
Factory designation
: ZR1200-A5.

• 2006 - no significant changes.

Model

: Kawasaki ZRX1200R (Japan, Europe, North America).
Factory designation
: ZR1200-A6F.

• 2007 - from this year the model is available only on the Japanese market.

Model

: Kawasaki ZRX1200R (Japan).
Factory designation
: ZR1200-A7F.

• 2008 is the last year of production.

Model

: Kawasaki ZRX1200R (Japan).
Factory designation
: ZR1200-A8F.

• 2009 - the appearance of a new version of the motorcycle - Kawasaki ZRX1200 DAEG.

Model

: Kawasaki ZRX1200 DAEG (Japan).
Factory designation
: ZR1200D9F.

• 2010 - no significant changes.

Model

: Kawasaki ZRX1200 DAEG (Japan).
Factory designation
: ZR1200DAF.

• 2011 - no significant changes.

Model

: Kawasaki ZRX1200 DAEG (Japan).
Factory designation
: ZR1200DBF.

• 2012 - no significant changes.

Model

: Kawasaki ZRX1200 DAEG (Japan).
Factory designation
: ZR1200DCF.

• 2013 - no significant changes.

Model

: Kawasaki ZRX1200 DAEG (Japan).
Factory designation
: ZR1200DDF.

• 2014 - no significant changes.

Model

: Kawasaki ZRX1200 DAEG (Japan).
Factory designation
: ZR1200DEF.

• 2015 - no significant changes.

Model

: Kawasaki ZRX1200 DAEG (Japan).
Factory designation
: ZR1200DFF.

• 2016 is the last year of release. Limited edition Final Edition motorcycle.

Model

: Kawasaki ZRX1200 DAEG (Japan).
Factory designation
: ZR1200DGF.

For whom

The motorcycle is equipped with some pretty powerful components. Here are the main advantages of the model:

• motor tuned for confident traction;
• six-piston front calipers (same as the 1100);
• aesthetic steel frame;
• comfortable classic fit.

The bike is suitable for both people of average build and those whose height is slightly larger or smaller. The machine is equipped with fairly convenient controls, which makes it maneuverable both at low and medium, as well as at high speeds.

An interesting decision was to use the engine from the sports-touring model Kawasaki ZZR 1200. Yes, it was somewhat deformed and its power decreased, but still its sports past makes itself felt with great torque and power for a road bike.

Specifications

Technical characteristics of Kawasaki ZRX 1200:

At the end of 2015, I sold my Suzuki Inazuma 400 and moved to St. Petersburg.
The bike served me well, and I still communicate with its new owner, occasionally asking how the lightning is doing. It was decided to spend the proceeds with a small additional payment on the next motorcycle, purchasing it in a new place. Always loved classic road bikes. Discreet, reliable, relatively versatile, they inspire confidence and provide driving pleasure. Such motorcycles don’t shout “Look at me!”, but they won’t go unnoticed either. The power of a solid, adult road builder is enough to drive quickly, and the structural strength is enough to last a long time.

So I began my search. I limited the scope of choice to a classic road bike, a budget of about 200 TR, and the desire to change the class of motorcycle in terms of volume after 400 cc. Most of all I liked the Yamaha Xjr 1300, Honda cb 1300, Suzuki inazuma 1200. These were the motorcycles for which I monitored advertisements almost every day. One day, quite by accident, I came across a Kawasaki ZRX 1100. Black. Brutal look. The serious look from under the brows of its square headlight somehow evoked the idea that this was not a simple horse, but a thoroughbred black. He simply caught my eye.

Perhaps due to the fact that at one time I heard a lot of not the most flattering reviews about Kawasaki motorcycles, like the always rickety ZZR with their second gear, and in general I somehow didn’t really like the design of most of their motorcycles, the ZRX turned out to be a discovery for me . Having quickly looked online at the main characteristics of this motorcycle and parting words from outsiders that there are sometimes unreliable (main bearings) engines, I decided that I had to go and see for myself. At the inspection site, it was discovered that this was a fairly large, very well built, powerful horse. I wanted this motorcycle! I offered the seller a small installment plan, because at that time I did not have the full amount. Unfortunately (or perhaps fortunately) the owner refused, and I continued the search. Now the 1100/1200 ZRX was in first place on my list! In discussions on the bikepost, I then asked a question about these motorcycles to hear some feedback from real owners. A friend from Moscow contacted me and described this motorcycle as one of the best in the class, and it also happened that he was just selling one, in the 1200 cc version. I’m also not against installments. I looked at the photographs and transferred a symbolic deposit to the owner. A month and a half later, in April, early on Saturday morning, my wife and I came to Moscow to register a motorcycle for ourselves. The next day we were already driving it to St. Petersburg. Thus began the story of owning this rare motorcycle, which I will tell you about in more detail later.

Kawasaki ZRX 1200 R. Foreigners sweetly call it Rex, and many fellow motorcyclists jealously say that they know what model it is and at one time wanted one for themselves, but couldn’t find it.

In 1997, Kawasaki created the ZRX 1100. Its design was based on the legendary KZ1000r of the 80s, which was ridden by Eddie Lawson, a four-time world champion in road racing. The engine was taken from a Kawasaki GPZ 1100 and derated to 106 horses and 98 Nm of torque. In 2002, the company updated this line with the release of our ZRX 1200, with a displacement of 1164 cubic meters, increasing the power and torque levels to 122 hp. and 112 n\m respectively. The compression ratio is 10:1, the engine has a good service life and is unpretentious. Steel frame, very strong. Keihin carburetor power supply is highly reliable due to its simplicity of design. 5 speed gearbox, and 249 km.h. maximum speed. Separately, it is worth noting the fully adjustable suspension, with dual KYB shock absorbers, which allows you to adjust your driving style to a fairly aggressive level. And of course, six-piston Tokico calipers grip the 310mm discs tightly. The design offered 3 versions - with a round headlight, a sports fairing, and a classic square headlight with a “bikini” like that of that same racer from the last century. Mine has a square headlight and a slightly longer windshield.

Here I am standing like this, with a stupid smile on my face, a bag of documents next to him. The fear of a large volume after 400 cubic meters was present, but it was completely offset by the hellish desire to quickly get behind the wheel of this brutal car, glistening in the bright spring sun. I decided to ride alone first, to get used to the controls and dynamics, and after the winter I wanted to restore my motorcycle control skills. Having arrived on a wide avenue, I first carefully drove a couple of kilometers at a moderate speed, after which I gave it a little speed. The motorcycle was impressive with its power. Very pleasant, even acceleration, landing with a barely noticeable bias towards sport, the seat clearly supported the tailbone during acceleration. The engine sounded great, delighting the ears especially in the middle of the tachometer. The classic dashboard made it clear that I was already breaking the speed limit. The fuel gauge, the view in the mirrors, the windshield, everything gave the most positive ratings. To say that I was simply pleased would not say anything. Probably when I rolled back to pick up my wife, you could see a happy man. We got on the bike, said goodbye to the former owner and hit the road. On the way, having decided to overtake the traffic, out of habit, I turned too much, and the bike was blown up on the rear wheel. I didn’t expect that weight distribution with a passenger in a coupe with a lot of torque, even from the bottom, would give such an effect. My wife, out of fright, hugged me and almost broke my ribs, but I pretended that this was how it should be) The next day we drove it to St. Petersburg, and even being very cold, we were happy. According to my wife, sitting in the back was very comfortable. The saddle is wide and the seating position is comfortable. On the way to the district of Tver, we were caught in a downpour, but thanks to the little wind protection we didn’t get too wet. Mostly my legs were flooded. The dynamics are enough for any confident overtaking with a passenger on the highway. Comfortable cruising speed at medium speeds gives quite good fuel consumption of around 6 liters on long-distance trips. A 20-liter tank will not force you to stop at gas stations often.

During the 2021 season, I drove 20,000 km, 70% in the city, the rest on short distances, and this is what I will say about it: This motorcycle also belongs to those models when manufacturers focused on reliability and did not skimp on materials and strength of components. Further investigation during the service confirmed this. When adjusting valves, replacing an air or oil filter, or changing antifreeze, you see that all the parts are made very reliably, thoughtfully, and so to speak “for centuries.” The chain tension is very conveniently adjusted with an eccentric. The motor is quite heavy by modern standards. But all the parts are very strong. There is no feeling that something is about to fall off or bend. Everything is done very neatly. A classic motorcycle for a classic man. The fit is perfect for my 190 cm height. I didn't notice any oil leaks or starting problems. Every day, when you get behind the wheel, you simply start the engine, wipe off all the shine with a rag, and drive comfortably. In traffic jams, like any road worker, you are inferior in agility only to small scooters, in long distances you ride with excellent speed, not falling behind, in the company of other motorcyclists you belong. You also feel very confident in gymkhana classes. By the way, this is a fairly popular model in gymkhana in Japan, and I still don’t understand why some reviews online pointed to the lack of handling. The bike lays down perfectly and holds the track. Several races on the track confirmed this - after a turn with a slope almost to the footrests, you quickly shoot straight ahead, doing many sports thanks to the good acceleration dynamics. You want to drive it, but you can do it in very different modes. Are you driving in heavy traffic? not a problem, the torque is more than enough to smoothly maneuver through traffic jams and play with the clutch almost without adding gas. Need to speed up to avoid a dangerous lane change? - no problem, just give the gas and you will teleport to where your gaze was a second ago. Did a box suddenly block your path? It doesn’t matter, powerful and informative brakes will help you avoid a collision, the main thing is not to overdrive - there is no ABS. There is quite a lot of space in the luggage compartment; a set of tools, a rag, a bottle of water, a case, a disc lock can easily be placed there, and there will still be room.

Of course, for 20 thousand, minor breakdowns and sores were discovered. For example, take the front brakes. Six pistons per caliper. Very long pads. Hence the tendency of these brakes to squeak. One of the pistons necessarily works a little worse, and the pad does not fit so tightly to the disc, hence the howl of the brakes. It can be treated very simply by either constantly keeping the calipers in perfect condition, or you can place special metal gaskets between the pad and the piston. The front fairing creaked... Many will understand me: when extraneous noise arises, it is wildly infuriating, so all the rubber bands that secure the panels need to be changed if they become stiff. During one of my trips around the city, I was jerking the steering wheel so hard that one day the wire from the ignition switch fell off, and I just stopped in the middle of the city. It is not known what exactly was the reason, the incorrect laying of the wire braid, or who the crooked one climbed there. Fortunately, I called a friend who came with a gas soldering iron and the problem was fixed... (not for long, after a week I did the same. Apparently this time my crankiness affected me and I did not reliably solder the unfortunate wiring) but after that everything was done as it should. We can add that the motorcycle is quite thirsty... in the city it’s about 7-8 liters. But this should not be taken as an obvious disadvantage, because this is far from a children’s volume of 1200.

Towards the end of the 2021 season, I began to find several drops of antifreeze with oil in the place where I park. The rubber bands on the pump have deteriorated over the years. I drained the antifreeze, put the motor on its side, and replacing the original gaskets for the pump did not take me much time. Everything is very accessible and easy to repair. Also, now I have replaced the clutch discs and am in general working on various little things... replacing consumables, tightening bolts and nuts, adjusting valves, etc.

I am the happy owner of Rex, I am not going to change it to another model, except perhaps for the modern restyled version of DAEG, which features minor changes in design and an injector. But it is now sold only for the domestic Japanese market and is still expensive.

Well, and several different photographs of the dog, taken at different times.