2003 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-12R Motorcycle reviews

This thing is by far the fastest thing I had ever ridden. 150 in no time at all- and was still pulling like a train! Wheelie in every gear (but 6th, ran out of guts!). Home to work 45 miles in about 20 minutes. Awesome carving ability, great stopping power, and holy cow- the giddy up is incredible! Show less

After riding almost every type of bike there is, this one is by far the best for comfort (even after back surgery), and pure, raw, sick power. Riding on the highways you feel secure and you know the bike is planted firmly on the corners. A true (Super) Beast in all forms. Only problem is that you have to get used to riding with all your friends behind you. Show less

This is my 1st experience w/ a true sport. I have had a 1981 CB900C, an '89 Goldwing, and have an '86 V65. I have always had bigger bikes and thought I knew about power (especially since the V65 is the original crotch rocket) but you can't believe what happens when you twist the throttle. My only beef is tire wear. It is hard to get them to run 2000 miles. If you are a small, light, or inexperienced rider-BEWARE!! It will meet performance expectations although. Be safe, ride hard!! Show less

In my 17 or so odd years of riding, this is by far the best bike I have ever owned or ridden. I started my street riding on an '84 Ninja 900 in 1987 and have owned many bikes since including a GSXR 1100 and a 2001 Big Dog Husky. This bike is so much more than any other bike. I will never ride another! Show less

The first bike I had was a ZX-6, and I wrecked it after two weeks of riding it. Four months later, I bought THE HULK (2003 ZX-12R) contrary to the advice of all other bikers..."that's too much bike, that's too much bike." I'm here to tell you that, being a big man (250lbs of football player), the ZX-12R was a perfect fit! I felt much more comfortable on the bike than on the R6 and actually felt like I had a real bike under me! The excelleration is uncanny and it responds better than any bike I've test drove. The 600s were just too small and uncomforable to me, which lead to my not being able to respond quick to a stupid driver. To the big guys out there... look, get a bike that feels right and respect the throttle! You can't go wrong with the 12! Show less

Well I must admit I'm a Kawasaki guy, but I have owned Honda's as well, but mainly the big ZX 11's a '92 and a '97. This bike is so totally different. It is a tall feeling bike. Brakes are a 4 out of 5, very good, little fade, even in the twisty stuff. Suspension is a 5 out of 5, I haven't even adjusted anything and it is so smooth that my buddy just picked up a 12R because he rode mine over the bad road we have here and knew it was a much better riding bike than his '98 ZX9. Power is a 5 out of 5, how can you complain with 170 hp 91 fpt it's a land rocket. Handles well unless you are a pro rider you'll think it is great in the tight stuff. I can keep up with my crew who ride ZX9 and 954 and a 750 Kat and as soon as I get a chance the torque just rails me out of the apexes. I just completed a 3800 km trip it was packed like a mule and it ran like a top, never a problem. Comfort is a 5 out of 5 for a tall rider, it is great with a lot of leg room. Add to this the mirrors, they actually work! No kidding. Overall so far, I have very little to complain about. It is a great bike that does everything a good sport touring rig, a good commuter bike, and a fun in the turn's bike should do. Show less

I've had this bike for almost a year. In my stable is a ZRX1200, previously a Suzuki 1500 and an Interceptor. For my height, this ride was perfect. As for performance, I ride regularly with a '02 Hayabusa. The Hayabusa has a Two Brothers system, PC3r and K&N. I kill him every time through about 170 where we usually run out of room... definitely much more of a fun bike. Show less

This is my second ZX-12R, I first purchased the 01 model, and I took that to Prescott AZ, & the Grand Canyon. My first ride on my new Silver bike but it was unforgettable, at 146.miles. Life began to take on new meaning. It responded well, just a twitch of ones butt and you where off into that direction. The engine purred like a lion & the breaks stop you on a dime and gave change if you wanted. I must say a feature that goes sadly unnoticed is the hazard light's they have come in handy more than once. This is a feature all motorcycles should come with. To make a long story short, buy it if you like carving up the mountains & roads and your fellow bikers. It's worth it!! Now I have the Green Machine off to Virginia we go. Show less

This is my third Kawasaki and it just gets better, 2-ZX-11's previously. The ride, the power, and the handling are right on point. A larger rider can have drivability and comfort. 1/2 mile to the long haul, this bike can do it all with style. No bubbles here (Busa). Get one, before your buddies find out what they are missing and beat you to it. Show less

My ZX12-R now has almost 25,000 miles on it and runs as strong as it did the day I bought it. I have not had any problems with it. Well, I guess one, it eats tires. This bike will blow away any bike out there. It is light for its size, but it has a whole lot of power. This thing can do 0 to 60 in about a second. Make sure you are holding on. I have had my bike up to 175 mph, and it still has a lot to go, the road was just to short so I backed down. I still had about 4,000 RPM before red line. Want a fun bike, this is it. This thing is sturdy and holds onto the road, never laid it down, not even close, you can lean this thing and pull it right back up. RIDE SAFE !!! Show less