2004 Kawasaki NINJA ZX-12R Motorcycle reviews

I personally owned this bike. I upgraded from a ZZR1200 to this bike. From the beginning it performed FLAWLESSLY. I NEVER had any problems with this great bike. It always was garage kept - never crashed - and had EVERY service done to it according to the book. This bike has a POWER COMMANDER installed - maps are downloadable. It is a great carver and a total blast to ride! It has an extended mileage tire on the rear (Diablo).You will LOVE this bike! Show less

This is not my first Ninja, nor my last, just one of the better ones. With a curb weight of over 500lbs, she uses up the fuel but still handles like a dream. I've never had a liter bike that you can flick through corners as if you were on a 600cc. The Busa doesn't have this bike in the corners. No shake at high speeds, but needs smooth roads. If your bike is having wobble at 150+, you're doing something wrong. I have had this bike on Willow Springs, open highways, Button Willow, and Palomar Mountain Road in San Diego and it just doesn't get much better than this. Show less

I just recently purchased my second Kawasaki and am over the moon with it, I also got a great run out deal. I test rode the Busa and the Black bird as well as all of the litre bikes. I have been riding for only 8 years and am 25. I believe that the ZX-12 is the best bike on the market at the moment. It handles just like a six hundred but with heaps of power. Go buy one, you'll love it! Show less

I`ve being riding bikes since my early teens. From small mopeds to dirt bikes and supersports. I`ve always been a great fan of Honda`s and especially the CBR line. My last two bikes were a '96 Honda CBR600F and later on a '98 CBR900. And I must say that I never thought that I could switch to another maker-model. Right up until I met up with a friend`s '02 Kawasaki ZX12-R and I got to test ride it. I felt instantly in love with the bike! So I decided to go for a 12R after my CBR900. So I bought a 2004 model early this year. What can I say! It`s probably the best bike I`ve ever ridden. It's rear 160hp delivery is an amazing fact. The bike accelerates like a missile with all gears (you can use this bike as an automatic moped. Just put a 4th in gear and forget about gear changing). Under sudden acceleration there`s a small hesitation point at about 3000-3500 rpm, but I think that this is due to the large displacement and the huge 46mm throttle bodies that the bike has, and at most cases it`s almost unnoticeable. The suspension is great and the rear uni-track sytem, seems to work just fine. Although I must say that in twisty roads and at quick paces, you feel the bike a little "loose". Braking power is more than enough and under heavy braking you feel comfortable without losing any info from the front. The bike is very comfortable for a supersport (better than any CBR, R1, GSXR etc) and you can use it for some basic road trips, but it can't be compared with the comfort that a sport-touring bike offers (like a CBRXX). But I guess that when you`re buying a bike like this, comfort should be the last thing that you must consider (no pain no gain). Building quality is unmatched (Kawasaki has no rival on the subject, Japanese makers wise) and the looks are spot on (it does great and it looks great as well). The oversized Titanium muffler produces a "chill-thrilling-big kahuna" sound (trademark of all Kawasaki sports bikes). I personally replaced it though, with an Akrapovic carbon muffler, and it sounds even better. I forgot to mention that this bike is very maneuverable (that`s a big plus if you`re living in a city) and easy to drive (even if you`re a beginner. Just pay respect to its tremendous power). I use the bike every day to go to work, without any troubles (traffic etc). I could go on and rumbling for the ZX12R for ages. The overview is that this bike offers a lot, and not only to the speed freaks. Show less

Yes this is my first bike, and I am in love with the bike already. I am 42 years old and have wanted a bike since I was a teenager. I took the MSF course and have my endorsement. I got such a good end-of-the season deal on the bike, I could not turn it down. Anyway, this bike is a dream; It makes up for all my mistakes. Take offs from stand still are effortless. I am in the break in period, however she has reinforced my confidence with each ride. Things I have noticed: 1. At low speeds (limited by break-in recommendations) it blows a lot of heat on your legs by the dual fans. HOWEVER, THIS IS NOT NOTICED AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. 2. Needs a steering dampener. The head shakes with hard acceleration on freeway. 3. Need to change stock shock settings, she gets jumpy on rough pavement. Show less

This is my second ZX12R, I bought the very first one in 2000, this 2004 version is a lot better. Great highway bike for those over 5'10" but handles very well for a big bike in all turns, especially the long sweeping turns. Bike stays planted when you want to twist it wide open, but hold on... at around 6800 rpms it really takes off. It rides smooth though, you don't bounce around or feel like you're out of control. I don't find the seat very comfortable but then again, I do have a boney butt. I bought a butt buffer and this really helps, during the winter I'll will be redoing my seat. I will also be adding Helibars to bring up the bars a bit. FUN BIKE. I couldn't ask for better... you get on and never want to get off. Show less

I have come off of a 1989 cbr600 a classic, but since I got this Ninja I haven't looked back. The power is unreal and I have no mods. It handles like a dream. Everyone said it would be too heavy, but in the twisties I keep up with my buddies and their 600's. And on the highway it's over. All they see is my back. So in conclusion, buy it now. And it's great for the taller people because it sits great so my legs feel better on those long rides. Show less

I love my ZX-12R. It is the greatest bike out for tall riders or any for that fact. So far no one can keep up, not even Busas. If you are looking for a bike to be the king of the streets get this one. And I am saying this during break in! Show less

I love my ZX-12R. It's my fourth Kawasaki and I plan to stay with Kawasaki forever. Show less