The iconic ZRX1200R / motorcycle review 

I used to be a police biker now retired and my ZRX 1200R gives me the same feeling when riding the police bikes - big powerful bike with real presence and so competent and the feeling that you could ride one all day without a bother.

I have a 2003 Kawasaki ZRX1200R . I got it new and over the years I’ve put over 52,000 miles on it and it still rides great.

Be very very careful about buying a ZRX. You might well quickly find that one ZRX is not enough. You've been warned.

I owned the original 1970 Kawasaki KZ1000A Eddie Lawson model here is the USA. I called that motorcycle the WIDOW MAKER!!! It was 90 plus HP stock back then...Now I own a 2005 ZRX 1200R i bought new in 2005, with a full Akrapovic titamiun exhaust, 4 degree ignition advancer, custom jetting, K&N filter, 3 teeth up in the rear sprocket, and a Borg & Warner race clutch. It does 10.38 seconds in the quarter mile without any wheelie bars and no stretched swing arm. On the dyno it's putting out 138 Horsepower to the rear tire....

15 years ago a friend of mine got a 99 ZRX 1100 and I thought "that's the coolest looking bike I've ever seen, one day I'll own one". This summer I bought my first 01 ZRX 1200R with a stage 2 carb and yoshi exhaust. Literally had slight buyers remorse at fist because I wasn't familiar with that kind power. After a few months warming up to that ever so exhilarating rev limiter, and cornering with some speed, I must say love it very much. Great Video.

Super video. Level of preparation, operator's work, music - thanks SO MUCH for this! Love this motorycle, by the way!

To any modern rider who is used to bikes with a full on electronic package the ZRX will likely end their riding days. These bikes take a lot of skill to tame, and I honestly question how many new riders have that skill....

You're not kidding about the state of Aussie roads. Looks like a nice day up beechmont for the shoot. Tossing up between one of these and a CB1300.

Great review! Very funny & also informative. Of all the retro, nostalgic throwbacks this is my favourite.

Thanks for this review . Enjoyed it . Bought one this year after borrowing my friends to make a RU-vid video and liked it so much I had to find one. Have a good Christmas 👍

Dam it!! After watching this video review, I WANT ONE hahah awesome review mate, your editing is just 👌

Great photography and editing. Currently shooting my ZRX1200 to get ready to sell and was inspired by your video. Keep up the good work.

As the former owner of 2 ZRX's- an 01 and an '03- I can testify to the truths he's laid out in this vid. It was an awesome bike to own/ride.

Man, I went ro a biker event and a dude rolled up on one of this. Everyone was gazing at this beast and the sound is magnificent, strong and beautiful. I wan to own one so badly 😭😭

Yep, it certainly looked good. A friend in London used to have one back in the mid-00s. I love the fairing. Great under-seat storage. I see this one has a Ventura Bike-Pack system. They are really good. I have one. I would rather have had a GSX1400 to be honest, as I like torque. Ended up with a B-King a few years later. Great video.

Excellent review and very entertaining 👏 👍 😎 from a brother in the great white North. 🇨🇦 🍁 love my ZRX

Love my 2002 ZRX! And very accurate video and facts. Needs some mods to be enjoyed fully but it doesn't stop to put a smile on my face in my helmet while riding her. that kinda smile my FTR1200S nor my 800 Tiger can put....

Im an old Suzuki GS1100E Rider but always respected the KZs!!!

390lbs., 170 hp at the reAr wheel, 100ft.lbs. Of torque With a Compton Customs 1224 kit. Unstoppable! I got a 2003 last summer. Get them while you can.

Spot on mate, i just love my ZRX. Sold one years a go but bought one back this summer and it`s a keeper

Nice video, channel, and bikes you review. Subscribed!

Just found this channel when looking into the GSX 1400 and love it. Crashed my Road King and want something classic looking but with more horses than Harley has to offer. Both the ZRX and the big gixxer look glorious.

Had an '04 for a couple of years, loved it, just classic muscle bike, looked gorgeous and was plenty quick enough for me.

Always wanted one of these since I first saw one in the local Kawasaki dealership showroom ….sadly also I’ve Also always been horrible at saving $ and miss out everytime ones available near me …..the dreams still alive though such an awesome bike . Me Being Tad older ,started riding in the mid 80’s ,this is what always “looked” like the ultimate bike to me . If that makes an sense

I bought an A1 1200. Remember one night giving it the beans along the local bypass with a gaggle of blokes on 1000cc machines…the only guy that passed me was on a K5 GSXR… Awesome bike. Great looks, incredible handling considering its weight & enough grunt to plough a field😁

...evil handshake then? ...ahh this made me smile 🤣 Amazing video mate good luck and I'm waiting for Your opinion on honda cb1300 in video. ❤👌

Excellent review.. so glad to see some decent Aussie reviews and content.. did you ever review the xjr1300?

Great to see someone else reviewing these old classics! I've also reviewed all 4 of the big boys on my channel, although perhaps not with the same level of editing skills you have. And am about to buy my 2nd GSX1400 for the channel, so I've done 2x CB1300 - 2x XJR1300 - 1 ZRX1200 and 2x GSX1400 - and love them all, although the GSX is my favourite of these big buggers. Great channel BTW 😁

For 12 minutes I was entertained. Nice job keep it up

The Snap, Crackle and Pop of the exhaust was my favorite when owning one.

Great video I love the big quacker I think as they no longer sell the ZzR 1400 here in the UK ,I reckon Kawasaki should do a modern version using the zzr lump but make it identical to the old one but use latest tech 🤔🤣🏍🏍🎉🎉

Enjoyed that review guys. Yes I traded my cb1300 the moment I heard kawasaki was discontinuing the zrx1200r in 2008 and have enjoyed ownership since. However kawasaki should have recalled the bike and fixed the alt starter tensioner problem which most owners around the globe are familiar with...if not do some research it could save you $$$. Mine broke destroying the clutch and I was lucky not the engine. James Compton customs in the us sell a cure for the issue for around about $75 us, works a treat and is easy to install. He's on RU-vid with a step by step tensioner install, a must to watch.

My brother had one. Bike did not seem to care what gear or RPM - twist anytime and get all the thrust you would ever need. You would expect that. What surprised me about the ZXR though was how easy it was to ride at low speeds. Particularly the on/off throttle response from the carbs, perfectly seamless and smooth. The motor was really such a pleasure to use in almost every way. Didn't even buzz too bad at higher RPM like some big i4's I've ridden. Handling was well balanced and predictable but the suspension was kinda soft and spongy. Combine that with the sheer size and weight of the thing and I honestly didn't much care to ride it through my local hills as I do my little sport bikes. I wouldn't own one, but it's a cool bike.

"Give us another gear ya bastard!"🤣🤙

oh, Hi , welcome back. Merry CHristmas

Old School with new school heart

I love my ZRX. I've been riding it for 15 years now and have no plans on ever selling.

They simply don't make bikes like this anymore. For my money the King of Standard Japanese Motorcycles. This was the tipping point between carburetors and fuel injection and the carbs on this bike are so awesome. The cornering on this bike is impressive and you can move so smoothly at lower revs. Handles nearly as good as my CBR in a bend.

One of the best looking bikes ever in my opinion. I just don’t understand why they didn’t add the 6th gear? Anyway still my bucket list bike👍

Beautiful bike, great review. Cheers

Great bikes love them . Another great video guys

It’s a good looking bike that’s for sure. It would be nice to see a modern reincarnation like the Z900RS with upside down forks and all the electronics, possibly including the twin shocks, although I guess a mono shock is better. In other words a Z900RS Cafe with a bigger engine.

stepping it up! best video yet fellas

Just a stellar video! Need one of these!!

Where else are you gonna get Candy Lime Green flake from the factory? Psalm Zrx12 “ know thy gear selection”. Listen to the motor no need for gear IndicAtor needed #bestbikever

The mighty zrx, I've got a red one with load of mods... She hauls arse.. I've owned dozens of bikes and still own a shed full but the zrx is my favourite....

That is a nice bike ! I have Yamaha XJR 1200 for 20 years. Yeah, that lack of six speed transmission is annoying on the highway…

I own ZRX 2012 model for 7 years and I enjoy riding it. Six speed gearbox and fuel injection.

I had a mint 2008 and regret selling it. Great video. Thanks.

Awesome video! Thank you

Awesome video! Awesome bike!

I used to have a smashing nice example of this bike. Low miles, rock solid handling, and I obtained it for basically a good song and dance. 3500.00 us dollars in 2007 for a 2001 model with 2795 miles on it. I enhanced sound and performance (in my opinion) with a Yoshimura can, and a Dynojet "stage 3" carb kit/k+n filter combo. It became a tad dyspeptic of idle but W.F.O. was the sweet spot. Ran like the proverbial "Raped Ape" and it just seemed to be a little more special than other bikes.

My friend, what a incredible timing to record this video. I'm just looking for a new bike and my favorites are zrx1200r and xjr1300. I've been looking for various reviews for weeks now, and then all of a sudden your video comes out ... just delightful. Everything looks great, and reminds me of old top gear videos. I immediately followed your channel. One question only, I am about 190cm tall, 90kg heavy, so I wonder, in your opinion, am I too big for these motorcycles? Tnx

I had my zrx1100 ELR from 99 til this year when I traded for the new z900rs cafe and its an incredible bike, it just lacks the cool of that lime green and stripes. Had they released a zrx with the technology of the z900rs it would have been incredible

The ZRX 1200R did get fuel injection (and a 6th gear) in the Japanese market, (DAEG). I would love to give that model a go on some wide open police free roads in Hokkaido.

It's just a wonderful bike, hope will buy one in good condition soon 👍💪

Really nice video :)

Where can I buy genuine body parts like a front cowl or side covers for an '04 zrx in Australia? Also trying to hunt down the upgraded and appropriate brakes, shocks and gear/chain set. Any recommendations besides the obvious webike etc? Cheers

I'd love to ride/own one of these.

This is a good and fair review. And yeah, I have one, a green '01. And no, it will never be for sale.

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 I can't believe you threw that in there at the very end. hahaha. I just died laughing hahaha.

Nice one. Would like to see the Yamaha V Max, interested to see ya thoughts on it.

Nice work mate, straight onto bikesales for a quick look lol

Mine has 8800 miles 2001 green , but i am 1.90 mts its small for me , need a taller seat , and the fork is on the soft side , anyway i love it and i will never get rid of my zrx 🤘🏻👍🏻

What mirror do you have on the bars, what model or brand

Anybody know where I can get work done on it?

Still riding my 2001 in 2022….bought it new July/2001

Next level channel. Ozzy comedy is peak. Subscribed.

I have an 04 1200 silver needs carb n tank work bought it in Hawaii carbs set st sea level

Yezz osem bike.. mine 2012 15k km still runing great n luv it.. peace bro fr Malaysia

Really enjoyed this fella

My dad owns a 1200s. Great bike!

I miss my 05 1200. I got rid of it when I sold off all my carb bikes. This I regret! Still hoping the fuel injected model makes it to the USA.

I am waiting for the Honda CB1300 review please 🙏

What happened to the CB vid?

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿😎😁💚🏍💚 lm a Good Old English Boy at 66 l Absolutely!!!! Love All ZRX'S!!!! I've Had my REX for 21years!!!! She's a 1999 1100 & Been Riding for 51 years lm Looking Forward Riding my AWESOME!!!! 💚REX for Another 21years 😁 lol a GREAT!!!! REVIEW THANKS!!!!! Let The GOOD!!!! TIMES ROLL!!!! All you WONDERFUL!!!! Hairy 🏍BIKERS 😎👍

Got mine for 10 years now. I'm not even consider change :-D

i just noticed it has the same exact turn signals as my 1990 zx600 lmao

Love this bike.. but my XJR will always have my heart.

perfect first bike

I have a 99, super good shape. Just dont like the way it floats in corners. Otherwise im keeping it forever. Always starts and runs like a top.

I love this bike

When you drive the zrx in 5th gear at 100kmh,what are the rpms? 3500-4000?

I'd love one to go with my XJR1300, but ZRX prices have gone nuts.....

I bought mine new in 2002, Still own it and likely always will. I love it. BUT for gods sake buy a new fuel petcock from Skunkworks, because the Kawasaki one will fail and dump a full tank of fuel into the sump causing you no end of sadness. Ask me how I know.

I just push the turn signal indicator in if it occurs to me I might have forgotten. My HD self cancels, so I have to remember which bike I'm on...( not really). Love my ZRX!

we don't have any of these bikes in the US... i miss them old school street fighters

My bike. I love it, ride it everyday. It's the perfect motorcycle.

Top Bike 🏍 that's why I have 4 of them 😀

'85 got a ex Demonstrator GPZ550 uni track, fuel inj. A bit Gutless low down, but kick it, make the fuel inj. get going ?, kinda of a WOOSH, not the WOOSH you'd get engaging the turbo, on my '84 nearly new Kawa.750 turbo, nice bike. Bandit Time though, was biking joy just so extraordinary. Certain that the fuel inj., made my late beloved Bandit ??, INCREDIBLE BIKING JOY, BLISS. Remember EVERY ride ?, can remember EVERY twist of the throttle. Sincerely Scott Loch. Na, Professor Bandit B.T.E. 650 inj. out. ps ZRX1200 ?, think it was Fast show, VERY NICE. thinking, Z1400 shaft drive, got to be SUPERB. PPS. Oh BANDITS BANDITS BANDITS, BANDITS ARE THE BEST BIKES EVER, and I'm not even lying !!!, It's an Engine Thing ?, Can't EVER top out a Bandit, just Mad Çrazy, Mad Biking JOY, BLISS, what a Treat. And I ain't even lying.

My dad has one of these in mint condition, with like 6k on it, his health is preventing him from riding. I'll be riding it soon with no intentions of ever getting rid of it.

The jApanese market adores this bike

I prefer the suzuki does and has everything I want in a bike , and a 6th gear , the three others only have a 5 speed

I should of bought one when i had the chance

I once had to make a decision. Sell the Harley Wide Glide or the ZRX. My decision came down to this. 1 was fun to ride the other was exciting to ride. I kept the Z. That was nearly 8 years ago and I have no regrets. I only wish they would bring it back to the states. I would buy another.

3:40 in 😂

mmmm, that is one sexy car @8:27 🤣😂🤣😂 I really need a big ass sign on the side of it ha ha ha ha

That kawa looked 23 years old.. 23years ago

🍀🍀💚💚

I plan on being buried with mine. FUN. Rubber side down all.