Reference Auto

Kawasaki ZX-12R Performance - It's hard to know what to believe about the Kawasaki ZX-12R, is not it? The European press gushed over it, for the most part. American press (again, for the most part) to give it a thumbs down.

Kawasaki, in response largely unfavorable press reports in the United States, sending Rob Muzzy two, packed, box-stock ZX-12R for the break-in and test. Below, Muzzy reported results, including claims peak stock speed 192.307 mph, and 199.115 mph with Muzzy exhaust pipe attached. These figures are obtained under less than ideal conditions, and ZX-12R is able to have more power, according to Muzzy.

I do not know about you, but last time I topped out at 185 mph and cursing under my helmet that "this damn bike too slow "never at all. We will make you impressed riding a real world soon, but, for now, here take Muzzy above the "controversy" speed.

"As a result of the controversy and speculation about the performance of the Kawasaki ZX-12R, Muzzys Performance Products start a two-day test is intended to determine the ability of a top speed of ZX-12R in the form of stock and when fitted with Muzzy after market exhaust system.

East Coast Timing Association facility in Laurinburg-Maxton Airport in Maxton, North Carolina chartered on July 8 and 9 for the test. Maxton is a World War II-era concrete foundation using ECTA to test monthly rate. Since Muzzys is the exclusive user of this test, normal 1 mile long acceleration can increase the speed to 1.16-mile power by shortening the travel area and move the starting point.

Measurement speed ("time") is given by internationally accredited (FIA, FIM, AMA, LSA) Timer Jack Dolan. He has been certified and verified many speed records for more than 25 years. Dolan using photocell certified and accurate clock in 001 seconds for 24 hours. He verified the entire test cycle is not changed and, in fact, certain bike run a certain speed. After the test is completed, bikes used are identified and sealed to ensure that no modifications can be made (or deleted) while the bike is on the way and until inspected by a third party.

Two 2000 Kawasaki ZX-12R were ordered from Kawasaki and sent to Muzzys in original crate as shipped from the warehouse. Bicycle dealers established per normal procedure and broken on Muzzys' Schenk Dynamometer which allows running continuously. After break-in, adjustable valve according the manufacturer's specifications, and bike serviced with the correct amount of oil Belray EXS. Because it's the same strength, the bike was chosen as the primary and one back-up.

Muzzys experienced employees and high speed riding a bike rider Doug Meyer during the course of about 30 times during the test. Outside temperature ranged from a low of 75 F in the morning to a high of 98 F. The elevation is 256 meters above sea level and the humidity is 80-90%. Various "set up" on trial, but in the end, the remaining bikes standard. There is no speed limit on the ZX-12R device.

Reach the maximum speed should not be considered. This is the feeling we were given a smooth, long-surface, and air temperature is lower, the ZX-12R will be faster than the speed recorded in Maxton. This speed repetitive and completely stable performance and trouble-free. ZX-12R with standards including catalytic converter exhaust and ECU reached 192.307 mph. After running it, the stock pipe is removed and Muzzys stainless steel pipe with aluminum muffler fitted standard. The next term with Muzzy pipe installed generating speed 199.115 mph. Time and high temperatures outside force an end to the test at the time. Test bikes remain sealed and will be made available to the press for review. "

Two things about this Muzzy important test for the ZX-12R owners. First, it will be very interesting to know how Muzzy broke on this bike. Yes, it is on the dyno, but what rpm rate used over the range of what mileage? Apparently, Muzzy has a break-in procedure which worked very well for 12R. We will contact Muzzy and try to convey this information to you. Secondly, it seems, in 2000 ZX-12R is not "top speed is limited" by the ECU or otherwise.

Muzzy noted in his comments on the use of "correct amount" of oil in the 12R tested. Kawasaki has said that the 12R is quite sensitive to the level of the oil, and over-fill the crank case will rob horsepower significant 12R. We also will ask Muzzy advice on the level of oil in the 12R and report back to you.