Kawasaki ZRX1200S

Ultim8pc
Reviewed: 04 February 2012

Great bike that does it all

Fantastic engine which is a great combo of torque and power, which is delivered very smoothly. Fairing keeps off the weather. Handling and brakes are more than good enough. Fuel consumption with a sensible throttle hand can easily reach 55mpg.
Although relatively heavy, the bike is quite low. Comfortable for many miles although heavier riders tend to compain about the sea after a few hundred miles.
Bulletproof engine whic is Easilytunable for more power and torque all the way through the rev range.
Better for touring than the R version but does not have the same charcter of kudos.

Even though front and rear suspension is fully adjustable for preload, compression and rebound damping, it can be a bit harsh, but certainly good enough for most people.. Generally overspung ( particularly for lighter riders ) and with insufficient compression damping.
Brakes can be a bit spongey, but work well enough.
Erm that's it really.

A great bike and one of the best all round in line fours ever made.

Bamboo Rash
Reviewed: 28 January 2012

Brilliant and easy to use

Strong, solid, reliable and now cheaper than the less practical R version

not as sexy as the R version

Compare this to its faired counterparts, the Blandit 1200, Fazer 1000 and the CB1300SA it comes up to the top in a lit of ways.

The Bandit is just plain boring, a veritable canteen fork among a box of Sheffield's finest cutlery. The Yamaha is a fantastic bike, fast and capable, but does not have the big presence of the Kawasaki. The Honda is without soul in it's 'oh-so-Honda-way'

The ZRX has an engine that pulls like it's homeland cousin, a Shinkansen. That's bullet train to you. On high speed rides, cross continent, it is like the world's fastest twist-n-go moped. Leave it in top over 65 and just use the immense torque to wind you up to huge speeds faster than a hummingbird on speed.

Whilst you enjoy those silly speeds,the fairing keeps most of the wind blast away from your chest and face, cocooned in a stress free void, allowing you time to look at the classic,easy to read analogue clocks. Sadly though,there in no actual clock.

The ride is extremely comfortable and handling is as fine as any of the others. It's no sports bike, but ridden well,beats many wannabe race jockies who have machines that massively out class their abilities.

As the world turns away from head down, bum up, impractical rockets, and looks for cheaper,but still fast kit,with street credibility,you will have beaten them to it by riding your own wolf in sheep's clobber.

45Mpg,cheap insurance,lots of bling to be had,if like that sort of thing and old school maintenance (carbs). Whats not to like?