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ZRX1200R - Kawasaki's Naked
Muscle
Every era produces a motorcycle that stands
above its peers. For example the Kawasaki 1982 KZ1000R, known
for its styling and performance, and Eddie Lawson's superbike
of choice. The 2005 ZRX1200R is the direct descendent of Kawasaki's
fearsome ZX-11 and the championship winning Superbikes with upgrades
to make it even more potent and agile. Its howling engine packs
1,164cc of DOHC four-cylinder horsepower into its linerless cylinder
block and sharpens the response with K-TRIC ignition and a retro
4-into-1 exhaust that looks - and sounds - like it came right
off the Daytona banking. For 2005 the ZRX1200R returns in the
candy version of the original Eddie Lawson Replica - Lime Green,
Kawasaki's racing color.
As the "muscle car" of the motorcycle world, the Kawasaki
ZRX1200 has the good looks of yester-year's Japanese standards.
Combined with a relatively upright seating position, the torque
of a big-bore engine and sturdy chassis, just looking at its
inviting contours makes even the most casual observer want to
ride.
In addition to its unique styling, horsepower separates the ZRX1200R
from other standards, thanks to an engine tuned with emphasis
on low- and mid-range rpm performance. The ZRX1200R engine features
electroplated cylinders, which transfer heat much quicker than
steel, allowing tighter tolerances to be utilized to generate
more power. Pistons with concave domes are found in the lightweight,
all-aluminum cylinder block. This translates to a user-friendly
street personality and amazing roll-on performance on the highway.
Building on the ZRX1200R's already incredible torque is the bank
of large-bore 36mm Keihin carburetors featuring the Kawasaki
Throttle Responsive Ignition Control (K-TRIC) throttle position
sensor. K-TRIC is connected to the digital ignition system and
varies ignition timing according to throttle position and engine
rpm so that the ignition compensates for differing engine loads.
The result is crisp throttle response and better fuel efficiency,
plus the carburetors have coasting enricheners to prevent backfiring.
With so much power on tap, engine vibration had to be reduced,
especially in the 2,000-rpm range. Kawasaki accomplished this
by designing a diaphragm spring that is placed between the primary
gear and clutch housing. The spring not only provides smooth
low-rpm operation, it also works with the shift drum and cam
profile to help improve shifting of the five-speed transmission.
The four-into-one exhaust system is constructed entirely of stainless
steel with a polished muffler. California models have a catalyzer
in the exhaust system to reduce emissions without cutting power.
The ZRX1200R's engine rests in a tubular-steel, double-cradle
frame with an additional gusset behind the steering head for
greater rigidity. The swingarm pivot is positioned for excellent
rear suspension action and to reduce chain-torque reaction. The
swingarm features an underside-braced design, and is shaped for
increased rigidity.
Driveline lash is reduced with the use of a urethane rear-wheel
damper borrowed from the NINJA® sportbike design. Exceptional
braking is provided by the dual 310mm front discs with opposed
six-piston calipers, while the rear brake uses a single 250mm
disc clamped by an opposed twin-piston caliper. Hollow three-spoke
wheels grace both ends.
For rider comfort, the ZRX1200 features an upright riding position,
while hollow footpegs and rubber-mounted handlebars reduce vibration
and make the ride even more enjoyable. Aluminum grab rails are
located on both sides of the seat to accommodate a passenger,
and the 5.3-gallon fuel tank is specially designed so that a
tank bag can be easily installed.
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Four-Cylinder, 16-Valve Engine
- Aluminum cylinders are electroplated for quick heat transfer,
allowing closer tolerances for more power
- Compact combustion chamber for increased compression ratio
without detonation on today's gasolines
- 16-valve design boosts low-end torque and provides maximum
valve area for optimum flow
Gear-Driven Engine Balancer
- Smoothes engine vibration for comfort on the road
Liquid Cooling
- Maintains consistent engine temperatures for long engine life
and sustained power during hard use
- Automatic fan keeps things cool even in traffic
36mm Carburetors with Kawasaki Throttle Responsive Ignition Control
(K-TRIC)
- A throttle-position sensor tells the ignition-control unit
how hard the engine is working so that its micro-computer can
determine the best ignition timing for more power and better
fuel economy
Digital Ignition
- Microprocessor controlled timing, never needs adjustment
Large-Capacity Fuel Tank
- 5.3-gallon capacity for extended rides without refueling
Bridged Aluminum Swingarm
- Rectangular design is large and stiff
- Eccentric chain adjusters
43mm Cartridge-Type Front Fork
- Exceptional rigidity for more precise cornering
- Features threaded preload adjuster and 12-way compression and
rebound damping so the suspension can be tuned to your riding
style and road conditions
Large Rear Wheel
- Rear wheel width allows use of wide rear tire
310mm Dual-Disc Front Brakes
- Feature opposed, six-piston calipers for well-modulated, confidence-inspiring
stopping power
250mm Disc Rear Brake
- With opposed-piston caliper, produces quick, sure stops
Adjustable Clutch and Front Brake Levers
- Enhance rider comfort
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 Engine
Type: Four-stroke, DOHC, inline four, 16 valves
Displacement: 1,164cc
Starting: Electric
Bore x stroke: 79.0 x 59.4mm
Compression ratio: 10.1:1
Cooling: Liquid
Carburetion: Keihin CVK36 x 4
Ignition: Digital with Kawasaki Throttle Responsive Ignition
Control (K-TRIC)
Transmission: Five-speed
Chassis
Frame: Double-cradle tubular steel
Rake / trail: 25° / 4.2 in.
Suspension, front: 43mm cartridge-type fork with preload adjustment
and 12-way adjustable compression and rebound damping
Suspension, rear: Braced swingarm with twin shocks, five-way
adjustable preload and four-way adjustable compression and rebound
damping
Wheel travel, front: 4.7 in.
Wheel travel, rear: 4.8 in.
Tires/Brakes
Tire, front: 120/70 x ZR17 tubeless radial
Tire, rear: 180/55 x ZR17 tubeless radial
Brakes, front / rear: Dual hydraulic discs / Disc
Measures/Weights
Overall length: 83.5 in.
Overall width: 30.7 in.
Overall height: 45.3 in.
Ground clearance: 5.3 in.
Seat height: 31.1 in.
Dry weight: 492 lbs.
Fuel capacity: 5.3 gal.
Wheelbase: 57.7 in.
Color
Candy Lime Green
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