ZX-12R
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2002 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-12R
Model Overview

  Specs (below)    

Flagship NINJA model boasts major engine and chassis changes for stronger performance and improved handling

The new-for-2002 Kawasaki NINJA® ZX-12R motorcycle is the latest in a long line of standard-setting Kawasaki sportbikes. Indeed, this performance-defining machine claims as its ancestors a number of boundary-pushing motorcycles, ranging from the legendary H1 to the Z1 and various open-class NINJA models, such as the much-lauded ZX-11. With this impressive lineage in mind, Kawasaki endowed the newest ZX-12R with dozens of modifications and enhancements aimed at improving overall performance. The result is a powerful, yet user-friendly engine combined with an ultra-responsive chassis for a performance-oriented, nimble-handling and comfortable ride.

The ZX-12R sportbike’s 1,199cc inline-four engine utilizes the same high-performance design found in the class-leading NINJA ZX-9R and ZX-6R models, and produces healthy doses of horsepower. For 2002, Kawasaki engineers retuned the 16-valve, dohc engine to provide a more tractable power delivery for quicker acceleration. Changes include adding weight to the crank by widening the starter and balancer/primary gears, thus making it easier to pull cleanly away from stops. Adding inertia is a new, narrower flywheel with a smaller diameter and a thicker outer rim. An oval throttle pulley improves throttle control, particularly at low to mid-range engine speeds. The ignition mapping was also altered to enhance low and mid-range power.

The motorcycle’s distinctive-looking snout has been updated with a more streamlined nosepiece. This new ram-air duct not only improves the bike’s overall aerodynamics, it also increases the intake area by 30 percent. Ribbing within the ducts improves the ram-air effect at the sides, and offsets wind shear from cross breezes. Quieter, more efficient radiator fans improve cooling at lower speeds, and the front engine mount has been changed from a double to a single hanger to accommodate the two new fans’ locations. For more positive-feeling gear engagement, the ZX-12R’s six-speed transmission now incorporates less clearance between the gear dogs, and a modified clutch damper helps reduce driveline lash. Also contributing to smoother shifting is a larger-diameter shift shaft. For better overall clutch durability, holes were added to the clutch pull rod and within the clutch hub itself to increase oil flow.

This high-compression engine gets its fuel mixture through a Nippondenso electronic fuel-injection system. Within the four 46mm throttle bodies, the injector tips have four holes to spray fuel directly at the intake valves. Electronic sensors continuously feed the system engine and atmospheric data to control fuel injection and ignition for each cylinder. The result is exceptional throttle response and high output at all engine speeds. Compact stick-style ignition coils help generate the electrical current to fire the twin-electrode, long-lasting platinum spark plugs. Burned gasses are expelled through a four-into-two-into-one exhaust system featuring stainless steel headpipes and a lightweight, all-titanium muffler.

The ZX12-R is supported by an aluminum monocoque frame that incorporates a cast steering head welded to pressed plates welded to a cast midsection that incorporates the battery case as a stressed member. For 2002, the steering-head bearings are both the same size for lighter steering and a more planted feel. Steering angle has been increased to maintain adequate rake as the suspension is compressed for better turn-in. Fork offset was reduced to keep trail numbers the same.

Kawasaki’s patented UNI-TRAK® rear suspension uses a linkage system to progressively increase the damping and spring rate as the suspension is compressed. For better handling, the extruded-aluminum swingarm pivot was lowered, and the swingarm itself now uses an extruded-aluminum cross brace that was moved 2.5mm forward. The single shock is 5mm shorter than the previous version and has a softer spring. It also features a new stepless damping adjuster, which incorporates a check valve for improved damping performance.

Front suspension is supplied by a 43mm inverted cartridge fork with adjustable preload, compression and rebound damping. For ’02, stiffer settings help prevent front-end dive under braking. Like the rear shock, the front fork uses the new stepless adjuster.

Both ends of the ZX-12R wear 17-inch wheels with hexagonal tri-spokes. The six-inch-wide rear rim is fitted with an ultra-wide 200/50 tire for excellent traction. Braking is accomplished with opposed six-piston calipers gripping large 320mm diameter dual disc front brakes, while a lightweight 230mm single disc is gripped by a lightweight opposed-piston caliper at the rear.

In order to make the ZX-12R as aerodynamic as possible, Kawasaki redesigned its front cowling with a one-point drag coefficient reduction. This new cowling is wider and is equipped with a higher, bubble-type windscreen for better rider protection. Smaller triangular-shaped mirrors are mounted lower on the cowling to aid in aerodynamics and resist vibration-induced blurring. A new three-piece lower fairing assembly with a solid center insert and a new, shorter front fender provide a sportier look.

2002 NINJA® ZX-12R FEATURES

4-Cylinder 1,199cc Engine
·          Compact and light weight 
·          Aluminum cylinders with electroplated bores reduce weight, resist wear and offer superior heat dispersion 
·          Balancer shaft for smooth running at all rpm 
Redesigned Crankshaft
·          Increased weight at the crank by widening primary/starter and balancer gears 
·          Added inertia via narrower flywheel with smaller diameter and thicker outer rim 
Enhanced Fuel Injection
·          Oval throttle pulley improves throttle control, especially at low to midrange engine speeds 
Six-Speed Transmission
·          Decreased clearance between gear dogs for better gear engagement 
·          Modified clutch damper helps reduce driveline lash 
·          Increased oil flow in the clutch pull rod and clutch hub for extra durability 
·          Shift shaft diameter increased for better feel 
Digital Ignition
·          Ignition mapping altered to enhance low and mid-range power 
·          Independent timing control for each cylinder based on data from several engine and atmospheric sensors 
·          Stick-type ignition coils are compact and lightweight 
Redesigned Fuel Pump/Oil Pump
·          Fuel pump regulator mounts on the pump body, eliminating a return line for easier maintenance 
·          Increased oil pump volume via a wider rotor 
Revised Steering Geometry
·          Steering angle increased to maintain proper rake when suspension is compressed 
·          Steering head bearings are the same size for a more planted feel 
Redesigned Ram Air Intake
·          New ram-air duct improves aerodynamic efficiency and increases intake area by 30 percent 
·          Incorporates ribs to improve ram-air effect at the sides and offset wind shear from cross breezes 
Redesigned Aerodynamic Cowling
·          Improves aerodynamics with a one-point drag coefficient reduction 
·          Wider design and high bubble screen provide extra rider wind protection 
·          Small, triangular mirrors are mounted lower to help improve aerodynamics 
·          Cover near the front brake lever reduces turbulence behind the windscreen 
43mm Inverted Front Fork
·          Fully adjustable spring preload, compression and rebound damping 
·          Stiffer settings to prevent front-end dive under braking 
·          New stepless damping adjuster with check valve instead of needle valve for improved damping 
Bottom-Link UNI-TRAK® Rear Suspension
·          Fully adjustable shock that’s shorter and has a softer spring 
·          New stepless damping adjuster with check valve instead of needle valve for improved damping 
·          Swingarm pivot lowered to weight the front wheel 
·          Swingarm equipped with new extruded-aluminum cross brace that’s lighter and moved forward 
Details
·          Lowered handlebars for a more planted feel 
·          Increased wheelbase 
·          New friction-reducing sealant on the front brake caliper pistons improves brake feel 
·          Three-piece lower fairing with solid center insert improves aesthetics 
·          Shorter, sportier front fender 

 

2002 NINJA® ZX-12R SPECIFICATIONS

Engine: 4-stroke, DOHC, inline four  Displacement: 1,198cc  Starting: Electric  Bore x Stroke: 83.0 x 55.4mm  Compression ratio: 12.2:1  Cooling: Liquid  Carburetion: Fuel injection with 46mm throttle bodies  Ignition: Digital  Transmission: 6-speed  Frame: Aluminum monocoque  Rake/trail: 23.5 degrees/3.7 in.  Suspension, front: 43mm inverted hydraulic telescopic fork  with 12-way  adjustable compression and rebound damping, adjustable spring preload  Suspension, rear: UNI-TRAK® system with single shock, 20-way adjustable compression  and rebound damping, adjustable ride height Wheel travel, front: 4.7 in. Wheel travel, rear: 5.5 in.  Tire, front: 120/70x17 tubeless  Tire, rear: 200/50x17 tubeless  Front brake: 320mm dual hydraulic discs  Rear brake: 230mm single hydraulic disc  Overall length: 81.9 in.  Overall width: 28.5 in.  Overall height: 46.7 in.  Ground clearance: 4.7 in.  Seat height: 31.9 in.  Dry weight: 463 lbs.  Fuel capacity: 5.3 gal.  Wheelbase: 56.7 in.  Colors: Pearl Mystic Black/Metallic Crescent Gold, Passion Red/Pearl Cosmic Grey