Kawasaki 2002 ZZ-R1200 Sport Tourer


ZZ-R1200
	Motorsports-Network.com

2002 Kawasaki Ninja ZZ-R1200
Model Overview

Specs (below)

Puts the “sport” in sport-touring

Let's face it, Kawasaki has not been adorning the motorcycling public with a comprehensive new line of motorcycles. Their Concourse and Voyager XII remain possibly the oldest and least changed models in the industry. Sure from time-to-time they've given us new sport bikes and cruisers like the ever capable new Mean Streak, but the company has appeared to fear stepping slightly out of the box to give us something really new and exciting. Much of this changes with the release of the new ZZ-R1200 sport tourer.

For the sporting adventurer, the new-for-2002 Kawasaki NINJA® ZZ-R1200 is the ideal vehicle. Designed specifically for motorcyclists interested in a performance-oriented ride, but who also seek the comfort and style of a bona fide grand-touring bike, the ZZ-R1200 can’t help but please. Originally conceptualized for the European market, the ZZ-R comes stateside with the best of Kawasaki’s ZRX1200R and NINJA ZX-11 traits. The result is a machine that offers sporty handling, a powerful yet user-friendly engine, comfortable ergonomics and an upscale appearance.

Although the ZZ-R1200’s double-overhead-cam 1164cc inline-four engine is similar to that of the ZRX1200R, Kawasaki engineers modified the 16-valve engine to be a stronger performer in the low and midrange sections of the powerband. For starters, the cylinder head is endowed with a new water jacket and head-bolt layout to accommodate a bank of four Keihin 40mm downdraft carburetors. Like the ZRX, the aluminum cylinders themselves utilize electroplating rather than cylinder liners to provide an altogether lighter-weight package and quick heat transfer, both of which allow for closer tolerances and therefore more power.

The pistons also have been altered as the skirts were reshaped and reinforcing ribs similar to those on the ZX-12R sportbike were added. Actuating the valves are sintered-tipped rocker arms, instead of the chrome-tipped versions used in years past. The new versions ensure less wear and friction and offer better lubrication. A newly balanced crank is similar to that on the ZRX1200, and helps bring out the engine’s torquey personality.

For more efficient fuel flow, the ZZ-R1200 uses twin fuel pumps that feed four Keihin carburetors equipped with the Kawasaki Throttle Responsive Ignition Control (K-TRIC) system. In turn, a revised alternator produces more output to power the dual fuel pumps, as well as the new dual headlights on the ZZ-R. Finally, in an effort to keep things cool, the 1200’s radiator is equipped with two fans, similar to the ZX-12R.

Much as the ZZ-R1200 motorcycle’s engine was tweaked to create an all-new powerplant, the same can be saidzzra32.jpg for the chassis. The aluminum perimeter-style frame was stiffened with thicker rails and a new steering head. The latter is reinforced with internal ribbing. Also, the aluminum rear subframe was exchanged for a steel unit in order to accommodate aftermarket saddlebags such as the color-matched luggage offered by Givi.

To give the ZZ-R1200 the lighter-handling nature associated with sport-touring bikes, the rake was decreased and offset reduced, while efficient ball bearings are used in the steering head to maintain a light-steering feeling. Also in the name of agility, the swingarm was lightened and then lowered to improve traction and squat characteristics. Kawasaki’s patented UNI-TRAK® rear suspension employs longer linkage rods and a new rear shock for an overall smoother ride.

Bringing the new 1200 to a halt is an amalgam of braking components. Dual-piston calipers grip 320mm discs in the front, while the rear brake caliper is borrowed from the ZX-12R and the 250mm rotor from the ZRX1200R.

With power and handling covered, Kawasaki turned its attention to ergonomics and styling. To give the ZZ-R1200 all-day touring capacity, a new and comfortable riding position was created by moving the handlebars back, and the footpegs forward and down in comparison to the ZX-11. From the rider’s perspective, an attractive instrument panel displays pertinent information and incorporates the ZX-12R fuel gauge for improved accuracy.

Aesthetics are apparent in the all-new bodywork, which includes an elegant, contoured fuel tank and sleek-looking twin-beam headlights. Hollow-spoke wheels, a one-piece fender and clear, automotive-style turnsignals round out the complete ZZ-R1200 sport-touring package.

2002 NINJA® ZZ-R1200 FEATURES

Four-Cylinder, 16-Valve Engine

·          Aluminum cylinders with electroplated bores reduce weight, resist wear and offer superior heat dispersion

·          Pistons reshaped with new skirts and reinforcing ribs similar to those in the ZX-12R

·          Cylinder head equipped with new water jacket and head-bolt layout

·          Equipped with newly balanced crank based on that of the ZRX1200R

Downdraft 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

Dual Fuel Pumps

·          Dual fuel pumps provide more fuel flow to cylinders

·          One pump feeds cylinders one and two, while the other feeds cylinders three and four

Liquid Cooling

·          Even-running temperatures mean no “power fade” on hot days and longer engine life

·          Equipped with twin fans, similar to the system on the ZX-12R

Sintered-Tipped Rocker Arms

·          Provide longer wear, less friction and better lubrication

·          Replace chrome-tipped rocker arms

Redesigned Alternator

·          Produces more output to power the dual headlamps and fuel pumps

·          Holes redesigned to increase cooling

Aluminum Perimeter-Style Frame

·          Thicker frame rails provide extra rigidity

·          Rake and offset modified to provide more nimble handling

·          New steering head incorporates internal reinforcement ribbing

·          Tapered head bearings replaced by ball bearings, which aren’t easily over-tightened and don’t bind the steering

·          Steel subframe accommodates aftermarket saddlebags

Bottom-Link UNI-TRAK® Rear Suspension

·          Longer linkage rods provide a smoother ride

·          New shock features hydraulic preload adjustment and protective guard over the shaft and seal

·          Lowered swingarm improves traction and squat characteristics, and reduces wear on the chain slipper

·          Lighter swingarm features ZX-9R mounts that don’t pinch the pivot when tightened

Cartridge Fork

·          Inner guards added for overall durability

·          Comes with new leak-resistant seals from the ZRX1200

All-New Bodywork

·          Includes twin-beam headlights, modern taillight and automotive-type turnsignals with clear lenses

·          Contoured fuel tank contributes to bike’s aesthetics

Details

·          New riding position created by moving handlebars back, and footpegs forward and down

·          Attractive instrumentation with ZX-12R fuel gauge increases accuracy

·          One-piece fender provides easy maintenance

·          Hollow-spoke ZRX1200R-style wheels replace solid-spoke design from ZX-11

·          ZX-12R ignition switch deters theft

2002 NINJA® ZZ-R1200 SPECIFICATIONS

Engine: 4-stroke, DOHC, inline four, 16 valves
Displacement: 1,164cc
Starting: Electric
Bore x Stroke: 79.0 x 59.4mm
Compression ratio: 10.5:1
Cooling: Liquid
Carburetion: Keihin CVKD40 x 4
Ignition: Electronic with Digital Advance and Kawasaki Throttle Responsive Ignition Control (K-TRIC)
Transmission: 6-speed
Frame: Aluminum perimeter design
Rake/trail: 25 degrees/4.16 in.
Suspension: front 43mm cartridge-style fork with preload adjustment
Suspension, rear: UNI-TRAK® system with remote-reservoir shock with preload adjustment
Wheel travel: front 4.8 in.
Wheel travel: rear 4.8 in.
Tire, front: 120/70ZR17
Tire, rear: 180/55ZR17
Front brake: 320mm dual hydraulic discs
Rear brake: 250mm single hydraulic disc
Overall length: n/a
Overall width: n/a
Overall height: n/a
Ground clearance: n/a
Seat height: n/a
Dry weight: n/a
Fuel capacity: 6.1 gal.
Wheelbase: n/a
Colors: Galaxy Silver

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