Kawasaki's 200-Mph Bird Hunter
KAWASAKI'S 200-MPH BIRD HUNTER
ROUNDUP
SAYONARA HAYABUSA, Kawasaki is readying the mother of all Ninjas, a fuel-injected, aluminum-framed monster geared to go 200 mph. Headed for dealer showrooms next spring, the all-new ZX-12 will be powered by a liquid-cooled, dohc, 16-valve, 1195cc inline-Four. Said to produce more than 180 horsepower, the short-stroke engine is solid-mounted in an all-new “box-backbone” frame that incorporates a pressurized airbox and an underseat gas tank. Claimed dry weight is 441 pounds, 33 less than Suzuki claims for the ’Busa.
Reportedly, the ZX-12 is being developed with one goal: To put Kawasaki back on top. “We want it to be the fastest, quickest motorcycle in the world,” says a company spokesman. “For years, the ZX-11 was the dominant
production bike. We want to regain that position. The engine and chassis have been in the works for quite a few years. It’s definitely the real deal. The biggest problem will be finding a rear tire that works.”
As for engine particulars, the spokesman says, “It’s highzoot: magnesium cases, ramair, stick coils, fuel injection, strengthened clutch. It’s built along the same lines as the ZX-9R’s engine, but it takes us to a whole different realm. The bike is so beyond anybody. It’s amazing.”
Bereft of downtubes, the innovative frame is complemented by a fully adjustable inverted fork, six-piston front brake calipers, a reservoir-equipped shock absorber, twin-beam aluminum swingarm and-get this-a 200mm-wide rear tire. “Originally, the bike was designed for top speed,” adds the spokesman. “With the new frame, handling is going to be pretty nice,too.I don’t think the bike is going to be as agile as a ZX-9R, but everybody will be happy with the way it handles.”
Appearance is also akin to the ZX-9R, but with a performance-enhancing (if unattractive) ramair intake tunnel located below the dual multireflector headlights. Mounted on both sides of the fairing are small stabilityenhancing “wings” similar to those tested recently on Yamaha’s YZR500 Grand Prix bike. “They’re an integral part of the design,” says the spokesman. “Same with the mirrors. The mirrors are solid-mounted to the fairing, and the glass rotates inside the housing.”
Price has not been set, but it should be competitive with the Suzuki and Honda’s CBRl 100XX. Our advice? Man your radar guns.
Matthew Miles
