Nikko Zx-12r G-Pack Over 3
Nikko ZX-12R G-Pack Over 3
CW EVALUATION
Plug-and-play hop-up that plugs but doesn't play
IT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE THE FASTEST motorcycle ever built. "Informed sources" insisted it would not only out run motorcycling's reigning speed king, the Suzuki GSX1300R Hayabusa, but might even top the magical 200-mph mark. But when Kawasaki's ZX-12R finally arrived in 2000, it was able to reach a top speed of "only" 187 mph, some 7 mph shy of the Hayabusa's mark and well short of 200.
What happened? Well, just as the ZX12R was about to go on sale, a controversy erupted in Europe over near-200-mph motorcycles, prompting manufacturers to voluntarily limit their bikes to maximum speeds of 300 kilometers per hour (186 mph and change) or less. So, at the last minute, Kawasaki reputedly programmed enough speed-limiting data into the ZX12R’s engine-control module (ECM) to keep its max mph within those limits. And ever since, speed freaks have been trying to reclaim that lost velocity with various electronic countermeasures.
Such as the Nikko G-Pack Over 3. Essentially, the G-Pack is a small, solidstate electronic box that plugs into the wiring harness between the ECM and the fuel-injection and ignition systems. Nikko offers no explanation of how the G-Pack operates, just that it’s supposed to improve engine performance in second, third and top gear. But the only way the box could possibly accomplish such a feat is to alter either the fuel-delivery or spark-curve map-or both-in those gears.
Anxious to see if this simple $149 plug-in would retrieve some of the performance the big Kawi lost on its journey to the production line, we installed one on a 2002 ZX-12R. We were very surprised by the results.
Actually, we were equally surprised by the instructions. In both words and illustrations, they direct the installer to plug the Over 3 into the ECM, which is located in the 12R’s tailpiece; but the plugs on the G-Pack were nothing at all like those on or anywhere near the ECM. When we informed the distributor, Lockhart Phillips, of this dilemma, we were told to install the unit at a connector nestled between the rear of the engine and the front of the under-seat gas tank. This procedure involved quite
DETAILS
Lockhart Phillips USA
151 CaIle Iglesia San Clemente, CA 92672 800/221-7291 www.lockhartphillipsusa.com Price $149
A Clever idea A Inexpensive A Easyto install
owns V It doesn't work V Neither do the instructions
a bit more work than just plugging into the ECM, but at least the unit fit.
What it did for performance, however, was precisely squat. The bike felt not one iota different when ridden, a perception confirmed by a session on the CW dyno. Matter of fact, when averaging out all the dyno runs made in second, third and sixth gear, the ZX-12R actually made a tiny bit more torque and horsepower without the G-Pack than with it, and did so throughout the entire rpm range. And in top gear, the Kawasaki’s rev-limiter cut in abruptly at 185 mph, regardless of whether or not the G-Pack? was installed. So much for retrieving any lost mph.
Nikko also manufactures various oth er G-Packs for several different makes and models of fuel-injected motorcy cles. If this Over 3 version is any indi cation, you need to save your money for something else-say, something that works.
