BenKen0bee
Parking Attendant
Road Rage
Posts: 2
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posted March 09, 2008 12:55 PM
00/03 Bike and Street Mods ?
How can I not thank google for turning up this site? Its been a goldmine of information, and I thank you all for providing what is all ready here. Despite the wealth of information, I still have a few questions of my own. I have yet to purchase my own ZX12 as of yet, but that is because of the interesting choice I've come across while looking for one. There are two ZX12s available to me to buy, a year 2000 and a year 2003, both with about the same mileage and the same price, both in excellent stock condition. Is there a real difference between these two models? Or has Kawi kept them about the design about the same throughout the ZX12's lifetime?
Whether or not I'll be purchasing a ZX12 isn't the question, its just a choice. When I do finally have my hand wrapped around that throttle, I'll have about $3000 to spend on mods for it at the start, and more come summer, all with the intention of mostly street riding and perhaps the occasional track or drag day. I read through the monster of an ECU forum, and although it sounds very cool with the remapping possibilities, it doesn't seem to be just 'there' yet - at least not with my limited know how of remapping to that degree of detail. What I was thinking of at first were the basics... a new exhaust system (which one?), air filter, Power Commander (again, which version?), and a few cosmetic things, like low profile turn signals a Zero Gravity double bubble windscreen, and fairing sliders. One of the more extreme mods I was considering was a NOS kit of some kind, but what else would have to go with that? A remapping on the go feature?
What other modifications would give my bike a bit more oomph but still remain within a recreational budget?
____________
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TRNorBRN6001
Needs a job
Posts: 2021
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posted March 09, 2008 02:26 PM
I have always liked the OO Model, but the 03 may be a touch more refined for you.
Used Muzzy Stealth kits can now be had for better prices.
Maybe one of those "drop in" piston kits might get you a little extra HP.
....................................................but for the money you are about to spend, those new Busas and ZX-14 sure put out some nice HP and TQ off the bat.
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TFA 200MPH CLUB MEMBER!
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phantom13
Zone Head
Posts: 736
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posted March 09, 2008 04:26 PM
Go with the 2003 model.
- Better Aerodynamics
- Smoother throttle response
- More Midrange Power
- Better Suspension
- Stronger Clutch
- Better Fit and Finish
The absolute best exhaust system for a streetbike is the Akrapovic EVO system. Superlight all titanium and the best power gains everywhere in the powerband.
BMC Race Air filters are your best bet as far as air filters go.
As for Nitrous, the best and cheapest kit is the one you make yourself. Cut out the middleman and order the solenoid, jet, nozzle, bottle, hose, gauge, wiring. You can make it yourself for roughly $200 (depending on what size bottle you buy). I'm sure there are plenty of guys here that could walk you through putting it all together and installing it.
If you want to get into the engine and do a "little" work, ACE PERFORMANCE offers a very strong Stage 1 and Stage 1 R-Spec Engine Packages.
www.AcePerformanceRacing.com
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"The only place Success comes
before Work is inside the Dictionary."
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Texas12R
Zone Head
Posts: 545
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posted March 09, 2008 04:31 PM
 Edited By: Texas12R on 9 Mar 2008 17:31
aftermarket is limited to say the least! The Good news is this IS the place to find info!!!
Karl (Entropy) is Very well informed as are several others.
To forward my opinion which is based more on the popular responses of the other Well informed members I will give you these suggestions:
Akrapovic Exhaust ( Full)
Bmc air filters only
Power commander USB .....Mr Hill has seen undesireable ignition advance changes with the pc R version
Asthetics ...well thats just wide open...........I like my UFO tail light and turn signals they are
made by High Tech Speed
Double bubble Screen is a nice addition..........as are the GSG Frame sliders........
and on that I will add that a number of the members say stay away from the sliders that mount high on the faring they often do more damage than than they prevent in a down.
And last do a LOT of reading because there is so much here !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
And I reserve the right to be wrong............I do that so well!!!!!!!
WELCOME ABOARD!!!
Michael
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NOX
Needs a job
PMRA / TMRC Super Street 4022
Posts: 3745
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posted March 10, 2008 05:41 AM
Nothing wrong with the 02 either..........
____________
42 Wins
21 Runner-ups
2010 TMRC Super Street Points Champion
2010 PMRA Super Street #3 Points
2009 PMRA Super Street Points Runner-Up
6 Time Centerville Dragway Points Champion
Sponsored by:
Scorpion Helmets
Galfer Braking
AMSOIL
Steve's Speed Shop
Kawasaki Sports Center
Mickey Thompson Tires
Catalyst Racing Composites
Conway Cycle
Syed Leathers
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dougmeyer
Needs a job
moderated
Posts: 2713
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posted March 10, 2008 12:02 PM
Newer is probably better (esp. the brakes), but there's something special about the "pre-restriction '00". I just rode mine yesterday for the first time in months, and it is still just awsome. With the right tweaks, it can be nearly perfect.
If you're into handling, an Ohlins shock just transforms the bike. Put in some Motul 300v and it will shift like "buttah".
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It's not that I think you're dumb, it's just that so much of what you know isn't true....
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psycho1122
Pro
Posts: 1608
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posted March 11, 2008 07:11 AM
I agree Doug. re; the brakes, I put on Brake Tech Billet Iron rotors and CP911 pads. My friend who has raced on the AMA circut has run my 12 at a couple trackdays and can use the same brake markers as his GSXR 600! INCREDIBLE set up. 
My suspention is Race Tech'd front and rear and YES, Transformed!
He has also said that UNlike the 1000's, my 12 w/ the 1270 has the chassis to use all the power and goes like the U.S.S. Enterprise. 
Mobil 1 15w50 allows the smooth shifting also......
____________
You say PSYCHO like it's a BAD thing!!
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BenKen0bee
Parking Attendant
Road Rage
Posts: 2
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posted March 11, 2008 04:52 PM
Thanks for all the replies. I've decided on the '00, just based on the reputable previous owner, and that bike was in showroom condition. Once the roads here aren't padded with slush and ice, I'll be following this list of mods in order of safety. A new set of brake pads is first up, followed closely by fairing sliders and new brake/marker lights. The High Tech Speed ones look pretty cool, just expensive. After that, a new exhaust system, removal of the Kleen Air system, air filter, and power commander, followed by a suspension upgrade of some kind, and a steer dampener.
What else can be done to improve the '00 model's deficiencies? Any remedy for an improved throttle response and stronger clutch?
____________
Top secret military custodian at
your service
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dougmeyer
Needs a job
moderated
Posts: 2713
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posted March 12, 2008 01:38 PM
The throttle response is all in the mapping. If you get a Muzzy pipe I can send you a map that makes it feel like carbs. Get the basic Muzzy clutch kit with the drilled hub. Of course you can piece this all to together and do it yourself and save a couple bucks, but I think it's just better to buy the kit. Saves a lot of running around and headache. Actually if you aren't into holeshots and just do "normal" street riding the stock clutch will be just fine if it isn't beat up. If you go to the strip, though, the clutch is a must.
I also like the Muzzy steering damper. Again, you can do your own or use a Scotts, but the Muzzy one takes 45 minutes to install, looks trick, and does the job very well. Good brake lines are also a nice addition. I hope you got the fast green one........
Doug
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It's not that I think you're dumb, it's just that so much of what you know isn't true....
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NOX
Needs a job
PMRA / TMRC Super Street 4022
Posts: 3745
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posted March 13, 2008 05:35 AM
If you go to the strip, get a billet basket, drilled hub is good on an early model, but the muzzy clutch pack is a waste of money..........
over 900 low 9 second passes on a stock clutch pack.......,
But I dont know too much about clutches......, wink wink...........
____________
42 Wins
21 Runner-ups
2010 TMRC Super Street Points Champion
2010 PMRA Super Street #3 Points
2009 PMRA Super Street Points Runner-Up
6 Time Centerville Dragway Points Champion
Sponsored by:
Scorpion Helmets
Galfer Braking
AMSOIL
Steve's Speed Shop
Kawasaki Sports Center
Mickey Thompson Tires
Catalyst Racing Composites
Conway Cycle
Syed Leathers
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ninja12
Needs a job
Posts: 3310
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posted March 13, 2008 08:08 AM
Go with the 03!
Very few reported problems with crank/rods and much better clutch.
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KZScott
Needs a life
high on speed
Posts: 7235
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posted March 13, 2008 08:12 AM
the crank is heavier in the B bikes though....
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01 ZX-12R 8.84 @ 156.3 no bars, DOT tires. Pump Gas, NA.... turbo 8.47 @ 164.
00 ZX-12R 8.62 @ 165.2 no bars, slicks, Pump Gas, 55 shot.... turbo 8.32 @173
00 ZX-12R Fastest NA Kawasaki in the world 1: 222.046 1.5: 226.390 Loring AFB
00 ZX-12R street turbo 1: 227.9 1.5: 234.1 Loring AFB
00 ZX-12R LSR turbo 1: 263.1 1.5: 266.5 Loring AFB Worlds fastest ZX-12R
CMG Racing RCC Turbos
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dougmeyer
Needs a job
moderated
Posts: 2713
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posted March 14, 2008 08:55 AM
NOX,
Believe it or not, I basically agree with you. BUT you are the extreme exception. You obviously have a good left hand. Back when all this started, you could not imagine the screaming and hollering and accusations of lying that were flying around when we were telling people that Rickey was running his times consistently with a stock clutch. Point was, Rickey could do it and not destroy the plates. Almost NO ONE else could and it took the clutch kit to protect everyone from themselves. You obviously DO know exactly what you're doing. 
____________
It's not that I think you're dumb, it's just that so much of what you know isn't true....
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