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BIKELAND > FORUMS > ZX12R ZONE.com > Thread: better bike 00/01 or 02 and up? NEW TOPIC NEW POLL POST REPLY
d3000


Parking Attendant
Posts: 11
posted September 27, 2003 09:38 AM        
better bike 00/01 or 02 and up?

I'm looking at buying a used bike and was woundering if the 02/03 zx12 is a whole lot better than a 2000/01?
What did they improve/fix etc? The reason i am asking is i found a deal on a 2000 and am curiuos as how they compare.

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BA


Pro
Posts: 1592
posted September 27, 2003 12:31 PM        
the stock clutch oiling is slightly better on the 02.

Rumor was that the head was very slightly better too, but I've never really been able to get that confirmed.

The ram air is of slightly different design and volume. (snorkle opening only?? maybe not)

02 or 03 had that elliptical throttle body 'actuator' for lack of a better word right now. {alzheimers setting in}

The crank on the 02 is a little heavier than previous yrs as well.

Seems like the rear shock and or front forks had different parts as well because the 02 supposedly cornered a littl bit better.

I'd say, if you're shopping,.....shop for the 02. If these nuances don't add up for you but money is more important, then by all means you'll still be blown away by the 00 model.


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DaveInDaytona


Pro
Posts: 1696
posted September 27, 2003 02:42 PM        
I had an '00 and now have an '02. If I was giving a choice I'd go with the '02 every time. Nothing wrong with the earlier models so it depends on your deal.

Here's Kawasaki's PR release about the differences in the '02:

NEW 2002 KAWASAKI NINJA™ ZX-12R

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 new 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.
As the flagship model in the legendary Ninja line, the new 2002 ZX-12R
represents the ultimate expression of Kawasaki's engineering excellence and performance heritage.

2002 NINJA¨ ZX-12R FEATURES

4-Cylinder 1,199cc Engine
o Compact and light weight
o Aluminum cylinders with electroplated bores reduce weight, resist wear and offer superior heat dispersion
o Balancer shaft for smooth running at all rpm

Redesigned Crankshaft
o Increased weight at the crank by widening primary/starter and balancer gears
o Added inertia via narrower flywheel with smaller diameter and thicker outer rim

Enhanced Fuel Injection
o Oval throttle pulley improves throttle control, especially at low to midrange engine speeds

Six-Speed Transmission
o Decreased clearance between gear dogs for better gear engagement
o Modified clutch damper helps reduce driveline lash
o Increased oil flow in the clutch pull rod and clutch hub for extra durability
o Shift shaft diameter increased for better feel

Digital Ignition
o Ignition mapping altered to enhance low and mid-range power
o Independent timing control for each cylinder based on data from several engine and atmospheric sensors
o Stick-type ignition coils are compact and lightweight

Redesigned Fuel Pump/Oil Pump
o Fuel pump regulator mounts on the pump body, eliminating a return line for easier maintenance
o Increased oil pump volume via a wider rotor

Revised Steering Geometry
o Steering angle increased to maintain proper rake when suspension is compressed

o Steering head bearings are the same size for a more planted feel

Redesigned Ram Air Intake
o New ram-air duct improves aerodynamic efficiency and increases intake area by 30 percent
o Incorporates ribs to improve ram-air effect at the sides and offset wind shear from cross breezes

Redesigned Aerodynamic Cowling
o Improves aerodynamics with a one-point drag coefficient reduction
o Wider design and high bubble screen provide extra rider wind protection
o Small, triangular mirrors are mounted lower to help improve aerodynamics
o Cover near the front brake lever reduces turbulence behind the windscreen

43mm Inverted Front Fork
o Fully adjustable spring preload, compression and rebound damping
o Stiffer settings to prevent front-end dive under braking
o New stepless damping adjuster with check valve instead of needle valve for improved damping

Bottom-Link UNI-TRAK¨ Rear Suspension
o Fully adjustable shock thatÕs shorter and has a softer spring
o New stepless damping adjuster with check valve instead of needle valve for improved damping
o Swingarm pivot lowered to weight the front wheel
o Swingarm equipped with new extruded-aluminum cross brace thatÕs lighter and moved forward

Details
o Lowered handlebars for a more planted feel
o Increased wheelbase
o New friction-reducing sealant on the front brake caliper pistons improves
brake feel
o Three-piece lower fairing with solid center insert improves aesthetics
o 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.



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swft


Needs a life
Full throttle!
Posts: One MEEEEEELLION
posted September 27, 2003 06:36 PM        
Go with an '04. Will have much, much better FI.
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DaveInDaytona


Pro
Posts: 1696
posted September 27, 2003 10:10 PM        
quote:
Go with an '04. Will have much, much better FI.


Well if you're talking about a 2004 add better FI & brakes.

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TurboBlew


Moderator
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Posts: 4590
posted September 27, 2003 11:35 PM        
I was looking at the new 636 tonight. Id be those radial brakes and front end wouldnt be too hard to put on a 12. Just have to respring and revalve the front end though.
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Y2KZX12R


Needs a job
CompetitionCNC.com
Posts: 3762
posted September 28, 2003 06:14 AM        Edited By: Y2KZX12R on 28 Sep 2003 07:17
I agree Swft, the FI on the 04 is the first reason I've seen that would make any of the newer than 2000 zx12r's more desireable than the 2000.
Thats as long as it works better in the real world.
The FI on the 2000 12r with the injector shutoff at 0% throttle above 5000 rpm is an annoyance as you guys know when sustaining rpms between 7000 and 9000 thru the twisties.
So far the only bandaid fix i've seen is adding tons of fuel when the injectors cut back in making the engine very soggy so you dont feal the injectors coming back in hard like you will when they come back in at or near stoich. A proper fix would be to reprogram the ECU to not do this at all.

This new setup should fix this.
The big question is can these throttle bodies be used on the older bikes?

As far as the brakes... if you run 600 deg fluid with ss lines and HH pads on the older 12r's then the brakes are excelent. But doing the above to the 04 brakes should also be an improvement, so...?? Hard to say untill someone can directly compare the two.




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jasonc32amg


Novice Class
Posts: 61
posted September 28, 2003 12:02 PM        
I chose an '01 because I like the looks of the 1st gen, plus I got a great deal on it as a leftover. I've had no problems with the lighter flywheel and the bike feels really good. I'm still breaking it in so I've only got about 450 miles on it so far with a few runs lately up to 9,000.

I don't think you can go wrong with any year and I know you can get a great deal on a new '02...I think they are around for $8,500 or so...

If I could have found a new '00 I would have been all over that!
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swft


Needs a life
Full throttle!
Posts: One MEEEEEELLION
posted September 28, 2003 06:40 PM        
Y2K - Umm...Sure, as long as yer willing to swap out the cam & crank sensor, the ECU and prolly the wiring harness as well...
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