Extending the run of the ZRX1100 ( itself a harkening to the 1982 Eddie Lawson Replica KZ1000R ) the ZRX1200 wound the series down as only a carburetted 1200 cc naked superbike could. This 30K-mile ZRX is the subject of a tasteful customization with a lot of heavy work done. If a naked super / show bike has ever tickled your fancy, this one deserves a look see.
2003 Kawasaki ZRX1200 Custom for sale on eBay
The ZRX1200R was kind of the ultimate Universal Japanese Motorcycle, with steel frame, four Keihin carbs, twin shocks, conventional riding position, but 122 hp and almost 83 ft.-lbs. torque. Water cooling was an oughties concession to noise and emissions. The headers on the four-into-one exhaust were black from the factory. With the added power came some weight however, and the handling was more sport-touring than sport, though an easy 5-speed to ride with all that torque.
As re-imagined by someone in the road racing business, this ZRX has a more European flavor, with Öhlins front and WP rear suspension. Brembo calipers over Galfer rotors. The Akropovic exhaust system is polished save the carbon muffler. Relieved of the bikini fairing, the Kawi racing green paint does it justice in a way the original metallic green couldn't. Too much to list, as they say, but here's a section of the eBay auction:
As a former race mechanic, now in my late 50's, I built this bike in the spirit of a superbike road racing machine. I bought the bike off the ZRXOA forum last summer and it was fairly close to stock. The bike has cost me just over $20K and that is doing all the work myself. I am selling the bike because I want to start another custom build, this time on a Z1.
The bike has no known faults whatsoever and runs perfectly. It is a 2003 ZRX 1200 with 30,078 miles. I have only put 140 miles on it in 8 months, just riding locally. All the below parts were fitted less than 40 miles ago, and as you will see from the build list, only the finest available components were used. The bike is located in Hollister, CA. Clean and clean CA title in my name. CA registration through June. The bike has three keys (keys fit all locks) and toolkit.
Although the motor is stock, the addition of Yoshimura TNR-MJN 34 flat slide carbs has transformed the response and midrange. The bike power wheelies very easily in first and second. Naturally the handling and braking have also been transformed with new suspension, lighter wheels, Brembos calipers and master cylinders, Spiegler brake lines, sinter pads and Galfer discs.
Going in my books as a light custom, this ZRX retains all the muscle-bike attributes and only improves the suspension and braking. The updated carburettors is something only an experienced wrench would do, and the new owner would be advised to find filters for them if riding is the plan. Not expecting a sky-high price since it is a 30K-mile bike, and might take a few rides on eBay before enough riders see it. But the overall vibe is very enjoyable, not heavily personalized, and respectful of the original concept, a now 35 year-old ( ! ) replica of Fast Eddie Lawson's 1981 AMA Superbike winner...
Donn
