I don't get it with the fairing. Without the fairing it rocks. It's a naked standard, so the dual shocks are cool. But if you want a sport toury thing with fairing and fairing mounted mirrors, why would you want a dual shock bike? Maybe someone would, but I don't get it.
Kawasaki ZRX1200S Reader Feedback
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I think its about wind protection. When I was looking at this class of bikes last year, I looked long and hard at the zrx1200. It was more comfortable than the bandit on the showroom floor but I didn't think I would like the motocross fairing long term. I bought the bandit because I commute to work at 70-80 for two hours per day and I don't want popeye forearms.
One thing about the dual shocks is the huge "trunk" under the seat. Useful storage is a rare commodity in todays bikes.
One thing about the dual shocks is the huge "trunk" under the seat. Useful storage is a rare commodity in todays bikes.
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155 Posts
What's up with the fake British accent, anyway? Zed this, tea tray that, I mean, really. What's next, a run to the pub to knock back some Newkies?
(For those that have never picked up a copy of "Bike": ZZ-R1100 [that'd be "Zed-Zed-Arrrr-1100"] equals ZX-11.)
I think the return to a sort of simplicity and ridability is a great thing. Sportbikes are forcing themselves into a sort of needle's point of pure performance that's at odds with normal riding, cruisers are often more costume jewelry for the owner than a form of transportation; the market needs to have real, attractive choices beyond these two channels. The ZRX-12 is wonderful in this respect; so are the SV650 and the Falco. I wish more manufacturers would have the guts to play to the middle, even if the advertising isn't as sexy.
(For those that have never picked up a copy of "Bike": ZZ-R1100 [that'd be "Zed-Zed-Arrrr-1100"] equals ZX-11.)
I think the return to a sort of simplicity and ridability is a great thing. Sportbikes are forcing themselves into a sort of needle's point of pure performance that's at odds with normal riding, cruisers are often more costume jewelry for the owner than a form of transportation; the market needs to have real, attractive choices beyond these two channels. The ZRX-12 is wonderful in this respect; so are the SV650 and the Falco. I wish more manufacturers would have the guts to play to the middle, even if the advertising isn't as sexy.
I, personally, have no problems with Kawi ripping of American bikes on their designs.
If it's the look of an American bike that I like, but at several thousand dollars less (and better reliability), then I'm all for it.
If American bikes are that great, they won't have to worry about Japanese competition (and they don't). But for me, I HAVE to listen to my wallet more than my heart.
If it's the look of an American bike that I like, but at several thousand dollars less (and better reliability), then I'm all for it.
If American bikes are that great, they won't have to worry about Japanese competition (and they don't). But for me, I HAVE to listen to my wallet more than my heart.
The Artical mentioned that it is avalible worldwide in three forms ( I believe it was in a picture caption) Well I guess the United States of America just isn't considered part of the world...I'm still trying to figure out why MO prints a test on a Kawasaki, the first one in a long time besides the KLR650, and its a version of the bike that we can't even get in the states!!! I know Kawasaki is letting other on line print test thier USA bikes. coughMotorcycle DailyCough
It's a beast and a beautiful machine.
The only two things that tilted me towards another bike (FZ-1) were the (lack of) fairing and no center stand.
Bring the S model to the states, flip the swingarm over so the brace doesn't prevent mounting a centerstand, and walla, perfect bike!
The only two things that tilted me towards another bike (FZ-1) were the (lack of) fairing and no center stand.
Bring the S model to the states, flip the swingarm over so the brace doesn't prevent mounting a centerstand, and walla, perfect bike!
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730 Posts
I like the base model WAY better. This one looks like it's trying too hard to be flashy...the graphics and colors look silly with the twin shock rear (LOVE the piggy back resivoirs, they look like buisness) and big black engine. Not to mention that the fairing looks like it got lifted from a Yamaha Fazer (popular in Europe more than the States, I hear...) A little understatement would be nice...the black/silver/ blue paint scheme is the nicest, by the way. But I have no doubt that it goes, and has usuable power. That's what's most important to me.
The Fox
The Fox
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134 Posts
2002 Connie
I saw the 2002 brochure for the Connie at the dealer -- it's the same bike, but in Silver. It looked pretty nice in silver, but the picture was small.
I saw the 2002 brochure for the Connie at the dealer -- it's the same bike, but in Silver. It looked pretty nice in silver, but the picture was small.
For retro/muscle bikes, the ZRX's are just killer. Except for the goofy paint jobs. Green/purple/white? Black/purple/white? Hello?
I know I'm in a minority here, but I think that this 1200 motor would be great in a new GPz. As in recent-vintage GPz1100.
As a matter of fact, anyone know of a 95/96 GPz1100 for sale?
I know I'm in a minority here, but I think that this 1200 motor would be great in a new GPz. As in recent-vintage GPz1100.
As a matter of fact, anyone know of a 95/96 GPz1100 for sale?
I bought a ZRX1200R last Friday. Like you I commute 100 miles per day to and from work. The only problem I have is my HJC half helmet with flip up visor catching the air flow. Things should get better when FedEx delivers my Quantum/f next Tuesday.
The end of next week I'm going to visit some friends who live 400 miles away and fighting the wind shouldn't be half as bad as it was on the same trip last year when I used a friend's Harley Heritage Springer with 12" mini ape hangers and no windshield.
This bike is like my seventies Honda 750, only better. Better power, better handling, better seat, but it's amazing how similar the feeling is to that old bike.
Your right about the convenience of the storage under the seat.
How come I'm posting as Anonymous Squid when I'm registered as "oops"?
The end of next week I'm going to visit some friends who live 400 miles away and fighting the wind shouldn't be half as bad as it was on the same trip last year when I used a friend's Harley Heritage Springer with 12" mini ape hangers and no windshield.
This bike is like my seventies Honda 750, only better. Better power, better handling, better seat, but it's amazing how similar the feeling is to that old bike.
Your right about the convenience of the storage under the seat.
How come I'm posting as Anonymous Squid when I'm registered as "oops"?
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134 Posts
Which of the 3 styles a person likes or hates is subjective. I happen to like the S model best, although the paint is something only a designer could love. The R styling never clicked with me, but I know a lot of guys like it.
This bike, to me, fits right in between the FZ-1 and the Bandit 1200S. With an extended windshield from Clearview or Rifle, and a Givi Wingrack, at $7,900 it would be a great bike for me -- versatile, solid, well-finished, comfortable, good performance and ergo's. That reflects how I'd use it; a standard doing light touring, not a standard trying to keep up with the sport bikes.
Whether they should bring them to the states, I can't say. I'd only buy, at most, one, and it's not in the sacred Cruiser-Squid-Dirt triumvirate. But I don't understand why the manufacturers don't market their standards or sport-tourers.
This bike, to me, fits right in between the FZ-1 and the Bandit 1200S. With an extended windshield from Clearview or Rifle, and a Givi Wingrack, at $7,900 it would be a great bike for me -- versatile, solid, well-finished, comfortable, good performance and ergo's. That reflects how I'd use it; a standard doing light touring, not a standard trying to keep up with the sport bikes.
Whether they should bring them to the states, I can't say. I'd only buy, at most, one, and it's not in the sacred Cruiser-Squid-Dirt triumvirate. But I don't understand why the manufacturers don't market their standards or sport-tourers.
Re: MO read by non-Americans shock
This online magazine is read by readers other than those living in America. That's the point of an online mag - it can easily reach the parts other mags can't.
OK, so the readership may be MOSTLY American, but it's not ENTIRELY American, MO is in fact very popular in the UK...
This online magazine is read by readers other than those living in America. That's the point of an online mag - it can easily reach the parts other mags can't.
OK, so the readership may be MOSTLY American, but it's not ENTIRELY American, MO is in fact very popular in the UK...
Hmmm, looks an awful lot like a Bandit (the S model) but that's not a bad thing. The paint is the bad thing. A very bad thing - save the purple/green/brown/yellow or whatever for the 600 class bikes, this bike doesn't need loud paint. I saw a silver VTR the other day... wow, that's a nice understated mean looking machine. The ZRX could look amazing with a monochrome scheme.
How's this latest bad boy from Kwak hold up two up? Any bags offered to make this standard into a sporty sport tourer? What's the deal with the cat in the end can? Is that a european thing or will it come to CANADA (another non USA reader!) with a cat? These engines are powerful (heck my 86 gsxr makes 121hp) but can be much more so if you uncork 'em and add a few nifty parts.
In all, I'm really for this trend of monster motored UJM's. Let the squidlies have their 600s, I'm looking for a unit that can tame twisites (with a little effort... that's half the fun!) and cruise long distance two up.
How's this latest bad boy from Kwak hold up two up? Any bags offered to make this standard into a sporty sport tourer? What's the deal with the cat in the end can? Is that a european thing or will it come to CANADA (another non USA reader!) with a cat? These engines are powerful (heck my 86 gsxr makes 121hp) but can be much more so if you uncork 'em and add a few nifty parts.
In all, I'm really for this trend of monster motored UJM's. Let the squidlies have their 600s, I'm looking for a unit that can tame twisites (with a little effort... that's half the fun!) and cruise long distance two up.
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