The Suzuki Hayabusa was the world’s first production motorcycle to break the 300 kph barrier. This not only gave Suzuki ultimate bragging rights but made the ‘Busa an instant hit among motorcyclists, regardless of their preference. Little did the Hamamatsu factory know, though, Team Green was all set to one-up them big time. Enter, Kawasaki Ninja ZX-12R - the motorcycle that beat the Hayabusa in more ways than one, and even does so after 20 long years. How? Well, here’s the answer.
The Ninja ZX-12R Makes More Power Than The 2023 Hayabusa
Digging right in, the Ninja ZX-12R’s USP was its 1,199cc, inline-four mill. Though 100cc short of the 1999 Hayabusa’s 1,299cc engine, the Ninja produced 178 horsepower, five more than the Hayabusa. More importantly, the output increased to 190 horsepower via the Ram Air effect, essentially helping it become the world’s most powerful production motorcycle from 2000 to 2007. Fast-forward 23 years and the ZX-12R still has a three-pony advantage over the 2023 Hayabusa’s 187 horsepower.
Kawasaki Had Unique Underpinnings
Besides this, other notable highlights were the 12R’s unique monocoque chassis and design. The former was carved out of aluminum and paired up with 43 mm upside-down forks and monoshock limiting its claimed weight to 462 pounds (20 pounds less than the ‘Busa). Meanwhile, the latter - with its sleek twin headlight, edgy tail, and bright colors - helped the 12R set apart from its bulbous rivals. Couple all this with its performance, and the ZX-12R was a sure-shot recipe for a Hayabusa slayer. But sadly, Kawasaki could never prove its mettle in real-time, as the 12R’s debut year was also the year when the ‘Gentleman’s Agreement’ came into play.
With the top speed capped at 300 kph, the Ninja failed to rope in the glory Kawasaki predicted for it, thus failing to make a sizable impact on the two-wheeler market, like the Hayabusa. That said, the aforementioned bits more than make the 12R’s case, and if you’re in the market for an iconic sport bike, this checks every box. Plus, there’s an uber-clean example available right now!
2005 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-12R For Sale At Iconic Motorbike Auctions
Iconic Motorbike Auctions has listed a 2005 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-12R. The motorcycle is as fresh as they come with just 1km on its digital odometer, backed by its blemish-free bodywork. You also get two original keys, plus the original service manual and a color-matched spare seat. Speaking of color, the motorcycle dons an all-green livery complete with a green seat cowl and alloy wheels, so it’s as ‘Ninja’ as it gets too. Finally, we believe a next-to-new Ninja ZX-12R like this should sell for around $10,000. If that’s good enough for you, don’t forget to put in a bid and gear up for March 8, 2023–the last day for bidding.