To prospective ZX12 owners:
I have it from inside sources that Kawasaki is alarmed by the incredible performance of the Busa. It is beyond the capabilities that had been designed into the ZX. They are scrambling to come up with something competetive. The ZX has existed for some time but was not released, a wise decision by Kawasaki management!
Currently, most info about it is unnofficial, and rumor, most likely seated at Kawasaki or it's supporters(spin groups). You know, someone says something, it gets repeated and suddenly, it's official.
Having had some experience at top speeds exceeding 200 mph naturally aspirated, I can state that it is not likely with the Kawasaki that has been pictured.
As to modifying the ZX from it's current form in photos, it's aerodynamics can be improved to allow it to exceed 200 for sure, but in the ultimate power war, it's displacement limits it. I would guess that it is very bore limited (narrow bore centers) and large increases in displacement will be difficult at best. Much like the ZX11.
The Suzuki will lend itself to displacements of near 1500cc with a cylinder head already capable of feeding it. No way for the ZX to match it powerwise in modified form. Also, from our initial study, the Busa engine is fairly mildly tuned and should be able to produce substantially more power. It will probably be fuel flow limited with the stock injectors though, replacements from Bosch should be an easy mod.
I am a fan of motorcycles in general, esp. Kaws and Suzukis, but if we modify a bike for ultimate performance, the Suzuki is the ONLY choice here, naturally aspirated of course. While a fine bike in their own right, R1s are not in this league. A very, very highly modified version would hardly be expected to produce the power of the Suzuki that is stock with slip-ons.
Only the facts here, no offense intended to anyone.
Regards, Billy Rohm
I have it from inside sources that Kawasaki is alarmed by the incredible performance of the Busa. It is beyond the capabilities that had been designed into the ZX. They are scrambling to come up with something competetive. The ZX has existed for some time but was not released, a wise decision by Kawasaki management!
Currently, most info about it is unnofficial, and rumor, most likely seated at Kawasaki or it's supporters(spin groups). You know, someone says something, it gets repeated and suddenly, it's official.
Having had some experience at top speeds exceeding 200 mph naturally aspirated, I can state that it is not likely with the Kawasaki that has been pictured.
As to modifying the ZX from it's current form in photos, it's aerodynamics can be improved to allow it to exceed 200 for sure, but in the ultimate power war, it's displacement limits it. I would guess that it is very bore limited (narrow bore centers) and large increases in displacement will be difficult at best. Much like the ZX11.
The Suzuki will lend itself to displacements of near 1500cc with a cylinder head already capable of feeding it. No way for the ZX to match it powerwise in modified form. Also, from our initial study, the Busa engine is fairly mildly tuned and should be able to produce substantially more power. It will probably be fuel flow limited with the stock injectors though, replacements from Bosch should be an easy mod.
I am a fan of motorcycles in general, esp. Kaws and Suzukis, but if we modify a bike for ultimate performance, the Suzuki is the ONLY choice here, naturally aspirated of course. While a fine bike in their own right, R1s are not in this league. A very, very highly modified version would hardly be expected to produce the power of the Suzuki that is stock with slip-ons.
Only the facts here, no offense intended to anyone.
Regards, Billy Rohm
