Motorcyclist Pictures

[OB_ZX-12]

Did anybody get the new Motorcyclist Magizine today? Page 50 has new pictures on the ZX-12 to increase the hype. Kawasaki is really having fun dragging out this whole soap opera. They give a bit more info on the frame but nothing really substantative [sic]. Note no need to flame this is just for informational purposes only.

P.S. There is a huge picture of it in puke green that will make many of you sick.

P.S.S. They are quoting 183 at the crank and 479lbs. If that is at the crank that is not very impressive.

[This message has been edited by ZX-12 (edited 22 September 1999).]

 

[OB_jim p]

Is that with or without ramair???

 

[OB_FalconCOP161]

Kawi can keep it's "UGLY ASS" ZX-poop !! no originality whatever in the look, "Dime a dozen" It's design team is for the Birds,, No falcons in those birds Either,, Busa Owners I feel there's nothing to worry about,,In power and Especially in LQQKs.

161 ®

 

[OB_ZX-12]

That is with the ram air supposedly the mag said "there sources" told them 183. Motorcyclist is playing the silly game too because the author got to push the bike and was allowed to hear it run. The frame is a monocoque like on the old KR500 GP racer from 20 years ago. They said that the FI is Nippondenso and that they can use more radical cams and richer mixtures because there is a catalyst just before the mufflers. Motorcyclist heard it idle and they said the sound is "very stimulating" hype hype and more hype. They even put the picture of the 12 on the front cover. The whole thing is getting nauseating.

 

[OB_jim p]

What is the percentage of increase with ramair?

 

[OB_ZX-12]

Only Kawasaki knows the true numbers and there is no steadfast rule as to what types of increases in power ram air allows.

 

[OB_jim p]

I have always read 10%, would you agree on that.

 

[OB_ZX-12]

I really don't know but I think that there are so many variables to ram air that it would be hard to say. All I know is that ram air affects hp more as more air is pushed in at higher speeds. As to the increase in hp I think it would depend on the wind speed of the air going into the scoops which is dependent on how fast you are going. I guess that you could remove the ram air then do a quarter then put it back on then do another quarter and figure the hp by the speed and quarter mile times. Even this is fualty though because you would have to remapp the the FI once you removed or added the ram air because not having it will affect the fuel air mixture. But then remapping FI would effect other things so this could go on and on. Why anyone would do this is beyond me though. I just think of a bikes HP two ways. Stock no mods then modified no limit.....except your pocketbook.

 

[OB_jim p]

What i am trying to say is that the 183 is without ramair @ the crank, and the figure with will be over 200 HP with the ramair. Which will be a awsome motorcycle. Kawasaki will not put the 12 on the street if is not the king of speed, because they have been the king since 1969.

 

[OB_ZX-12]

How do you know that? Explain your logic?

 

[OB_jim p]

I belive when Kawasaki gives the 183 figure it is without ramair. It is not hard to get 183 hp out of 1.2 Liters. Kawasaki has always under rated their Hp!

 

[Guest]

Why does everyone seem to get their Motorcyclist magazine earlier than I do?! This seems to be the case issue after issue. I thought maybe it was my location in relation to the publisher but that doesn't seem to be the case based on one owner I know that received his already.(KS)

 

[OB_ZX-12]

I don't know jim. Kawasaki has not said anything officially yet this is all from "sources". I would imagine that they have done something special after all this hype because otherwise they are going to look pretty stupid.

 

[OB_ZX-12]

I don't know what the formula is either Todd. The internal machinations of the U.S. Post Offices bulk mail system is almost as confusing as the Kawasaki Marketing dept.

 

[Guest]

There seems to be a large variation between manfacturers on claimed hp [crank] and rear wheel, case in point, Honda claims 162hp on the Blackbird but rear wheels at about 133hp a 29hp loss, Triumph is even further optimistic in their claims. Kawasaki claims 147hp for their D-model ZX11 and rear wheels about the same as the Honda at about 133hp. Suzuki claims 172 hp and rear wheels about 157hp. Going by past references if Kawasaki does claim 183hp from the 12 it should rear wheel in the mid 160s or better.

 

[OB_jim p]

ZX-12 i agree, if they are slower that would be real bad. But they never have been slower! The ZX-9 was the first 1 liter bike in the 9's and nothing else was close.

[This message has been edited by jim p (edited 22 September 1999).]

 

[Guest]

Also as far as I have seen no manufacturer makes a ram air hp figure claim. Also the Yamaha R6 claimed 120hp and ended up at less than 100hp on the rear wheel.

 

[Guest]

Actually I beleive that the Hayabusa is the only bike to ever break 9s totally stock! [ not tied down and no tricks]

 

[OB_jim p]

Steves i think it was Cycle world who ran in the 9's on the ZX-9 , which was the first stock street bike to do it. Also it is 400 cc down on the Bus.

 

[sherm]

It was Sport Rider that did 9.9 on the ZX9R. The magazine claimed the bike was stock but a few guys on the R1 Forum say the bike was not stock.