Latest News Story
Launch put back
while Kawasaki
hones high-speed
performance
Friday August 27th
1999
KAWASAKI'S ZX-12R may be delayed while the firm carries
out extensive high-speed testing.
With a predicted 180bhp on tap and the potential to get close
to 200mph, the bike is entering uncharted territory and
Kawasaki will want to make sure that high-speed handling is
spot-on before the bike is officially revealed to the public.
It's not unusual for tests on prototypes to reveal handling and
other problems and the firm is known to be trying out different
swingarms.
The innovative aluminium spine frame - which doubles as an
airbox - looks very strong already, so the swingarm is one area
engineers could work on. The swingarm will need to be tough
to prevent it flexing as the four-cylinder engine puts down its
power.
Kawasaki still has not revealed a launch date, hinting the bike
might not make it to the Milan or Paris shows or feature in the
2000 model line-up at all. It was expected to be launched at
the Milan Show next month. If it is delayed, the bike - which is
expected to cost around £8000 - could make the Paris Show
in October.
Kawasaki was originally expected to launch the bike at the
Munich Show last September, but held it back after leaks
about the stunning performance of the Suzuki Hayabusa.
Engineering experts MCN has spoken to believe aerodynamics
are another area Kawasaki will be looking at as pre-production
bikes undergo final testing.
Race chassis designer Dave Pearce, from Tigcraft, said: "The
idea behind the frame isn't new. A similar frame has been used
on the old JPS Nortons in the 1970s without any problems and
it should be strong enough to deal with the bike's power.
"But the ZX-12R is right at the limits of performance. Kawasaki
is exploring the outer limits of top speed. Nobody knows what
problems might occur at 180mph or above."
Pearce added that any difficulties the ZX-12R encounters are
more likely to be down to aerodynamics than anything
structural.
And aerodynamics expert Adrian Gaylard, from the motor
industry's testing facility at MIRA, said: "Aerodynamics can
have a profound effect on stability at high speed.
"It affects the balance between the front and rear of the bike
and its sensitivity to cross and side winds."
The Kawasaki already has fins on the lower half of the fairing.
Similar fins are fitted to GP bikes and are there to improve
stability at speed.
MCN's source has also revealed the bike is slightly down on
the 180bhp and 200mph targets Kawasaki is aiming for,
rubbishing claims it has been tested to 210mph.
Disappointing performance could force the Japanese firm to
delay it again.
Kawasaki UK refused to comment about the bike, its
existence or any delay. Kawasaki's Penny Hill said: "All new
model information is embargoed."
News Index
ducmanic
Los Angeles
[This message has been edited by ducmanic (edited 27 August 1999).]
