Kawasaki's legacy of cutting-edge sportbikes has inspired motorcycle fans for generations. Recently, the call for 300km/h plus super sports bikes has motivated several manufactures to bring out powerful contenders.
Kawasaki answered the call at the 1999 Paris Motorcycle Show, with the impressive debut of their all-new Ninja ZX-12R. This Ninja was reportedly created in the image of a fighter plane, which comes as no surprise considering that its slippery aerodynamics involved the cooperation of the Aerospace Division of Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. In fact, the ZX-12R spent more time in the wind tunnel during its development phase than any motorcycle in Kawasaki's history. The results are evident: small winglets on the sides of the fairing separate airflow around the bike; small wind deflectors on the lower forks deflect turbulent air from the engine; a long lip on the edge of the fairing further smoothens out airflow. Also, projecting just ahead of the front fairing, a large scoop takes advantage of higher air pressure, heightening intake efficiency. A monocoque frame backbone creates an airbox that allows air to pass through the inside of the bike for cooling in addition to ensuring overall rigidity.
The powerplant of the Ninja ZX-12R is a fuel injected 4-cylinder 1,199cc engine that pumps out an abundant 178hp. Its four-into-two-into-one exhaust system features a titanium muffler paired with a catalyzer, which helps eliminate unburned hydrocarbons for cleaner emissions. Kawasaki brilliantly raised the superbike standard in performance, power and aerodynamics with their series flagship, the Ninja ZX-12R.
