2012 Honda VFR 1200F vs 2015 Kawasaki Z 1000 ABS

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2012 Honda VFR 1200F 2012 Honda VFR 1200F

Naked bike

Engine
V4, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
262.0 pounds
2015 Kawasaki Z 1000 ABS 2015 Kawasaki Z 1000 ABS

Naked bike

Engine
In-line four, four-stroke
Power
104.5 kW / 142 hp @ 10000 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
491.6 pounds
Full Specifications
General
CommentsModel ID: TRX90X-
Year-2015
ColoursCandy BlueGolden Blazed Green/Metallic Spark Black
Make Model-Kawasaki Z 1000 ABS
WarrantyOne year. Unlimited milage. Transferable.-
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (mm)99 mm125 mm
Ground Clearance (in.)3.9 inches4.9 inches
Seat Height810 mm / 31.9 in.815.3 mm / 32.1 in.
Wheelbase1,544 mm / 60.8 in.1440 mm / 56.5 in.
Ground Clearance-140 mm / 5.5 in
Height927 mm / 36.5 in.1054 mm / 41.5 in
Length1,488 mm / 58.6 in.2045 mm / 80.5 in
Width894 mm / 35.2 in.790 mm / 31.1 in
Weights & Capacities
Fuel Capacity18.93 litres / 5.00 gallons17 Litres / 4.5 US gal
Wet Weight118.8 kg / 262.0 lbs221 kg / 487.3 lbs
Performance
Max Power-104.5 kW / 142 hp @ 10000 rpm
Max Torque-111 Nm / 11.3 kgf.m @ 7300 rpm
Engine
Engine TypeV4, four-strokeIn-line four, four-stroke
Displacement (ci)75.48 cubic inches-
Bore x Stroke (mm)81.0 x 60.0 mm-
Bore x Stroke (in,)3.2 x 2.4 inches-
Fuel ControlSOHCDouble Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)
Displacement (cc)1237.00 cc-
Displacement-1043 cc / 63.6 cu-in
Engine Detail76 degrees V-4Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder
Fuel SystemInjection. Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI) with automatic enrichment circuit, 44mm throttle bodies and 12-hole injectorsInjection
Bore x Stroke-77.0 x 56.0mm
Compression Ratio12.0:111.8:1
Cooling System-Liquid cooled
EmissionsMeets current California Air Resources Board (CARB) and EPA standards.-
Engine LubricationDry sumpForced lubrication, wet sump
Fuel Induction-DFIØ with four 38mm Keihin throttle bodies, oval sub-throttles
IgnitionDigital transistorized with electronic advanceTCBI with digital advance / electric
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System44
Drivetrain
ClutchAutomaticWet multi-disc, manual
Final DriveShaft drive (cardan)X-ring chain
Final Drive Ratio- 2.800 (43/15)
Gear Ratios-1st 2.600 (39/15) 2nd 1.950 (39/20) 3rd 1.600 (24/15) 4th 1.389 (25/18) 5th 1.238 (26/21) 6th 1.107 (31/28)
Gearbox6-speed6-speed
Primary DriveO-ring-sealed chainX-Ring Chain
Transmission / Drive-6 Speed
Chassis
Frame Type-Aluminum Backbone
Suspension - Front43mm cartridge fork with spring-preload adjustability41 mm inverted SFF-BP fork with stepless compression and rebound damping and spring preload adjustability
Suspension - RearPro Arm single-side swingarm with Pro-Link single gas-charged shock with remote spring-preload adjustability and rebound-damping adjustabilityHorizontal monoshock with stepless rebound damping, remotely adjustable spring preload
Rake25.5°24.5°
Steering Angle- 31° / 31°
Trail101 mm / 4.0 in.103 mm / 4.0 in
Wheel Travel - Front66 mm / 4.7 in.120 mm / 4.7 in
Wheel Travel - Rear66 mm / 2.6 in.122 mm / 4.8 in
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)276 mm250 mm
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)10.9 inches9.8 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)320 mm310 mm
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)12.6 inches12.2 inches
Brakes - FrontDouble disc. CBS six-piston calipers with ABS2x 310mm discs etal-type rotors with radial-mount 4 piston monobloc calipers and ABS
Brakes - RearSingle disc. CBS two-piston calipers with ABSSingle 250mm disc petal-type rotor with 1 piston caliper and ABS
Tyres - Front120/70-ZR17120/70 -R17
Tyres - Rear190/55-ZR17190/50 ZR17

Verdict

Winner on specs

2015 Kawasaki Z 1000 ABS

The 2015 Kawasaki Z 1000 ABS edges out the 2012 Honda VFR 1200F thanks to its liquid cooling, greater ground clearance, higher rear wheel travel and higher front wheel travel. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2012 Honda VFR 1200F - Advantages

  • Fuel injection: Precise fuelling, better cold-start reliability, and lower maintenance requirements.
  • Dual front discs: Greater stopping power and better heat management under hard braking.

2015 Kawasaki Z 1000 ABS - Advantages

  • Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.
  • More ground clearance: 140 mm vs 99 mm - better clearance over rocks and obstacles.
  • More rear wheel travel: 122 mm vs 66 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.
  • More front wheel travel: 120 mm vs 66 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2012 Honda VFR 1200F vs 2015 Kawasaki Z 1000 ABS - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2012 Honda VFR 1200F and 2015 Kawasaki Z 1000 ABS?
The 2012 Honda VFR 1200F uses V4, four-stroke, while the 2015 Kawasaki Z 1000 ABS is powered by In-line four, four-stroke.
Which should I buy, the 2012 Honda VFR 1200F or the 2015 Kawasaki Z 1000 ABS?
Both are strong choices. The 2012 Honda VFR 1200F has the edge in fuel injection and dual front discs, while the 2015 Kawasaki Z 1000 ABS stands out for liquid cooling and greater ground clearance. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.