2012 Honda VFR 1200F vs 2012 Kawasaki Z 1000

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
2012 Kawasaki Z 1000 2012 Kawasaki Z 1000

Naked bike

Engine
In-line four, four-stroke
Power
101.5 kW / 138 hp @ 9600 rpm
Top Speed
239.7 km/h / 148.9 mph
Weight
643.9 pounds
Full Specifications
General
CommentsModel ID: TRX90X-
Year-2012
ColoursCandy BlueOrange/black
Make Model-Kawasaki Z 1000
WarrantyOne year. Unlimited milage. Transferable.12 months
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (mm)99 mm236 mm
Ground Clearance (in.)3.9 inches9.3 inches
Seat Height810 mm / 31.9 in.815.3 mm / 32.1 in.
Wheelbase1,544 mm / 60.8 in.1420 mm / 55.9 in
Ground Clearance-145 mm / 5.7 in
Height927 mm / 36.5 in.1055 mm / 41.5 in
Length1,488 mm / 58.6 in.2080 mm / 81.9 in
Width894 mm / 35.2 in.770 mm / 30.3 in
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight-198 kg / 436.5 lbs
Fuel Capacity18.93 litres / 5.00 gallons18 Litres / 4.8 US gal
Wet Weight118.8 kg / 262.0 lbs221 kg / 487.2 lbs
Performance
Top Speed- 239.7 km/h / 148.9 mph
Max Power-101.5 kW / 138 hp @ 9600 rpm
Max Torque-110 Nm / 1.2 kg-fm @ 7800 rpm
Standing Start ¼ Mile-11.1 sec
Engine
Displacement (cc)1237.00 cc-
Engine TypeV4, four-strokeIn-line four, four-stroke
Fuel ControlSOHCDOHC
Displacement (ci)75.48 cubic inches-
Bore x Stroke (in,)3.2 x 2.4 inches-
Bore x Stroke (mm)81.0 x 60.0 mm-
Displacement-1043 cc / 63.7 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. DFI with four 38mm Keihin throttle bodies, oval sub-throttles
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 sump-
Engine Oil Specification-Synthetic, 10W/40
Fuel Consumption-17.1 km/lit
Fuel Induction-DFIØ with four 38mm Keihin throttle bodies, oval sub-throttles
IgnitionDigital transistorized with electronic advanceTCBI with digital advance
Lubrication-Wet sump
Spark Plug-NGK, CR9EK
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System44
Drivetrain
ClutchAutomaticWet, multiple discs, cable operated
Final DriveShaft drive (cardan)Chain
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 1.136 (25/22)
Gearbox6-speed6-speed
Primary DriveO-ring-sealed chainX-Ring Chain
Transmission / Drive-6 Speed
Chassis
Frame Type-Type: Aluminum Backbone
Suspension - Front43mm cartridge fork with spring-preload adjustability41mm inverted cartridge fork with stepless compression and rebound damping, adjustable spring preload
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, adjustable spring preload
Rake25.5°25°
Trail101 mm / 4.0 in.102 mm / 4.0 in
Wheel Travel - Front66 mm / 4.7 in.120 mm / 4.7 in
Wheel Travel - Rear66 mm / 2.6 in.135 mm / 5.4 in
Electrical Systems
Lighting system-30W x 2 halogen
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)12.6 inches11.8 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)320 mm300 mm
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)10.9 inches9.8 inches
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)276 mm250 mm
Brakes - FrontDouble disc. CBS six-piston calipers with ABS2x 300mm 4 piston calipers
Brakes - RearSingle disc. CBS two-piston calipers with ABSSingle 292mm disc 2 piston caliper
Tyres - Front120/70-ZR17120/70 R17
Tyres - Rear190/55-ZR17190/50 R17

Verdict

Winner on specs

2012 Kawasaki Z 1000

The 2012 Kawasaki Z 1000 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.

2012 Kawasaki Z 1000 - Advantages

  • Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.
  • More ground clearance: 145 mm vs 99 mm - better clearance over rocks and obstacles.
  • More rear wheel travel: 135 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 2012 Kawasaki Z 1000 - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2012 Honda VFR 1200F and 2012 Kawasaki Z 1000?
The 2012 Honda VFR 1200F uses V4, four-stroke, while the 2012 Kawasaki Z 1000 is powered by In-line four, four-stroke.
Which should I buy, the 2012 Honda VFR 1200F or the 2012 Kawasaki Z 1000?
Both are strong choices. The 2012 Honda VFR 1200F has the edge in fuel injection and dual front discs, while the 2012 Kawasaki Z 1000 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.