2003 Yamaha FJR 1300 / ABS vs 2004 Kawasaki ZZR 1200
Full specifications comparison •
2 motorcycles
Full Specifications
Differs
Same
| General |
| Year | 2003 | - |
| Colours | - | Silver, Blue |
| Make Model | Yamaha FJR 1300 / ABS | - |
| Dimensions |
| Seat Height | 805 mm / 31.7 in to 825 mm / 32.5 in | 780 mm / 30.7 in. |
| Wheelbase | 1545 mm / 60.8 in | 1,500 mm / 59.1 in. |
| Ground Clearance | 130 mm / 5.1 in | - |
| Height | 1450mm / 57.1 in | - |
| Length | 2230 mm / 87.8 in | - |
| Width | 750 mm / 29.5 in | - |
| Weights & Capacities |
| Dry Weight | 264 kg / 582 lbs | 236 kg / 520.3 lbs |
| Fuel Capacity | 25 Liters / 6.6 US gal | 23.00 litres / 6.08 gallons |
| Wet Weight | 291 kg / 641.5 lbs | - |
| Performance |
| Top Speed | 249 km/h / 154.7 mph | 270.0 km/h / 167.8 mph |
| Max Power | 145 hp / 105.7 kW @ 8500 rpm | - |
| Max Torque | 125 Nm / 13.7kgf-m / 99.1 ft-lb @ 6000 rpm | 164.00 |
| Power-to-Weight Ratio | - | 0.6780 HP/kg |
| Standing Start ¼ Mile | 11.0 sec | - |
| Engine |
| Fuel Control | - | DOHC |
| Displacement (cc) | - | 1164.00 cc |
| Displacement (ci) | - | 71.03 cubic inches |
| Engine Type | - | In-line four |
| Stroke | - | 4 |
| Displacement | 1298 cc / 79.2 cu-in cc / 79.2 cu-in | - |
| Engine Detail | Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder. | - |
| Fuel System | - | Carburettor |
| Bore x Stroke | 79 x 66.2 mm | - |
| Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | - |
| Cooling System | Liquid cooled, | - |
| Fuel Consumption | 18.5 km/lit | - |
| Fuel Induction | Mikuni 42mm throttle body F.I. | - |
| Ignition | CDI | - |
| Lubrication | Wet sump | - |
| Spark Plug | NGK, CR8E | - |
| Starter | Electric | - |
| Valve System | - | 4 |
| Drivetrain |
| Clutch | Wet, multiple discs, hydraulic operated | - |
| Final Drive | Shaft | Chain |
| Gearbox | - | 6-speed |
| Transmission / Drive | 5 Speed | - |
| Chassis |
| Frame Type | Aluminium, twin spar | - |
| Suspension - Front | 48mm Soqi telescopic fork w/adjustable preload, compression and rebound damping | - |
| Suspension - Rear | Single shock, link-type, w/adjustable preload and rebound damping | - |
| Rake | 26° | - |
| Trail | 109 mm / 4.3 in | - |
| Wheel Travel - Front | 137 mm / 5.3 in | - |
| Wheel Travel - Rear | 122 mm / 5.1 in | - |
| Wheels & Brakes |
| Brakes - Front | 2x 320mm discs 4 piston calipers | Double disc |
| Brakes - Rear | Single 283mm disc 2 piston caliper | Single disc |
| Tyres - Front | 120/70 ZR17 | 120/70-ZR17 |
| Tyres - Rear | 180/55 ZR17 | 180/55-ZR17 |
Verdict
🏆
Winner on specs
2004 Kawasaki ZZR 1200
The 2004 Kawasaki ZZR 1200 edges out the 2003 Yamaha FJR 1300 / ABS thanks to its lighter kerb weight, lower seat height and dual front discs. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.
Key Differences
2003 Yamaha FJR 1300 / ABS - Advantages
- 🌡️Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.
2004 Kawasaki ZZR 1200 - Advantages
- ⚖️Lighter: 236 kg vs 291 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
- 📏Lower seat height: 780 mm vs 805 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
- 💿Dual front discs: Greater stopping power and better heat management under hard braking.
2003 Yamaha FJR 1300 / ABS vs 2004 Kawasaki ZZR 1200 - FAQs
What are the engine differences between the 2003 Yamaha FJR 1300 / ABS and 2004 Kawasaki ZZR 1200?
The 2003 Yamaha FJR 1300 / ABS uses Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder., while the 2004 Kawasaki ZZR 1200 is powered by In-line four.
Which is lighter, the 2003 Yamaha FJR 1300 / ABS or the 2004 Kawasaki ZZR 1200?
The 2004 Kawasaki ZZR 1200 is lighter at 236 kg compared to 291 kg for the 2003 Yamaha FJR 1300 / ABS - a difference of 55 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2003 Yamaha FJR 1300 / ABS or the 2004 Kawasaki ZZR 1200?
The 2004 Kawasaki ZZR 1200 has the lower seat at 780 mm, making it more accessible. The 2003 Yamaha FJR 1300 / ABS sits higher at 805 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 2003 Yamaha FJR 1300 / ABS or the 2004 Kawasaki ZZR 1200?
Both are strong choices. The 2003 Yamaha FJR 1300 / ABS has the edge in liquid cooling, while the 2004 Kawasaki ZZR 1200 stands out for lighter kerb weight and lower seat height. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.