2012 Kawasaki Z 1000 Specifications

Name: 2012 Kawasaki Z 1000
Brand: Kawasaki

Naked bike • Specs last verified 13 July 2026

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2012 Kawasaki Z 1000 Overview

The 2012 Kawasaki Z 1000 is a naked bike motorcycle built around 1043 cc of displacement. Under the tank sits an In-line four, four-stroke engine running DOHC valve actuation, a compression ratio of 11.8:1. 2012 Kawasaki Z 1000 delivers 101.5 kW @ 9600 rpm of peak power and 110 Nm @ 7800 rpm of torque. The factory-quoted top speed stands at 239.7 km/h, making it a capable performer in its class. From a practical standpoint, the 2012 Z 1000 tips the scales at 221 kg, carries a 18-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of 815.3 mm and spans a 1420 mm wheelbase. That's roughly 12.5 kg heavier than the average naked bike motorcycle in our database. Scroll down for the complete 2012 Kawasaki Z 1000 spec sheet covering every technical detail from suspension travel to tyre sizes.

2012 Z 1000 - Pros & Cons

Strengths

Strong power output: 2012 Kawasaki Z 1000 makes 101.5 kW @ 9600 rpm with 110 Nm @ 7800 rpm of torque - competitive figures for its class.
Large fuel range: The 18-litre tank is generously sized, translating to extended range between stops - ideal for touring or longer commutes.

Considerations

Chain final drive upkeep: Chain final drive needs regular cleaning, lubrication and tension checks to get full life out of the sprockets.

Wear Points & Servicing Notes

Cooling system servicing

The Liquid cooled system on the Z 1000 needs a coolant change roughly every two years (or per the service schedule) - skipping it lets the coolant turn acidic and corrode the aluminium water passages over time.

Valve clearance checks

DOHC valve actuation on the Z 1000 means clearances should be checked at the manufacturer's specified interval - they can tighten as mileage accumulates, and a light top-end tick is usually the first sign.

Suspension condition on used examples

Up front, the Z 1000 runs 41mm inverted cartridge fork with stepless compression and rebound damping, adjustable spring preload and Horizontal monoshock with stepless rebound damping, adjustable spring preload at the rear. On a used example, check fork seals for weeping oil and test the rear linkage for play - seals are a relatively cheap fix but useful when negotiating price.

Final drive maintenance

Final drive is by chain - expect to clean and lube it every few hundred kilometres and check tension regularly; a neglected chain wears the sprockets faster than the chain itself.

Frame & chassis check

The frame is Type: Aluminum Backbone - worth a visual check for corrosion or impact damage around the head-stock and swingarm pivot on any used example, since frame damage is far costlier to fix than any service item.

Handling the weight at a standstill

At 221 kg, the Z 1000 is a substantial machine - low-speed manoeuvring in car parks takes more physical effort than on a lighter bike, though the weight disappears once rolling.

Z 1000 - Buying & Maintenance Guide

What to check before buying

When inspecting a used 2012 Kawasaki Z 1000, start with the basics: check the service book for oil change frequency, inspect the chain and sprockets for wear, and look for oil seepage around the engine casings and rocker covers. A cold start test is invaluable - a well-maintained Z 1000 should fire up cleanly and settle to a smooth idle within a few seconds.

Oil and filter changes

Regular oil changes are the single most important maintenance task on any Z 1000. Stick to the manufacturer's interval - typically every 6,000 km or once a year, whichever comes first. Always use the correct viscosity grade as specified in the owner's manual.

Carburetor upkeep

Keep the carburetors clean and free of deposits. If the Z 1000 has been stored, strip and clean the carb float bowls before attempting to start it. Pilot jets are the first to block and the last to be checked - always include them in any carb rebuild.

Valve clearance service

Check that valve clearances have been adjusted at the correct intervals on any used Z 1000. A bike with clearances out of spec doesn't always feel obviously wrong - but tight clearances accelerate valve seat wear. Ask for service documentation proving it's been done.

2012 Kawasaki Z 1000 - Frequently Asked Questions

What engine does the 2012 Kawasaki Z 1000 have?

The 2012 Kawasaki Z 1000 uses an In-line four, four-stroke engine with 1043 cc of displacement. It is liquid cooled.

What is the top speed of the 2012 Kawasaki Z 1000?

The 2012 Kawasaki Z 1000 has a factory-quoted top speed of 239.7 km/h. Real-world speeds vary depending on rider weight, conditions and state of tune.

How much does the 2012 Kawasaki Z 1000 weigh?

The 2012 Kawasaki Z 1000 weighs 221 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.

How much power does the 2012 Kawasaki Z 1000 make?

The 2012 Kawasaki Z 1000 produces 101.5 kW @ 9600 rpm of power and 110 Nm @ 7800 rpm of torque. These are peak figures.

What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2012 Kawasaki Z 1000?

The 2012 Kawasaki Z 1000 has a 18-litre fuel tank. At around 5-6 litres per 100 km, that is roughly 300-360 km between stops.

Is the 2012 Kawasaki Z 1000 suitable for shorter riders?

The 2012 Kawasaki Z 1000 has a seat height of 815.3 mm. This is a moderate seat height that suits a wide range of rider heights.

What brakes does the 2012 Kawasaki Z 1000 have?

The 2012 Kawasaki Z 1000 uses 2x 300mm 4 piston calipers at the front and Single 292mm disc 2 piston caliper at the rear.

What tyre sizes does the 2012 Kawasaki Z 1000 use?

The 2012 Kawasaki Z 1000 runs 120/70 R17 front and 190/50 R17 rear tyres. A good selection of sport, touring and all-weather rubber is available in these sizes.

What gearbox does the 2012 Kawasaki Z 1000 have?

The 2012 Kawasaki Z 1000 is fitted with a 6 Speed transmission.

Kawasaki Z 1000 Spec Evolution

The Kawasaki Z 1000 was produced across 15 model years (2004-2021). The table below highlights the key specifications that changed across the production run - useful whether you are comparing years or tracking down a specific variant.

Specification	2004	2006	2008	2009	2010	2011	2012	2013	2014	2015	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021
Max Power	127 hp / 92.7 kW @ 10000 rpm	127 hp / 92.7 kW @ 10000 rpm	127 hp / 92.7 kW @ 10000 rpm	127 hp / 92.7 kW @ 10000 rpm	101.5 kW / 138 hp @ 9600 rpm	101.5 kW / 138 hp @ 9600 rpm	101.5 kW / 138 hp @ 9600 rpm	101.5 kW / 138 hp @ 9600 rpm	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
Wet Weight	221 kg / 487.2 lbs	221 kg / 487.2 lbs	221 kg / 487.2 lbs	221 kg / 487.2 lbs	221 kg / 487.2 lbs	221 kg / 487.2 lbs	221 kg / 487.2 lbs	221 kg / 487.2 lbs	220.0 kg / 485.0 lbs	220.0 kg / 485.0 lbs	221.0 kg / 487.2 lbs	221.0 kg / 487.2 lbs	221.0 kg / 487.2 lbs	221.0 kg / 487.2 lbs	221.0 kg / 487.2 lbs
Dry Weight	198 kg / 436.5 lbs	198 kg / 436.5 lbs	205 kg / 451.9 lbs	198 kg / 436.5 lbs	198 kg / 436.5 lbs	198 kg / 436.5 lbs	198 kg / 436.5 lbs	198 kg / 436.5 lbs	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
Engine Detail	Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder.	Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder.	Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder.	Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder.	Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder.	Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder.	Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder.	Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder.	Reed valve.	-	-	-	-	-	-
Engine Type	In-line four, four-stroke	In-line four, four-stroke	In-line four, four-stroke	In-line four, four-stroke	In-line four, four-stroke	In-line four, four-stroke	In-line four, four-stroke	In-line four, four-stroke	V2, four-stroke	V2, four-stroke	In-line four, four-stroke	In-line four, four-stroke	In-line four, four-stroke	In-line four, four-stroke	In-line four, four-stroke
Top Speed	238 km/h / 148 mph	238 km/h / 148 mph	238 km/h / 148 mph	238 km/h / 148 mph	239.7 km/h / 148.9 mph	239.7 km/h / 148.9 mph	239.7 km/h / 148.9 mph	239.7 km/h / 148.9 mph	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
Seat Height	820 mm / 32.3 in.	820 mm / 32.3 in	820 mm / 32.3 in.	820 mm / 32.3 in	815.3 mm / 32.1 in.	815.3 mm / 32.1 in.	815.3 mm / 32.1 in.	815.3 mm / 32.1 in.	815 mm / 32.1 in.	815 mm / 32.1 in.	815 mm / 32.1 in.	815 mm / 32.1 in.	815 mm / 32.1 in.	815 mm / 32.1 in.	815 mm / 32.1 in.
Fuel Capacity	18 Litres / 4.8 US gal	18 Litres / 4.8 US gal	18 Litres / 4.8 US gal	18 Litres / 4.8 US gal	18 Litres / 4.8 US gal	18 Litres / 4.8 US gal	18 Litres / 4.8 US gal	18 Litres / 4.8 US gal	17.00 litres / 4.49 gallons	17.00 litres / 4.49 gallons	17.00 litres / 4.49 gallons	17.00 litres / 4.49 gallons	17.00 litres / 4.49 US gallons	17.00 litres / 4.49 US gallons	17.00 litres / 4.49 US gallons

Key Specifications

Engine

In-line four, four-stroke

Power

101.5 kW / 138 hp @ 9600 rpm

Torque

110 Nm / 1.2 kg-fm @ 7800 rpm

Top Speed

239.7 km/h / 148.9 mph

Weight

221 kg / 487.2 lbs

Fuel Capacity

18 Litres / 4.8 US gal

Full 2012 Kawasaki Z 1000 Specifications

Year 2012

Colours Orange/black

Make Model Kawasaki Z 1000

Warranty 12 months

Ground Clearance (mm) 236 mm

Ground Clearance (in.) 9.3 inches

Seat Height 815.3 mm / 32.1 in.

Wheelbase 1420 mm / 55.9 in

Ground Clearance 145 mm / 5.7 in

Height 1055 mm / 41.5 in

Length 2080 mm / 81.9 in

Width 770 mm / 30.3 in

Dry Weight 198 kg / 436.5 lbs

Fuel Capacity 18 Litres / 4.8 US gal

Wet Weight 221 kg / 487.2 lbs

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 Type In-line four, four-stroke

Fuel Control DOHC

Displacement 1043 cc / 63.7 cu-in

Engine Detail Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder.

Fuel System Injection. DFI with four 38mm Keihin throttle bodies, oval sub-throttles

Bore x Stroke 77.0 x 56.0mm

Compression Ratio 11.8:1

Cooling System Liquid cooled

Engine Oil Specification Synthetic, 10W/40

Fuel Consumption 17.1 km/lit

Fuel Induction DFIØ with four 38mm Keihin throttle bodies, oval sub-throttles

Ignition TCBI with digital advance

Lubrication Wet sump

Spark Plug NGK, CR9EK

Starter Electric

Valve System 4

Clutch Wet, multiple discs, cable operated

Final Drive 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)

Gearbox 6-speed

Primary Drive X-Ring Chain

Transmission / Drive 6 Speed

Frame Type Type: Aluminum Backbone

Suspension - Front 41mm inverted cartridge fork with stepless compression and rebound damping, adjustable spring preload

Suspension - Rear Horizontal monoshock with stepless rebound damping, adjustable spring preload

Rake 25°

Trail 102 mm / 4.0 in

Wheel Travel - Front 120 mm / 4.7 in

Wheel Travel - Rear 135 mm / 5.4 in

Lighting system 30W x 2 halogen

Brakes - Front Diameter (in.) 11.8 inches

Brakes - Front Diameter (mm) 300 mm

Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.) 9.8 inches

Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm) 250 mm

Brakes - Front 2x 300mm 4 piston calipers

Brakes - Rear Single 292mm disc 2 piston caliper

Tyres - Front 120/70 R17

Tyres - Rear 190/50 R17

Specifications are compiled from manufacturer documentation and cross-referenced technical sources, and corrected on an ongoing basis. Spot an error? Let us know.