2012 Kawasaki Z 1000SX Specifications

Name: 2012 Kawasaki Z 1000SX
Brand: Kawasaki

Sport • Specs last verified 13 July 2026

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2012 Kawasaki Z 1000SX Overview

Kawasaki Z 1000SX is a sport motorcycle, displacing 1043 cc. Power comes from an In-line four, four-stroke engine running DOHC valve actuation, a compression ratio of 11.8:1. Bore and stroke come in at 77 x 56 mm. On the performance side, it delivers 101.5 kW @ 9600 rpm of peak power and 110 Nm @ 7800 rpm of torque. Top speed is factory-quoted at 242.6 km/h. On the road, the 2012 Z 1000SX tips the scales at 228 kg, carries a 19-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of 820 mm and spans a 1,445 mm wheelbase. That's roughly 25.3 kg heavier than the average sport motorcycle in our database. The full 2012 Kawasaki Z 1000SX spec sheet below covers every technical detail, from suspension travel to tyre sizes.

2012 Z 1000SX - Pros & Cons

Strengths

Strong power output: With 101.5 kW @ 9600 rpm and 110 Nm @ 7800 rpm of torque on tap, the Z 1000SX is no slouch for its class.
Large fuel range: A 19-litre tank means fewer stops on longer rides - a genuine plus for touring or a lengthy daily commute.

Considerations

Tall seat height: At 820 mm, shorter riders will likely be on tiptoes at a standstill - worth sitting on one before you buy.
Chain final drive upkeep: Budget time for routine chain maintenance - it's cheap to replace but needs consistent attention to avoid premature sprocket wear.

Wear Points & Servicing Notes

Cooling system servicing

Z 1000SX's Liquid cooled setup is low-maintenance provided the coolant interval is kept - old, acidic coolant is the main cause of long-term corrosion in the water passages.

Valve clearance checks

With DOHC valve gear, the Z 1000SX needs periodic clearance checks; caught early they're a cheap adjustment, left unchecked they accelerate valve seat wear.

Brake disc and pad wear

Braking up front comes from Double disc. Optional anti-lock braking - solid stopping power, with disc and pad wear best checked on the same schedule as tyre changes.

Suspension condition on used examples

The Z 1000SX's suspension runs 41mm inverted cartridge fork with stepless compression and rebound damping, adjustable spring preload at the front. The rear uses Horizontal Back-link, gas-charged, with stepless rebound damping and cam-style spring preload adjustability. Fork-seal condition and rear linkage play are the two things worth checking before buying used.

Final drive maintenance

The Z 1000SX uses chain final drive, which is cheap to replace but needs regular cleaning, lubrication and tension checks to get a full service life out of the sprockets.

Frame & chassis check

Built around a Type: Aluminum Backbone, the Z 1000SX's chassis is straightforward to inspect: look for corrosion, cracks or repair welds around stress points like the head-stock and swingarm mounts.

Handling the weight at a standstill

228 kg puts the Z 1000SX toward the heavier end of its class. It's most noticeable at walking pace; once underway the mass settles into the handling rather than fighting it.

Z 1000SX - Buying & Maintenance Guide

What to check before buying

Before handing over money for a used 2012 Kawasaki Z 1000SX, cover the fundamentals: service book and oil change history, chain and sprocket wear, and any sign of oil weeping around the casings. Cold-starting it yourself tells you a lot - a healthy Z 1000SX should catch quickly and settle into a smooth idle.

Oil and filter changes

Nothing protects a Z 1000SX's engine like disciplined oil changes - stay on the manufacturer's schedule (roughly every 6,000 km or annually). Match the viscosity grade to what the owner's manual specifies, not what's cheapest.

Carburetor upkeep

Deposits in the carbs are the usual culprit behind poor running on a stored Z 1000SX - strip and clean the float bowls before the first start. Pilot jets clog first and get overlooked most, so make a point of checking them.

Valve clearance service

Valve clearances are easy to overlook on a used Z 1000SX since a bike out of spec doesn't always feel obviously wrong - but the wear it causes is real. Ask the seller for documentation before assuming it's been done.

2012 Kawasaki Z 1000SX - Frequently Asked Questions

What engine does the 2012 Kawasaki Z 1000SX have?

The 2012 Kawasaki Z 1000SX 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 1000SX?

The 2012 Kawasaki Z 1000SX has a factory-quoted top speed of 242.6 km/h. Real-world speeds vary depending on rider weight, conditions and state of tune.

How much does the 2012 Kawasaki Z 1000SX weigh?

The 2012 Kawasaki Z 1000SX weighs 228 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.

How much power does the 2012 Kawasaki Z 1000SX make?

The 2012 Kawasaki Z 1000SX 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 1000SX?

The 2012 Kawasaki Z 1000SX has a 19-litre fuel tank. At around 5-6 litres per 100 km, that is roughly 316-380 km between stops.

Is the 2012 Kawasaki Z 1000SX suitable for shorter riders?

The 2012 Kawasaki Z 1000SX has a seat height of 820 mm. This is towards the tall end of the spectrum and will require most riders under 175 cm to tiptoe at stops.

What brakes does the 2012 Kawasaki Z 1000SX have?

The 2012 Kawasaki Z 1000SX uses Double disc. Optional anti-lock braking at the front and Single disc. Optional anti-lock braking at the rear.

What tyre sizes does the 2012 Kawasaki Z 1000SX use?

The 2012 Kawasaki Z 1000SX runs 120/70-ZR17 front and 190/50-ZR17 rear tyres. A good selection of sport, touring and all-weather rubber is available in these sizes.

What gearbox does the 2012 Kawasaki Z 1000SX have?

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

Kawasaki Z 1000SX Spec Evolution

The Kawasaki Z 1000SX was produced across 7 model years (2012-2019). 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	2012	2013	2014	2015	2016	2017	2019
Wet Weight	228.0 kg / 502.7 lbs	228 kg / 231 kg ABS	230.0 kg / 507.1 lbs	230.0 kg / 507.1 lbs	230.0 kg / 507.1 lbs	235.0 kg / 518.1 lbs	221.0 kg / 487.2 lbs
Engine Detail	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	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
Seat Height	822 mm / 32.3 in	822 mm / 32.3 in	820 mm / 32.3 in.	820 mm / 32.3 in.	820 mm / 32.3 in.	820 mm / 32.3 in.	815 mm / 32.1 in.
Fuel Capacity	19.00 litres / 5.02 gallons	18 Litres / 4.8 US gal	19.00 litres / 5.02 gallons	19.00 litres / 5.02 gallons	19.00 litres / 5.02 gallons	19.00 litres / 5.02 gallons	17.00 litres / 4.49 US gallons
Ground Clearance (mm)	135 mm	135 mm	135 mm	135 mm	135 mm	135 mm	125 mm
Ground Clearance (in.)	5.3 inches	5.3 inches	5.3 inches	5.3 inches	5.3 inches	5.3 inches	4.9 inches
Fuel Control	DOHC	Single Overhead Cams (SOHC)	DOHC	Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)	Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)	Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)	Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)

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

242.6 km/h / 150.7 mph

Weight

228 kg / 231 kg ABS

Fuel Capacity

19.00 litres / 5.02 gallons

Full 2012 Kawasaki Z 1000SX Specifications

Year 2011 - 12

Colours Green/black, grey/black

Colours Realtree APG HD camouflage

Make Model Kawasaki Z 1000SX

Warranty 12 Months

Ground Clearance (mm) 135 mm

Ground Clearance (in.) 5.3 inches

Ground Clearance (mm) 135 mm

Ground Clearance (in.) 5.3 inches

Seat Height 820 mm / 32.3 in.

Seat Height 822 mm / 32.3 in

Wheelbase 1,445 mm / 56.9 in.

Wheelbase 1445 mm / 56.8 in

Ground Clearance 135 mm / 5.2 in

Height 1,170 mm / 46.1 in.

Height 1230 mm / 48.4 in

Length 2,105 mm / 82.9 in.

Length 2105 mm / 82.8 in

Width 790 mm / 31.1 in.

Width 790 mm / 31.1 in

Dry Weight 228 kg / 502.7 lbs

Fuel Capacity 19.00 litres / 5.02 gallons

Fuel Capacity 18 Litres / 4.8 US gal

Wet Weight 228.0 kg / 502.7 lbs

Wet Weight 228 kg / 231 kg ABS

Top Speed 242.6 km/h / 150.7 mph

Max Power 101.5 kW / 138 hp @ 9600 rpm

Max Torque 110 Nm / 1.2 kg-fm @ 7800 rpm

Max Torque 110.00 Nm (11.2 kgf-m or 81.1 ft.lbs) @ 7800

Power-to-Weight Ratio 0.5970 HP/kg

Standing Start ¼ Mile 10.9 sec

Fuel Control DOHC

Engine Type In-line four, four-stroke

Displacement (ci) 63.64 cubic inches

Displacement (cc) 1043.00 cc

Bore x Stroke (mm) 77.0 x 56.0 mm

Bore x Stroke (in,) 3.0 x 2.2 inches

Fuel Control DOHC

Engine Type In-line four, four-stroke

Displacement 1043 cc / 63.7 cu-in

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

Fuel System Injection. 38 mm x 4 (Keihin) with oval sub-throttles

Bore x Stroke 77.0 x 56.0mm

Compression Ratio 11.8:1

Cooling System Liquid cooled

Engine Lubrication Forced lubrication, wet sump

Engine Oil Specification Synthetic, 10W/40

Fuel Consumption 17.6 km/lit

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

Ignition TCBI with digital advance

Ignition Digital

Lubrication Wet sump

Spark Plug NGK, CR9EK

Starter Electric

Valve System 4

Clutch Wet, multiple discs, cable operated

Clutch Wet mDouble disk, manual

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 Sealed chain

Transmission / Drive 6 Speed

Frame Type Type: Aluminum Backbone

Frame Type Aluminium twin-tube

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

Suspension - Front 41 mm inverted fork with stepless compression and rebound damping and spring preload adjustability

Suspension - Rear Horizontal Back-link, gas-charged, with stepless rebound damping and cam-style spring preload adjustability

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

Rake 24.5°

Rake 25°

Trail 102 mm / 4.0 in.

Trail 102 mm / 4..0 in

Wheel Travel - Front 120 mm / 4.7 in

Wheel Travel - Front 120 mm / 4.7 in.

Wheel Travel - Rear 135 mm / 5.4 in

Wheel Travel - Rear 138 mm / 5.4 in.

Lighting system 30W x 2 halogen

Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm) 250 mm

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 - Rear Diameter (in.) 9.8 inches

Brakes - Front Diameter (mm) 300 mm

Brakes - Front Diameter (in.) 11.8 inches

Brakes - Front Double disc. Optional anti-lock braking

Brakes - Front 2x 300mm 4 piston calipers

Brakes - Rear Single disc. Optional anti-lock braking

Brakes - Rear Single 292mm disc 2 piston caliper

Tyres - Front 120/70-ZR17

Tyres - Front 120/70 R17

Tyres - Rear 190/50-ZR17

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.