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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 an 18-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of 822 mm and spans a 1445 mm wheelbase. That's roughly 33.2 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 Kawasaki Z 1000SX compared with other bikes in the Sport category
We checked the recorded figures for the 2012 Kawasaki Z 1000SX against up to 2003 bikes in the Sport category in our database, counting each model once at the model year nearest to this one.
- Only 319 of the other 2002 bikes in the Sport category have a larger engine displacement than the 1043 cc of the Z 1000SX.
- With 228 kg, the Z 1000SX has the joint 214th heaviest wet weight of 1213 bikes in the Sport category, 17% above the category average of 194.8 kg.
- Torque of 110 Nm is higher than that of 1170 of the other 1572 bikes in the Sport category.
- Narrowing the field to the 697 models within five model years of it, the engine displacement of 1043 cc is larger than that of 508 of the other 696.
2012 Z 1000SX - Pros & Cons
Strengths
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⚡
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.
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⛽
Large fuel range: An 18-litre tank means fewer stops on longer rides - a genuine plus for touring or a lengthy daily commute.
Considerations
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📏
Tall seat height: At 822 mm, shorter riders will likely be on tiptoes at a standstill - worth sitting on one before you buy.
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⚙️
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.
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 monoshock with stepless rebound damping, adjustable spring preload. 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 with its 1043 cc sport, cover the fundamentals: service book and oil change history, drivetrain wear, and any sign of oil weeping around the casings. This model runs chain final drive, so check chain slack and sprocket tooth profile specifically - a worn sprocket is a cheaper fix now than after it's chewed up the next chain. Now 14 years old, this sport is as likely to show age-related wear (perished rubber, seized fasteners, degraded seals) as mileage-related wear. 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 the Z 1000SX's 1043 cc in-line four, four-stroke like disciplined oil changes - stay on the manufacturer's schedule (roughly every 6,000 km or annually). With an 11.8:1 compression ratio, running the octane grade specified in the manual matters more than on a lower-compression engine. 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 an 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 1000SX suitable for shorter riders?
The 2012 Kawasaki Z 1000SX has a seat height of 822 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 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 1000SX use?
The 2012 Kawasaki Z 1000SX 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 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 kg / 231 kg ABS |
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 |
18 Litres / 4.8 US gal |
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 |
| Displacement (cc) |
1043.00 cc |
- |
1043.00 cc |
1043.00 cc |
1043.00 cc |
1043.00 cc |
1043.0 cc |
| 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) |
| Ground Clearance (in.) |
5.3 inches |
5.3 inches |
5.3 inches |
5.3 inches |
5.3 inches |
5.3 inches |
4.9 inches |
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
18 Litres / 4.8 US gal
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Full 2012 Kawasaki Z 1000SX Specifications
Year
2011 - 12
Colours
Realtree APG HD camouflage
Make Model
Kawasaki Z 1000SX
Warranty
12 Months
Ground Clearance (in.)
5.3 inches
Ground Clearance (mm)
135 mm
Seat Height
822 mm / 32.3 in
Wheelbase
1445 mm / 56.8 in
Ground Clearance
135 mm / 5.2 in
Height
1230 mm / 48.4 in
Length
2105 mm / 82.8 in
Width
790 mm / 31.1 in
Dry Weight
228 kg / 502.7 lbs
Fuel Capacity
18 Litres / 4.8 US gal
Wet Weight
228 kg / 231 kg ABS
Engine Type
In-line four, four-stroke
Fuel Control
DOHC
Bore x Stroke (in,)
3.0 x 2.2 inches
Displacement (ci)
63.64 cubic inches
Displacement (cc)
1043.00 cc
Bore x Stroke (mm)
77.0 x 56.0 mm
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
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
Sealed 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.
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