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2012 Kawasaki ZX-6R Overview
The 2012 Kawasaki ZX-6R is a sport motorcycle built around 599 cc of displacement. Under the tank sits a Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder engine, a compression ratio of 13.3:1. 2012 Kawasaki ZX-6R delivers 94.1 kW @ 14000 rpm of peak power and 66.7 Nm @ 11800 rpm of torque. The factory-quoted top speed stands at 257.8 km/h, making it a capable performer in its class. From a practical standpoint, the 2012 ZX-6R tips the scales at 191 kg, carries a 17-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of 815 mm and spans a 1400 mm wheelbase. Scroll down for the complete 2012 Kawasaki ZX-6R spec sheet covering every technical detail from suspension travel to tyre sizes.
2012 ZX-6R - Pros & Cons
Strengths
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⚡
Strong power output: 2012 Kawasaki ZX-6R makes 94.1 kW @ 14000 rpm with 66.7 Nm @ 11800 rpm of torque - competitive figures for its class.
Considerations
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ℹ️
Age-related wear: As with any used ZX-6R, a thorough pre-purchase inspection covering consumables, service history and tyres is always recommended.
Owner Experiences & Common Issues
General ownership notes
The 2012 Kawasaki ZX-6R has built a reputation for solid everyday reliability when serviced to schedule. As with any motorcycle of this era, documented service history is the single biggest indicator of long-term reliability when buying used.
ZX-6R - Buying & Maintenance Guide
What to check before buying
When inspecting a used 2012 Kawasaki ZX-6R, 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 ZX-6R 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 ZX-6R. 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.
2012 Kawasaki ZX-6R - Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2012 Kawasaki ZX-6R have?
The 2012 Kawasaki ZX-6R uses a Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder engine with 599 cc of displacement. It is liquid cooled,.
What is the top speed of the 2012 Kawasaki ZX-6R?
The 2012 Kawasaki ZX-6R has a factory-quoted top speed of 257.8 km/h. Real-world speeds vary depending on rider weight, conditions and state of tune.
How much does the 2012 Kawasaki ZX-6R weigh?
The 2012 Kawasaki ZX-6R weighs 191 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.
How much power does the 2012 Kawasaki ZX-6R make?
The 2012 Kawasaki ZX-6R produces 94.1 kW @ 14000 rpm of power and 66.7 Nm @ 11800 rpm of torque. These are peak figures.
What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2012 Kawasaki ZX-6R?
The 2012 Kawasaki ZX-6R has a 17-litre fuel tank. At around 5-6 litres per 100 km, that is roughly 283-340 km between stops.
Is the 2012 Kawasaki ZX-6R suitable for shorter riders?
The 2012 Kawasaki ZX-6R has a seat height of 815 mm. This is a moderate seat height that suits a wide range of rider heights.
What brakes does the 2012 Kawasaki ZX-6R have?
The 2012 Kawasaki ZX-6R uses 2 x 300mm discs, 4 piston calipers at the front and Single 220mm disc, 1 piston caliper at the rear.
What tyre sizes does the 2012 Kawasaki ZX-6R use?
The 2012 Kawasaki ZX-6R runs 120/70 ZR17 front and 180/55 ZR17 rear tyres. A good selection of sport, touring and all-weather rubber is available in these sizes.
What gearbox does the 2012 Kawasaki ZX-6R have?
The 2012 Kawasaki ZX-6R is fitted with a 6 Speed transmission.
Kawasaki ZX-6R Spec Evolution
The Kawasaki ZX-6R was produced across 5 model years (2007-2012). 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 |
2007 |
2008 |
2010 |
2011 |
2012 |
| Max Power |
91.9 kW /125 hp @ 14000 rpm |
91.9 kW /125 hp @ 14000 rpm |
94.1 kW / 128 hp @ 14000 rpm |
94.1 kW / 128 hp @ 14000 rpm |
94.1 kW / 128 hp @ 14000 rpm |
| Wet Weight |
190 kg / 418 lbs |
190 kg / 418 lbs |
191 kg / 421 lbs |
191 kg / 421 lbs |
191 kg / 421 lbs |
| Top Speed |
252.1 km/h / 156.4 mph |
252.1 km/h / 156.4 mph |
257.8 km/h / 160.2 mph |
257.8 km/h / 160.2 mph |
257.8 km/h / 160.2 mph |
| Frame Type |
Perimeter, pressed-aluminium |
Perimeter, pressed-aluminium |
Aluminum perimeter |
Aluminium perimeter |
Aluminium perimeter |
| Wheelbase |
1405 mm / 55.3 in. |
1405 mm / 55.3 in. |
1400 mm / 5.1 in |
1400 mm / 5.1 in |
1400 mm / 5.1 in |
| Brakes - Front |
2 x 300mm discs, 4 piston calipers |
2 x 300mm discs, 4 piston calipers |
2x 300mm discs, 4 piston calipers |
2 x 300mm discs, 4 piston calipers |
2 x 300mm discs, 4 piston calipers |
| Brakes - Rear |
Single 210mm disc, 1 piston caliper |
Single 210mm disc, 1 piston caliper |
Single 220mm disc, 1 piston caliper |
Single 220mm disc, 1 piston caliper |
Single 220mm disc, 1 piston caliper |
| Suspension - Front |
41 mm inverted cartridge fork with top-out springs, stepless rebound damping, stepless compression damping, fully-adjustable spring preload |
41 mm inverted cartridge fork with top-out springs, stepless rebound damping, stepless compression damping, fully-adjustable spring preload |
41 mm inverted Showa Big Piston Front fork with top-out springs, stepless compression and rebound damping, fully-adjustable spring preload, |
41 mm inverted Showa Big Piston Front fork with top-out springs, stepless compression and rebound damping, fully-adjustable spring preload, |
41 mm inverted Showa Big Piston Front fork with top-out springs, stepless compression and rebound damping, fully-adjustable spring preload, |
Key Specifications
Engine
Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Power
94.1 kW / 128 hp @ 14000 rpm
Torque
66.7 Nm / 6.8 kgf-m / 49.2 lb-ft @ 11800 rpm
Top Speed
257.8 km/h / 160.2 mph
Fuel Capacity
17 Litres / 4.5 US gal
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Full 2012 Kawasaki ZX-6R Specifications
Year
2012
Make Model
Kawasaki ZX-6R
Seat Height
815 mm / 32.3 in.
Wheelbase
1400 mm / 5.1 in
Ground Clearance
120 mm / 4.72 in
Height
1115 mm /43.9 in
Length
2090 mm / 2.3 in
Width
705 mm / 28.0 in
Fuel Capacity
17 Litres / 4.5 US gal
Wet Weight
191 kg / 421 lbs
Displacement
599 cc / 36.6 cub in
Engine Detail
Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Bore x Stroke
67 x 42.5mm
Compression Ratio
13.3:1
Cooling System
Liquid cooled,
Fuel Consumption
5.3 L/100 km / 18.9 km/l 44.5 US mpg
Fuel Induction
DFIØ with four 38mm Keihin throttle bodies, oval sub-throttles, two injectors per throttle body
Ignition
TCBI with digital advance
Starter
Electric
Clutch
Wet multi-disc, manual
Final Drive
Sealed Chain
Gear Ratios
1st 2.714 (38/14) / 2nd 2.200 (33/15) / 3rd 1.850 (37/20) / 4th 1.600 (32/20) / 5th 1.421 (27/19) / 6th 1.300 (26/20) Final reduction ratio 2.688 (43/16)
Primary Drive Ratios
1.900 (76/40)
Transmission / Drive
6 Speed
Frame Type
Aluminium perimeter
Suspension - Front
41 mm inverted Showa Big Piston Front fork with top-out springs, stepless compression and rebound damping, fully-adjustable spring preload,
Suspension - Rear
Bottom-Link Uni-Trak® with gas-charged shock, top-out spring and pillow ball upper mount, dual-range (high/low-speed) stepless compression damping, 25-way adjustable rebound damping, fully-adjustable spring preload
Rake
24°
Trail
102 mm / 4.0 in.
Wheel Travel - Front
120 mm / 4.7 in
Wheel Travel - Rear
134 mm / 5.2 in.
Brakes - Front
2 x 300mm discs, 4 piston calipers
Brakes - Rear
Single 220mm disc, 1 piston caliper
Tyres - Front
120/70 ZR17
Tyres - Rear
180/55 ZR17
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