2012 Honda VFR 1200X Crosstourer vs 2014 Kawasaki Z 1000SX

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2012 Honda VFR 1200X Crosstourer 2012 Honda VFR 1200X Crosstourer

Sport touring

Engine
Four stroke, 76 ° V-4, SOHC, 4 valve per cylinder
Power
95 kW / 127 hp @ 7750 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
275 kg / 610 lbs
2014 Kawasaki Z 1000SX 2014 Kawasaki Z 1000SX

Sport touring

Engine
V2, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
507.1 pounds
Full Specifications
General
Year2012-
Colours-Black, green/black
Make ModelHonda VFR 1200X Crosstourer-
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (mm)-135 mm
Ground Clearance (in.)-5.3 inches
Seat Height850 mm / 33.5 in820 mm / 32.3 in.
Wheelbase1595 mm / 62.8 in1,445 mm / 56.9 in.
Ground Clearance 180 mm / 7.1 in-
Height1335 mm / 52.6 in1,170 mm / 46.1 in.
Length2285 mm / 90.0 in2,105 mm / 82.9 in.
Width915 mm . / 36.0 in790 mm / 31.1 in.
Weights & Capacities
Fuel Capacity21 Litres / 5.6 US gal19.00 litres / 5.02 gallons
Wet Weight275 kg / 610 lbs230.0 kg / 507.1 lbs
Performance
Max Power95 kW / 127 hp @ 7750 rpm-
Max Torque126 Nm / 92.9 lb-ft @ 6500 rpm111.00 Nm (11.3 kgf-m or 81.9 ft.lbs) @ 11300
Engine
Bore x Stroke (in,)-3.0 x 2.2 inches
Displacement (cc)-1043.00 cc
Bore x Stroke (mm)-77.0 x 56.0 mm
Engine Type-V2, four-stroke
Fuel Control-DOHC
Displacement (ci)-63.64 cubic inches
Displacement1237 cc / 69.2 cu-in-
Engine DetailFour stroke, 76 ° V-4, SOHC, 4 valve per cylinderReed valve.
Fuel System-Injection
Bore x Stroke81 x 60 mm-
Compression Ratio12.0:111.8:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooled-
Engine Lubrication-Forced lubrication, wet sump
Fuel InductionPGM-FI electronic fuel injection 44mm Throttle Bore-
IgnitionComputer-controlled digital transistorised with electronic advance gnition Timing 8.4° BTDC (idle speed) Digital
Spark PlugNGK IMR8E-9HES-
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System-4
Drivetrain
ClutchWet, multiplateWet multi-disc, manual
Final DriveShaftChain
Final Drive Ratio 2.699 (37/39 x 19/17 x 28/11) * 2.706 (39/41 x 19/17 x 28/11)-
Gear Ratios1 2.600 (39T / 15T) *2.250 (36T / 16T) / 2 1.600 (32T / 20T) *1.700 (34T / 20T) / 3 1.260 (29T / 28T) *1.304 (30T / 23T) / 4 1.076 (28T / 26T) *1.107 (31T / 28T) / 5 0.961 (25T / 26T) *0.967 (29T / 30T) / 6 0.897 (35T / 39T) *0.886 (31T / 35T)-
Primary Drive-Sealed chain
Transmission / Drive6 Speed -
Chassis
Frame TypeDiamond; aluminium twin-sparAluminium twin-tube
Suspension - FrontI43mm inverted telescopic forks with hydraulic damping, preload and rebound damping adjustment,41 mm inverted fork with stepless compression and rebound damping and spring preload adjustability
Suspension - RearPro-Link with gas-charged damper, preload and stepless rebound damping adjustmentHorizontal Back-link, gas-charged, with stepless rebound damping and remote spring preload adjustability
Rake28.0°24.5°
Trail107 mm / 4.2 in102 mm / 4.0 in.
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)-9.8 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)-11.8 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)-300 mm
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)-250 mm
Brakes - Front2x 310mm discs ABSDouble disc. Floating discs.
Brakes - RearSingle 276mm disc ABSSingle disc
Tyres - Front110/80-R19120/70-ZR17
Tyres - Rear150/70 R17190/50-ZR17

Verdict

Too close to call

The 2012 Honda VFR 1200X Crosstourer and the 2014 Kawasaki Z 1000SX are evenly matched across the key measurable criteria. Your decision comes down to personal preference, riding style, and which brand's dealer network best suits your location.

Key Differences

2012 Honda VFR 1200X Crosstourer - Advantages

  • Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.
  • More ground clearance: 180 mm vs 135 mm - better clearance over rocks and obstacles.

2014 Kawasaki Z 1000SX - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 820 mm vs 850 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • Dual front discs: Greater stopping power and better heat management under hard braking.

2012 Honda VFR 1200X Crosstourer vs 2014 Kawasaki Z 1000SX - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2012 Honda VFR 1200X Crosstourer and 2014 Kawasaki Z 1000SX?
The 2012 Honda VFR 1200X Crosstourer uses Four stroke, 76 ° V-4, SOHC, 4 valve per cylinder, while the 2014 Kawasaki Z 1000SX is powered by V2, four-stroke.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2012 Honda VFR 1200X Crosstourer or the 2014 Kawasaki Z 1000SX?
The 2014 Kawasaki Z 1000SX has the lower seat at 820 mm, making it more accessible. The 2012 Honda VFR 1200X Crosstourer sits higher at 850 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 2012 Honda VFR 1200X Crosstourer or the 2014 Kawasaki Z 1000SX?
Both are strong choices. The 2012 Honda VFR 1200X Crosstourer has the edge in liquid cooling and greater ground clearance, while the 2014 Kawasaki Z 1000SX stands out for lower seat height and dual front discs. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.