2012 Kawasaki Z 1000 vs 2012 Honda VFR 1200F

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2012 Kawasaki Z 1000 2012 Kawasaki Z 1000

Naked bike

Engine
In-line four, four-stroke
Power
101.5 kW / 138 hp @ 9600 rpm
Top Speed
239.7 km/h / 148.9 mph
Weight
643.9 pounds
2012 Honda VFR 1200F 2012 Honda VFR 1200F

Naked bike

Engine
V4, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
262.0 pounds
Full Specifications
General
Comments-Model ID: TRX90X
Year2012-
ColoursOrange/blackCandy Blue
Make ModelKawasaki Z 1000-
Warranty12 monthsOne year. Unlimited milage. Transferable.
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (in.)9.3 inches3.9 inches
Ground Clearance (mm)236 mm99 mm
Seat Height815.3 mm / 32.1 in.810 mm / 31.9 in.
Wheelbase1420 mm / 55.9 in1,544 mm / 60.8 in.
Ground Clearance145 mm / 5.7 in-
Height1055 mm / 41.5 in927 mm / 36.5 in.
Length2080 mm / 81.9 in1,488 mm / 58.6 in.
Width770 mm / 30.3 in894 mm / 35.2 in.
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight198 kg / 436.5 lbs-
Fuel Capacity18 Litres / 4.8 US gal18.93 litres / 5.00 gallons
Wet Weight221 kg / 487.2 lbs118.8 kg / 262.0 lbs
Performance
Top Speed 239.7 km/h / 148.9 mph-
Max Power101.5 kW / 138 hp @ 9600 rpm-
Max Torque110 Nm / 1.2 kg-fm @ 7800 rpm-
Standing Start ¼ Mile11.1 sec-
Engine
Engine TypeIn-line four, four-strokeV4, four-stroke
Fuel ControlDOHCSOHC
Bore x Stroke (in,)-3.2 x 2.4 inches
Bore x Stroke (mm)-81.0 x 60.0 mm
Displacement (cc)-1237.00 cc
Displacement (ci)-75.48 cubic inches
Displacement1043 cc / 63.7 cu-in-
Engine DetailFour stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder.76 degrees V-4
Fuel SystemInjection. DFI with four 38mm Keihin throttle bodies, oval sub-throttlesInjection. Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI) with automatic enrichment circuit, 44mm throttle bodies and 12-hole injectors
Bore x Stroke77.0 x 56.0mm-
Compression Ratio11.8:112.0:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooled-
Emissions-Meets current California Air Resources Board (CARB) and EPA standards.
Engine Lubrication-Dry sump
Engine Oil SpecificationSynthetic, 10W/40-
Fuel Consumption17.1 km/lit-
Fuel InductionDFIØ with four 38mm Keihin throttle bodies, oval sub-throttles-
IgnitionTCBI with digital advanceDigital transistorized with electronic advance
LubricationWet sump-
Spark PlugNGK, CR9EK-
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System44
Drivetrain
ClutchWet, multiple discs, cable operatedAutomatic
Final DriveChainShaft drive (cardan)
Gear Ratios1st 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)-
Gearbox6-speed6-speed
Primary DriveX-Ring ChainO-ring-sealed chain
Transmission / Drive6 Speed -
Chassis
Frame TypeType: Aluminum Backbone-
Suspension - Front41mm inverted cartridge fork with stepless compression and rebound damping, adjustable spring preload43mm cartridge fork with spring-preload adjustability
Suspension - RearHorizontal monoshock with stepless rebound damping, adjustable spring preloadPro Arm single-side swingarm with Pro-Link single gas-charged shock with remote spring-preload adjustability and rebound-damping adjustability
Rake25°25.5°
Trail102 mm / 4.0 in101 mm / 4.0 in.
Wheel Travel - Front120 mm / 4.7 in66 mm / 4.7 in.
Wheel Travel - Rear135 mm / 5.4 in66 mm / 2.6 in.
Electrical Systems
Lighting system30W x 2 halogen-
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)300 mm320 mm
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)9.8 inches10.9 inches
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)250 mm276 mm
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)11.8 inches12.6 inches
Brakes - Front2x 300mm 4 piston calipersDouble disc. CBS six-piston calipers with ABS
Brakes - RearSingle 292mm disc 2 piston caliperSingle disc. CBS two-piston calipers with ABS
Tyres - Front120/70 R17120/70-ZR17
Tyres - Rear190/50 R17190/55-ZR17

Verdict

Winner on specs

2012 Kawasaki Z 1000

The 2012 Kawasaki Z 1000 edges out the 2012 Honda VFR 1200F thanks to its liquid cooling, greater ground clearance, higher rear wheel travel and higher front wheel travel. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2012 Kawasaki Z 1000 - Advantages

  • Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.
  • More ground clearance: 145 mm vs 99 mm - better clearance over rocks and obstacles.
  • More rear wheel travel: 135 mm vs 66 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.
  • More front wheel travel: 120 mm vs 66 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2012 Honda VFR 1200F - Advantages

  • Fuel injection: Precise fuelling, better cold-start reliability, and lower maintenance requirements.
  • Dual front discs: Greater stopping power and better heat management under hard braking.

2012 Kawasaki Z 1000 vs 2012 Honda VFR 1200F - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2012 Kawasaki Z 1000 and 2012 Honda VFR 1200F?
The 2012 Kawasaki Z 1000 uses In-line four, four-stroke, while the 2012 Honda VFR 1200F is powered by V4, four-stroke.
Which should I buy, the 2012 Kawasaki Z 1000 or the 2012 Honda VFR 1200F?
Both are strong choices. The 2012 Kawasaki Z 1000 has the edge in liquid cooling and greater ground clearance, while the 2012 Honda VFR 1200F stands out for fuel injection 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.