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2012 Kawasaki Z 1000SX Overview
The 2012 Kawasaki Z 1000SX is a sport motorcycle built around 1043 cc of displacement. Under the tank sits an In-line four, four-stroke engine running DOHC valve actuation, a compression ratio of 11.8:1. The bore and stroke measures 77 x 56 mm. 2012 Kawasaki Z 1000SX delivers 101.5 kW @ 9600 rpm of peak power and 110 Nm @ 7800 rpm of torque. The factory-quoted top speed stands at 242.6 km/h, making it a capable performer in its class. From a practical standpoint, 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. Scroll down for the complete 2012 Kawasaki Z 1000SX spec sheet covering every technical detail from suspension travel to tyre sizes.
2012 Z 1000SX - Pros & Cons
Strengths
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⚡
Strong power output: 2012 Kawasaki Z 1000SX makes 101.5 kW @ 9600 rpm with 110 Nm @ 7800 rpm of torque - competitive figures for its class.
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🔧
Fuel injection: The fuel injection injection system delivers crisp throttle response and reliable cold starts regardless of altitude or temperature.
Considerations
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📏
Tall seat height: The 820 mm seat height will challenge shorter riders - tiptoeing at low speeds is something to factor into your decision.
Owner Experiences & Common Issues
Throttle response and fuelling
The fuel injection on the 2012 Kawasaki Z 1000SX is generally well-regarded. Some owners note a slight hesitation at small throttle openings when cold, which clears once the engine reaches operating temperature. A quick visual check of the injector connectors during routine servicing is good practice on higher-mileage examples.
Valve clearance checks
DOHC engines should have valve clearances checked at the manufacturer's specified interval. Owners report that clearances can tighten over time on higher-mileage bikes, leading to slight ticking from the top end. Catching it early keeps the job simple and avoids more costly remediation.
Low-speed confidence
At 228 kg, the Z 1000SX is a substantial machine. New owners occasionally mention that slow-speed manoeuvring in car parks takes a little getting used to. Once moving, the weight disappears - but practising slow-speed exercises builds confidence quickly.
Z 1000SX - Buying & Maintenance Guide
What to check before buying
When inspecting a used 2012 Kawasaki Z 1000SX, 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 Z 1000SX 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 Z 1000SX. 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.
Fuel system care
The Z 1000SX's fuel injection system is durable but benefits from quality fuel and the occasional use of a fuel-system cleaner additive. If the bike has been stored for more than three months, drain and replace the fuel to prevent varnish deposits in the injectors.
Valve clearance service
Check that valve clearances have been adjusted at the correct intervals on any used Z 1000SX. This is a job many owners skip because the bike does not immediately feel wrong - but tight clearances accelerate valve seat wear. Ask for proof it has 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.
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
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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
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
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
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
Compression Ratio
11.8:1
Cooling System
Liquid cooled
Engine Lubrication
Forced lubrication, wet sump
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
Starter
Electric
Valve System
4
Valve System
4
Clutch
Wet, multiple discs, cable operated
Clutch
Wet mDouble disk, manual
Final Drive
Chain
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
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
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