Kawasaki have come right out and admitted it. Their flagship sports-tourer is aimed at fast riders who are getting a bit too old and want some comfort in their dotage.
Of course, Big K put it a bit nicer than that. "Although many reasons can be cited for the growing popularity of sport-touring machines," they say, "foremost among them are the large numbers of former supersport riders who, as they grow older, want more comfort without sacrificing the sporty handling and high engine performance to which they have grown accustomed."
With the new Kawasaki Ninja ZX-12R and ZX-9R getting even harder-edged supersport performance in '02, the ZZ-R1200 meets the needs of those many riders who want to both carve through the twisties and tour to the sun. The new ZZ-R1200 sport-tourer is the answer.
The ZZ-R1200 is based on the famous ZZ-R1100 superbike, with its unassailable reputation for high-speed performance. It gives sport-touring riders everything they demand in a high-performance sport-touring machine: awesome engine, sporty handling and high comfort.
Although the new machine shares much of its design with the original ZZ-R1100, significant modifications to the chassis, engine and bodywork make the ZZ-R1200 an entirely new machine. The most obvious modification to the engine is the increase in displacement from 1052cc to 1164cc. Less obvious is that the new cylinder is an all-alloy unit with plated bores, new water jackets, and it is held down by a new bolt pattern.
New cases house a more durable close-ratio six-speed transmission with smoother shifting, and the CVKD 40mm carburetors are now fitted with throttle position sensors for improved response and more linear power delivery. The engine has also been retuned for more mid-range torque and less emphasis on top speed.
Since touring riders want some creature comforts on those long hauls, alternator output and battery size have both been upped, while an under-seat socket means hooking up touring accessories like heated vests, coffee-makers and the CD player couldn't be easier. A range of optional touring equipment, including side bags, is also available.
Improvements to the chassis have been no less significant and were aimed at improving ride quality and comfort while enhancing the bike's sporty handling characteristics. Modifications include a new, stiffer frame, new fork and rear suspension, new brakes and wheels and, most obviously, the elegant new fairing, tank and bodywork with sophisticated automotive-type front and rear lights and an attractive new instrument panel.
The ergonomics have also been improved, with the bars moved further rearward and the pegs lowered, allowing the rider to comfortably mould himself to the ergonomically designed tank and seat.
But Kawasaki have not forgotten the reason the ZZ-R1100 won an army of hard-core fans. The 160bhp ZZ-R1200 will hustle you and your passenger along at over 170mph for as long as there are less than 12 points on your license.
