Ditto bro! I had one (a really nice one I paid maybe half what it could take) and loved it. I traded for a RM125 and trailer to a guy I thought deserved it. He loved it like I knew he would. I had it. I should have kept it.
Dude I was able to squeeze 141hp out of my zrx1200r. Went down 1 tooth in the front and 3 up in the back. Busa's really had to know how to ride to beat me at the drag strip. Kerker megaphone, dialed in jet kit, k&n pods, drop springs, clip ons and a chevy headlight buddy
Shadetree Surgeon, That’s a perfect Motorcycle to add to your stable. It can replace either the Ducati or The Rocket 3 till you get either up and running again. Technically you only have the GoldWings that you can ride. We haven’t seen the Chopper in a long time. You could call this Bike The Hulk because of it’s speed and power.
Got me a Black and Gold 1999 ZRX1100. Bought it immediately after getting back from the Isle of Man TT couple years ago. Got the Harley’s for cruising and the Z-Rex for corner carving!! 👍
First rule of TH-cam, content. And there are lots of viewers, me included who would love a ZRX, and would watch religiously every episode with the ZRX in it! I dare say, your subscriber ship would rise also.
Owner of a Bandit 1200 myself, love the old big bore air/oil cooled 4-cyls. While they make good power out of the box, but with the right go-fast parts and supersport take-offs, you can surprise a lot of supersport riders out on the roads.
I had the baby cousin . Think it was an 1982 Gpz550 H2 ( UK air and oil cooled). Inline 4 . Candy apple red . 4 into 1 race micron exhaust. Had the same bikini faring. Loved that bike.
FInally a 4 cylinder on one of your vids! I ride a 1989 oil cooled GSXR 750, street fightered back in the 90s. For a 32 year old antique, 115bhp it certainly shows up a lot of modern crap! immense amounts of fun. Unassuming 4 cylinder, they are the best!
Had an 06, my favorite bike out of all the bikes I've owned, lived up to its reputation. Mine wasn't stock, but 3rd gear power wheelies was always good times. Best part was its size it was nothing for me to go put 600 miles on it in a day. Just a solid all around bike.
So. I owned one of these. A little carb tuning, a cheap exhaust and some filter pods really open these up. I completely agree with your assessment of the brakes. They are pretty incredibly. If these were available in the 80s I think Kawasaki would be in a slightly different position these days. The suspension.. for where you Demo’d is probably pretty good. Urban environment with spirited jaunts on the interstate is probably correct. On any sort of actual twists and turns this bike really starts to show its weight. It likes to push hard to the outsides on corners to a point that correction with the throttle becomes problematic (loss of traction due to torque). I loved mine and in hindsight should have just held on to it. It is going to be a true classic which is funny because it was modeled after a classic.
YOU SHOULD BUY IT!!! I have an 02 model. Red in color. I'll never sell it! I describe it to people as feral. Like you said, it won't beat any modern litre bikes, it's not as comfy as a Concours, but there's just something about Sexy Rexy that gets my hips moving and my heart pumping!!! I love it!!
I had an 84 GPZ 750 turbo when I was in the Navy I used to rip around San Diego like I was in top gun before top gun was made! I definitely love the classic Kawasaki's!
And I'm surprised no one mentioned this, but the mill is from a ZX11, but has cams that bring the power in lower down in the rev range. If you swap the cams back and add a good exhaust, many have reported HP numbers in the 170 range. Though I have to admit, I've had my ZRX1100 for several years and never felt the need. The ol' girl pulls like a train even in stock trim.
Cams, double Valve springs, and zx 11 or zzr 1200 ignition will get you an 11k redline, you will need 38-40 mm carbs to get high 130 hp at the wheel, and get an overbore cylinder and piston the most common adds 60 cc to 1224 that will get you into the 140-145 range at the wheel. 170 at the wheel will require pressurized intake, or a Franken Bike engine and transmission swap. A couple have been done with Hyabusa or zx 14 motor/ transmissions. But they take some significant frame and fuel tank modifications to support a downdraft head.
I own the bike that the ZRX was designed to compete with, although it disappeared from the U.S. before the ZRX showed up, a Honda CB1000 SF, a.k.a. "The Big One". Despite being slightly smaller in displacement (and with less power) it's actually physically larger than a ZRX by a noticeable amount. Mine was parked next to a customer's bike in for service when I bought it and the Honda dwarfed the ZRX, if you can believe it. I do love both bikes a lot though, it's too bad they don't still make something along those lines.
I have one that I need to restore. I bought it from a second owner, I think. It has a salvaged title: a stolen recovery, only slight cosmetic damage, but she runs just fine. I'm glad I have one. I can see the value going up every year I have her.
Ride Factory Salesman of the Decade! They get so many unique bikes. I had to wait 30 years to get a Harley which is boring mainstream now and it is a Sportster. I was exclusively Rice Burner - no Euros or US bikes.
A Velorex 562 cruiser sidecar showed up on my local craigslist for $350. That's a give away price. Trashy one's go for $2500 easy. I purchased it and put it on my Honda VLX Cruiser. I love it! Don't knock Sidecars until you ride one a few times. Women will come up and ask for ride's or you fine notes with phone numbers and social media link's written as well taped to the bike. I now have two sidecar motorcycles. That's how much a enjoy them.
@13:17 - Hey Shadetree! Awesome test ride! I've never owned a ZRX1200, but I rode with one once in Arkansas. A large group of us buddies and buddies of buddies would get together once a year and ride through Arkansas for a weekend. I rolled up that weekend on my CBR1100xx Super Blackbird. Most of the riders generally would ride cruisers or touring. As the ride went, we rode our own rides, the sportbikes would group to the front and be the fastest. Then the touring bikes would fill in where they could. The cruisers would stay grouped up and throughout the day we'd all meet at different places for gas stops or eateries. Well, I rolled up on that Blackbird that year and planned to ride with the sportbikes. One of the sportbikes was a ZRX1200, but not just any ole one. This bike was modded to the hilt, right down to the custom Ohlins suspension. I was able to ride with him and I'd beat him on the straights, but in the curves the Blackbird was just too heavy and bulky, making for no match for that ZRX. We had a great weekend riding, but there's no doubt that the ZRX pulled me around the entire time. Those are great bikes with great geometry. Adding the upgraded suspension parts will have those bikes handling like they are literally on rails.
I found this channel years ago when I got my first bike and naturally started searching moto vlogs and the likes. My first impression was good. I liked Shadetree. Then after a while I started to feel as if the audience was too particular . I felt like it wasn’t truly my style. Very little relatability but it’s all good. That’s not a bad thing just didn’t find much that I personally can get behind. Then after a few years of not paying much attention to it, I feel like finally I got it. At the end of the day it’s about your appreciation and love for bikes. Not a specific bike, not a specific riding style, not a specific dress code, not a specific group of friends but simply enjoying riding. So now I do like and appreciate the channel again. Although I will say. Even though Shade often says “ I love all bikes “ and he does, he does have a style and I thinks it’s nostalgia. There’s no doubt nostalgia is is cup of coffee.
My first bike i rode when I got my permit was a zrx1100. It was my dad's spare bike, they are beautiful looking bikes. He bought it in 1999 the year I was born
Once in a while I see a guy with that exact ZRX1200 riding around here in NOLA at bike nights and his is show room condition. People that have them know their value.
I bought a Blue '03 back in '06 from eBay. Flew to East coast to pick it up and rode it home on a Transportation tag. I had it 3 years so I could afford to go help my mother in Maryland. Being disabled it was the most painful fun I have ever had on a street bike. It .... uh ran pretty good! :)
I've always leaned towards owning vintage Harley's more, but I'm a motorcycle lover and the ZRX1200R is the one that I want in my collection. It is the poster child of all that is Kawasaki. Beautiful motorcycle!
I have 00 zrx 1100 54k and going. Been taken on a 15,000mile trip around the US, taken on track days, and I can fit a 12 pack under the seat for garage night. This bike was ahead of it's time especially once it's upgraded. Its the best all around bike your going to find. period. Never selling mine. Planning on rolling over the odometer on this one.
Hey bro, here in Connecticut a classic is 25 years old and 30 is a antique. I love the old bikes. I have a 2013 FLH for long trips, but and also have a 79 XLH, a 80 FXB, and a 84 FLHS. Yes I'm a Harley guy. lol Just can't beat the old Shovelheads. Keep them coming. Later
It's actually modeled after the GPZ , KAW came out with a 500, 750 and 1000 in 81. All excellent machines I rode a 750 GPZ cross country in 1984 following summer got a FXDF H-D but after exhaust falling off, leaking motors ( they're marking their spot) and being embarrassed by every kid on a 350cc/450cc don't even look at any 750 I traded it in for a Concours I rode to many miles a year to own a Harley again.
I've owned two kawasaki's My first a 84 GPZ 750 and My second was a 85 ZL 900 eliminator. I loved those bikes.I now ride a 05 Dyna. I dig that you put this vid up Man !
A buddy of mine had a new ZRX1200 right around when I started riding. He put a short throw throttle on his. I've always been amazed that he didn't kill himself between the power of the bike and his propensity for jackassery.
The Bangkok Bagger is a sort of blueish-green or teal. It depends on the light it's in. Additionally, I put a deposit on a bike yesterday. A 2005 Honda VTX1300 C. In red. It'll be my first bike, but I am 6'5" and 280 lbs. I hope to ride with Brap Star Garage one day.
first bike i ever got as a 21st birthday was a ZRX1100. didn't make it 3 months without getting stolen and had to be salvaged after recovery. miss that bike every day and for 4500 this is a hell of a deal
The TIm Kreitz Special indeed! That one is the fastest color scheme, too, even though mine is silver. (I'm forced to say green is the fastest color or the ZRX Owners Association will excommunicate me.)
Reminds me of my Bandit. Every time I test ride something else to find something more comfortable, I am always underwhelmed and glad to get back on the big, yet quick, 4-cylinder sport-touring bike.
Thor would approve of this bike. It's just like a big old mother mothertrucking hammer. Not recommended for any riders not equipped with a big set of hangin' brass ones 100%! RIDE OR DIE ! ONE LOVE!
I had a KZ1000. '82 LTD. Back in the day I could have bought three of them for $3000. I learned how to ride on it, and everything smaller has felt like a cheap toy ever since. I'd take this one, but I just bought a bike. I agree with you about Kawasaki's reputation. The Ninja series cemented that. My experience is one of reliability, performance, and handling in that order. Yamahas were always so smooth. Suzuki was fast. And Honda nickle-and-dimed me to death. Never owned a Harley, and now I'm not going to. I'm a mechanical engineer, and I can tell you Harley won't hire me. These are in-the-box thinkers, and I would be pissing in every breakfast from the machine shop floor to the executive at the top.
I may not have owned a ZRX1200 but I have had 3 ZX12r, the zrx12 motor was a detuned from the zx12r . I loved the zx12R wish I had kept one of them. Great vid keep it up .
The zrx 1200 engine goes all the way back to the Gpz 900 r top gun bike little Tommy Cruise rode in the first top gun bike. That motor in different forms and tune powered the original concourse, the Zl power cruisers, zx 10 and zx 11, the 1100 zrx, and the 1200 zrx and zzr 1200. The Zx12 was a completely new engine. So like 1984 through 2007, if you count the non US DAEG add another 9 years to 2016. Not the Chevrolet small block but pretty good run.
I absolutely love the ZRX1200R, one of my favorite motorcycles and one of my favorite engines. Power down low like a big V-twin (of the time) but still plenty of horsepower. Perfect riding position for me, bike isn't the best at any one thing but really good at just about everything
I know a guy who has a ZRX 1100 with like 4K on the miles in mint condition. Never really rides it. Said he'd let it go for $4500. Nice bike. Great job. I'm only commenting for the algorithms.
Sense you asked for an update I’ll give it to you my father bought the bike from the dealership you went to. He has owned it for the past 2 years he loves the bike. He’s 62 and still does power wheelies on it. The bike is going into the shop he soon, keeps fauling the #3 plug We ride and live in the Clearwater but he has rode to Miami a handful of times. Just put a new front tire, brakes and cauliflower rotors along with a a fork brace Still a killer bike I try chasing him down on my ninja500 to obviously no avail 😅
I have a 2002 I bought for $3,500 with 18k miles. Put 10k in it ( Olin's suspension, dymags, Corbin, Fender eliminator, lightweight battery box, LEDs, Bars, levers, braided lines, stage 3 kit , Muzzy exhaust etc...etc..) I will never sell it. Oh and it will eat a modern 600 for lunch :)
I have a 2003 Kawasaki ZRX1200R. I bought it new and still ride it. 50,000 miles and she still roars down the highway. The engine is made from a bored out ZX11 Ninja engine. So it can be tweaked to be very fast.
Love those old 4 cylinder superbikes. Had a Suzuki GS1000S back in the 80s. It was a man sized bike, big and heavy but a great engine. Sold it for peanuts. Wish I still had it now!
I've had a ZRX1100 AND a ZRX1200, the 1200's are the better of the 2 versions with much more power. 4500 is the going price for those in that condition. They've been stuck at 4500 for about 10 years.
I had a ZRX 1100 for 6 years 25,000 miles I loved that bike comfortable, very nimble and fast. I would like to add another one to my collection lol.But my ZX14R is absolutely insanely fast
Currently own a 01 ZRX 1200 and just got a 2020 Z900 amazing bike and it was faster then my Z900 but I also let my brother in-law ride the ZRX he’s definitely a more advance rider regardless still super fun bike
Josh you gotta take a Honda Fury for a ride. I took one out on a test drive and I was BLOWN AWAY!! I can’t believe Honda pulled off such a sweet ride. I haven’t felt this jazzed over a test ride since I was fortunate enough to take an early RUNE for a ride. The Rune is by far the finest motorcycle on the road. Try out the Fury Josh you will be happy you did. Such a beautiful bike 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 ✌🏻🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸✌🏻
I love this bike, I was so close to buying one but couldn't quite afford it. I ended up getting a suzuki bandit 1200. Similar muscle bike dna. This was not meant to really be a harley killer but a rival to other 4 cylinder modern classics.
Over the years I've owned alot of differant brands of motorcycles Harley Honda Yamaha Suzuki even an old Alstate..lol but the Kawsaki I had was one of my favorites it was a KZ750 from 79 my first brand new vehicle quick handled well and for some reason a chick magnet..never been able to figure that one out but who am I to question good fortune. Anyway loved it...and miss it.
I’ve got the 1100 version. One of the best sounding bikes I’ve ever ridden. It gets about as much riding time as my road king. It’s pretty comfortable too.
Got a soft spot for Kaws. I learned to ride on a '77 KZ650 C1. Also learned a good bit about wrenching on bikes as it didn't run when I bought it. Though I now ride a Road King (Hail to the King) and love it, I really miss ringing out that inline four. I still think that thing would waste my sporty or my King.
Years back I had to thin the herd and so I sold the Harley and kept the Z I based my decision on this thought..... The Harley is fun The ZRX is exciting. 9 years later - still No regrets.
I'm looking at one for my next bike, I'm tall and want something not a crotch rocket but not a super naked..plus this bike just looks the absolute business from a classic styling standpoint
This was my first bike in Moscow. Loved this one. Rode around like a maniac. Once I almost got into a ditch. another time a pizza guy cut in front of me and I laid it down. An amazing machine.
I love those bikes! I'm on my second, 1st Gen FZ1, but the ZRX was always my second choice to the FZ. That era of naked bikes are some of the best combos of power and torque, with supreme comfort.
I almost bought an FZ1 ( got good horsepower, but not sexy) instead of my second ZRX1200, had a speed triple in between but just wasn't the same, bought another ZRX1200, best go with what you know is good.
I shopped between fz1, bandit and zrx. All great bikes I went with 03 blue zrx. Pipe, pods, Ohlins rear suspension, heavier springs and oil front suspension, flipped eccentrics, zzr cams, bikini fairing delete, kz repro headlight. Geared to be right under the rev limiter at 155 indicated, which is a lot of breeze on a stark naked bike with no fairing. Still not tired of it.
@@georgejameson9317 Sounds like a ZR-Rex mod that people used to do back in the day. Those bikes are absolute monsters and very much over looked. I've spoke with guys on the FZ1 forum who've done similar upgrades to their Fazzer and get close to 140 on the rear tire. I owned a '14 Z1000 for a short while, and it's just didn't hit quite like the older nakeds. Maybe one day I'll find a ZH2 that will bring me back to the Kawasaki brand.
Sometimes the problem with buying a 20+ year old motorcycle is, the lack of parts availability. There's just certain makes and models that most O.E.M parts are discontinued, and they have little to no aftermarket support.
True dat. This motor has been out of US production for almost 20 years, Kawasaki produced the DAEG which is the same bike with fuel injection for the Japanese market only and supporting equipment, fuel pp, mass air flow sensor, exhaust 02 probe, injectors and more. A conversion from Kawasaki will never happen because it is a small market and would cost as much as the bike would be worth.
You've got a four cylinder bike, the GL1200. It's a boxer instead of an in-line four, but it's got four cylinders. Motorcycles are made for riding, that's why I ride my old bike and patch it up 'till it dies completely. But it's a Honda, so that might take a while.
I had a 1975 Z900 that I lowsided on during a thunderstorm, most painful experience of my life. My girlfriend wasn't impressed either, most likely because she was on the back. Balled the bike up and sold what was left for a 1976 XS650.
I like that Kawi, I have a 2011 Vaquero custom in my collection! It looks like it would be a great commuter bike too. I'm all about the fat fuel tanks too.
Owned a suzuki GS1200SS, similar to ZRX, Currently ride a Honda CB1300. Can't beat big cc 4's for grunt and a smooth ride. Cheers from NZ.
We've been got 3 of these (an 1100, a 1200, and a HEAVILY modified 1200). Probably one of the best all around bikes ever made
Definitely best ever made....& the 1980 model was the shit too
That was my first motorcycle, I regret selling that bike more than any other possession I have ever owned
Ditto bro! I had one (a really nice one I paid maybe half what it could take) and loved it. I traded for a RM125 and trailer to a guy I thought deserved it. He loved it like I knew he would. I had it. I should have kept it.
My first bike was also a zrx 1200. Then on to Harleys
Dude I was able to squeeze 141hp out of my zrx1200r. Went down 1 tooth in the front and 3 up in the back. Busa's really had to know how to ride to beat me at the drag strip. Kerker megaphone, dialed in jet kit, k&n pods, drop springs, clip ons and a chevy headlight buddy
Shadetree Surgeon, That’s a perfect Motorcycle to add to your stable. It can replace either the Ducati or The Rocket 3 till you get either up and running again. Technically you only have the GoldWings that you can ride. We haven’t seen the Chopper in a long time. You could call this Bike The Hulk because of it’s speed and power.
The chopper has a bad coil plug or lead that's it
Got me a Black and Gold 1999 ZRX1100. Bought it immediately after getting back from the Isle of Man TT couple years ago. Got the Harley’s for cruising and the Z-Rex for corner carving!! 👍
First rule of TH-cam, content. And there are lots of viewers, me included who would love a ZRX, and would watch religiously every episode with the ZRX in it!
I dare say, your subscriber ship would rise also.
Agreed. A 3200 mile trip on an old goldwing = decent views. Same video on a ZRX = ASTRONOMICAL NUMBERS!!!
@@madtitan0880 Lol, and more of a challenge.
Owner of a Bandit 1200 myself, love the old big bore air/oil cooled 4-cyls. While they make good power out of the box, but with the right go-fast parts and supersport take-offs, you can surprise a lot of supersport riders out on the roads.
I had the baby cousin . Think it was an 1982 Gpz550 H2 ( UK air and oil cooled). Inline 4 . Candy apple red . 4 into 1 race micron exhaust. Had the same bikini faring. Loved that bike.
FInally a 4 cylinder on one of your vids! I ride a 1989 oil cooled GSXR 750, street fightered back in the 90s. For a 32 year old antique, 115bhp it certainly shows up a lot of modern crap! immense amounts of fun. Unassuming 4 cylinder, they are the best!
Had an 06, my favorite bike out of all the bikes I've owned, lived up to its reputation. Mine wasn't stock, but 3rd gear power wheelies was always good times. Best part was its size it was nothing for me to go put 600 miles on it in a day. Just a solid all around bike.
So. I owned one of these. A little carb tuning, a cheap exhaust and some filter pods really open these up.
I completely agree with your assessment of the brakes. They are pretty incredibly. If these were available in the 80s I think Kawasaki would be in a slightly different position these days.
The suspension.. for where you Demo’d is probably pretty good. Urban environment with spirited jaunts on the interstate is probably correct.
On any sort of actual twists and turns this bike really starts to show its weight. It likes to push hard to the outsides on corners to a point that correction with the throttle becomes problematic (loss of traction due to torque).
I loved mine and in hindsight should have just held on to it. It is going to be a true classic which is funny because it was modeled after a classic.
YOU SHOULD BUY IT!!! I have an 02 model. Red in color. I'll never sell it! I describe it to people as feral. Like you said, it won't beat any modern litre bikes, it's not as comfy as a Concours, but there's just something about Sexy Rexy that gets my hips moving and my heart pumping!!! I love it!!
I had an 84 GPZ 750 turbo when I was in the Navy I used to rip around San Diego like I was in top gun before top gun was made! I definitely love the classic Kawasaki's!
And I'm surprised no one mentioned this, but the mill is from a ZX11, but has cams that bring the power in lower down in the rev range. If you swap the cams back and add a good exhaust, many have reported HP numbers in the 170 range. Though I have to admit, I've had my ZRX1100 for several years and never felt the need. The ol' girl pulls like a train even in stock trim.
Cams, double Valve springs, and zx 11 or zzr 1200 ignition will get you an 11k redline, you will need 38-40 mm carbs to get high 130 hp at the wheel, and get an overbore cylinder and piston the most common adds 60 cc to 1224 that will get you into the 140-145 range at the wheel. 170 at the wheel will require pressurized intake, or a Franken Bike engine and transmission swap. A couple have been done with Hyabusa or zx 14 motor/ transmissions. But they take some significant frame and fuel tank modifications to support a downdraft head.
Still have magazine ad in frame. Took 1year to get mine new. VERY good bike!!!!!. A keeper.
Missed another premiere but I was out enjoying my first ride with my actual license. And not just my permit.
Congratulations !
@@Rski1234 thanks
Congrats, I've been squidding around too long, need to get my actual M cert
I own the bike that the ZRX was designed to compete with, although it disappeared from the U.S. before the ZRX showed up, a Honda CB1000 SF, a.k.a. "The Big One". Despite being slightly smaller in displacement (and with less power) it's actually physically larger than a ZRX by a noticeable amount. Mine was parked next to a customer's bike in for service when I bought it and the Honda dwarfed the ZRX, if you can believe it. I do love both bikes a lot though, it's too bad they don't still make something along those lines.
Man we got rid of my wife's ZRX1200 a few years ago, she brought it new! we are still regretting it..... get it Shadetree!!! you know you want too!
I have one that I need to restore. I bought it from a second owner, I think. It has a salvaged title: a stolen recovery, only slight cosmetic damage, but she runs just fine. I'm glad I have one. I can see the value going up every year I have her.
Love the sound of a big in-line four.
Look up a video of the big inline 6
@@HDDynalowrider I had a friend who had a CBX it was a unique sound for sure. But I just really love the in-line four sound.
Sounds like the old kz looo
@@HDDynalowrider cbx1000
Ride Factory Salesman of the Decade! They get so many unique bikes. I had to wait 30 years to get a Harley which is boring mainstream now and it is a Sportster. I was exclusively Rice Burner - no Euros or US bikes.
A Velorex 562 cruiser sidecar showed up on my local craigslist for $350. That's a give away price. Trashy one's go for $2500 easy. I purchased it and put it on my Honda VLX Cruiser. I love it! Don't knock Sidecars until you ride one a few times. Women will come up and ask for ride's or you fine notes with phone numbers and social media link's written as well taped to the bike. I now have two sidecar motorcycles. That's how much a enjoy them.
@13:17 - Hey Shadetree! Awesome test ride!
I've never owned a ZRX1200, but I rode with one once in Arkansas. A large group of us buddies and buddies of buddies would get together once a year and ride through Arkansas for a weekend. I rolled up that weekend on my CBR1100xx Super Blackbird. Most of the riders generally would ride cruisers or touring. As the ride went, we rode our own rides, the sportbikes would group to the front and be the fastest. Then the touring bikes would fill in where they could. The cruisers would stay grouped up and throughout the day we'd all meet at different places for gas stops or eateries. Well, I rolled up on that Blackbird that year and planned to ride with the sportbikes. One of the sportbikes was a ZRX1200, but not just any ole one. This bike was modded to the hilt, right down to the custom Ohlins suspension. I was able to ride with him and I'd beat him on the straights, but in the curves the Blackbird was just too heavy and bulky, making for no match for that ZRX. We had a great weekend riding, but there's no doubt that the ZRX pulled me around the entire time. Those are great bikes with great geometry. Adding the upgraded suspension parts will have those bikes handling like they are literally on rails.
First bike I ever rode. Zrx1200r. Feel in love with Riding after that. Girlfriend said, “you never look at me that way”. And she was right lol.
Great video and great timing. I just bought a nearly immaculate 1999 ZRX1100 yesterday.
Has it been reliable?
@@Spartansrule118 It was for 3 months. I lost interest and sold it. Back to dual-sports.
@@numbzinger350 what dual sport?
@@Spartansrule118 My last three were a WRR, KLR, and EXC. I'm going with a CRF Rally this time.
Funny I see this... a 2004 is being sold local here for like 5200 cdn! I was actually looking at it last night. lol
I found this channel years ago when I got my first bike and naturally started searching moto vlogs and the likes. My first impression was good. I liked Shadetree. Then after a while I started to feel as if the audience was too particular . I felt like it wasn’t truly my style. Very little relatability but it’s all good. That’s not a bad thing just didn’t find much that I personally can get behind. Then after a few years of not paying much attention to it, I feel like finally I got it. At the end of the day it’s about your appreciation and love for bikes. Not a specific bike, not a specific riding style, not a specific dress code, not a specific group of friends but simply enjoying riding. So now I do like and appreciate the channel again. Although I will say. Even though Shade often says “ I love all bikes “ and he does, he does have a style and I thinks it’s nostalgia. There’s no doubt nostalgia is is cup of coffee.
My first bike i rode when I got my permit was a zrx1100. It was my dad's spare bike, they are beautiful looking bikes. He bought it in 1999 the year I was born
Ah, I remember the forerunner, the Eddie Lawson Rep :-)
Once in a while I see a guy with that exact ZRX1200 riding around here in NOLA at bike nights and his is show room condition. People that have them know their value.
I bought a Blue '03 back in '06 from eBay. Flew to East coast to pick it up and rode it home on a Transportation tag. I had it 3 years so I could afford to go help my mother in Maryland. Being disabled it was the most painful fun I have ever had on a street bike. It .... uh ran pretty good!
:)
I've always leaned towards owning vintage Harley's more, but I'm a motorcycle lover and the ZRX1200R is the one that I want in my collection. It is the poster child of all that is Kawasaki. Beautiful motorcycle!
These classic bikes are awesome! I just recently got one of my dream bikes, an '02 ZX7R. These bikes have a soul unlike today's modern cookie cutters.
I have had zrx for 19 years I'm 5ft 4in 150 pounds. ride the hell out of it
I have 00 zrx 1100 54k and going. Been taken on a 15,000mile trip around the US, taken on track days, and I can fit a 12 pack under the seat for garage night. This bike was ahead of it's time especially once it's upgraded. Its the best all around bike your going to find. period. Never selling mine. Planning on rolling over the odometer on this one.
Your video was forwarded to me on IG createnotduplicate
Modern classic/Race replica. I almost bought it but found a 1984 Honda Interceptor in great shape. The red white and blue beauty. Wish I kept it.
Hey bro, here in Connecticut a classic is 25 years old and 30 is a antique. I love the old bikes. I have a 2013 FLH for long trips, but and also have a 79 XLH, a 80 FXB, and a 84 FLHS. Yes I'm a Harley guy. lol Just can't beat the old Shovelheads. Keep them coming. Later
It's actually modeled after the GPZ , KAW came out with a 500, 750 and 1000 in 81. All excellent machines I rode a 750 GPZ cross country in 1984 following summer got a FXDF H-D but after exhaust falling off, leaking motors ( they're marking their spot) and being embarrassed by every kid on a 350cc/450cc don't even look at any 750 I traded it in for a Concours I rode to many miles a year to own a Harley again.
I've owned two kawasaki's My first a 84 GPZ 750 and My second was a 85 ZL 900 eliminator. I loved those bikes.I now ride a 05 Dyna. I dig that you put this vid up Man !
I have the 86 Eliminator 900 and the 2002 zrx 1200 in green
@@raf900foss9 Awesome!
A buddy of mine had a new ZRX1200 right around when I started riding. He put a short throw throttle on his. I've always been amazed that he didn't kill himself between the power of the bike and his propensity for jackassery.
The Bangkok Bagger is a sort of blueish-green or teal. It depends on the light it's in.
Additionally, I put a deposit on a bike yesterday. A 2005 Honda VTX1300 C. In red. It'll be my first bike, but I am 6'5" and 280 lbs. I hope to ride with Brap Star Garage one day.
first bike i ever got as a 21st birthday was a ZRX1100. didn't make it 3 months without getting stolen and had to be salvaged after recovery. miss that bike every day and for 4500 this is a hell of a deal
I own a 1978 Rickman CR900. Kawasaki motor punched out to about 1050......with a turbo. You wanna talk about death machines, this thing is it.
I picked up one of these for 3500. It's a great bike. Lots of power! Great retro bike!
I've been riding my 2001 ZRX for 15 years and I just can't bring myself to change to something else.
The TIm Kreitz Special indeed! That one is the fastest color scheme, too, even though mine is silver. (I'm forced to say green is the fastest color or the ZRX Owners Association will excommunicate me.)
...they are the fastest
Reminds me of my Bandit. Every time I test ride something else to find something more comfortable, I am always underwhelmed and glad to get back on the big, yet quick, 4-cylinder sport-touring bike.
Thor would approve of this bike. It's just like a big old mother mothertrucking hammer. Not recommended for any riders not equipped with a big set of hangin' brass ones 100%! RIDE OR DIE ! ONE LOVE!
I had a KZ1000. '82 LTD. Back in the day I could have bought three of them for $3000. I learned how to ride on it, and everything smaller has felt like a cheap toy ever since. I'd take this one, but I just bought a bike.
I agree with you about Kawasaki's reputation. The Ninja series cemented that. My experience is one of reliability, performance, and handling in that order. Yamahas were always so smooth. Suzuki was fast. And Honda nickle-and-dimed me to death. Never owned a Harley, and now I'm not going to. I'm a mechanical engineer, and I can tell you Harley won't hire me. These are in-the-box thinkers, and I would be pissing in every breakfast from the machine shop floor to the executive at the top.
I may not have owned a ZRX1200 but I have had 3 ZX12r, the zrx12 motor was a detuned from the zx12r . I loved the zx12R wish I had kept one of them.
Great vid keep it up .
ZX12r is a completely different bike .. you can't compare.
The zrx 1200 engine goes all the way back to the Gpz 900 r top gun bike little Tommy Cruise rode in the first top gun bike. That motor in different forms and tune powered the original concourse, the Zl power cruisers, zx 10 and zx 11, the 1100 zrx, and the 1200 zrx and zzr 1200. The Zx12 was a completely new engine. So like 1984 through 2007, if you count the non US DAEG add another 9 years to 2016. Not the Chevrolet small block but pretty good run.
I absolutely love the ZRX1200R, one of my favorite motorcycles and one of my favorite engines. Power down low like a big V-twin (of the time) but still plenty of horsepower. Perfect riding position for me, bike isn't the best at any one thing but really good at just about everything
Still have my first year production 1999 ZRX1100. It isn't going anywhere, for more ZRX love check out the ZRXOA.
Keep all your take offs. First and last years always worth a bit more. I have all my takeoffs for my blue ‘03. Only year for the blue in the US.
First year is actually 1997 😎
Love it bro,
I have a 2000 Zrx1100, black/gold. First bike I’ve owned and it’ll stay with me until I die 💯👌🏾
I know a guy who has a ZRX 1100 with like 4K on the miles in mint condition. Never really rides it. Said he'd let it go for $4500. Nice bike. Great job. I'm only commenting for the algorithms.
Look for a 1200 newer the better.
Sense you asked for an update I’ll give it to you my father bought the bike from the dealership you went to. He has owned it for the past 2 years he loves the bike. He’s 62 and still does power wheelies on it. The bike is going into the shop he soon, keeps fauling the #3 plug
We ride and live in the Clearwater but he has rode to Miami a handful of times. Just put a new front tire, brakes and cauliflower rotors along with a a fork brace
Still a killer bike I try chasing him down on my ninja500 to obviously no avail 😅
I have a 2002 I bought for $3,500 with 18k miles. Put 10k in it ( Olin's suspension, dymags, Corbin, Fender eliminator, lightweight battery box, LEDs, Bars, levers, braided lines, stage 3 kit , Muzzy exhaust etc...etc..) I will never sell it. Oh and it will eat a modern 600 for lunch :)
the usual ZRX mods then ;-)
I have a 2003 Kawasaki ZRX1200R. I bought it new and still ride it. 50,000 miles and she still roars down the highway. The engine is made from a bored out ZX11 Ninja engine. So it can be tweaked to be very fast.
Larson lost the '82 Daytona 200 when he ran out of gas on turn 3-4 on the last lap! I was there!
I wish I kept my first bike. 1978 Honda CB400 Hawk, it rocked the Orange paint job and still had a kick started just in case.
Love those old 4 cylinder superbikes. Had a Suzuki GS1000S back in the 80s. It was a man sized bike, big and heavy but a great engine. Sold it for peanuts. Wish I still had it now!
That bike is pretty sweet. Glad it's not local or I would be tempted to buy it.
I've had a ZRX1100 AND a ZRX1200, the 1200's are the better of the 2 versions with much more power. 4500 is the going price for those in that condition. They've been stuck at 4500 for about 10 years.
I had a ZRX 1100 for 6 years 25,000 miles I loved that bike comfortable, very nimble and fast. I would like to add another one to my collection lol.But my ZX14R is absolutely insanely fast
I remember the original Lawson replica back in 1980s when I was racing
Just picked one up last weekend - such fun bikes !!
Currently own a 01 ZRX 1200 and just got a 2020 Z900 amazing bike and it was faster then my Z900 but I also let my brother in-law ride the ZRX he’s definitely a more advance rider regardless still super fun bike
Had an 04 two kids Drag Racing wreck me . I used the insurance money to buy a brand new Z 900 RS green of course! Luv the OG .
Josh you gotta take a Honda Fury for a ride.
I took one out on a test drive and I was BLOWN AWAY!! I can’t believe Honda pulled off such a sweet ride. I haven’t felt this jazzed over a test ride since I was fortunate enough to take an early RUNE for a ride.
The Rune is by far the finest motorcycle on the road. Try out the Fury Josh you will be happy you did. Such a beautiful bike 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
✌🏻🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸✌🏻
I love this bike, I was so close to buying one but couldn't quite afford it. I ended up getting a suzuki bandit 1200. Similar muscle bike dna. This was not meant to really be a harley killer but a rival to other 4 cylinder modern classics.
Bandit = Bad ass!!!
Bandit 12 is one of the most under rated bikes there is. Alot of people scoff at it just being a bandit but most people who buy one tend to keep it
Exactly what i did too xD
Wanted a zrx or xjr got a bandit.
Iam really happy with it still
Seeing that always brings me back to the wonderful years of 2 stroke motorcycle madness!
The 2 strokes were insane.
Over the years I've owned alot of differant brands of motorcycles Harley Honda Yamaha Suzuki even an old Alstate..lol but the Kawsaki I had was one of my favorites it was a KZ750 from 79 my first brand new vehicle quick handled well and for some reason a chick magnet..never been able to figure that one out but who am I to question good fortune. Anyway loved it...and miss it.
I’ve got the 1100 version. One of the best sounding bikes I’ve ever ridden. It gets about as much riding time as my road king. It’s pretty comfortable too.
Yea, there's loads of em in the UK. Not the original. just a re-hash of the Z1000r lawson replica which is the real sought after classic.
I ride a zrx 1100 to work in the summer, I love it.
Got a soft spot for Kaws. I learned to ride on a '77 KZ650 C1. Also learned a good bit about wrenching on bikes as it didn't run when I bought it. Though I now ride a Road King (Hail to the King) and love it, I really miss ringing out that inline four. I still think that thing would waste my sporty or my King.
my first big bike was a z650, think it was a B1 76 .. great bike for the times.
I wish Kawi would make a new version of the zl900 eliminator
Years back I had to thin the herd and so I sold the Harley and kept the Z I based my decision on this thought..... The Harley is fun The ZRX is exciting. 9 years later - still No regrets.
Shadtree surgeon the only TH-camr that can ride around on a gold wing and I’ll still watch it 🤙🏼
I really enjoyed that era of naked bikes. The Bandit, 919, FZ1 and ZRX especially.
I'm looking at one for my next bike, I'm tall and want something not a crotch rocket but not a super naked..plus this bike just looks the absolute business from a classic styling standpoint
Moto Guzzi 1000s…the one and only reason I never bought one brand new. You sir a legend who brings a smile to my dial. 😁
ZRX1200R and GPZ900R are 2 of my fav motorcycles! have a GPZ now
This was my first bike in Moscow. Loved this one. Rode around like a maniac. Once I almost got into a ditch. another time a pizza guy cut in front of me and I laid it down. An amazing machine.
I love those bikes! I'm on my second, 1st Gen FZ1, but the ZRX was always my second choice to the FZ. That era of naked bikes are some of the best combos of power and torque, with supreme comfort.
I almost bought an FZ1 ( got good horsepower, but not sexy) instead of my second ZRX1200, had a speed triple in between but just wasn't the same, bought another ZRX1200, best go with what you know is good.
I shopped between fz1, bandit and zrx. All great bikes I went with 03 blue zrx. Pipe, pods, Ohlins rear suspension, heavier springs and oil front suspension, flipped eccentrics, zzr cams, bikini fairing delete, kz repro headlight. Geared to be right under the rev limiter at 155 indicated, which is a lot of breeze on a stark naked bike with no fairing. Still not tired of it.
@@georgejameson9317 Sounds like a ZR-Rex mod that people used to do back in the day. Those bikes are absolute monsters and very much over looked. I've spoke with guys on the FZ1 forum who've done similar upgrades to their Fazzer and get close to 140 on the rear tire. I owned a '14 Z1000 for a short while, and it's just didn't hit quite like the older nakeds. Maybe one day I'll find a ZH2 that will bring me back to the Kawasaki brand.
90-95hp and 80-90lb trq. Have one. Love it
Sometimes the problem with buying a 20+ year old motorcycle is, the lack of parts availability. There's just certain makes and models that most O.E.M parts are discontinued, and they have little to no aftermarket support.
True dat. This motor has been out of US production for almost 20 years, Kawasaki produced the DAEG which is the same bike with fuel injection for the Japanese market only and supporting equipment, fuel pp, mass air flow sensor, exhaust 02 probe, injectors and more. A conversion from Kawasaki will never happen because it is a small market and would cost as much as the bike would be worth.
Aw man, yer making me miss my old perfectly modded Bandit 1200. Muscle bikes have always been, and always will be fun as hell and badass.
I hade an 03 z1000 and josh is not wrong those things are too fast to not get in trouble lol ended up trading it in after 2 weeks
Ride factory did a lovely job restoring the Kawa
You've got a four cylinder bike, the GL1200. It's a boxer instead of an in-line four, but it's got four cylinders.
Motorcycles are made for riding, that's why I ride my old bike and patch it up 'till it dies completely. But it's a Honda, so that might take a while.
Fantastic bike, I own the Honda that competed with it the X11. Basically a 140hp blackbird without the fairing and one less gear
I was blessed at one time to own five KZ 1000 at one time. I even had the 76 900 LTD
Remember when you could get the Police Surplus KZ900's and 1000's for a song? They all were fast bikes for their time.
Great video! I’ve got an 02 and love it!
I just went from a SOHC cb750 to a 2002 fz1 and it’s part of the same segment as this bike. It’s absolutely bonkers A total hoot.
Im partial to old kawa 4cyl bikes. I own a 79 kz1000ltd and an 82 spectre 750 that I bobbed the hell out of. Great video this time man.
I had a 1975 Z900 that I lowsided on during a thunderstorm, most painful experience of my life. My girlfriend wasn't impressed either, most likely because she was on the back. Balled the bike up and sold what was left for a 1976 XS650.
Gotta love the old Kawis. 750 H1 Mach IV 2 stoke triple ,and the Z1000 ,Mad Max comes to mind .
that be 4500 to put back into the FXR :). Gonna take the leap this week on an old Road King myself.
I shed a couple of tears when I sold it and saw the buyer driving it away, back in 2004....
I like that Kawi, I have a 2011 Vaquero custom in my collection! It looks like it would be a great commuter bike too. I'm all about the fat fuel tanks too.