2012Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R

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The 2012 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R is a track-focused superbike engineered for experienced riders seeking maximum performance and precision. Its potent 998cc inline-four engine, advanced traction control system, and aggressive geometry make it best known for delivering exceptional acceleration and handling on both road and circuit. Built for racers and enthusiasts demanding cutting-edge sportbike capability.

Capacity: 998.0 ccm
Engine: In-line four, four-stroke
Gearbox: 6-speed
Dry weight: 198.0 kg
Seat height: 813 mm
Power: 179.6 HP (132.1 kW)

⇄ Compare with another bike All model years

What’s new for the 2012 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R

vs the 2011

Spec	2011	2012
Front suspension	43mm inverted Big Piston Fork (BPF) with DLC coating, adjustable rebound and compression damping, spring preload adjustability / 4.7 in.	43mm inverted Big Piston Fork (BPF), adjustable rebound and compression damping, spring preload adjustability / 4.7 in.
Rear suspension	Horizontal Back-link with gas-charged shock and top-out spring, stepless, dual-range (low-/high-speed) compression damping, stepless rebound damping, fully adjustable spring preload / 4.9 in.	Horizontal back-link with gas-charged shock, stepless, dual-range (low-/high-speed) compression damping, stepless rebound damping, fully adjustable spring preload / 5.5 in.
Front brakes	Double disc	Double disc. ABS
Rear brakes	Single disc	Single disc. ABS

Other years 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail5%

Cornering65%

City riding35%

Daily riding40%

Touring45%

Two-up55%

Track70%

Best for: Built primarily as a straight-line speed and long-distance high-performance machine rather than a nimble corner-carving trackday weapon.
Built for: A brute-force in-line four hyper-sport bike that blends drag-strip acceleration with surprising highway comfort and stability.
Not ideal for: Not a good fit for new riders, off-road use, tight urban commuting, or anyone seeking a lightweight, flickable corner-carver.

Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.

Will it fit you?

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Your height

Inseam (optional)

Units

At 813mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2012 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R, with a cramped knee angle of around 70 degrees and a forward-leaning riding position.

Assumes about 30mm of suspension sag once seated. This is an approximation from category-typical geometry, not a measurement of this bike or of you - sit on one before you buy.

More bikes at 751-820 mm — Middle Ground →

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Full specifications

Engine

Capacity: 998.0 ccm
Power: 179.6 HP (132.1 kW)
CO2 Emissions: 137 CO2 g/km
EPA Certificate No.: CKAXC.998AAC-010-R01
EPA Est. Fuel Consumption: 5.84 L/100km (1373.7 mpg)
EPA CO Emissions: 2.9 CO g/km
Torque: 112.4 Nm (11.5 kgf-m)
Engine type: In-line four, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio: 0.9071 HP/kg
Bore x stroke: 76.0 x 55.0 mm
Compression: 13.0:1
Cooling system: Liquid
Fuel system: Injection
Starting: Electric
Ignition: TCBI with digital advance and Sport-Kawasaki Traction Control (S-KTRC)
Aspiration: Naturally aspirated
Valves per cylinder: 4
Lubrication system: Forced lubrication, wet sump with oil cooler

Transmission

Gearbox: 6-speed
Transmission type: Manual
Final drive: Chain
Clutch: Wet multi-disc, manual

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1425 mm
Overall length: 2075 mm
Overall width: 716 mm
Overall height: 1115 mm
Seat height: 813 mm
Dry weight: 198.0 kg
Wet weight: 208.0 kg
Fuel capacity: 17.00 litres
Ground clearance: 145 mm

Chassis & suspension

Front suspension: 43mm inverted Big Piston Fork (BPF), adjustable rebound and compression damping, spring preload adjustability / 4.7 in.
Rear suspension: Horizontal back-link with gas-charged shock, stepless, dual-range (low-/high-speed) compression damping, stepless rebound damping, fully adjustable spring preload / 5.5 in.
Front wheel travel: 119 mm
Rear wheel travel: 140 mm
Rake (fork angle): 25.0°
Trail: 107 mm

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes: Double disc. ABS
Front brakes diameter: 310 mm
Rear brakes: Single disc. ABS
Rear brakes diameter: 220 mm
ABS: Optional
Front tyre: 120/70-ZR17
Rear tyre: 190/55-ZR17

Other

Color options: Lime Green/ Metallic Spark Black, Passion Red/ Metallic Spark Black, Metallic Flat Platinum Gray/ Metallic Spark Black
Warranty: 12
Fuel Tank Material: M

Compiled from manufacturer documentation and user contributions, corrected on an ongoing basis. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.

What changed, year to year

Differences highlighted

Specification	2007	2011	2012	2016	2020	2024
Capacity	998.00 ccm (60.90 cubic inches)	998.00 ccm (60.90 cubic inches)	998.00 ccm (60.90 cubic inches)	998.00 ccm (60.90 cubic inches)	998.0 ccm (60.90 cubic inches)	998.00 ccm (60.90 cubic inches)
Dry weight	175.1 kg (386.0 pounds)	—	—	—	—	206.0 kg (454.2 pounds)
Seat height	813 mm (32 inches)	813 mm (32.0 inches)	813 mm (32.0 inches)	813 mm (32.0 inches)	835 mm (32.9 inches)	831 mm (32.7 inches)
Fuel capacity	17.03 litres (4.50 gallons)	17.03 litres (4.50 gallons)	17.03 litres (4.50 gallons)	17.03 litres (4.50 gallons)	17.00 litres (4.49 US gallons)	17.03 litres (4.50 gallons)
Color options	Lime Green, Passion Red, Candy Plasma Blue, Ebony	Lime Green/Ebony, Ebony/Flat Ebony	Lime Green/ Metallic Spark Black, Passion Red/ Metallic Spark Black, Metallic Flat Platinum Gray/ Metallic Spark Black	Lime Green, Pearl Flat Grey/Flat Ebony	Metallic Spark Black/Metallic Flat Spark Black	Ebony, Candy Burnt Orange/Flat Super Black, Special Edition Lime Green/Metallic Diablo Black