2012Kawasaki Z1000

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The 2012 Kawasaki Z1000 is a middleweight naked bike powered by a 1043cc liquid-cooled inline four-cylinder engine, delivering aggressive performance and sharp handling. Designed for experienced riders seeking pure street thrills, it combines raw power with responsive maneuverability. Best known for its potent acceleration and aggressive styling, the Z1000 remains a benchmark supernaked motorcycle.

Capacity: 1043.0 ccm
Engine: In-line four, four-stroke
Gearbox: 6-speed
Wet weight: 218.2 kg
Seat height: 815 mm
Power: 125.2 HP (92.1 kW)

⇄ Compare with another bike All model years

What’s new for the 2012 Kawasaki Z1000

vs the 2011

Spec	2011	2012
Dry weight	198.0 kg (436.5 pounds)	not listed

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

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail3%

Cornering85%

City riding65%

Daily riding68%

Touring45%

Two-up55%

Track62%

Best for: Aggressive street naked built for spirited backroad blasts, canyon carving and confident urban riding with a big-bore punch.
Built for: Muscular, hooligan super-naked with a howling inline-four, sharp styling and eager throttle. Refined yet raw and full of attitude.
Not ideal for: Not for beginners, dedicated long-haul tourers wanting wind protection, or anyone seeking off-road ability or a laid-back cruiser.

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 815mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2012 Kawasaki Z1000, with a relaxed knee angle of around 125 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: 1043.0 ccm
Power: 125.2 HP (92.1 kW)
CO2 Emissions: 123 CO2 g/km
EPA Certificate No.: CKAXC1.04AAA-006-R01
EPA Est. Fuel Consumption: 5.24 L/100km (1232.5 mpg)
EPA CO Emissions: 2.1 CO g/km
Engine type: In-line four, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio: 0.5738 HP/kg
Bore x stroke: 77.0 x 56.0 mm
Compression: 11.8:1
Cooling system: Liquid
Fuel system: Injection
Starting: Electric
Ignition: TCBI Digital Advance
Aspiration: Naturally aspirated
Valves per cylinder: 4
Lubrication system: Forced lubrication, wet sump
Torque: Not on record - add it

Transmission

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

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1440 mm
Overall length: 2096 mm
Overall width: 805 mm
Overall height: 1085 mm
Seat height: 815 mm
Wet weight: 218.2 kg
Fuel capacity: 15.10 litres
Ground clearance: 125 mm
Dry weight: Not on record - add it

Chassis & suspension

Frame: Aluminum Backbone
Front suspension: 41 mm inverted cartridge fork with stepless compression and rebound damping, adjustable spring preload / 4.7 in.
Rear suspension: Horizontal monoshock with stepless rebound damping, adjustable spring preload / 5.4 in.
Front wheel travel: 120 mm
Rear wheel travel: 135 mm
Rake (fork angle): 24.5°
Trail: 104 mm

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes: Double disc
Front brakes diameter: 300 mm
Rear brakes: Single disc
Rear brakes diameter: 250 mm
Front tyre: 120/70-ZR17
Rear tyre: 190/50-ZR17

Other

Color options: Orange/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	2014	2018	2021
Capacity	953.00 ccm (58.15 cubic inches)	1043.00 ccm (63.64 cubic inches)	1043.00 ccm (63.64 cubic inches)	1043.00 ccm (63.64 cubic inches)	1043.00 ccm (63.64 cubic inches)	1043.0 ccm (63.64 cubic inches)
Dry weight	198 kg (436.5 pounds)	—	—	—	—	—
Seat height	820 mm (32.3 inches)	815 mm (32.1 inches)	815 mm (32.1 inches)	815 mm (32.1 inches)	815 mm (32.1 inches)	815 mm (32.1 inches)
Fuel capacity	18.54 litres (4.90 gallons)	15.14 litres (4.00 gallons)	15.14 litres (4.00 gallons)	17.00 litres (4.49 gallons)	17.00 litres (4.49 gallons)	17.00 litres (4.49 US gallons)
Color options	Metallic Diablo Black	Candy Lime Green/Ebony, Ebony	Orange/black	Golden Blazed Green/Metallic Spark Black	Emerald Blazed Green/Metallic Carbon Gray, Pearl Storm Gray/Candy Surf Blue	Black