Sportbikes
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)
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
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
2026
2027
How it rides
Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested- 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?
Worked out in your browser - nothing is sent to usRange and running costs
Worked out in your browser - nothing is sent to usBased on the published US (EPA-style) fuel economy estimate and tank size. Real-world figures depend on how and where you ride, and the last litres of a tank are reserve. Prices shown greyed are examples - type your own.
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 (40.3 US 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 (dry)
- 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
- Metal
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 | 2005 | 2011 | 2012 | 2016 | 2022 | 2027 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 998 cc | 998 cc | 998 cc | 998 cc | 998 cc | 998 cc |
| Dry weight | 170 kg | 198 kg | 198 kg | 198 kg | — | 193 kg |
| Seat height | 826 mm | 813 mm | 813 mm | 813 mm | 835 mm | 826 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 17 L | 17 L | 17 L | 17 L | 17 L | 17 L |
Illustrative - generated automatically by diffing the year records already on file, not a manufacturer-published changelog.
Rider Reviews
Common questions
What is the engine size of the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R?
The 2012 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R has a Capacity of 998.0 ccm (60.90 cubic inches).
What engine power does the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R have?
The 2012 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R has a Power of 179.6 HP (132.1 kW).
How many gears does the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R have?
The 2012 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R has a Gearbox of 6-speed.
What is the torque of the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R?
The 2012 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R has a Torque of 112.4 Nm (11.5 kgf-m or 82.9 ft.lbs).
How much does the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R weigh?
The 2012 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R has a Dry weight of 198.0 kg (436.5 pounds).
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