Sportbikes
2004Kawasaki Ninja ZX-12R
36 fields on record
The 2004 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-12R is a sport-touring powerhouse designed for experienced riders seeking high performance and long-distance comfort. Powered by a 1198cc liquid-cooled inline-four engine producing 178 horsepower, it delivers thrilling acceleration and top-speed capability while maintaining practicality. This motorcycle is best known for its raw power, aerodynamic styling, and ability to dominate both highway and track riding.
- Capacity
- 1198.0 ccm
- Engine
- In-line four
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Dry weight
- Not on record
Know it? Add it → - Seat height
- 818 mm
- Power
- 178.0 HP (130.9 kW)
How it rides
Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested- Best for
- Built primarily as a high-speed sport and hypersport machine for open roads and track days rather than commuting or exploring.
- Built for
- A brutally fast, big-bore in-line four with a stiff aluminum monocoque frame and premium adjustable suspension, delivering top-tier straight-line performance and confident high-speed stability.
- Not ideal for
- Not a good fit for new riders, those wanting an upright relaxed commuter, or anyone seeking off-road capability or long-distance touring comfort.
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 usReliability & safety
Bike Reliability score, safety recalls and owner complaintsBike Reliability
How the score works →77
out of 100Good
The 2004 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-12R passed its annual roadworthiness test first time 87.1% of the time, 6.2 points above expected for bikes of the same age and mileage. That beats 77% of models.
All years of this model: 73 / 100 (good) from 33,923 tests.
87.1%Passed first time
7.0%Failed outright
5.9%Fixed during test
17,000Typical miles
5,216Tests
Pass rate by miles ridden
All years of this model.
Score by year first registered
64
71
75
77
77
84
83
2000200120022003200420052006
Against its rivals · ranks 5 of 6
| # | Model (all years) | Score | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | BMW K 1200 S | 97 Excellent | 628 |
| 2 | BMW R 1200 S | 91 Excellent | 1,740 |
| 3 | Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14 | 86 Excellent | 148 |
| 4 | Suzuki GSX1300R Hayabusa | 76 Good | 12,111 |
| 5 | Kawasaki Ninja ZX-12R | 73 Good | 33,923 |
| 6 | Buell Firebolt XB12R | 60 Good | 3,073 |
Rivals are the most-viewed bikes on MotorcycleDB in the same category and engine size, from within three years of this model.
From British annual roadworthiness tests, 2005-2025. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0 (DVSA MOT test data, Great Britain). How Bike Reliability works.
Engine
- Capacity
- 1198.0 ccm
- Power
- 178.0 HP (130.9 kW)
- Torque
- 134.0 Nm (13.7 kgf-m)
- Engine type
- In-line four
- Bore x stroke
- 83.0 x 55.4 mm
- Compression
- 12.2:1
- Cooling system
- Liquid
- Fuel system
- Injection
- Starting
- Electric
- Ignition
- Digital
- Valves per cylinder
- 4
Transmission
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Transmission type
- Manual
- Final drive
- Chain
Performance
- Top speed
- 298.0 km/h (185.2 mph)
Dimensions & weight
- Wheelbase
- 1450 mm
- Overall width
- 739 mm
- Overall height
- 1199 mm
- Seat height
- 818 mm
- Fuel capacity
- 18.90 litres
- Ground clearance
- 119 mm
- Dry weight
- Not on record - add it
Chassis & suspension
- Frame
- Aluminum monocoque
- Front suspension
- 43mm inverted hydraulic telescopic fork with adjustable compression and rebound damping, adjustable spring preload
- Rear suspension
- UNI-TRAK® system with single shock, adjustable compression and rebound damping, adjustable ride height, and adjustable preload
- Front wheel travel
- 43 mm
- Rear wheel travel
- 140 mm
- Rake (fork angle)
- 23.5°
Brakes & wheels
- Front brakes
- Double disc
- Front brakes diameter
- 320 mm
- Rear brakes
- Single disc
- Rear brakes diameter
- 230 mm
- Front tyre
- 120/70-17
- Rear tyre
- 200/50-17
Maintenance
- Battery
- Yuasa: YTX14H-BS (12 V 12 Ah) or YTX14-BS (12 V 12 Ah)
Other
- Color options
- Candy Thunder Blue, Galaxy Silver
Specs last verified against published sources: .
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 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 1198 cc | 1199 cc | 1198 cc |
| Dry weight | — | 210 kg | 210 kg |
| Seat height | 818 mm | 820 mm | 820 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 18.9 L | 18.9 L | 18.9 L |
| Bike Reliability ⓘ | 77 Good | 84 Excellent | 83 Excellent |
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-12R?
The 2004 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-12R has a Capacity of 1198.0 ccm (73.11 cubic inches).
What engine power does the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-12R have?
The 2004 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-12R has a Power of 178.0 HP (130.9 kW).
How many gears does the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-12R have?
The 2004 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-12R has a Gearbox of 6-speed.
What is the torque of the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-12R?
The 2004 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-12R has a Torque of 134.0 Nm (13.7 kgf-m or 98.8 ft.lbs).
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Same category, weighted similarity
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2003 Suzuki GSX1300R Hayabusa
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2004 Honda CBR 1100 XX Super Blackbird
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2005 Honda CBR 1100 XX Super Blackbird
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2001 Suzuki GSX1300R Hayabusa
1298 cc · 215 kg · 805 mm
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