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Sportbikes

2004Kawasaki Ninja ZX-12R

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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
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Seat height
818 mm
Power
178.0 HP (130.9 kW)
Other years 2004 2006

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested
Speed 93Agility 76Comfort 55Off-road 5Touring 40Road manners 85
Off-road & trail5%
Cornering80%
City riding40%
Daily riding45%
Touring40%
Two-up35%
Track85%
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 us
At 818mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with balls of both feet on the 2004 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-12R, 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
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
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
Other
Color options
Candy Thunder Blue, Galaxy Silver

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 20042006
Capacity 1198 cc 1198 cc
Dry weight 210 kg
Seat height 818 mm 820 mm
Fuel capacity 18.9 L 18.9 L

Illustrative - generated automatically by diffing the year records already on file, not a manufacturer-published changelog.

Rider Reviews

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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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