Bolt On Goodies
I've also been looking round at bolt on goodies, here are a few of my favorites.
Muzzy 1361cc 210hp stroker and bore kit
Like the ZX12 was not all ready powerfull enough, this is a bolt on
1361cc kit that gives 210hp at the back wheel!
www.muzzys.com
Extreme Graphic parts
This is a US company, the bodywork parts are gorgeous.
A very nice hugger, must get myself one.
This is one of there undertrays, normally I'm not to keen on these but this in excellent.
How trick is this Master cylinder cover?
www.extremegraphicfsmd.com
Devil Twin pipes!
Carbon Fibre tank, work of art, click for big picture.
Dymag Carbon Fibre Wheels anyone?
Carbon Fibre Tank Cover.
Not sure I will ever be fitting any of these fine bits n pieces, for one, quality parts cost quality money. But its Always nice to know the parts are there if you want them, right, were did I put the credit card ;-)
13th May 2003
My new insurance came today. I've gone to a company called "The Policy Shop"
0800 064 4404 try them, they did me a good deal on fully comp, lets hope I dont need it.
I phoned the shop today too, to see how the work was going on the bike.
I decided to get a Carbon Fibre Hugger fitted while they are working on it.
The idea is to keep the crud off the rear shock.
21st May 2003
This was the big day, I've been like a kid at Xmass for the last few days.
All went smoothly, Tony my brother took me to pick up the new bike.
We took the long way home, wanted to get home to check the bike over and I must
say, MotoGrafix have done an excellent job of getting my bike ready, I could not find a single
thing that needed attention, thanks guys at MotoGrafix.
The only thing that went wrong is that my Carbon hugger and exhaust had not arrived. I had wanted
some crash protectors but the ones they could get was £80 so I left that till later. My bits
should arrive in the next few days.
I have to admit, I was real impressed with this bike. I'm running in and can only use up to 4000rpm but
that is good for 70mph in top gear so I really cant see breaking in being a problem.
The brakes are great, they seem to get better the faster I go. The bike is very spacious, Its a bit of a reach
to the bars and the fairing is very good and protective, this means even at fast speeds there's a bit of weight rests on
my arms shoulders, but I'm sure if I am ok with it then some one with out my injuries would not even notice.
What has really surprised me is the handling. Once on the move it would be hard to tell this bike was any heavier than
other supersport bikes. It does not change direction lightning quick like the Blade but, it will do excatley what you want
without a murmer. It remind me a lot of Yamahas R1, not encouraging but does just how its told. Fast sweepers
feel great, it just seems to lean into the corners and glides round without a care in the world feeling very stable no matter
what you are riding like.
24th May 2003
I've not been happy. It has rained ever since I got the bike, until today.
I went out for a ride to Doncaster and had a burger outside Rosio (old Carnells), very nice burgers they are too.
I walked round the shop while eating my burger, dripping tomato ketchup all over the place.
Then I saw the Magic Mushrooms £20, they are the fairing mounted ones. Apparently people talk bad of
them and prefer the frame mounted ones. I suppose they might be better in a slide down the road, but I wanted some in
case I dropped the bike manovering it out of my house. I hope I never get to test them.
As I came out of the shop the heavens opened, typical, I'm glad I got round to putting a coat of AutoGlym resin
polish on the plastics. The rain only lasted a few minutes and then the sun was out again, my bike dried without
a mark, good stuff that polish.
I called round to MotoGrafix and my exhaust can and hugger had turned up. I had my rucksack and the Can fit inside, just.
What to do about my hugger? Sod it, why not just put it on outside the shop. It fitted a dream and looks nice.
You can see our new helmets here too, the Shark helmets did a great job during our crash so I decided to stick with Shark.
This is the Break In instructions on the Tacho, 2000 miles!
The Pyramid Carbon Fibre Hugger, top quality stuff.
Magic Mushrooms, looks part of the bike.
Front mudguard, scratched it getting it in n out of house, not happy!
The G-Force Exhaust can, in stainless. Waiting until the engine is run in before fixing it on.
Inside the Exhaust can. Should let gasses escape a but more free and Noise?
I've been doing this little trick for ages now. I find it very convenient.
I drill a 10.5mm hole in the plastic rear mudguard. The disk Lock simple
locks thru the hole, it swings freeley, but I never notice it is there.
28th May 2003
I've been real busy, not had chance to ride. Kids was on school this week so we went for a few days holiday to London.
This evening I had a ride out to Squire at Sherburn. First time I've rode there since the crash.
Felt a bit strange. I rode on my own as I need to run the bike in still. I got followed by a Police car that was sneakily waiting up a
side road, assholes picking on us bikers again. Got suckered this time and he followed me for ages.
I forgot my bloody camera so sorry no pictures this time. I can tell you it was just as packed out as ever.
I've clocked up about 150miles so far and it looks like the weather is changing for the better. Hopefully I might get the bike
run in before the sun disappears again.
5th June 2003
I spent all day yesterday cleaning and polishing my bike ready for the Wednesday run to Sherburn.
I text a few of the lads and not one seems bothered about the ride out, has my crash really put every one off?
Before I set off I checked the teletext to see what the weather was doing. It said there was only a 10% chance
or rain. Pretty good odds I would say. I rode out to Premier bikes at Askern
https://www1.securesiteserver.co.uk/premierbikes/
The sun was out and I sat chatting to a lad outside, I later found he was meeting some other people he had met on the
MCN chat room.
I then set off to Squires, not knowing exactley were I was going. I just kept going on the A19 and ended up in York!
realising I had gone a bit far in the wrong direction I headed for the A1 after seeing a sign. I got on the A1 and it started to rain.
Seems every time I clean the bike this happens. By the time I got to Squires it had stopped raining, I wasn't too wet.
It brightened up while I was eating my chips. The roads was wet so the ride home was a steady one.
About half way home the heavens opened good style. I kept going as it was getting late, not for a long time have I
been out in such a downpour. My new Jacket was great, so good the rain was running down the front and between
my legs, soggy nuts!!! By the time I was home every part of me was soaked, great fun.
Now I have some polishing to do again!
17th June 2003
It's been a while since the last update, this is the reason.
Zachari Jack Francis Blade Bennett!
click here for more pictures Zac's Page
He is 6 days old in this picture today, born 11th June 2003 2.22pm
So I have just not had any spare time to ride.
I did ride out to Matlock and took Colin with me.
This is as close as Colin gets to riding this monster!
While at Matlock I picked up some very reasonably priced Panniers £30 from Bikers Gearbox!
Come in handy for the camping trips.
Real easy to use, just strap em under the seat, there are extra
straps and bungee's if you plan on going warp factor 9.
I'm getting near the first service milage.
424 miles, to say the least these miles have been very enjoyable, even at 4000rpm
I recon another trip to Sherburn and I will book it in for the first service.
25th June 2003
Clocked up 600 mile now and it's had it's first service today.
MotoGrafix did the service for £20 took them about 2 1/2 hours
They seem to have done a great job up until now.
I can now rev upto 6000rpm and believe me when I say it's plenty.
In top gear it's good for 100mph and sortshifting through the gears while
zipping down the country "A" roads is great fun, the handling is a good as
any bike gets on fast "A" roads, I don't think any thing is going to be able
to pass this beast if I feel that way out.
29th June 2003
I went on a ride out with a totally new group of riders today.
This is Terry and Co. (Thanks for the Ride Out Terry)
We met at the Paddoc Pub in Cantley, Doncaster at 9am, set off towards Skegness but
stopped for breakfast a few miles out. It was a steady ride out with sensible riders, that makes
a change. It was great for the running in. After having a icescreem in Skeggy we headed off to
Willingham Woods there was a good few bikers at this place.
Well worth a visit.
Then when we got some of the way back, me and a couple of other guy headed for Squires.
By the time I got home I had racked up a good 872 breaking in miles.
I can now rev to 8000rpm+ if worked out incrementally. I believe building the
revs gradually instead of in jumps will be better for the engine.
4th July 2003
Muzzy are on the ball again with these very desirable items.
This is the Bonneville Box, it "unrestricts" the ZX12R rumor has it that a 12 will hit 205mph
with this unrestrictor, zorst n powercommander!
Above? Bonneville Box $89.95
Below? Nitrous kit! $1195.95
Nitrous Oxide Boost kit, plug n play in a big way 70bhp on standard bike.
What more can I say, starting to make the Fireblade bolt ons look boring!
5th July 2003
Curiosity got the better of me today. I was cleaning the bike ready for a ride out tomorrow when
I decided to put the G-Force race can on, just to hear how it sounded.
It was real easy to fit. I took some video of standard exhaust, race can fitted and NO CAN.
The video does no justice to just how loud it was without the can on at all.
Click hear or the picture above to see the video! 2.1mb long
Here is a picture of the exhaust with the silencer can taken off, I believe
this filter thing is the catalytic converter.
Here is the G-Force race can fitted. I had one big surprise when I test fitted this can.
The Original Titanium can felt LIGHTER than the Stainless G-Force race can.
I was very, very surprised, good work Kawasaki.
I fitted the original standard can back on until I have finished running in....
6th July 2003
I met up with a bunch of lads I met at Squires last week. I got talking to "Paddy" a lad with a ZX12R in
plain green. He has lost a leg but still rides very well.
I met them at Squires 10am. We headed up the A1 to Scotch corner and met a few more riders, 9 altogether
mainley on Sportsbikes. The riding was quick but still sensible, we headed North for a Hartside top Cafe
http://www.transportcafe.co.uk/hartsidetop.html
These have got to have been some of the best biking roads I've been on. I would like to get to know them better bet,
the closer to the cafe we got the more Coppers there was, they must know these are great roads too.
I believe the place was about 100 miles from Squires and I again clocked up some good running in miles.
Well as you see, 1140 miles, I'm allowed 9000rpm now until I've done 2000 miles.
Its not such a bad thing, in top gear that's good for around 150mph.
Suspension Settings
These great roads gave me chance to have a good go at setting up the suspension better.
Before I started messing around with settings I took note of the "Standard" settings.
Front
Pre-load - 5 rings out (10mm) of maximum of 8 rings (15mm).
Rebound damping (top) - 7 clicks out of a maximum of 13 clicks.
Compression damping (bottom) - 7 clicks out of a maximum of 13 clicks.
Sag - measured from fork seal to alloy outer - 101mm of a maximum of 133mm.
Rear
Preload - not measured
Compression damping (top) - 10 clicks out of a maximum of 18 clicks.
Rebound damping (bottom) - 8 clicks out of a maximum of 22 clicks.
Sag - measured from top of swingarm just in front of rear chaingaurd screw to top back edge of left rear footpeg - 241mm of a maximum of 244mm.
***************
I've waited for a good while before I touched the settings so I got used to the bike and
to be sure what needed adjusting.
I have looked at MCN's settup, thing is there standard settings did not match mine so
I worked out I was going to be on my own with this setup.
The bike has always felt hard and did not turn in fast enough for my liking.
The first thing I did was to try and quicken the steering. To attempt this I wound out the front
preload so 7 rings could be seen.
This instantley made the bike feel lighter and more willing to turn in.
The next problem, the harshness. I concluded it was the preload damping. On hitting bumps the shock was transferred straight to the bars.
While out on Sunday I sofened the front preload damping at first by 3 clicks, this was better so I tried another 3, It has sofened
the feel, bumps are much less noticed as the suspension seems to soak the up better. Fork dive under braking increased
but is in no way anything out of the ordinary.
To help the suspension settle quick after bumps I wound in the front rebound damping in by 3 clicks, first impression is good but more riding is needed.
At the back I did similar, I left the rear preload alone as there is only 5mm of sag and I aint got a C spanner.
I turned out 3 clicks on compression damping, only a little alteration so I turned another 4 clicks out.
This made a difference, Bumps now seem to be little problem and its easier to concentrate on cornering than worrying about bumps now.
The bikes handling feels very neutral, most corners not a thought enters your head, its only the smaller corners were you have to think about it.
It has made a difference when traveling at speed too. It is all to easy to go very, very fast.
I seem to have made great progress very quickley with the suspension settings, more to follow.
10th July 2003
My Iridium Screen arrived yesterday, I ordered it from Cusworth Motorcycles in Doncaster.
While I was there picking it up, I got a Gold Screen Trim £5 and some funky dust caps, more on these later.
The Screen is an AirBlade Iridium Double Bubble. Its Higher up than standard.
I have noticed when sat in my normal riding position at speed well into 3 figures I was getting helmet
bufferting, not sure if its the bike or the helmet as both are new to me. With the Airblade Screen I can sit
just about in normal position and can hear the wind blast going around and over me with the slightest of
tuck, no more helmet buffet, jobs a good En!
As you can see it looks well trick and gives the bike a more personal instead of standard feel.
I would recommend one!
I picked up some novel little dustcaps. They indicate if your tire pressure is low.
They come in different pressure ranges. You buy the ones to suit you machine.
41- 43psi are mine, if you tire pressure drops by 5psi the yellow indicator becomes visible.
If tire pressure drops 10psi the red part shows warning of trouble.
I still check my tire presure every time I get the bike out but these caps are good for a quick check
at your destination before you set of back home or whatever.
Barton Bike Night
The Screen came at a good time, Last night was Barton Bike Night
http://www.hisnet.u-net.com/barton/Events.html
I'm not sure what this night is all about? I think it is an annual event were thousands of bikes roll into this small town.
True to form was last night, it took me about 30 minutes to get from the A15 turn off to parking up, about a mile tops.
The streets was lined with people and bikes. bike after bike rolled in to the town. Scattered around and down side
streets are stalls set out by retailers selling all things bike related.
I has a steady ride there, just over 60 miles of motorways knowing that the cops were likley to be out in force.
So that's another 120 mile clocked up, 1250 miles of running in ..............
********
Found another interesting bit of kit for the biker who has to have everything....
Satellite Navigation!
It's a very nice bit of kit. Has graphical display to show were you are, handy for spotting
those side streets that some one might just pull out from or shows a sharp corner coming up.
I believe its accurate to about 3m or so, can give your speed worked out from space?
It can give you directions or a route to get somewere, you can choose what kind of roads to travel on,
It can tell you places of interest, hotels or even were the nearest or next on route petrol station is.
The maps can be updated by connecting to your PC, maps of just about anywere. You can transfer it
to your car or pushbike if needed.
A very good feature, you can load all known speed camera locations in and it will warn when one is near.
At present cast is about £600 for monocrone screen or £900 for color. Maybe when price drops Eh!
13th July 2003
I had nothing planned today, woke up at 8.30am so thought "bugger it I'm off for a ride".
Off I went to Premier Bikes
https://www1.securesiteserver.co.uk/premierbikes/index1.htm
I must say, they did me a great breakfast at a very good price.
From there I just headed off anywere the roads were clear, nothing like just going
anywere you please, no plans just ride. After a while I saw signs for Selby and I
noticed time was getting on, I headed thru Selby and to Squires, was going to have a
cold can of coke then head for home. As I got off the bike a voice called out my name.
It was Paddy with fester and a few others, they was just about to set off to Bridlington
and asked if I wanted to tag along. So off to Brid it was. I had a great ride despite
there being a good few cars about.
Clocked up a good few more running in miles, not like it hard at upto 9000rpm
17th September 2003
Its been an "interesting" summer?
Not hardley had two minutes to myself let alone to get out the bike!
The kids was on there summer holidays from school, last year we had the crash so this year we
kept our promise of taking them on holiday.
Then we had a family emergency and me Marcia and Zac flew to Jamaica, things
was going OK until one morning we woke up to three masked Machete men in our hotel
room, one stood over us wielding a Machete the size of a sword while the others searched our bags,
when Marcia started letting them know what she thought one of them pointed a 9mm semi auto pistol at her
and told her to shut up, charming Eh!. Well we are still here to tell the tale so not to worry.
It was the BMF tailend show last weekend (13th 14th Sept), I like this one there's a few
end of season bargains to be had. I had a great time.
Got myself some new boots at long last, Sidi Vertabra Carbon Race.
I've been well happy with my original Vertabra even after I got too carried
away and ground through the toe slider and into the boot, DOH!
Managed to save £35 at the show so I bought some Titanium Toe sliders too.
They fitted a treat, pictures of them in action soon.
You can get your Titanium stuff from http://www.reflexracing.co.uk/
The New boots even came with a doody little key ring tool gadget
Almost seems a shame to go out and grind em to pieces.
I also picked up a Carbon Fibre front mudguard at a real bargain price!
I was real pleased when it fitted straight on without a problem.
I was surprised how much lighter the carbon guard was, sorted!
I have now fitted my G-Force race can, sounds amazing but, the plod would not agree?
So I also got a neet little thing that might just save me a bit of hassle?
as soon as I find my poprivet gun ......
Should sort out this little problem?
19th October 2003
I'm guilty of having a fantastic bike and not using it!
I seem to have been too busy doing other stuff when I could have been out riding.
But that's life?
I get the bike out today, the tacho now reads
YUP! It's Party time!
The bike is now officially 'run in.
I'll be gradually building the revs higher and sustaining revs for longer.
Believe me when I say this thing is fast. It will hit 170mph were the blade would hit 140mph, much respect!
The bike has become tweaked and set up to my liking, the only thing negative I can say about it is its slow cornering capabilities.
There OK but the blade was better, the Blade was a lot smaller and lighter though and not as quick.
The High speed handling is superb, fast sweeping 'A' roads are the hunting grounds of this beast.
I can say with confidence, I don't think anyone is going to get close while I'm on this bike on my favorite country roads.
That is not a challenge, its a statement, maybe even a warning!
The Kawasaki ZX12R is truly in a league of its own ....
8th March 2004
Poor bike is getting rode through winter!
Good news is it still scrubs up like new every time.
I've now covered 3400miles, without event really.
All this millage and I still have not had to top Oil up. All the bikes I have ever known
have used a little Oil now and again. Especially after a good thrash to Squires (about 80miles round trip).
Not the ZX12, no top up needed. Its in for the 4000 mile service in a couple of weeks so it will get fresh oil then.
As the millage has been building up, the engine seems to be loosening off better. Its just getting faster and faster!
I had the GForce Exhaust bracket splay open a touch letting the can move a little. I drilled a hole and put a
bolt in to keep it nice and secure. Job sorted, I can imagine if I had just left it. The header pipes could have cracked
because of the movement after time.
I have removed the trick dust caps. I was checking pressure when one of them "came to pieces".
I inspected how it works and decided that I don't want to use them any longer. I'm not too sure what
would happen if one of these things came apart while riding and basically, I don't want to find out!
I've bought some far more "Simple" ones that have a rubber seal in them. Even if the valve fails the
Cap will not let the tire deflate. Beside I like the look of them too, miniature Pistons.
Nice touch Eh!
18th April 2004
The bike went back to MotorGrafix for its 4000 mile service, even though it had only done 3608 miles
I had a one of the HUGE breakfasts while I waited, If you order one of these Gutbusters, make sure your hungry.
It took them about two hours to do the service. I'm not sure exactly what they do apart from change to Oil and Filter.
I was pleased to notice they had tightened up my Tax disc holder and D-Lock bracket behind my number plate. I did not
like the fact they was trying to tell me my tires was shot and then made a note that they did not test ride the bike because of this.
I took photos with my mobile out side the shop that clearly shows the tread was not down to the warning indicators.
I was going to have a new back tire fitted but, Motorgafix wanted to charge me £170 for a back tire and I had seen them a lot cheaper.
I rode out to National Tires at Barnsley. Got very wet in the rain but it was worth the ride. I got a quote for a PAIR of tires for £225 FITTED.
So I had them fitted. Bridgestone BT 011 front and BT 010 rear. I can recommend these tires. I could instantly feel there was a lot more grip.
I've now done about 500 miles on these tires and feel that they have "Upgraded" the bike Handling!
I've been riding the ZX12 in all weather and been using the Pressure washer as a "quick" fix cleaner.
It's taken its toll, mainly on fasteners and bare alloy.
I've taken good care of moving parts keeping them well loobed and in top working order. The bike still
feels like new to ride. The furry fasteners and alloy will be easy enough to clean up, will just take a bit of TLC.
20th April 2004
The original Pads lasted about 4000 miles.
Time for some new ones. I'm going to try "Carbone Lorraine" Street pads, expect a review soon.
Here is a quick run down of me changing my pads. If your not 100% sure about changing yours
then take your bike to a good dealer to have them done.
Remove the dust cover by removing the two allen bolts
It is good practice to keep all the bits n pieces in a safe place
Remove the "R" clip from the retaining pin and slide the pin out
Very carefully ease the old pads back and lift them out
All this kind of corrosion is not good, carefully clean the calliper
Care must be taken were the pads move so they don't stick and bind
Clean the anti squeal shims well or even better replace them with new ones
Carefully insert the pads back, make sure they don't stick or bind
You may get away with cleaning the old retaining pin but it is best to replace it
Slide the pin home and don't forget to replace the "R" clip preferably a new one
VERY IMPORTANT!
One every thing is assembled
Pump the lever and make sure the brake is working correctly
Replace dust cover, a touch of thread locking compound prevents loss of small bolts
Last but not least (optional)
Put your stickers on
I've treated the bike to a new Tax disk holder to go with the new Tax disk
Has it really been a year that I've had this bike?
Time Flies when your enjoying yourself!
25th May 2004
Seems like the summer is here!
I've been all over the place in the last month or so.
At the end of April I went to the Isle of Man for a few days, I will be doing a page on that trip soon
here is a taster of what is to come
Peel Castle Isle of Man
I've now clocked up 5721 miles.
I've also been out on a few runs to the east coast visiting various places
See "Places to Go" for more info on how to get to these places.
I noticed that the bike will register past the 186mph(300kpm) mark on the speedo
I have always been lead to believe that the mighty ZX12R is restricted so I did a quick experiment
I put my bike up on a padoc stand, Chocked up the front wheel and fired up my bike.
This is what happened in a top gear simulation run.
190+ mph
The speedo goes past the 190mph mark and then hits the REV limiter!
I was surprised, I must have a derestricted ZX12R!
I was then wondering just how accurate the speedo is, so I tie rapped my GPS system to the bike and went for a test run.
Speedo = GPS
33mph = 30mph
54mph = 50mph
75mph = 70mph
If this reading stays true all the way up the range then an indicated 190mph is really about 175mph
May 2004
I had to have the Cooling fan switch replaced under warranty.
When the temperature rises the fan is suppose to kick in automatically.
I'm not sure if its just my bike but, the temperature soon starts to rise in traffic.
Things are fine while on the move.
If I had not noticed the fan not working the engine could have overheated and
caused some major damage.
July 2004
While cleaning the bike down I notice something strange with the Sprocket Hub.
Closer inspection revealed the bearing had collapsed!
I cant explain how this came about. All I can think is that the jet wash has blasted the lube
out of the bearing making it dry, at 6000 miles this should not happen I an sure.
The good news is it only cost about £7 for a new one, if it had been more I would
have taken the bike back under warranty.
June 2004
The Bridgestone BT 010 rear tire has done really well. Not only did it transform the handling it
has lasted over 2500 miles. I can recommend these tires.
I replaced it with a *** I picked up at a real good price. I decided to give this tire a
chance and see how it preformed. The answer is, its really quite good. It seems to have
improved low speed handling because this tire seems to be at its best at extreme lean angles.
I was really unsure about putting this tire on my bike. As time and miles have past I have grown
to trust it. The cheaper price put a preminition in my head this was not going to be the best tire.
I'm very pleased to say if I can get my hands on these tires at this price again I will continue
to use them.
July 2004
The front brake hose has now been upgraded.
I decided to upgrade to Goodridge brake hose.
When I had been riding the bike real hard, the lever would come back further than normal.
So I ordered the new hose. I checked the fluid level in the front brake and it was slightly low.
I think this is probably the reason for the lever movement changing when used hard.
So I suggest if anyone gets the same happen to them, for them to check there fluid level.
The Goodridge are top quality!
It says the kit has 3 hoses. I paid £99 for them. When they arrived
it was reveal that the hose is in one piece. The 3 hoses have a junction block
in the middle so, in fact, the hoses are one unit.
In the kit you get the Hose, Banjo bolts, crush washers and 2 stickers. All is of a very
high standards. There are special caps on the hose ends to stop dirt getting in there I suppose.
I offered the hose into position and was very impressed. It is a very good fit, I would say better
than the original.
During fitting I had little problem. Bleeding the system was just as it always is, messy.
I had very little air to bleed out and the lever now feels more solid.
I just need the rain to stop so I can give it a good test run.
8th January 2005
Been a while since I did an update here.
I got some yellow headlight covers from the BMF tail end show.
I got yellow as there not illegal like other colors and they look green at standstill.
These also protect the lights from stone chips. Most important they get noticed by other drivers more.
Dyno Run
I've got 7500 miles on the clock so I thought it was time for a Dyno run.
Even at 7500 miles the engine still feels like its loosening up and getting faster.
I'm most impressed how I still have never had to top the oil up, top engine.
I took the bike to Jack Frost of Holeshot racing in Bradford.
http://www.holeshotracing.co.uk
Jack was cool, volunteering information he had about the ZX12 and other stuff.
I can recommend using HoleShot.
I wanted to get a dyno done of my standard bike, so I put the standard can
back on for the Dyno run.
On the day I had the bike booked in it turned out to be real windy. Om my 40 mile trip
to his shop I encountered 2 overturned lorries and a car that a sign had fell on. I had to
be real carefull not to get blown off by the wind. Eventually I found that cruising at about 40 to
50mph seemed best and at that speed the wind had least effect, this is another testament to
Kawasaki's development in the wind tunnel.
Anyway, back to the Dyno run.
Dyno run Video
Click the link above to see a video of the bike on the Dyno.
Jack did 3 runs on the Dyno.
I was well pleased with my bike. In totally standard trim I got a best of
163.89 HorsePower at the Rear Wheel
Dyno Graph
Click Above to enlarge the Graph.
Jack confirmed that if I put a pipe on and PCIII I should get at least another 15bhp at the wheel
You do the math!
He also tested the speedo calibration. at an indicated 190mph (I've seen that) the bike is
15mph out so an indicated 190mph is really 175mph. I think I found similar reading on my GPS.
Jack also noticed my speedo wont go past 190mph even if it picks up more speed. My bike is an import and
has had the speedo converted to mph in some way so these facts may not be true for a UK bike.
My bike bounces off the limiter at a true 180mph.
I believe one tooth less on my rear sprocket will make the speedo near enough spot on and two teeth
will let my bike hit some were around 205mph to 215mph
I've also heard a rumor that the ZX12R has a torque restricter in the first 3 gears, not sure if that is true yet.
8th March 2005
Don't you just love this English weather, NOT!
Not only have we had snow but, the gritting machines are using a new kind of grit that is more slippery.
!64bhp in these conditions can be testing....
Anyway, spring should be just around the corner so I've been ordering a few bits to personalize the 12 a bit more.
I found this on Ebay of all places. It's a brake master cylinder cap with logo on.
This is what you get for your money, even the alan key tool, nice.
I got to mention this, I order this online on Monday afternoon, Tuesday morning the package came.
This has to be the best service ever.
You peel of the plastic protection and you get this, nice Eh!
Find a GOOD screwdriver and remove the standard cover
Then compare the two, you get the idea.
CNC machined from solid dude now that's trick.
Mine fitted straight back on as the rubber and plastic seals stayed put.
The Alan cap screws are a better idea than cross head screws.
What do you think? Bling for your bike.
You get them from
12th March 2005
More Bling arrived yesterday.
Check out my Stainless Steel Polished ZX12R logo heel plates.
Nice bit of polished Stainless
Get a good Alan key tool and remove the standard plates
Then marvel at your shiny new plates
A touch of thread lock is always a good idea
Then the smooth instalation grinds to a halt!
The new plates are thinner than stock so, the left hand plates will not pinch up.
Panic not!
Just a couple of washers behind the plate sorts the problem.
They are barley noticable
More Nice Blind for your bike
Is that the camera reflection there?
You get them from
18th March 2005
I treated my self and the bike to a few more goodies.
Did a bulk order from Demon Tweeks
http://www.demon-tweeks.co.uk
The things took about a week to arrive and all seemed ok.
Here is what I got.
New Red Screen trim, easy to fit.
Carbon Yoke protector.
Reverssable for different textures of carbon. There was no hole were the
Kawasaki logo is on the yoke, I made my own hole with a Dremil tool
Be carfull machining Carbon as I have heard rumors the dust is very bad for you.
Carbon clock surround. Another simple thing to fit.
Colored lever set, surprised me just how good a fit these was
Preload adjusters. Again simple to fit, just two grub screws
Nylon braining. Very cheep but, can be tricky to fit.
It expands and slides over cables ect sounds easy enough.
A bit of thinking is needed to keep it looking neat.
This was my cockpit area. Idea was to tidy it up using the above goodies.
What do you think?
**************************************
I also ordered this
Its an Oil filler cap in Alloy
I think it looks better than the standard black plastic one.
******************************
Also got this
Goodridge Brake hose for the rear brake
I offered it up before I took it off
Then double checked for size
I am real impressed at just how well these fit
keeping things clean and don't get brake fluid on anything, it can act like paintstripper
The kit comes with new bolts and washers
Job done, only attempt changing a brake hose if you really know what your doing.
**********************
I also got these
Spear indicators with iridium lens
I am not too impressed with these the lens does not look too good they may look better
on the bike, I will see about installing them maybe?
These are better Iridium Lens flush mount indicators
My original idea was to replace the front indicators but, it does
not look like its going to be a simple job to replace the standard items.
This is an emergency tubeless tire repair kit.
Going to keep it under the seat and hope I never need to test it.
26th May 2005
The ZX12 went in for its 8000 mile service. I took it back to Motografix for them to do it.
I was not pleased when I was kept waiting after the time I had been told to pick it up.
On closer inspection at home I noticed the Clutch cable had been routed wrong and a nut
was missing on a bracket under the frame letting the bracket rattle about!
Well the bike is now out of it's two year warranty so I wont have to worry anymore as to
who will be working on my bike, I'll be doing it all myself in future.
****
I took the bike to the MCN Butlins event. Free dyno runs was a feature.
I had my G-Force race can on and decided to get the bike tested again.
The first run I did in standard trim showed the bike making 163.4 bhp at the wheel.
I was surprised and pleased when the Dyno said it now has
170.8 bhp
at the rear wheel, that's 7bhp just by bolting on a Race can!
It also showed the bike running a little weak at low rpm but fine at high rpm.
I'm well pleased!
****
The other thing I have been messing around with is Neon Lighting.
I have experimented with 12inch Neon tubes and Neon LED
the result is this
I have the Neon on a switch so I only switch it on for show purposes.
I spend about £60 in total and myself think it's a very good result for not a lot of money.
14th July 2005
I occasionally do a search on Ebay for ZX12 stuff, just to see what is out there. This time I came
across something I thought was well trick. It's been called a Tank Finisher, it replaces the fuse
cover on top of the tank cover.
It is machined from billet Aircraft Alloy, polished and cromed
Here is the underside
When you compare it to the original part, the original looks very bland.
Installation is as simple as four alan cap bolts.
BLING! In a Huge way, these pictures do not do the quality of this item justice.
I am an Engineering machinist and know quality engineering when I see it.
I just cant stress just how fine this piece is, it's not just another trick bolt on part, it's pure and simple
A work of Art!
This Tank Finisher is to engineering what the MonaLisa is to the art word.
OK, I here you say "I WANT ONE" well you'll be having a bit of hard luck for a while....
I managed to get this "Prototype", it's the first of it's kind and you wont be able to get one for about another month.
When they are available you will have one made to order for around £140
The work that goes into these makes them worth every penny.
You get them from
Bikes Unlimited
http://www.bikes-unlimited.co.uk
Check this place out. They do loads of trick parts for a lot of bikes.
My Heel plates and Brake cover both came from this shop.
I can highly recommend them, delivery is superfast, all my parts came the day after I ordered them.
To be honest I don't think you can get parts of this quality any where else.
Credit where it's due.
