GSX1400 Owners .org

General => Member's Bikes => Topic started by: SFC1000 on Friday, 07 May 2021, 02:08 PM

Title: Picked Up A ZRX1200S
Post by: SFC1000 on Friday, 07 May 2021, 02:08 PM
Just bought a ZRX1200S and rode 3hrs home. Certainly a way to get the feel of a new bike.
I'm impressed, from the first time I threw the leg over it just fits me so well to how well it goes and handles.
It helps the prior owner has the suspension sorted.
I know some don't like the S, but at a little more than half the dollars of an R it's value and except the fairing they are the same bike.
The fairing works so well at speed. Also I guess why I like the fairing and instruments is they are familiar to the SFC.
It'll join the 1400 and others in the shed and it'll be a toss up which to ride.

(https://gsx1400owners.org/forum/gallery/0/2972-070521134611.jpeg)

(https://gsx1400owners.org/forum/gallery/0/2972-070521134748.jpeg)

(https://gsx1400owners.org/forum/gallery/0/2972-070521134503.jpeg)
Title: Re: Picked Up A ZRX1200S
Post by: KiwiCol on Friday, 07 May 2021, 03:42 PM
That's a sweet looking bike for sure.  Absolutely leave the fairing on, especially if it's directing the wind blast over your head.  I have something similar on the 14 & it directs (or used to) the wind blast directly at me hat!! Everything else calm but me hat was getting bashed around like anything,  I modified the screen & it's way better now.  I directs the blast at me chest . . .  :whatever: :facepalm:
Title: Re: Picked Up A ZRX1200S
Post by: seth on Friday, 07 May 2021, 04:13 PM
 People here flagged that model off when it came out over here as they all wanted the Eddie Lawson rep ones .
These were actually slightly cheaper too.
A very underrated bike and most capable touring machine .
A top tip zzr1200 standard cams are a direct replacement and give 15-20 bhp extra without any losses in torque.
Also keep the oil level at the top of the site glass rather than the top mark and you'll not go far wrong with it.
I'd probably have this over the other model but I just don't like watercooled bikes .
Title: Re: Picked Up A ZRX1200S
Post by: grog on Friday, 07 May 2021, 05:16 PM
Lookin good SFC.
Title: Re: Picked Up A ZRX1200S
Post by: GSXKING on Friday, 07 May 2021, 05:53 PM
It looks in great condition. They're still a 5 speed gearbox from memory.  :hat:
Title: Re: Picked Up A ZRX1200S
Post by: Eric GSX1400K3 on Friday, 07 May 2021, 06:14 PM
Nice one, i like the eccentric chain adjuster and over-under swingarm.  Godawful fairing, get that off quicksmart and it looks almost like it should
Title: Re: Picked Up A ZRX1200S
Post by: grog on Friday, 07 May 2021, 06:32 PM
Not at all knockin your bike SFC, dont get me wrong. Mate had the blue/black version. Always rated with me as a classic looker. Just seemed to work.
Title: Re: Picked Up A ZRX1200S
Post by: SFC1000 on Friday, 07 May 2021, 07:22 PM
Quote from: GSXKING on Friday, 07 May  2021, 05:53 PM
It looks in great condition. They're still a 5 speed gearbox from memory.  :hat:

Yep a 5 speed. It does 3400-3500 at 100K's.
I started looking for another gear, but by the end of the trip I got used to it and was cruising at 120K's.
They are 42t factory and I have read a 38t does 3100 at 100K's and it has plenty of go so a 38 shouldn't slow it up.
At this stage I think I'll try a 38t.
Title: Re: Picked Up A ZRX1200S
Post by: SFC1000 on Friday, 07 May 2021, 07:28 PM
Quote from: seth on Friday, 07 May  2021, 04:13 PM
People here flagged that model off when it came out over here as they all wanted the Eddie Lawson rep ones .
These were actually slightly cheaper too.
A very underrated bike and most capable touring machine .
A top tip zzr1200 standard cams are a direct replacement and give 15-20 bhp extra without any losses in torque.
Also keep the oil level at the top of the site glass rather than the top mark and you'll not go far wrong with it.
I'd probably have this over the other model but I just don't like watercooled bikes .

They were $1,000 dearer than the R's at the dealerships here. I found this when I looked them up.
Weren't popular and were only produced for 3 years, whereas the R's production was 6 or 7 years.
I think in years to come this will make them sort after as with other low production or unliked cars and bikes.
I've heard of the ZZR cam install. Thanks for the oil level tip.
Title: Re: Picked Up A ZRX1200S
Post by: steve porter on Friday, 07 May 2021, 07:39 PM
That looks like a good thing, I like a half fairing like that
Title: Re: Picked Up A ZRX1200S
Post by: BJ on Saturday, 08 May 2021, 04:51 PM
Picked this one up only a week back. Bought it home on the trailer.
Haven't had time to ride it yet.
Going to do a thorough service and check a couple of known probs before registration.
Looking forward to riding it.
Title: Re: Picked Up A ZRX1200S
Post by: grog on Saturday, 08 May 2021, 06:07 PM
Your Stable will look even better BJ. A great collection you have.
Title: Re: Picked Up A ZRX1200S
Post by: Del on Saturday, 08 May 2021, 06:37 PM
for the new ZRX owner - do a quick check on the starter motor tentioner cause if you dont it can fail (had it happen to me and destroyed an engine) - easy to do take off the oil filler cap and have a peak inside your looking for the edge of the clutch basket - it should be unmarked but if there any marks (see picture) on it then you need to change the tentioner - the kawasaki one is an known issue but there are a few modifications you can do to the original one to make it a manual tentioner



Title: Re: Picked Up A ZRX1200S
Post by: SFC1000 on Saturday, 08 May 2021, 07:22 PM
@Del I am about to order a tensioner tamer from ELS/Kwick in the States.
What are the mods to the original or where do i find them on the net, ZRX forum maybe?
Title: Re: Picked Up A ZRX1200S
Post by: BJ on Saturday, 08 May 2021, 10:59 PM
Zrxoa.org is loaded with info. Some good vids on YouTube re starter chain tensioner upgrades.
There is a guy from ELS (Expensive Lightweight Stuff) who makes and supplies a lot of upgraded items as well as replacements.
The other important thing to watch is the fuel petcock as it can fail and fill the motor with fuel.
The petcock has no off switch. ELS sells a replacement which has an off position.
I'm thinking of adding an on/off in the fuel line just below the petcock.
ELS also sells an upgraded cam chain tensioner.
Title: Re: Picked Up A ZRX1200S
Post by: Del on Sunday, 09 May 2021, 01:13 AM
I've got an ELS one on my bike as I know they work well - as regards ELS fuel tap I've heard he buys Chinese taps and sticks a bit of titanium on the front - you can use the thinderace fuel tap as a replacement - Ive opted to rebuild the tap with new seal kit which should do be good for a few ore years