This page compares the Suzuki Hayabusa with the 1st Generation Kawasaki ZX-12R specifications and performance!  Originally the ZX-12R was due to be released in 2000 but a variety of factors like the much publicised cam-chain issue with the Hayabusa and the discovery of reliability similar issues with the original ZX-12R, Kawasaki delayed the release until late 2000.

The original release was indeed special since Kawasaki fans had been waiting for a replacement for the old ZX-11 or ZZR1100 for some time.  The 1100's speed crown had already been taken by the Honda Blackbird and in turn the Hayabusa.  So it was expected that the new ZX-12 would be the next speed king. Unfortunately it never was - missing out on all official speed tests.  A variety of issues made the Blackbird or Hayabusa better motorcycles overall including top speed.  Major changes where made to the ZX-12 over its very short model life (up to 2006)  indicated that something was not quite right with the original.

On the upside I still believe the ZX-12 sounds better than either the Honda or Suzuki in standard trim.  It's still an enjoyable motorcycle and in today's speed restricted world one of the fastest production motorcycles you can buy.

Check out the other specification pages for mores details.
- 2nd Generation Hayabusa Specifications Detail
- 99-07 Hayabusa Specifications Detail
- Vs Blackbird (Gen 1)
- Vs Blackbird (Gen 2)
- Vs ZX-12R (Gen 1)