2012 Sportbike Buyer’s Guide

Engine L-C 16V 1352 Inline-Four Seat HT. 32.1 in. Wheelbase 59.8 in.
Every time we get a Concours test bike in the fleet, it becomes Kent’s de facto long-term bike and we have a tough time prying him off it to test anything else. That says a lot for the big Connie, which returns unchanged for 2012 and is available in Ebony or Flat Super Black.

Engine L-C 16V 1441 Inline-Four Seat HT. 31.5 in. Wheelbase 58.3 in.
The ultimate Ninja picks up an R after its name for this year, in addition to some extra displacement, traction control, a slipper clutch and, of course, more power. The makeover includes a redesigned monocoque frame and swingarm and all-new bodywork. Add $200 for the Golden Bladed Green SE graphics package.

Engine L-C 16V 998 Inline-Four Seat HT. 32.0 in. Wheelbase 56.1 in.
Introduced last year with much fanfare, the traction-control-equipped 10R proved a worthy challenger for our literbike crown (“The Empire Strikes Back”, July ‘11). And, as we found out later in the year, Kawasaki’s Intelligent ABS is one of the best systems on the market (“Absolutely Brilliant Stopping”, Dec. ‘11).

Engine L-C 16V 1043 Inline-four Seat HT. 32.3 in. Wheelbase 56.9 in.
Introduced last year as a do-it-all sportbike, the Ninja 1000 certainly lives up to that promise and handily won our “Battle of the Super-Standards” comparison test (Aug. ‘11). While the basic package — based on the Z1000 platform — returns unchanged for this year, ABS is a new option.

Engine L-C 16V 1043 Inline-four Seat HT. 32.1 in. Wheelbase 56.7 in.
Available in this Candy Burnt Orange/Metallic Spark Black color scheme for ‘12, the Z1000 is one of our favorite urban brawlers. Its long-stroke four-cylinder mill provides plenty of usable power, while the aluminum frame and adjustable suspension make for a nimble-handling chassis; together they make a very fun package.

Engine L-C 16V 599 Inline-four Seat HT. 32.1 in. Wheelbase 55.1 in.
While Kawasaki’s big-bore models have received the bulk of the company’s attention in the last couple of years, the ZX-6R hasn’t changed much since its ‘09 introduction. But that’s not a bad thing, as the middleweight Ninja still packs a punch and remains a contender for top middleweight honors.

Engine L-C 8V 649 Inline-twin Seat HT. 33.3 in. Wheelbase 55.7 in.
“This solidly built multi-purpose tool will have you searching for more reasons to ride and more roads to explore,” says Kawasaki about the Versys. Our sister magazine Motorcyclist even named it Motorcycle of the Year in 2008. Look for this versatile model in Metallic Spark Black or Pearl Solar Yellow/Ebony this year.

Engine L-C 8V 649 Inline-twin Seat HT. 31.7 in. Wheelbase 55.5 in.
The ZX-14R didn’t get all the love for ‘12: The Ninja 650 is also updated, with a redesigned frame and swingarm, new exhaust system and bodywork, improved brake pads, a new instrument cluster and a lighter-pull clutch. Revised suspension settings and increased travel improve comfort but slightly increase Seat height.

Engine L-C 8V 249 Inline-twin Seat HT. 30.5 in. Wheelbase 55.1 in. All the style of the big Ninjas in a small-bike and small-price package, the Ninja 250R has long been a success story and especially so since its ‘08 upgrade. The base model is Candy Lime Green (of course!), while Passion Red and Metallic Spark Black schemes add $250 to the price tag.

Engine L-C 8V 1195 V-twin Seat HT. 31.7 – 32.5 in. Wheelbase 56.1 in.
The RC8R gets a myriad number of changes for 2012. Just a few include dual spark plugs per cylinder for better combustion, heavier crankshaft and flywheel for smoother response, Club Race Kit cam timing, gear sensor to permit the ECU to control Engine braking depending on gear selected, and much more.

Engine L-C 8V 1195 V-twin Seat HT. 31.7 – 32.5 in. Wheelbase 56.1 in.
The Race version of the RC8R gets a whole host of upgrades for 2012, including new suspension settings, Akrapovic titanium exhaust, slipper clutch, WP 4618 Race shock and fork with TiAlN coating, extra thinner head gasket and cam timing tool, different gearing, forged Marchesini aluminum wheels, and much more.

Engine L-C 8V 999 V-twin Seat HT. 34.4 in. Wheelbase 59.3 in.
The supermoto version of the 990 has morphed into a more sport-touring-oriented model for 2012, with semi-hard luggage and a two-channel Bosch ABS as standard equipment. A new preload adjuster for the rear shock allows easier access with supplied tool, with the 999cc 75-degree V-twin supplying quick-revving torque.