Well this thread certainly has produced some *interesting* information.
Stereo - A 12R can be as relaxing as you like. It does use a bit more juice than most bikes, and tyre wear can be an issue as well, but if you are not commuting daily, then it may not be such a problem. Try and get a ride on Smitty's if you can, this will help you decide if its the bike for you.
OK, now I might add my own 2-bobs worth about some of the coments made in this thread........
1. Ask yourselves this - can you tour on your ZX6R, or your ZX9R, or even your ZX10R ??? Of course you fucking can. I guess that makes all these bikes "sports-tourers" as well !!!
FFS you can sports-tour on a posty bike if you want to. The 'R' designation in the name actually does indicate that the model in question is a sports-bike. This is why there is no 'R' in the ZX14 - it actually IS a sports-tourer. (Lower pegs, wider, higher bars, comfy seat etc etc.) If anyone has ever tested a 14 then got straight back onto a 12, you would know *exactly* what the difference is between a sports-bike and a sports-tourer....
2. Its a ZX12
R, not a ZX12. Whoever it was that said they ain't a sports bike clearly has not ridden one more than 5 minutes up and down their local suburb. Own one for 12 months, get out in the twisties, and then make an informed comment.
3. Someone also said "...put riders of equal ability on a ZX10R and a ZX12R and the ZX10R rider will win every time...."
I don't know too much about that, but the reality for me, (being as humble as possible
), is that ANY bike that gets around EC in 1:50 is a goddamn
sports bike. Full stop. With no traffic and slicks, I have no doubt the 12 is capable of mid 40's.....and I think our Site Founder will back me up here as well..........this is
sports-bike times people.....If it was a big fat barge like so many would *like* to believe, then these times would not be possible for a B-grade gumby like myself
Now not every 12 owner out there will ever ride the bike to its full potential
and that is very understandable
. But some of us do it every day
, and on the planet where I live, the 12R is most *definitely* a sports-bike.
Just like a ZX6R, or a ZX9R, or a ZX10R........its a sports-bike that can tour.........its just bigger and faster than yours........thats all !!!
"Get A Big Black 12 Up Ya !!!!"