which zx12, pre or post 03?

[matancer067]

I'll be buying a zx12 in the coming weeks and i'm not sure if i should get a pre 03 or one made after the changes were made? were the pre 03's really that problematic or was the change in 03 just a refreshening of the model?

[Kawi_T]

I don't like the looks of the intake air 'snorkel' on the newer 12's. I think the one on my '01 looks better. Other than that, I'm not really sure what the other differences are.

[Oly's ZX12R]

I like the "newer" 12's. I have an '04. Only issue I had was needing to replace the clutch basket. Went w/ the Muzzy. Not a hiccup since.

[motorman2406]

I owned a 2005 12R for 2 years and I've read about everything there is to read about them all. There were a few changes between the 2000/01 and 2002/03 models, but then there were even more changes for the 2004/05 models. The difference between the 2000 and 2005 models is somewhere in the area of 135 changes made by KHI. Many will argue about looks and speedometers reading to 220 versus only reading to 185, but the newer models 2004/05, had all the gremlins addressed from the original models. They had better brakes, better clutch baskets, supposedly better aerodynamics, and even tweaked suspensions and wheelbases for better handling. The originals 2000/01 were easier to remove the top speed limiter from, but I think that 185 mph in the street is plenty fast. I would go for the 2004-2005 model, personally.

[tenbears]

Originally Posted by Kawi_T

I don't like the looks of the intake air 'snorkel' on the newer 12's. I think the one on my '01 looks better. Other than that, I'm not really sure what the other differences are.

Exactly the opposite I'm affraid.

I much prefer the later B model in every respect and deliberately waited until they'd ironed out some of the post production problems.

Its a better bike, sorry.

[fastbear]

Having been privileged To have had the earliest 2000 ZX-12R and later a 03 ZX-12R there are noticeable differences. The 00 had hotter cams but tended to run hot around town whereas the 03 cams seemed smoother on the low end. The dash on the 03 is finished nicer. Either year is fast. Was not able to reach fuel limit on either but both were capable allowed to run a little longer than I was willing to allow the bike. Still have the 03 and plan on keeping it indefinitely.

[matancer067]

thanx everyone for the imput. I'll be hunting for an 04 or 05. When I get it I'll be posting pics.

[238mph]

The years you have as a "split" are off... 00-01 are A models.... 02-03 have
most of the big changes... better clutch etc.

04-05 went to radial brakes in the front but note they have a smaller
diameter rotor... stupid...

Also the later years are hard to spoof ECU, so I suggest 02-03 if you can
find a clean one...