I bought one when they came out from peter stevens but only lasted for 6 months,the power delivery is great but i found that the fuel tank was too close to my chest(5"10)for some reason and the ride wasn't comfortable.
We/I went to PIsland 5 months into the purchase and while I was there we swapped bikes,Im not the best track rider so i took it easy especially with someone else's bike,SOLD on the Busa,got rid of the ZX 3weeks later.
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Personally do not have experience with ZX12 but took one for a trial ride when deciding on what to get to replace my old CBR. It felt good albeit a bit uncomfortable and I almost bought it. But then the dealer suggested I try the Busa. It was a second hand 2009 model (had nothing new in stock) and the moment I sat on it and got out of the gates I was in motorcycle heaven. The power was scary and I almost crashed into a dealer's shop window on the return (the breakes were very ordinary) but that was it for me. I ordered one on the spot - 4 weeks waiting for the new one, and went on holiday to Europe. It spoiled it for me really because all I thought about was when I am going to get back and go for a ride. It was like a magic. I am still in love with it and only pised off a bit that didn't get it quicker.
The choices or preferences are very personal and always will be. The best bike is what you think it is.
"It is not a shame to not know, the shame is to not know and not to ask"
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It's an oldie CB. Much of this stuff has been discussed before... Most are interested in the Gen 2 VS zx14 debate these days...
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I have rode my bro's fully modded ZX 12 with big bore engine and etc.I have my own hayabusa which i have rode for more thsn six years the same old one.DO NOTE Zx 12 is a sport bike,where else a Hayabusa is a sport tourer.
Zx 12 torque and mid range is stronger due to its lighter weight and the rear sprocket size.Its huge.
A Hayabusa will win the Zx 12 at top speed thats for sure.
Hayabusa will win at the drag strip eventually.
Zx 12 will win at the track thanks to its shorter wheelbase,torque and mid punch
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I owned a 2000 ZX12R for a few years before I sold it to my brother and bought a K3 busa.
The ZX12R just had a PCIII, pipe and filter. It was a fantastic bike. I found it a little slow to turn even with a smaller 190 tyre on the back (200 is stock). I dropped the front a little through the tripple clamps and it made a world of difference. A bonus was I could finally reach the ground as it's a very tall bike.
Unlike the busa where it feels like you're sitting in the bike, the ZX12R feels like you're sitting on top of it.
Brakes were the next thing. I felt they were lacking compared to how quick it went. Good set of pads and braided lines soon fixed that. Handling wise I wouldn't say it's much better than the busa. They feel very different but to me they both handle very well.
Fuel consumption was a problem. It's a thirsty bike and only runs on Premium or better.
Comfort was not good, but much improved with a set of heli-bars but seats on those bikes are terrible.
Power is great. Down low the busa feels a LOT stronger but once you wind it up, the 12 felt faster than the busa.
I bought it with 12k on the clock and got rid of it with around 60k. I found it extremely reliable as nothing ever went wrong with it. Just did the usual oil changes and I changed the chain / sprockets once.
The busa suits me much better. More comfortable, lower bike, better low end performance and much better on fuel. My only criticism with the busa are the brakes. By far the worst brakes I've ever experienced on a modern bike.
The first mod I did was fit braided lines and better pads. This made a massive improvement but only about as good as standard ZX12R brakes which I found average. Better rotors are next on my list.
Unfortunately my busa is about as reliable as a Kia, but hopefully that will be resolved once I finish rebuilding the engine. Hoping to be back on the road within a month.
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