I've been a long-time admirer of the ZRX1200R and am looking around for a nice one to purchase. I'm found a 2003 ZRX1200R not too far away and am planning on going over to look at it tomorrow.

It's green (a must) and has about 24K miles on it. There is some body damage due to what I'm told was a "garage drop". From what I can see from the pictures supplied, that makes sense. I can't see any damage to the engine cases or the frame. The only visible damage (and what the current owner told me) is to the fairing where it's cracked at the bottom of the headlight opening. He has it "fixed" with some zip-ties but that would not be satisfactory for me. No problem on that, I can either get it fixed or replaced.

From what I'm told the valve clearances were checked and adjusted less than 1500 miles ago. The clutch was replaced with a Kawasaki OEM clutch about a year ago. He's the 2nd owner and has had the bike for just over 2 years.

So what else should I be on the lookout for with a bike like this? I'm really just looking to make sure I get any issues uncovered and the price negotiated based on them. I'm really not worried about issue as I am sure that I have the tools and the skill to do a complete engine teardown if needed. But I really want to know what I'm getting into up front.

My plan is to end up with a really nice ZRX1200 that I can ride daily, or at least when I don't want to ride my ZX-14!!

So any ZRX gurus out there, please let me know what I should look for and check on this bike before negotiating a purchase.

Thanks!!

That bike seems like it has too many issues. For me the price would have to be really attractive to make a move on that machine...., but I am pickier than most. I had a 2003 Green ZRX1200. Absolutely love the styling of the bike. It handles well for the weight of it, although the suspension is a little soft for high speed duties. My only complaint was the tranny was positively atrocious. The 1-2 shift was so notchy I was sure something was wrong. Only advice I can offer is check that before buying. It was irritating enough to me to warrant re-selling mine.

Beast,

Thanks for the update. I'll check that out. Of course the "issues" are what make classic bikes special!

Too many issues? Yeah, you're picky. I'd have to say in my personal experience, after owning a 99 1100 ZRX since new in Aprill 99, 94K miles to date, a bunch of track days, once at the dragway (only 11.76 best of 3 runs) tons of flogging, wheelies, a few burnouts, commuting in and out of Boston, about 1/4 of those miles 2-up - it's been a fantastic bike, best one I've ever owned.
I've had typical maintainance issues you'd see on any bike, but the few things that do stick out is: shitty radiator, some spring leaks, some don't - Mine did, got a nice Delkevic replacement that's holding up just fine, and 4th gear shift fork/gear dog wear from several missed shifts - got another complete used trans from another zrx'er in VA for $140, popped it in and viola! Another thing that pops up on higher mileage ZRX's is the starter chain slapping into the clutch basket, quickly and easily fixed with a small 1/4" long sleeve added to the slack adjuster rod that you can get for $6 from a guy named KWICK on zrxoa.org.
So, my advice to anyone who's considering getting a ZRX is definitely, unless it's a total piece of shit.
Oh, and, mine still runs strong as hell, did 2 track days last year, she was flying.
But don't just take my and beast's word for it, go join zrxoa.org and see for yourself what the consensus is.

Here it is at NHMS when it had about 93K

Oh and valve adjustments? Did my first at 26k, only 4 were slightly tight. Then again at around 75K, again, 4 were tight, bottom end of spec. Easy fix once again. I shudder to think of having to do a valve adjust on the 14.

* Last updated by: ZRXDarryl on 12/12/2013 @ 8:17 AM *

ZRXDarryl,

Appreciate the comments and NICE looking ZRX there also!!

Thanks
Here's a friend's vid of him on his ZRX1200 at NYST - I'm on this at about 11:10

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dwnTTSdT1Yw#t=16

* Last updated by: ZRXDarryl on 12/12/2013 @ 9:14 AM *

Awesome video. It sure looks like, in spite of your lack of track experience, that you and the ZRX did great. My guess is that you were the limiting factor there, not the bike. It's my theory that track riding is 95% rider and 5% bike. Since most of us can't even come close to full rider potential on the track, the difference between one bike and the next is really only significant to those track riders who can actually press right to the limits of performance.

For me? Forget it! I'd rather stay on the safe-side and and enjoy the day and NOT have to take a crumpled-up bike home!

But that sure looked like a great track and a good time by all!!

What I've noticed about the bike is they do take the case out if spun too much. Another clutch in that bike you are looking at sounds like abuse. The stators burn out; or the connector ends burn at the volt/reg; and/or the volt/reg burns out. The dwarf cars use these engines so you are at a bidding war if you need parts, or might find parts at the dwarf sites?

You are pissing away money on a dropper? Book value is about 3k for an excellent kind of grade. Dropped, the price drops too. The engine should not knock cold or hot. The bike should be started cold as in overnight; you stand at the rear; watch for a puff of smoke = Walk away.

It's definitely COLD here. About 15 degrees F here this afternoon, so I'll be watching.

I'm offering $2500 or so here. Might go as high as $2750 if it look really nice in person.

Best price I've seen for a mint one around here is in the high $3K to low $4K range.

Thanks!!

Thanks to all. It was only about 20 miles from my house and so I felt it worth the trip. Overall the bike looked to be in decent shape. The fairing was pretty banged up but probably could be repaired and repainted. One of the mirrors was missing and the RH front turn signal was busted out. There was some minor rash on the RH engine case that was consistent with a drop on the right side at very low speed or stopped.

I did pass on it mostly because it didn't look like it had been well taken care of. The chain and sprockets were in good shape but the chain was very loose. For something that is so easy to adjust, there is just no excuse. Overall it looked like it hadn't been cleaned in a couple of years and for me, that says a LOT about the owner's care for his stuff. He also had 4 other bikes and a 4-wheeler in the garage and they all looked poorly maintained.

He was asking $3300 and when I told him I was going to pass, he immediately said he'd take $2800. I figure he might have taken $2500 or a bit less and I did have enough cash in my pocket to buy it. But just too many red flags.

So I guess I'm still looking. Thanks again to all for the advice!!

Good call.

Another red flag for me was the replaced clutch, that to me is a sign of abuse, like what Hubster said.
I can't imagine wasting a stock clutch with normal use unless the mileage was really high.
(Prior ZRX1100 owner here)

I did love that bike, I'd have kept it if I had room.

* Last updated by: tooncinator on 12/13/2013 @ 12:05 PM *

Thanks again for all the advice from you guys. I did locate a really nice ZRX1200R from a really nice guy in Minneapolis. It was a hike getting there from Central Indiana and darned cold up there (-15F!!) but was worth the trip.

It's not a ZX14 but is a fantastic bike in its own right. In my opinion, this is the finest example of a standard motorcycle ever.

Looks like your waiting paid off. Now that sir is a sweet looking ride and also, very clean looking. Pride of ownership shows there. I am always looking locally for a used one also.... I agree with you, if I was into another bike, or to have a second - that would be it.
Congrats...

Not only that but it warmed up just enough on Jan 1 for a 20 mile ride. Lacking heated gloves it was my fingers that limited the fun. Looking forward to some warmer weather here in the midwest. It rides as good as it looks. :)