2000 ZX12R Care, Known issues and just basic info.

864 Views 7 Replies 6 Participants Last post by Dave Thomps, 1 d ago

RayDub

Discussion Starter · 2 mo ago

So I just picked up a 2000 Kawasaki ZX12R in pretty nice condition, I am making this post to kind of see what information is out there on it. The bike is currently running hot for me after doing some research am thinking of wrapping the headers and checking the thermostat. Have rode it about 2 months now and have had no issues but the bike overheated on me in rush hour the other day. Wasn't really a hot one by any means either, really bad traffic and a good amount of lights. I live in a pretty dense area, so thinking of doing a header wrap and maybe going a little further back to try and reduce some of that heat on the engine. Will be flushing, filling, burping and then checking tomorrow and will post an update. Other than the heat in traffic absolutely amazing bike. Always wanted one. If anyone has suggestions let me know. I was told to run engine ice, distilled water and water wetter mix.

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Duck00

· #2 · 2 mo ago

Hello and Welcome!

Check out any links in the search facility on overheating, there will be many. Primarily using Water Wetter or Engine Ice is common. Also installing a manual fan switch to turn it on during stops at lights etc. Depends on state of cooling system, as you mentioned give it a good flush and refill. Others may give good advice also.

Cheers,
Don.

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RayDub

Discussion Starter · #3 · 2 mo ago

Hey thanks for the reply! I had a good look at the cooling system today I can really see why a header wrap was recommended. I bought heat wrap today and will fit up a manual switch over the week and weather permitting should have an update on the weekend.

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bikerdude02

· #4 · 2 mo ago

Yeah, the 12 does run warm. It's not uncommon for the fan to kick in quickly at the lights. Given the age of the bikes these days, changing the thermostat and coolant isn't a bad idea. Not that it makes a difference to cooling, if the hoses are original I'd change them while its drained.

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The Greig

· #5 · 20 d ago

Check the 12R Refresh Project forum on page 7, SteveW replaced the Kawasaki thermo switch with the Suzuki one, it kicks the fan in at 93C instead of the OEM one at 98C. If you do a lot of city riding it would be worth the trouble to have it kick in earlier to prevent it getting past the point of no return.

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SteveW

· #6 · 19 d ago

The Greig said:
Check the 12R Refresh Project forum on page 7, SteveW replaced the Kawasaki thermo switch with the Suzuki one, it kicks the fan in at 93C instead of the OEM one at 98C. If you do a lot of city riding it would be worth the trouble to have it kick in earlier to prevent it getting past the point of no return.

Unfortunately the Suzuki switch I'm using only suits the B model radiators. The hole/thread is different to the A models. Off the top of my head, not sure what would work with a 2000 model besides adding a manual over ride switch..

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The Greig

· #7 · 19 d ago

SteveW said:
Unfortunately the Suzuki switch I'm using only suits the B model radiators. The hole/thread is different to the A models. Off the top of my head, not sure what would work with a 2000 model besides adding a manual over ride switch..

Bugger. Thanks for the confirmation Steve. Im about tyo restore/refresh a 2001 and was carefully reading your forum. I have the headlight/oil in the rectifyer plug issue (next job), blown relays (now repaired) and a bunch of refresh tasks but have a PWR aftermarket radiator so was interested in this sensor swap.

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Dave Thomps

· #8 · 1 d ago

there is a gsxr one that fits the a1 rad. cant remember which though. I measured the thread that on the original then found one with a lower temp. Installed a manual switch at the same time just in case

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