Back at the turn of the century, which to some might seem when dinosaurs still roamed the earth, Kawasaki launched what it expected to be the king hit in the hyper sports tourer class. Up to then, there had been a couple of clear leaders.
First came the Honda Blackbird, launched in 1996, which just edged out Kawasaki’s ZZ-R1100 as the reigning max speed champ in production motorcycles, with a top end nudging 290km/h.
Next to say hello to Suzuki and its Hayabusa, which took the number over 300km/h, months before the motorcycle industry as a whole adopted an agreed 299km/h top speed limit. Exactly how this was going to save anyone or the reputation of the industry as a whole is up for debate – it probably seemed like a good idea at the time.
Third off the grid was Kawasaki, at the very end of 1999 with its ZX-12R. This was meant to be the king hit for the class, and measured up that way in power terms.
The Blackbird claimed 164hp (122kW) at the start of its career, the Hayabusa 175hp (130kW) and the Kawasaki nearer 190hp (141kW) with ram-air effect taken in to account, while it managed 176 (one up on the Hayabusa) without ram-air.
There was significant innovation in its design, most importantly in the frame. Rather than use the industry-standard twin aluminium beam, Kawasaki went for a giant monocoque arching over the engine from the steering head to the swing-arm pivot, which incorporated the huge airbox and much of the ram-air plumbing.
The ZX-12R was a spectacular performer, albeit better suited to larger folk who weren’t put off by the tallish seat and what was described as a slightly top-heavy demeanour.
Those prepared to grab the bike by the scruff were rewarded with what was in fact a very fast and very capable machine. It turned easily, was well suspended and was in fact considerably sportier than its nearest rivals.
A second gen was launched in 2002, which Kawasaki claimed had something in the order of 140 alterations.
The ZX-12R in its first incarnation came across as a fast and raw kind of motorcycle – particularly for this class. That can have huge appeal for the right people.
ON THE BLOCK – What’s hot on the auction front
1997 BIMOTA YB11
Donington Auctions – Lot 29
Date: November 10, 2024
Sold for: $17,250
Visit: doningtonauctions.com.au
Before its recent takeover by Kawasaki, Italian marque Bimota was very much a boutique brand. To a large extent, that has remained the case under new ownership.
Traditionally, the firm has taken an engine from a larger maker (all four major Japanese makers, plus Ducati) and wrapped it in a high-end bespoke chassis with unique bodywork.
Typically they have been small-volume productions for which the company has charged steep prices.
The 1996 YB11 Superleggera (Superlight) you see here is typical of the breed. When new, it cost the buyer $33,500 or over double the price of a new 1996 Honda CBR900RR Fireblade.
It’s running a tuned Yamaha YZF1000 Thunderace powerplant. In other words, a 1000cc inline-four with five-valves per cylinder, claiming 145 horsepower.
That was matched to a five-speed transmission.
This example showed 12,900km on the odo and was in exceptional condition. The $17,250 sale price was good for this model, but still represented a lot of bang for the buck.
2003 SUZUKI HAYABUSA
Bring a Trailer USA
Date: December 18, 2024
Sold for: $35,000
Visit: bringatrailer.com
Here is living proof the right model with just a few delivery miles on it is catnip for collectors.
This is a special edition first-generation Suzuki Hayabusa produced to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Suzuki America, so has little traction outside that country.
Its specs were the same as any other first-gen and the changes for the anniversary were restricted to badging and paint.
Nevertheless a result of AU$35,000 is impressive. That’s probably three times what your average first-gen of that year might be worth, in very good condition.
It also supports the belief that collectors are watching for good examples of a first-gen Hayabusa from 1999 – the year they were launched. These days, expect to pay a solid $20,000 for an excellent example. And a lot more if you could find one with just delivery miles.