![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI1WtMczpMmWF-ZU1b4chMDvtC5TAqfNFhNg7ofGOF1vzoQ-ln7oV_l-NUhGi8YfQHtWF_2GdSmc-MWSqssdBqQYiaKxMMrFnN540S9F59t8uEy9nJfEu2IaFINCrIEIMjTqRjqSwm_HhB/s320/kawasaki_zx-12r_ninja%5B1%5D.jpg)
With the Kawasaki ZX12R Ninja, Kawasaki plunged into the high-performance sportbike war raging among the Japanese motorcycle manufacturers. The Ninja's liquid-cooled, 1199cc DOHC, 16-valve 4-cylinder engine generates a peak power of 178 bhp at 10500 rpm.The Kawasaki Ninja's revolutionary all-aluminium monocoque frame and cast steering swingarm pivot areas realise an extremely stiff structure and contribute to the bike's superb high-speed stability and supersport handling performance. The ZX12R's wind-tunnel designed fairing was developed with help from Kawasaki's aircraft division and the redesigned upper cowl has a shorter nose for improved aerodynamics and a sportier look. In honour of an agreement reached among Japanese manufacturers, starting with 2001 models, Kawasaki introduced speed limiters in the ZX-12R to reduce the bike's top speed to 300 km/h.