The ZRX1200 DAEG, the latest model in the ZRX series, was the last model equipped with a Ninja power unit that complied with exhaust gas emissions regulations, adopting fuel injection, and also featured enhanced equipment such as a 6-speed transmission.
“DAEG” is the letter ‘D’ of the runic alphabet and was inscribed in the ZRX model change name as a symbol of its evolution and a step forward.
The ZRX1200 DAEG was introduced in 2009 as a Japan-exclusive model with fuel injection and compliance with automotive emissions regulations. The maximum power of 81 kW (110 hp) is generated at 8,000 rpm and the maximum torque of 107 Nm is produced at 6,000 rpm.
The DAEG was equipped with a six-speed transmission, compared to the five-speed transmission of the ZRX1200R/1200S, six-piston calipers and petal-shaped disc rotors on the front brakes, and five-spoke design wheels, all worthy of being designated as the pinnacle of the ZRX series models. The ZRX is equipped with a 6-piston caliper and disc rotor and 5-spoke wheels. The S1-style swingarm, inherited from the 1100, was adopted, and the design of the square headlights and bikini-type fairing were enhanced.
The water-cooled large-displacement engines from Kawasaki started with the Ninja, or GPZ900R, introduced in 1984. The liquid-cooled 4-cylinder DOHC engine of the GPZ series, which started with 908 cc, was converted into various motorcycles and the ZRX1100/1100-II, introduced in 1996, was equipped with an increased displacement of 1,052 cc. The ZRX1100, which followed the design of the past Z1000R, was popular in Japan and Europe. In 2001, the ZRX1100 evolved into the ZRX1200R/1200S, with the displacement increased to 1,164 cc. However, the ZRX1200R/1200S was a carbureted model and its production was discontinued in 2008 due to automotive emissions regulations. Due to the “up” type handlebar, the upper body is relaxed in the basic riding position. The position of the feet is also in a natural standing position, and overall, the rider has a high degree of freedom. The seat height is 795 mm and the seat is thick, but even a model of 170 cm/65 kg can firmly place both feet, but the vehicle weighs 246 kg, so care must be taken when handling it. The GPZ900R series engines remained in service for over 30 years, from 1984 until the ZRX1200 Daheg was discontinued in 2016. Starting with a displacement of 908 cc with a bore x stroke of 72.5 x 55.0 mm, it was increased to 1,164 cc with a bore x stroke of 79.0 x 59.4 mm in the ZRX1200 Daheg. What is notable about these engines from the so-called “Ninja series” is that when the displacement was changed, both the bore and stroke were altered.This is a tradition that can be said to date back to Z1 and Z2, and it is a truly typical Kawasaki engine that focuses on balance. The engine mounted on the Daheg was not only the largest displacement, but also the only Ninja engine with fuel injection, making it the ultimate and final specification.
