Honda Cbr1100xx Blackbird vs Kawasaki Zx-12r
Side-by-side comparison for used motorcycle buyers
Honda Cbr1100xx Blackbird vs Kawasaki Zx-12r. Honda Cbr1100xx Blackbird: 164 hp @ 10,000 rpm hp, 256 kg (wet/curb weight) weight, top speed 290 km/h (electronically limited; some sources cite 300+ km/h unlimitied), Motoryk rating 8.5/10. Kawasaki Zx-12r: 178 hp @ 11,000 rpm hp, 214 kg (wet/curb weight) weight, top speed 299 km/h (electronically limited; estimated 320+ km/h unlimited), Motoryk rating 7.8/10.
Performance at a Glance
Green = winner per metric · Bars are relative to the higher value
Honda Cbr1100xx Blackbird
Kawasaki Zx-12r
Horsepower (hp)
164 hp
178 hp
Torque (Nm)
126 Nm
137 Nm
Top Speed (km/h)
290 km/h
299 km/h
Weight (kg) — lower is better
256 kg
214 kg
Type
Sport
Supersport
Horsepower
164 hp @ 10,000 rpm
178 hp @ 11,000 rpm
Torque
126 Nm @ 7,250 rpm
137 Nm @ 7,500 rpm
Top Speed
290 km/h (electronically limited; some sources cite 300+ km/h unlimitied)
299 km/h (electronically limited; estimated 320+ km/h unlimited)
Weight
256 kg (wet/curb weight)
214 kg (wet/curb weight)
Fuel
6.5 L/100km (approximately 15.4 km/L, typical real-world average)
7.5 L/100km (approximately 13.3 km/L typical real-world average)
Fairing
Yes
Yes
Individual Reviews
Honda Cbr1100xx Blackbird
8.5/10
"A genuinely fast, reliable classic that rewards careful buyers enormously."
Pros
+Bulletproof Honda reliability
+Exceptional power delivery smoothness
+Comfortable for long distances
Cons
−Cam chain tensioners wear early
−Fairings scarce and pricey
−Heavy for tight urban riding
Kawasaki Zx-12r
7.8/10
"A bruiser that still earns respect, if you buy carefully."
Pros
+Massive, effortless power delivery
+Aerodynamics genuinely impressive
+Strong used value proposition
Cons
−Attracts reckless previous owners
−Fairing parts increasingly scarce
−Suspension feels dated now
Top 10 Accessories
Picks that work on either bike.
