Kawasaki's legacy of cutting-edge sportbikes has inspired motorcycle fans for generations. Recently, the call for 300km/h plus super sports bikes has motivated several manufacturers to bring out powerful contenders.

Kawasaki answered the call at the 1999 Paris Motorcycle Show, with the impressive debut of their all-new Ninja ZX-12R. This Ninja was reportedly created in the image of a fighter plane, which comes as no surprise considering that its slippery aerodynamics involved the cooperation of the Aerospace Division of Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. In fact, the ZX-12R spent more time in the wind tunnel during its development phase than any motorcycle in Kawasaki's history. The results are evident: small winglets on the sides of the fairing separate airflow around the bike; small wind deflectors on the lower forks deflect turbulent air from the engine; a long lip on the edge of the fairing further smooths out airflow. Also, projecting just ahead of the front fairing, a large scoop takes advantage of higher air pressure, heightening intake efficiency. A monocoque frame backbone creates an airbox that allows air to pass through the inside of the bike for cooling in addition to ensuring overall rigidity.

The powerplant of the Ninja ZX-12R is a fuel injected 4-cylinder 1,199cc engine that pumps out an abundant 178hp. Its four-into-two-into-one exhaust system features a titanium muffler paired with a catalyzer, which helps eliminate unburned hydrocarbons for cleaner emissions. Kawasaki brilliantly raised the superbike standard in performance, power and aerodynamics with their series flagship, the Ninja ZX-12R.

As a special feature for this model, semi-transparent green parts have been used for the fairing, offering a fascinating look at the aluminum monocoque frame and detailed engine, even after completion of the model. The brake lights come as semi-transparent red parts and the turning signals come as semi-transparent orange parts. These colors perfectly match those of the full-size bike. Metal stickers have been used for the rear-view mirrors and front forks, providing a high-quality appearance even without painting.

• The fairing parts are recreated using semi-transparent green plastic to showcase the internal monocoque frame and detailed engine
• Tiny screws are used to attach the fairing, allowing for easy removal after assembly
• The model accurately recreates the unique aluminium monocoque frame and 4-cylinder engine, suspension, and other details
• A chrome-plated muffler part provides a high-quality, realistic finish
• Solid rubber tyres feature an authentic tread pattern
• Metal stickers are included for the rear-view mirrors and front forks
• Turn signals and brake lights are moulded in semi-transparent orange and red plastic respectively

Paints recommended by Tamiya for this kit:

• TS-17 Gloss Aluminium
• TS-18 Metallic Red
• TS-38 Gun Metal
• TS-50 Mica Blue
• TS-52 Candy Lime Green
• TS-53 Deep Metallic Blue
• X-10 Gloss Gun Metal
• X-11 Gloss Chrome Silver
• X-12 Gloss Gold Leaf
• X-18 Semi-Gloss Black
• X-2 Gloss White
• X-27 Gloss Clear Red
• X-31 Gloss Titanium Gold
• X-32 Gloss Titanium Silver
• X-34 Gloss Metallic Brown
• X-7 Gloss Red
• XF-1 Flat Black
• XF-16 Flat Aluminium
• XF-28 Flat Dark Copper
• XF-5 Flat Green
• XF-56 Flat Metallic Grey