motor options??

[busapower]

get'n all my parts rounded up slowly so i can start my build and now its time 4 the motor. just wanted to get some opinons on what you all think of the zx-12r and the r1 as opposed to a hayabusa.




thanks.
Randy

[Gene]

My guess is that so few of us have used more than one (of those) engine(s) that we are not prepared to choose.

So make a decision based on price, torque then horsepower. All three will make your ride scary fast.

Perhaps other attributes like clutch and transmission should come into play. Maybe members will venture comments that could push your decision. For example I back-cut my gears and added a larger diameter billet output shaft to strengthen the lower end. The original tranny had microscopic failures - grenade with pin pulled.

Gene

[Rorty]

The ZX 12 engine is a great powerplant. Fortunately for us buggy types, it was overshadowed by the Busa and so never got the recognition it deserves and can therefore be bought for a lot less than a Busa.
It's not short on power either.

[busasandrail]

From what I have heard the zx12 motor has oiling issues, now it can be fixed, but at what cost? I'm not sure. The power is equal to a busa but I dont think the aftermarket is as strong for a zx12. And the R1 is a good motor just under powered and pretty well maxxed out for any additional power not to mention the torque is quite a bit less then the other two.
I have been running the Busa and have seen the busa run in many other rails with great success. Not to mention with a bolt on turbo kit you can make around 300 HP. If you feel stock isnt enough.
IMO the money you save by buying the other motors just doesn't offset the lack of power, potential, or reliability.

[Rorty]

Originally Posted by busasandrail

From what I have heard the zx12 motor has oiling issues, now it can be fixed, but at what cost?

I haven't heard of any lubrication problems with the ZX12. Do you have a referrence to the problem or the fix? I'd be keen to check it out.

[busasandrail]

Sorry, I did not saved any of the info on any of the bike motors. I too was looking at all options when I built my rail and after a few people said they have heard of this problem I just shyed away from them. And believe me I dont regret my choice....I am not agianst the zx12 or any other brand its just what I heard.

[busapower]

looks like the smartest and safest option is to bite the bullet and spend the
3500 for i low miles busa and harness.. thanks for all the input guys

thanks,
Randy

[busasandrail]

Check around most kits I've seen are going for about 2500 including everything to make it run.....
Look for a 2003 and up they have the upgraded starter/computer/stator and a few other items. All years will work but the newer ones just have a few improved items.

One thing I will recommend is get your tranny gears back cut, If you dont do this the motor will pop out of gear under load and cause gear damage, most Rail builders dont know about this and will tell you other wise but trust me it is necessary...only bad thing about doing this is you have to split the cases to get to the tranny. Its not to hard to if you have any mechanical skills, just time consuming. And a service manual will be really helpful.

Fast by Gast or Orient Express are two places that I know of that do quality work at a reasonable price.

Jerry

[busasandrail]

Also when you find a motor you want to buy make sure that all of the sensors,CPU,rectifier,relays and an intact wire harness are included. Tell the person it has to include EVERYTHING to make it run. It is very difficult and expensive to purchase any missing parts....

Jerry

[busapower]

i found a place close 2 home here in norcal called downs engineering. the motor kit they sell has a modified stock harness and everything to make it run 4 3500. and that is a 2500 miles or less motor and 2003 or newer.