2000
Kawasaki ZX-12R
Colours used
in this example.
Lime green and Deep green set the main colour direction. Softer background tones keep the motorcycle in focus.
Suggested pencil shades, not exact factory paint matches. Test colours on your paper before building richer layers.
Layer the darker shade around curves.
Use light pressure to preserve highlights.
Leave narrow paper highlights.
Retain lighter edges for definition.
Keep these colours softer than the motorcycle.
Look a little closer.
Explore the details from different angles.
2001 ZX-12R side view
2001 ZX-12R. A neighbouring-year comparison of the original A-series body shape.
Photo: uploader was Maggus 1978 at de.wikipedia · Source · CC BY-SA 3.02001 ZX-12R front three-quarter
Silver 2001 ZX-12R. Compare fairing curvature and the separation between painted panels and the dark engine area.
Photo: Wikiwake · Source · CC02001 ZX-12R in green
2001-labelled ZX-12R in green and white with a white seat and gold wheels. The uploader calls the colours original; that complete scheme has not been independently verified against factory records.
Photo: Cjp24 · Source · CC BY-SA 4.0Frame and engine detail
Detail view from the silver 2001 ZX-12R photograph.
Photo: uploader was Maggus 1978 at de.wikipedia · Source · CC BY-SA 3.0Front fairing detail
Detail view from the silver 2001 ZX-12R front photograph.
Photo: Wikiwake · Source · CC0Original 2000 ZX-12R colours
Kawasaki's model recognition manual lists Candy Lime Green, Lime Green, Candy Persimmon Red and Metallic Phantom Silver for the 2000 ZX1200-A1. These are model-family listings; availability and graphics varied by destination.
- Candy Lime Green (8N)Green bodywork option
- Metallic Phantom Silver (GU)Silver bodywork option
- Candy Persimmon Red (A5)Red bodywork option
- Lime Green (7F)Additional A1 colour listed in Kawasaki model recognition manual; destination not resolved
Screen swatches are a colouring guide rather than exact paint matches.
The gallery shows 2001 comparisons. The original-colour claim for the green and white bike is the uploader's statement and is not independently verified.
In the photographs
The gallery shows silver 2001 A-series bikes and a green comparison with white panels, a white seat and gold wheels. The uploader calls the green scheme original, but independent factory evidence for that complete treatment was not established. All are labelled 2001 comparisons. They should not be presented as exact 2000 factory layouts or proof of a repaint.
- Silver-grey
- Green
- White panels
- Gold wheels
Visual colour guide only. These are not additional factory paint options.
In the coloured example
The example uses a vivid green interpretation of the 2000 colour family. Its shade and panel details are artistic. The silver gallery bikes show an alternative period colour, while the green and white comparison should not govern a 2000 factory scheme.
Make the details count.
Follow each fairing section with separate green layers.
Use a sharp grey pencil around the rear chain links.
Keep the hills soft to separate them from the bike.
Follow your curiosity.
Model history and further reading.