ZX-9A, any good?

[Grasshopperus]

Hi guys,
I'm torturing myself by looking at bikes that I could see myself getting when I get my full license. I've found a bike that I like and that's in my price range
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=273237060
I've been to see it in the flesh and it looks really nice!

Although the registration says 1996 I've done a bit of looking around and the bike is actually a 1994 model (according the paint scheme) which makes it a ZX-9A model.

I've done a bit of reading and the "A" and "B" series are much heavier than the "C" series and later and the "A" series in particular suffers from "a poor choice of rear suspension linkage ratio and swingarm pivot position, which compromised rear-end grip."

Are the "A" series as bad as they sound? Or is that kind of observation only going to be noticeable on a track or under the control of an expert? I'd really appreciate the opinion of someone who's owned or ridden one.

[CHAPLIN]

I would save ya pennys for something newer, unless you really want it.The rear linkage problem is really the front sprocket position in relation to the rear, the chain rubs hard on the top guide.they have plenty of power though.

[MaxB]

Not a bad bike, bullet proof engine. The rear linkage didn't make it handle badly just it wasn't as good as it could be, it wasn't fully sorted whereas stuff like the 750 Gixxer was. It also suffered in comparison to the ZX7R which had AMA racing success in the 90s. At the time you could buy a modified dogbone linkage that improved things a lot.

The later models were heaps better. Save up and get one of those.

Bear in mind that it still has rocketship performance. Sub 11 quarters and 270+ top speed. Coming off a 250 it might give you a bit of a shock.

[speed63]

I agree, go for the C Model (98) or later. bIg difference in performance.

[Edbear]

Not a bad bike, bullet proof engine. The rear linkage didn't make it handle badly just it wasn't as good as it could be, it wasn't fully sorted whereas stuff like the 750 Gixxer was. It also suffered in comparison to the ZX7R which had AMA racing success in the 90s. At the time you could buy a modified dogbone linkage that improved things a lot.

The later models were heaps better. Save up and get one of those.

Bear in mind that it still has rocketship performance. Sub 11 quarters and 270+ top speed. Coming off a 250 it might give you a bit of a shock.

PLEASE take note! This is an understatement! You will die before you know you've missed the corner!

[Hans]

PLEASE take note! This is an understatement! You will die before you know you've missed the corner!

Yup, nothing like realising that you're no longer ahead of the 8 ball, but are instead flapping madly behind it as your bike comes on cam in 2nd gear at 130km/h. At that moment the corners seem to teleport at you and it takes a bit of luck and good management to survive long enough for your brain to build enough capacity to cope.
I have recent experience with this, and that's only COMING BACK to performance bikes after an extended break.
Having said that, I could also recommend getting an RF900 if you're not a one-eyed Kwaka type.

P.S. That your kid in your profile pic?

[Grasshopperus]

Yup, nothing like realising that you're no longer ahead of the 8 ball, but are instead flapping madly behind it as your bike comes on cam in 2nd gear at 130km/h. At that moment the corners seem to teleport at you and it takes a bit of luck and good management to survive long enough for your brain to build enough capacity to cope.


Hi guys, thanks for your comments, I think I will just save up for a later model (or an RF900 if they take my fancy).

Point taken about the huge performance step-up too. I intend to be very cautious.


P.S. That your kid in your profile pic?

Yeah, the son is almost 2 months now

[chic 'n' charge]

Hi guys, thanks for your comments, I think I will just save up for a later model (or an RF900 if they take my fancy).

Point taken about the huge performance step-up too. I intend to be very cautious.

Both my partner and I have owned the ZX9R's and we loved them, we now ride an 08-ZX6R and 04-ZX10R, I went from a 400cc up to the 900cc and didn't kill myself. Any bike will only ever go as fast as you want it - it's not like a horse where they have their own minds - you are in control of the power at the end of the day. Start off slowly and you'll have years of fun with it.

Enjoy whatever you decide to buy - but stick with the Kwaka - it'll never let you down (yes I am bias)

[crash harry]

Pretty sure that's "B" model - probably a B1 from the graphics, though it might be a B2. The "A" model is better known as the GPz 900 if I recall correctly - it's quite a different looking bike (do a google image search for "ZX900A" and "ZX900B" to compare...).
I had one of those, mine was a B2 I think ('94 or '95 model). They're a friggen rocket ship, and really comfy and neutral handling. Quite daunting for someone who's never ridden a big bike before though - they are pretty heavy and they carry their weight quite high up.

I wouldn't recommend it if you have no experience with big bikes or if you're small (I'm 6ft and a fat bastard so I had no problems with the weight...)

I would SERIOUSLY reccommend it over an RF900. The RF is lazy and docile by comparison.

If you do buy it, I would reccommend dropping the final drive ratio by about 10% or so from standard. Gives it heaps more punch and makes it more ridable around town in the slow stuff. The standard gearing is good on the open road but it's too tall around town. I went 1 tooth down on the front sproket and 3 up on the rear and it was a different bike.

You won't regret a ZX-9R!