ZXR400 H or L?!?!

[rookie]

Im thinking about going a little bigger than the 250...i dont have the money to go to a 600...would be keen otherwise.
Im looking at the VFR or the ZXR400. I already know the differences between the two, i'm just after a bit more information regarding the ZXR400 models.
Is it similar to the A and C classification of the ZXR250 where one was simply newer than the other??
I have done a search and the only comment i found was that the L model had a little more poke and was a bit lighter.

Are they essentially the same bike though??
Are there any visual differences??...any simple ways of knowing which is which if they aren't side by side??
Suspension differences??

cheers guys

[jahrasti]

H- 89 to 91
L- 91 to 00?

Does it really matter between them? seat of the pantsometer would be the same.
The older H models had a slightly different frame.

[K6K]

I have had 3 ZXR400's many years ago. Pretty much all ZXR400's in the country are Jap imports made for the domestic market. I don't know the reason for it but from memory the bikes were restricted from the L model (91) onward. I think later models got down to the early 50 HP range. I had an 89, a 90 and a 91 ZXR. The 89 had different cams which were the same as later SP models so had the most power (64 Rwhp on the Dyno) the 90 was slightly less. The 91 had less power (58 Rwhp) but it was faster than the 89 because it had better throttle response. I think they are fantastic bikes and I would recommend them over a VFR. Get an early L model (91) if you can, or even better if you can find one of the very rare SP's!

[rookie]

cheers guys.
Im just after a package that can be adjusted to suit what i want...i mucked around with the 250's settings to find what i liked.

Also after the best bang for buck...so if theres a model thats got a little more than the other than im keen.

I do like the vfr for the single swing arm, gear driven cams and v4 but i just love the zxr's...they got so much character.

[feral1]

Hi Rookie,

I race an L6. The main difference is that the L is a fresher and more updated version of the H. check out www.zxrworld.co.uk it is a treasure of ZXR info. It will get you right up to date. i have never ridden a VFR, but if you like lots of V4 noise it would be a good un, but for looks and power i would search out a good early L model. you'll love it :)

feral