Zx7r?

[lankyman]

I'm looking at upgrading the viffer and have been looking around at several bikes. One in particular that has caught my attention is the late 90's (97 onwards) ZX7R. I'm looking for a bit of feedback on these bikes as i have heard a few dodgy things about kawakas (i.e the ZXR400's tendancy to munch head gaskets, which i have seen first hand). So fire away, any feedback negative or positive would be muchly appreaciated. Cheers:2thumbsup

[Cajun]

they feel long, and heavy compared to moden bikes

but are solid onthe road, and not as twity as moden bikes, seam rock solid and reliable.

bit of a cult bike

[Coyote]

Definitely a cult bike. One I've also had an interest in.

Kawasaki made them for years (think from around 1997 to 2003). Read a second hand review in Performance Bike Mag and they raved about it. Basically said what Cajun has just said. Just keep in mind with old bikes that you'll end up with a lot of the repair work that the seller is trying to offload. Seals, bearings, most things that can wear out. Basically all of what I found with my VFR :rolleyes:

[MidnightMike]

Ive taken the ZX-7RR for a ride.

WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE EEEEEEE!!!!

[2Slow50]

Very solid bike imo, hauls arse too.

[Gremlin]

The "latest" model you have seen was made from 96 to 03 approx (depends on country as to when manufacture ended). Very minor changes in these years, colours did change from year to year.

Carbed, heavy compared to a modern 600, but will teach you to ride a bike much better than the new 600, fantastic front end, that you can really learn to ride. I have ridden the front end hard on every bike since.

Only issue is that as normal, they are an older bike. Also check the coolant overflow bottle for cracking around the mount points (older models were very prone, and the replacement bottle is improved)

[boomer]

....but will teach you to ride a bike much better than the new 600...

How the ***** do you qualify that statement..?!!!

[Gremlin]

How the ***** do you qualify that statement..?!!!
a 600 is much easier to ride, it changes directions more easily, it brakes better.

ie, you fuck up a corner, and the 600 is going to cover your ass (arse for H) a lot easier than a zx7r will. You have to do a lot more work on the zx7r to fix the same problem, than on a modern 600.

My own experience: Came into a corner on a gsxr600, too quick for my relaxed mindset. Quick thought of oops, touch of brake, lots of speed scrubbed off, touch on handlebar, and it dropped into the corner easy as. Didn't have to do the same on the zx7r, but its heavier, brakes are not as good (braided lines help, but still don't put it on par) and doesn't drop into corners with a little touch.

I know, because I owned a zx7r, and rode a 600 quite a bit (and got myself out of a few oopsies on both bikes). I still maintain that newbies shouldn't just upgrade to brand new 600 for the above thinking. Its only when you get yourself into shit, that you know whether or not you can handle it.

edit: With the zx7r's weight, you also have to ride more conventional lines, and can't quickly change direction, but the weight then assists out of corners, with easy drive.

[honda929]

Why not just upgrade VFR? the kawa looks sportier and will be quicker in a straight line, but then you have the riding position(weight on wrists)less fuel range, compared the the vfr, also the kawas engine sounds like a jar of nails rattling around,they are a strong engine that wont go bang but do wear parts out quicker than most other jap bikes, Ive had one and the rings went at 40k, and it had oil changes every 3k.

[lankyman]

Nah, would rather stick to the sports bikes rather than do the sporty/toury compromise. Riding position doesn't worry me, I'm 6"4 and still take the NC30 on big road trips haha, just gotta handle the knots in the shoulders afterwards.

[Cajun]

the other thing is the zx7r being a cult bike usual have a rather high price tag compared to other bikes of same error. often can pick up a late model 600 for same price, or even less money

[slowpoke]

Luv 'em! Definitely a modern classic bike I'd like to own. Go the whole hog and get an RR model for a real piece of WSBK exclusivity at a bargain basement price and you'll probably never lose money on it.
Sure it's not a modern fuel injected soul-less wonder bike but that's half the charm unless you are intending to race it, even then it's still a quick bike.
I may have just bought a later model race bike but I'll be hanging on to my ol' carb'd R1 for exactly those reasons.

[Mikkel]

Ive taken the ZX-7RR for a ride.

WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE EEEEEEE!!!!

You should have bought it :yes:


Luv 'em! Definitely a modern classic bike I'd like to own. Go the whole hog and get an RR model for a real piece of WSBK exclusivity at a bargain basement price and you'll probably never lose money on it.

Good luck with getting your hands on a genuine RR. 15 were brought into the country, most of them were raced and I dunno how many have been crashed.
Mine won't be up for sale anytime soon I can guarantee you that! :D
That said, for most intents and purposes you'll be better off with a zx7r - can take a pillion, first gear isn't nearly as tall, higher top-speed, don't have to worry about bogging down the flat-slides, etc...

The zx7rr is a good stunt bike too: :blip:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4vOFaeSK81k&eurl=http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=68745

[Gremlin]

Good luck with getting your hands on a genuine RR. 15 were brought into the country, most of them were raced and I dunno how many have been crashed.
3 odd years ago, a waipukurau dealership had one for sale.

Chose a modified r instead, still a fantastic bike, and it doesn't differ too much from the rr in the real world. (If riding in the real world, the r will be better anyway)

[tzrmike]

I have just my '92 back on the road. I have fitted '06 ZX6R forks, wheels, brakes, and rear shock. I like it a lot! The turn-in is sharp, the brakes great, especially compared to the original POS calipers. The green/white/blue paintjob is a bit of a shocker and looks pretty dated, but hey, you can't see it when you're riding.

I have found of couple of ZXR/ZX7R sites, the first is mainly a reference site, and the second is a message board.

http://www.webzxr.co.uk/

http://www.redmonkey.com/7r/index.php?destin=.%2Fstart.php

The message board can turn into a bit of a bitchfest, but it does have some quite knowledgeable guys on there.

[Boob Johnson]

I bought one on the 10th of this month & absolutely love it. Had a stock TL thou prior so the handling was always going to impress by comparison. I did 1150 km's on it in the first three days touring the central NI with nothing but a backpack on. These things corner on a rail!!! Fantastic braking! 6 piston calipers ffs!!! So yeah massive stopping power & 122BHP which is pretty impressive for a mid 90's 750. You won't ever need a steering damper as they are just so solid and stable everywhere. Downhill braking can be a lil harsh on the wrist but due to not having a girlfriend for a wee while my wrists are strong :whistle:

These babies were WSB winners time and time again, built from 1995 to 2003 & as has been said they didn't change very much at all over that time, now to qualify that, apparently that is almost unheard of.

I can't repost the same pics but heres a thread on my first weekend with the ZX7R

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=83868

[t3mp0r4ry nzr]

will pay and pick up my zx7r on tuesday. was very impressed with the handling and braking. power was enough without being too much. really stable. lots of stuff to play with and adjust ie rear ride height, compression, rebound etc. and of course they look the dogs bollocks. never ridden a bike that attracts so much positive attention.

[gammaguy]

there arent many bikes i havent ridden,running a workshop PD ing bikes for an importer and all.

The ZX7R was and still is one of my favorites,it felt so planted:niceone:

[Boob Johnson]

will pay and pick up my zx7r on tuesday. was very impressed with the handling and braking. power was enough without being too much. really stable. lots of stuff to play with and adjust ie rear ride height, compression, rebound etc. and of course they look the dogs bollocks. never ridden a bike that attracts so much positive attention.
Wicked, congrats mate, welcome to the "green side" :love:

[t3mp0r4ry nzr]

Wicked, congrats mate, welcome to the "green side" :love:


haha cheers!
funny thing tho, its all red!!
looks hawt!
dunno if I would have brought it if it were kawa green
it so happens that the colour matchs me leathers, helmet and boots (in a butch racer way, not a hairdressers way)!
guess it was meant to be.
only one thing tho. a bit too much front dive when grabbing the brake. If it cant be tuned out with fettling, then either cut and spacer original springs or buy stiffer arfter market springs.

[Boob Johnson]

haha cheers!
funny thing tho, its all red!!
*removes t3mp0r4ry nzr from Christmas card list*


:laugh:

[Mikkel]

Chose a modified r instead, still a fantastic bike, and it doesn't differ too much from the rr in the real world. (If riding in the real world, the r will be better anyway)

Better around town most definately - the close ratio box with its tall 1st gear is an annoyance at low speeds. However, when you fang it there's nothing quite like it. Also the flatslides requires good feel and smooth throttle control.

Less suspension adjustments for the R though - but the RR is set up for very smooth tracks and roads, not the NZ appoximation. I've gotten aftermarket compression pistons installed in my forks - they feel much better. The original part simply does not flow enough oil - the flow channels are about 1 mm in diameter. I was quite comfortable doing 550 kms on labour day.


These babies were WSB winners time and time again, built from 1995 to 2003 & as has been said they didn't change very much at all over that time, now to qualify that, apparently that is almost unheard of.

I may be wrong - but I seem to recall that the ZX7R never took a WSB title. The ZXR750s before it did, but not the ZX7R. They won races, but not the title...

They were still running carburettors in the 2001 WSB championship - the last of the brands to go for fuel injection. In race trim they put out about 170 hps at the wheel :D

[Boob Johnson]

Better around town most definately - the close ratio box with its tall 1st gear is an annoyance at low speeds. However, when you fang it there's nothing quite like it. Also the flatslides requires good feel and smooth throttle control.

Less suspension adjustments for the R though - but the RR is set up for very smooth tracks and roads, not the NZ appoximation. I've gotten aftermarket compression pistons installed in my forks - they feel much better. The original part simply does not flow enough oil - the flow channels are about 1 mm in diameter. I was quite comfortable doing 550 kms on labour day.



I may be wrong - but I seem to recall that the ZX7R never took a WSB title. The ZXR750s before it did, but not the ZX7R. They won races, but not the title...

They were still running carburettors in the 2001 WSB championship - the last of the brands to go for fuel injection. In race trim they put out about 170 hps at the wheel :D
I'll look it up again tomorrow unless someone beats me to it, one of the tricky thing with these bloody Kwaka's is the naming differences in different countries, as you all know no doubt.

[Gremlin]

Less suspension adjustments for the R though -
I should probably elaborate. One of the list of mods it had was... an ohlins rear shock. :yes:

[prvoke]

Im looking at picking one up this w.e. Mate of mine is taking his biker nut mate to look at it for me as im in wellington and the bikes in auckland. Test rode a local one once but this one is $1500 less and it still has the stock rear pillion seat so the missus can come along. im damn impatient so i cant wait to get it and ride it home most of the length of the north island

[Boob Johnson]

Im looking at picking one up this w.e. Mate of mine is taking his biker nut mate to look at it for me as im in wellington and the bikes in auckland. Test rode a local one once but this one is $1500 less and it still has the stock rear pillion seat so the missus can come along. im damn impatient so i cant wait to get it and ride it home most of the length of the north island
Looks like that the 2001 with 20 odd thou on the clock on tarders has gone, that was a good buy by the looks of it. Are you looking at the green one of the black one on TM?

[prvoke]

the black 96 with the tear in the seat

[lankyman]

[QUOTE=Boob Johnson;1791928]I bought one on the 10th of this month & absolutely love it. Had a stock TL thou prior so the handling was always going to impress by comparison. I did 1150 km's on it in the first three days touring the central NI with nothing but a backpack on. These things corner on a rail!!! Fantastic braking! 6 piston calipers ffs!!! So yeah massive stopping power & 122BHP which is pretty impressive for a mid 90's 750. You won't ever need a steering damper as they are just so solid and stable everywhere. Downhill braking can be a lil harsh on the wrist but due to not having a girlfriend for a wee while my wrists are strong :whistle:

Good to see you taking the matter in hand :niceone:

[lankyman]

haha cheers!
funny thing tho, its all red!!
looks hawt!
dunno if I would have brought it if it were kawa green
it so happens that the colour matchs me leathers, helmet and boots (in a butch racer way, not a hairdressers way)!
guess it was meant to be.
only one thing tho. a bit too much front dive when grabbing the brake. If it cant be tuned out with fettling, then either cut and spacer original springs or buy stiffer arfter market springs.

You bort that one from Tauranga on trademe recently didn't ya. I was eyeing that one up aye, not ready for about another 6 months though bugger it :doh:

[t3mp0r4ry nzr]

yup, must be one of only a few red'uns in the 64.
parting with my monies tonight. hope it aint a lemon!

[-df-]

You bort that one from Tauranga on trademe recently didn't ya. I was eyeing that one up aye, not ready for about another 6 months though bugger it :doh:


yup, must be one of only a few red'uns in the 64.
parting with my monies tonight. hope it aint a lemon!

Thats my old bike!!! (check out my profile pic, he has painted the wheels black since he got it off me)

Definatly haven't purchased a lemon unless he killed the bike...the engine in that was going to last for a long long time when I sold it...only thing was the clutch might have needed to be replaced at some point.

Almost purchased it back off him, but he was wanting the same for it that I sold it for so went for an R1 instead.

Still miss that bike :(

[t3mp0r4ry nzr]

KB insest!! so wrong but soo right!
thank god he did paint the wheels black!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
haha, thanks for the reassurance. I can handle replacing the clutch. Will have a look at the plates when I do the oil next.
the fairings are straight as so it hasnt been obviously knocked around....YET

[t3mp0r4ry nzr]

oh yeah, of the top of my head, it was Scott Russell of the USA who in 1993 won the world super bike crown on a zxr750. The only Kawa to do so. Pipping teammate Aaron Slight in 3rd. Fogarty 2nd (Ducati)

The zx7rr was raced up until 02' (correct me if im worng). The works zx7rr's had a dry weight of 169kg (quite a weight loss!) and pumped out 150hp at CRANK. Raced by Stalker Walker and Erik Bostrom in 02.

[Mikkel]

The zx7rr was raced up until 02' (correct me if im worng). The works zx7rr's had a dry weight of 169kg (quite a weight loss!) and pumped out 150hp at CRANK. Raced by Stalker Walker and Erik Bostrom in 02.

According to the race engineer in the video below they put out 170 hps at the wheel (IIRC).
But 169 kgs is a good weight loss indeed! :niceone:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-eYEfOUE8EM

[t3mp0r4ry nzr]

great vid, thanks!!
WOW 319kmph official top speed for works bikes! thats quick for a 750!
Gee Cathcart gets all the shite jobs dont he!!

[Boob Johnson]

According to the race engineer in the video below they put out 170 hps at the wheel (IIRC).
But 169 kgs is a good weight loss indeed! :niceone:
Great vid Mikkel, cheers for that :clap:

[prvoke]

Well i hope they are good bikes cause i just paid a deposit on a black 96 in auckland. fly up to get it on saturday and ride it home to wellington. Cant wait :)