Talk to me about Kawasaki ZX7R

[DickP]

Hi,

I have an early SV650S and have ridden some other bikes like the Daytona 900. I'm looking to replace the SV650S and fancy the ZX7R. It would be used for weekend ride outs, touring and commuting.

I don't know much about the ZX7R though, other than I like the look of them and prefer the all green one was opposed to purple and green colour scheme.

What are the good and bad about them? Are there any big issues or challenging maintenance things to be aware of?

Thank you.

[LukeBrown66]

Scott Russell or Anthony Gobert, that is all you need to know lol!!

[RazerSauber]

My mum's ex partner had one and it seemed reliable enough, even when he was an arse to it. No maintenance, revved its nuts off on the drive, got a wipe down once a year, that was it. Seemed to hold up well to the abuse and had no major failures. Can't tell you how it rides I'm afraid!

[smifffymoto]

Didn’t older ones suffer carb iceing?

[Waynester]

A modern classic these days, or at least good condition, original ones are on the verge of collectibility. The SRAD 750 & YZF were better performing bikes back in the day, but I think most would agree the ZX7R is the better looker. Has a great front end too.

Buying one today I would be checking for originality, make sure all the plastics are genuine & not cracked or missing lugs. Engines are pretty much bullet proof, just the carbs may need sorting if it’s been sitting a while. Today’s fuel is crap for storing old bikes..

If you haven’t, give the 44T boys a look. Their original BBB with the ZX7R & SRAD is pure biking nostalgia gold!

https://youtu.be/O0c7jCBSRwA

[Kawasicki]

My experience with Kawasaki was a 1992 ZXR400 that I used to own, and a 2000 ZRX 1100 that I own now. Both pretty damn reliable.

[DickP]

Thanks.

I considered the GSXR 750 SRAD but they look a bit more challenging to work on, read the fairings tend to crack, and I saw the most recent 44T with his having a cracked swing arm.

[rev-erend]

I had a zx7r for many years.

No reliability issues, just usual wear and tear.

[trickywoo]

They are pretty uncomfortable and can feel heavy if you are used to anything modern.

I love how they look and it’s what got me into bikes with Yanagawa sliding it around in WSB.

[Waynester]

DickP said:

Thanks.

I considered the GSXR 750 SRAD but they look a bit more challenging to work on, read the fairings tend to crack, and I saw the most recent 44T with his having a cracked swing arm.

I must admit, when I saw that..I immediately went to the garage to check mine! Luckily all good.
The fairings on my SRAD feel pretty much the same compared to my ZXR. They’re both old, heavy & can be quite brittle, so I take extra care when working on the bikes, taking them on/off.

[podman]

I was keeping an eye out for one of these , they are a fab looking thing but they of course are cracking on a bit now and corroded well enough even when near new.

As stock, they are heavy and performance wise, more VFR than RR but that wouldnt have put me off a nice one.

[abw280]

Easily the most uncomfortable bike I’ve ever owned. Riding position is pure torture and the rear shock is ridiculously hard. My Ducati 996 is a sports tourer by comparison!

[Kawasicki]

abw280 said:

Easily the most uncomfortable bike I’ve ever owned. Riding position is pure torture and the rear shock is ridiculously hard. My Ducati 996 is a sports tourer by comparison!

My old Zxr was also fitted with a concrete filled rear suspension as standard. Maxton revalved and resprung it. It was a completely different bike afterwards.

[horico]

Not the last word on it but my ramblings.....

https://youtu.be/XuTuJCGxWP0

[anonymous-user]

One of my favourite looking bikes, would have considered buying one if the right bike had come up near to me. Bit out of touch with bike values but I imagine most of the ratty old bikes are gone now, presumably due to fairing damage so you are looking at nice but fairly spendy modern classic examples.

[NITO]

Yes yes yes yes!!

I have two ZXR750’s and absolutely love them. Ok it’s not a ZX7R but similar ingredients. They are very well built, reassuringly over engineered and imho beautifully balanced . Values are on the up and there are still excellent examples about. Try one on for size or check out the cycle ergo website. Some struggle with their wrists, I’m no spring chicken and actually find it really comfy and spacious on board.

Ps. Perfect if you like to sit in the bike and not perched on top of the bike.