what to buy, ZX7r or ZX6r?

"i'd prefer something light "

then get the zx6r the 7 is very heavy great bike but heavy by todays standards

when you say heavy, are we talking "damn-i-wish-i-had-more-breakfast" heavy or just noticeable?

Wet weight for a ZX-7R is of the order of 235kg, compared to the just-superseded ZX-6R's 190-ish.

The difference in weight between the two is about comparable to carrying a wispy little Asian chick pillion... or not. Between the weight, size and wheelbase, they're a bit of a rude shock for anyone brought up exclusively on current machinery.

They make a wonderful blank canvas for your extreme-weight-reduction project, but stock, they're not really much chop any more, unfortunately.

The 9 is a brilliant bike - can handle pretty much anything from the fastest and tightest twisties, to a long day of freeway riding. It's the go-anywhere, do-anything sportsbike, that will take you as fast as you could want to go, without sacrificing comfort so you can do it all over again the following day. I've ridden with 4 or 5 ZX9 riders on this forum now, and couldn't keep up with any of them, so don't think for a second that the bike will hold you up! Fat tourer, it ain't.

The 05-06 6 is magic. If you want a bike that feels made to go fast, grab it. It is supremely confidence-inspiring in corners. Whatever speed you throw it into a corner, it sits tight and begs to be thrown at it faster.

I've never ridden a ZX7, so can't comment on that.

As always, give everything a ride and it should be clear which style of bike 'speaks' to you and goes with your riding style

The 9R would see you right, coming from an R1 to a 7 would be quite a shock i reckon, great bikes but are dated. The 10 has serious bite, look at the 12R too, best to go test riding me thinks

Sorry to ask, but what does 'fligthtier' means ? Is that when the bike won't turn quck enough ?

My 2000 zx6r turns allright (but I've never compared with any other bikes)

More the opposite!
Basically the bike will move around a lot quicker and somewhat less stable than heavier bikes, easier tipping in to a corner, easier to manouver or too easy in some ways. Bit like cross winds as you ride, the lighter the bike the more it moves around with the buffeting. Something like that anyway

Last edited by Jonno on Fri Feb 09, 2007 2:03 pm, edited 1 time in total.

Pretty much. The front can tend to flap around a lot more, can be more prone to tankslappers (99 R6, good example), quick steering but less stable. ZX7 = slow steering, but more stable

I'll put in a vote for a 9. Heavier than a new 6, lighter than a 7.

I was actually looking for a 6 when I got mine (F model). Turning ability is dramatically changed by appropriate suspension setup. In my case, it's also assisted a little with revised fork internals, but I've ridden another F model and while not quite the same it was still GOOD. I reckon the tyres play a bigger part in the difference in feel than the suspension mods.

cheers for the advice everyone, i think i'll test ride the 9 and the 6, but right now im leaning more towards the 6 purely because its a newer model but then again i've never bought a bike i originally intended to buy.

Go the 06 636 Modern,light,need no more power...

Can't go wrong with any of those choices mate, Happy test riding

I have ridden them all and i would say while I love the 7 and the 636 go the 9 if youve been on an R1.
But there is no way I will ever sell my 7 either even though it is a heavy old sucker it is still a damn lot of fun and a top bike on the right roads.
But a 9 is better no doubt. 636 is more effort for the same speed but ultimately more "satisfying" because of it.
Test ride them all and make a decision then, all the rest is just other ppl's opinion.

Mate! all depends what you want out of the bike. i have just given up my yamaha r6 2005 and gone and bought a very low mileage zx7r 2003, i gave it a service put some new tyres ,brakes and lines on, gave her a, k and n filter changed the rear sprocket up two teeth. i have owned r1 r6x3! triumphs zx6r fire blade and a bandit, and the 7r gives me more pleaseure than all my previous bikes, on a recent track day here in sunny Wales, my Dated, Heavy ZX7R romped home to a all out fastest of the day.
seriously all you need to ask your self is how you gonna use the bike. if its for road commuting then seriously consider the 9r one of the guys mentoned before, awesome all rouder and v fast, the 6r will do all but needs to be worked hard and will demand alot from you to get the best out of it, the ZX10R is not a motor cycle its a time machine simply pick a place on the map twist the throttle hold on and pray, 2004 zx10r is by far the most commited sports bike i ever rode, and what a handful, not for the faint hearted. since owning my ZX7R i feel i have found the bike that suites me and my slightly anorexic 17 stone frame, it rocks. good luck fella kwakas rock.....,

I steped up to a 7r from my 250. The power is very user friendly and if you want to push it it will move.... and i mean move! Unlike a lot of 600 you don't need to wring it's neck. Allround fun bike with power when you want it or need it.

Zx9 as previously said it will do it all with ease,wanna fang yep it will ,wanna cruise yep again,want effortless power yep you got it ,and as also said set up and tyres make all the difference I found the zx7 rider position a bit hard to take for any length of time so if u wanna commute give the 7 the boot

Zx9 as previously said it will do it all with ease,wanna fang yep it will ,wanna cruise yep again,want effortless power yep you got it ,and as also said set up and tyres make all the difference I found the zx7 rider position a bit hard to take for any length of time so if u wanna commute give the 7 the boot

Longest trip i have done was about 3hrs in one go. Body took 2 days to recover

I followed a 7 home from work yesterday in a spirited romp. Have to say I was impressed with what it had.

Obviously I was trailing because I choose to (ZX12R) but for an older style bike (couldn't give you a year) seemed pretty impressive.

You will never get me off my twelve, but thats my 2c for what it is worth.

What a decision.....
Having owned both a 1998 ZX-7R and 2005 ZX10, they are very different bikes. I'm 6ft 3 and found the 10 a little cramped. I thought the 7 was easily the pick of the two.
ZX7 - Easily my favorite. Easy to ride, fills you with confidence especially around Phillip Is, enough power to take on nearly anything and forgiving enough if you make a small mistake. Yes they were heavy but they felt very stable and comfortable to ride.
ZX10 - Simply brutal. Truck loads of HP. Delivery is instant and quite scary. Downside I found was my legs turned black due to the heat the engine generates at idle. Exceptionally hot even after doing a highway run down to Torquay.
If Kawasaki bought out another 7 or an 8, that would be my choice. I'd be shopping in no time.
Best of luck with your purchase.....