Tell me about ZX7Rs

[Shifty]

Hey guys

What can you tell me about ZX7Rs? The only thing I know is that they're a lot heavier & bigger than a ZX6R but they're supposed to have an awesome front end.

If I was looking at one, anything in particular to be concerned about? Any good/bad points about the bike? Mileage, issues, reliability, anything?

As a side note it's got braided lines and a steering damper, makes me raise an eyebrow about it maybe having been a trackbike at some stage? 30k seems low compared to most 7Rs I've seen (50-60k, some up around 80-90k) so I'd be having a good look to see if it's been a trackie at any stage....

[Bogan]

What model is it? Have you taken it for a test ride? Did you have to take cash with you?

[Shifty]

2000.

No rides yet, not going to waste the poor cunt's time until I'm right to buy... just interested to know what's good/bad and what to look for.

[Mel]

Can I join in on this thread? Because I want to know about ZX7Rs as well! But a 1996 one. lol I just came on here to search and maybe start my own thread!

Like THIS one.

I heard they have the best front end ever:) But are they fun to ride? I hate to admit it, but I just test rode an SP2 and it was very fun... pity kwaka don't make anything like that (I always said that the SP2 was the only bike that could draw me away from a kwaka... it might just be winning!)

I had been seriously considering the 9 and the 12 but I'm gonna go with my heart I think... and atm its between the 7 and the SP2 and I haven't ridden a 7 yet (and there are NONE for sale in Canberra at the moment, unless I'm not looking in the right places). Gonna have to go to Sydney or Warrawong or Orange to get a ride on one...

Shifty, if you want me to start my own thread, I will

[Shifty]

Welcome to share my thread, I'm sure the afficionados will be sure to point out if there are many differences.

Have been reading some reviews (not on work time though! *whistles innocently* ) and everyone seems to love them... although people tend to rave about their own bikes and or bikes they've owned before so it's hard to get an objective opinion.

Front suspension awesome
Brakes awesome
Similar power to a new 600, with more torque/better delivery
Doesn't wheelspin or wheelstand unless manhandled
Some of the colour schemes a bit tacky (mid 90's style, keepin' it real!)

[Bogan]

I've read a bit of this before:

http://www.bikepoint.com.au/portal/tabI ... fault.aspx

"...and 1996 saw the results of all the development done over the ZXR's six years with the ZX-7R, an all new remake of a fantastic bike that tends to get passed by in the search for the latest and therefore greatest."

And thought there was one around that went from the ZXR into the ZX7 years, but can't find it at the moment.

Might be a little help, might not .

[hoffy]

Similar weight to a 12, although alot shorter and alot less power, some say they handle great, very stable therefore easy to ride fast..also, last championship winning Kawasaki Superbike, so they must be ok

[hoffy]

This one looks like its been in a front ender or really bad photo editing..

[2ndclasscitizen]

http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/biker ... &R=EPI-262

[Strika]

Having done a few miles on ZX7's over the years, even crashing one, I feel somewhat experienced enough comment. ZX7's are a very stable bike, to the point of being slow steering. This has a side benfit of making them rock steady on the road. They can tank slap just like any bike, but if they do, it's a quick side to side and then it settles almost instantly. The feedback from the front was great for it's day. But to be honest Mel, It's going to dissapoint in the handling stakes, especially when compared to the 6. Comfort wise, it's a very racer oriented position with a long stretch to the bars. I find them comfy for running up a spur road, but a bit tough around town and on the highway. Engine wise, they were a very torquey, if a little underwhelming motor, which has a good reliability record. If it's a look your after then I can understand your choice, but if that's not the major criteria, then other bikes are better value and have more power, less weight and better handling. ZX9's come to mind.

Also, bear in mind Mel, that if you buy a piece of shit Honda SP1/2, I'm gunna bag you out forever!

[Mel]

hahaha thanks Marty!

TBH it is the looks of the 7 that grab me... there's just something about them that say to me "own me" particularly that green/white/purple colour scheme... if I get one it's gotta be that colour scheme (or all black)...

My head tells me the 9 would be the perfect choice for me... but the heart says no. I have no doubt that one day I will end up on a 9... but not just yet (and when I do, I want one just like Robyns!!)

I put in a call to the owner of the "mushed up" (you're right hoffy, it is a little... odd looking in that pic!) but no answer... hopefully he'll call me back tonight or tomorrow morning for I will be heading north in the AM - I need to ride a 7 for myself... there's one at Sydney City Motorcycles at Campbelltown... I'm assuming they didn't change much apart from colour schemes over the years? and given my tendancy towards impatience... if I don't at least give the 7 a go... I may just end up being a honda rider next week god that sounds disgusting!

And I would expect nothing less than a thorough bagging if I end up on the Hooonda... that is, of course, if I can hear you over the almighty roar of the vtwin

[Tack]

The only thing I have had a problem on the 7 is with is carby icing. On two occassions whilst riding the spur and reefton the thing would splutter, run rough, no power etc. Would have to sit for a while idling before it would clear. It would then run OK until it iced up again.

I know Buck had the same problem coming back from a Mt Disappointment ride. His solution was to move to warmer weather...Brisbane. LOL

[Mel]

So on a cold and frosty winters morning in freeze-berra carb icing could be a serious problem? I've not had that problem on any other bike... is it something peculiar to the 7's?

[dutchy]

interesting little factoid about zx7r's. they have a factory slipper clutch! not many people realises it for a couple of reasons. first, when they came out they were called "back torque limiters" by kawasaki. another reason not many people realise it is because they are not activated when they come from the factory. to activate them you need to change clutch plate thicknesses to something thinner and either increase the spring strength or add spacers, i think!!

more info about slipper clutch (including detailed how to DIY) under tech tips menu at this site

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

i'm biased being an owner (1998 p4) but i love the stability of the zx7r. i also liked the bit of extra weight because it was my first bigger bike. nice and solid.

[dutchy]

forgot to mention the slipper clutch was in the zx7r's in all models from 89-03. i reckon i'll be getting my local shop to rig this up whenever my current clutch shits itself.