on the market for a 9

[MrWasabi]

Well obviously im on the market for a new bike, despite the missus not wanting me to get back on one...dont blame her though.

I know sqaut about the 9s, as to price and value, what to look out for etc, so was hoping to get some pointers.

Budget i suspect will be between 4-5k, so from what im look at so far that keeps me under 2000 models.
Some swear black and blue about the 02-03, whats the big difference?

Oh and do the 95-03 model 9s have a 180 rear? taking into consideration my down the road expenses too...

[laidback]

Plenty of write-ups about the differences http://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/bikes/Kawasaki%203.htm

From some spec sheets I have:
E & F series had 190s
C series had 180s
http://www.kawasaki.com/kawasakinew/acc ... de=ZX900F1

Enjoy your reading...you'll luv a nine...any model I understand...

[adge82]

I was looking for a post 200 model, settled on a 98. Only cos it was the right price and had low km's (and it was farkin gorgeous).
They dont seem greatly different from 98 onwards although im sure there are differences.

98's can have gearbox issues, but few do from what im told.

Pre 98 are heavy but reliably sound and resemble the ZXR750s just with a bunch more poke.

[z900/zx9]

Theres not much difference between F1 and older 9s unless you count Brakes,suspension,swing arm,Forks ;)oh and 190 rear tyres

[adge82]

What i mean is that i rode a 2000 and a 2001, neither felt that different to the 98 i purchased..

[Nelso]

You will want something after '98 at least. Each model gradually got sportier and the C (98-99) was the first to really get the balance right. After that they turned from a big comfy sports-tourer to a more dedicated sports bike with the F(02-03) being the pick of them for speed and handling. Your best bet is to ask if you could ride a few different models on the same day to see how different they feel. I hear there is often a few to select from up at the PITS on a Sunday morning.

[Strika]

5K should get you a 2000 onwards!! Don't worry about the bullshit prices that people ask for them, I know from experience (I bought two, both less than 6k three years ago) people will cop a crunch. Go for the 2000 onwards as they are a little nicer bike with less posibility of gearbox issues.

[MrWasabi]

yeah after some heavy reading laidback posted i have my mind set on a 2000-2001 model, seems spec whise they are identical.
Nelso, good idea mate, i might cage it up to the PITS and stand around waiting for a few 9s to come by

looking at bikesales i can see some 2000 model 9s for about 6 and up, so will keep looking if the going rate is about 5

[laidback]

yeah after some heavy reading laidback posted i have my mind set on a 2000-2001 model, seems spec whise they are identical.
Nelso, good idea mate, i might cage it up to the PITS and stand around waiting for a few 9s to come by

looking at bikesales i can see some 2000 model 9s for about 6 and up, so will keep looking if the going rate is about 5

If you see something you like make an offer...can't hurt. There seems to be a lot on the market ATM so advantage buyer.

[ijuschill]

Hey Owen found this 99 model on ebay and it's RED might be a little bit over your price though
http://tinyurl.com/ebay-99-zx9r

EDIT:
found another one http://tinyurl.com/ebay-DEC99-zx9r

[gpxpunk]

the 9's are a nice bike, i was going to go with one before i purchased the 7r, but if i was going to get one i would get the 01. should be able to find one around 5 grand since that was around the same budet i was going for and found 3 at the time.

[Phil]

I've had my 98 for 12 years now, no (real) problems and it has 130K on the clock. Still pumps out 133rwhp on Tex's conservative dyno (would be more like 140 on a dynojet dyno). Great bike.

I was thinking about parting with it - then I rode it a few times back to back and its not for sale anymore.

[Phil]

Hey Owen found this 99 model on ebay and it's RED might be a little bit over your price though
http://tinyurl.com/ebay-99-zx9r

EDIT:
found another one http://tinyurl.com/ebay-DEC99-zx9r

The second one of those is an E1 that has - more than likely - been down the road. Notice the lack of spew graphics on the fairings. The red 99 C2 looks a little better IMHO.

[MrWasabi]

I've had my 98 for 12 years now, no (real) problems and it has 130K on the clock. Still pumps out 133rwhp on Tex's conservative dyno (would be more like 140 on a dynojet dyno). Great bike.

I was thinking about parting with it - then I rode it a few times back to back and its not for sale anymore.

come on Phil...ill buy it off ya

[MrWasabi]

Hey Owen found this 99 model on ebay and it's RED might be a little bit over your price though
http://tinyurl.com/ebay-99-zx9r

EDIT:
found another one http://tinyurl.com/ebay-DEC99-zx9r

Thanks justin, keeping an eye on them at the moment to see what they go for, as im still waiting for the insurance to settle
Gonna go test ride some tomorrow, so at least i know what to expect
keep em coming if you come across em