ZX7 single seat
Posted: Tue Mar 25, 2008 6:33 pm
Dose anyone know where to get a single seat for a ZX7 for use on the road?
Here is something to read...please don't forget the ZXRs and ZX7
I've had my Kawasaki ZX-7R for a while now and I keep toying with the idea of selling it due to the chronic discomfort and the fact that, even by sportsbike standards, it's thoroughly impractical. However, after a blast along a good smooth B-road where it makes you feel like a God, or when staring at it after a wash and polish, I just can't bring myself to do it.
Despite its near decade-old design, it's still one of those bikes you find yourself just going out to the garage to look at, or admiring with a smile on your face as it ticks and pings to itself as it cools after a good caning. It's that timeless pin-up superbike shape with its wide, low nose, big ram air scoops, flat tank top and high kicked tail. Kawasaki Racing Green just finishes it perfectly.
Critics of the 750 class say that newer 600's are as quick and more agile, and they have a point. Certainly the current generation 600's will match it on paper in terms of outright go. What the ZX-7R does give you however is a wad more torque to play with, and will deliver at 6,000 RPM what the 600 won't get close to until past 9,000 RPM.
This makes it easier to ride fast, and gives a power delivery which has no real surprises. Just a constant build of smooth power from a car-like 3,000 RPM right through to the limiter at just under 13,000. If you feel the need to play, the years of race development spent on this engine will liberate a genuine and reliable 145 bhp upwards with surprisingly small outlay. The claimed stock 125PS is enough for me, my work required license, and the clogged roads around my neck of the woods however.
It can't be denied that at 204kg dry, the 7R is a bit of a lardy old beast these days, but the extra weight gives a planted, confidence inspiring feel to the handling which, for about 90% of riders will be better than an ultra light, ultra fast steering 600. It also has very good quality front suspension with beautiful damping and bags of feel, and a level of unsprung weight that many newer rivals would struggle to match. The upshot is a bike that can be taken by the scruff of the neck and ridden close to its limits without ever feeling like it's going to spit you off or bite you. You have to treat it with respect of course, but it won't bite unless you're a total idiot.
I would heartily recommend the ZX7R as a riding experience, but to own, you need to be aware of the drawbacks. Get a long test ride to make sure the riding position won't cripple you, and that the 100 mile range to the worryingly variable reserve capacity on the fuel tank won't irritate. Also steer clear if you regularly ride in town or in winter where the constant coughing and spluttering of carb icing becomes hugely annoying.
All said and done though it's a big, fast, soulful and achingly beautiful sportsbike with a good helping of traditional Kwak quirkiness and attitude, combined with traditional Jap reliability. If you can forgive or ignore its faults, you will fall in love with it. I have, and for anyone who has not ridden one, you have missed a chance to ride a
Here is something to read...please don't forget the ZXRs and ZX7
I've had my Kawasaki ZX-7R for a while now and I keep toying with the idea of selling it due to the chronic discomfort and the fact that, even by sportsbike standards, it's thoroughly impractical. However, after a blast along a good smooth B-road where it makes you feel like a God, or when staring at it after a wash and polish, I just can't bring myself to do it.
Despite its near decade-old design, it's still one of those bikes you find yourself just going out to the garage to look at, or admiring with a smile on your face as it ticks and pings to itself as it cools after a good caning. It's that timeless pin-up superbike shape with its wide, low nose, big ram air scoops, flat tank top and high kicked tail. Kawasaki Racing Green just finishes it perfectly.
Critics of the 750 class say that newer 600's are as quick and more agile, and they have a point. Certainly the current generation 600's will match it on paper in terms of outright go. What the ZX-7R does give you however is a wad more torque to play with, and will deliver at 6,000 RPM what the 600 won't get close to until past 9,000 RPM.
This makes it easier to ride fast, and gives a power delivery which has no real surprises. Just a constant build of smooth power from a car-like 3,000 RPM right through to the limiter at just under 13,000. If you feel the need to play, the years of race development spent on this engine will liberate a genuine and reliable 145 bhp upwards with surprisingly small outlay. The claimed stock 125PS is enough for me, my work required license, and the clogged roads around my neck of the woods however.
It can't be denied that at 204kg dry, the 7R is a bit of a lardy old beast these days, but the extra weight gives a planted, confidence inspiring feel to the handling which, for about 90% of riders will be better than an ultra light, ultra fast steering 600. It also has very good quality front suspension with beautiful damping and bags of feel, and a level of unsprung weight that many newer rivals would struggle to match. The upshot is a bike that can be taken by the scruff of the neck and ridden close to its limits without ever feeling like it's going to spit you off or bite you. You have to treat it with respect of course, but it won't bite unless you're a total idiot.
I would heartily recommend the ZX7R as a riding experience, but to own, you need to be aware of the drawbacks. Get a long test ride to make sure the riding position won't cripple you, and that the 100 mile range to the worryingly variable reserve capacity on the fuel tank won't irritate. Also steer clear if you regularly ride in town or in winter where the constant coughing and spluttering of carb icing becomes hugely annoying.
All said and done though it's a big, fast, soulful and achingly beautiful sportsbike with a good helping of traditional Kwak quirkiness and attitude, combined with traditional Jap reliability. If you can forgive or ignore its faults, you will fall in love with it. I have, and for anyone who has not ridden one, you have missed a chance to ride a
