Kawasaki ZX-9R
Parker’s used price range £715-3,045
Engine size 899cc
Power 143bhp
Top speed 175mph
Insurance group 16
Like so many motorcycles the Kawasaki ZX-9R began life as a sports machine, didn’t quite cut it and ended up as an excellent sporty sports-tourer. It’s indecently fast and should put 175+mph on the clock with minimal hassle. Early Kawasaki ZX-9Rs were heavy but from the ‘C’ variant of 1998 onwards it’s light enough to be a capable if not cutting edge sports machine.
Engine: Always a strong point on Kawasakis even when chassis development fell behind the competition. The Kawasaki ZX-9R’s engine is a classic with modest low rev torque, no major fireworks in the midrange but enough urge to keep the Kawasaki ZX-9R swift. But rev hard and very little will pull away. The Kawasaki ZX-9R has a pleasing growly nature too.
Ride And Handling: Early Kawasaki ZX-9Rs weren’t good. The Kawasaki ZX-9R ‘B’ series from 1994 to 1997 was too heavy. Fingers were pointed at the rear swingarm and suspension too. It’s the least sporty of the bunch by some margin. Kawasaki ZX-9R ‘C’, E’ and ‘F’ suffix bikes are all much lighter but still stable and relaxed enough to make excellent road bikes. Brakes are effective unless neglected.
Equipment: Depends on your perspective. The Kawasaki ZX-9R’s well equipped for a sports bike, quite poor for a sports tourer. The fuel tap is an antique idea with little to commend it but is useful when removing the Kawasaki ZX-9R’s tank. Grease nipples on the Kawasaki ZX-9R’s rear suspension are a simple, superb idea which few other machines have.
Quality And Reliability: Reliability is good - Kawasaki ZX-9Rs will clock up huge mileages without letting owners down. But build quality can be patchy. Paint is so thin on the wheels even regular use of a lock can rub it off. Corrosion and stone chips are a common sight on Kawasaki ZX-9Rs. Shocks go off quickly and steering head bearings can wear fast.
Value: The Kawasaki ZX-9R makes a good buy for two reasons. First, as it was always a close-but-no-cigar sportsbike, it’s seen as undesirable so can be cheap. Second, owners who do go for a Kawasaki ZX-9R are less likely to crash or thrash their bikes than those with GSX-Rs or R1s. Look for a bike with a Fenda Extenda and buy with a smug grin.
Model History: 1994:Kawasaki ZX-9R B original model launched.
1998: Kawasaki ZX-9R C completely new model, new frame and engine, single reflector headlight.
2000: Kawasaki ZX-9R E minor mods including stiffer frame and twin headlight top fairing.
2002: Kawasaki ZX-9R F final version with heavier crank and four piston front brake calipers.
This article was taken from: Motorcycle News