Which to buy; 92 C vs 94 D : Kawasaki ZX Forums: Kawasaki Ninja Forum

smcallis · 10-03-2009, 06:16 PM

Hi,

Newbie here. Had a ZX-10 back in the day and I'm jumping back into the fray now that my kid has graduated college. I have a choice between a 94 with 25k miles, or a 92 with 15k miles. The 92 is in better cosmetic shape. Both are mechanically sound. Both are selling for $2500. Which would you guys choose? I'm leaning towards the 92...is there any reason I shouldnt be?

Sean

rnoliver · 10-03-2009, 09:52 PM

I've always liked the looks of the D models better. Also, they ran through '01 so parts (which is really body work and some peripherals) should be easier to come by. But 10K less miles and better condition? Now I can see why it's a hard choice.

Maybe Claude will weigh in as he's just gone to the D model after having C's for a long time.

Good Luck, I'm sure you'll be happy whichever you choose.

Welcome, also. It's good to see another Granite Stater. Grew up outside of Manchester, but have been in Colorado over 20yrs now.

Lastly- Congrats on the youngun' graduating

Claude · 10-04-2009, 07:23 AM

You can't go wrong with any of those two (assuming maintenance have been made correctly).
I just began riding a D (2 months ago) after 13 years of riding a C. D is smoother and quieter and have a better finition. However, C's "rougher edges" seem to give it more caracter. I prefer the D tough as, on a comfort scale, I modified it a step further than the C.

smcallis · 10-04-2009, 01:45 PM

Thanks for the responses guys...

rnoliver, the parts availability is something to consider, especially as they continue to age. I can see why you are in colorado. Skied out there this year for the first time. What an amazing place. I'm jealous!

So I found another 94 that adds a wrinkle. It has 7200 miles and never been down...but it sat for 7 yrs. He had the carbs cleaned and synched and supposedly it runs great. He wants $3k. Any additional thoughts? I guess I'm concerned about latent issues from it sitting for so long.

ejmesq · 10-04-2009, 08:03 PM

By the cleanest low mileage ZX-11 in your favorite color. $2500-$3500 is the range. I havea C and it is awesome. Others like the D.

Either model (C/D) is a rocket, take your time and buy a low mileage perfect m/c.

dippasan · 10-12-2009, 10:52 AM

Hi guy's,
Another Granite Stater chiming in from just outside Manchester. One thing worth noting about the "C" model is the lack of a fuel guage and I know of no way to upgrade the fuel lights on the "C" model to a real guage. Also, everything on Google and ebay is related to the "D" model. That said, I just purchased another "C" model 2 weeks ago and have been working on it nightly. I have been very pleased with the overall performance and look of both of the "C" models I have had. The changes between the "C" and "D" are pretty subtle.

ejmesq · 10-12-2009, 11:14 AM

[quote=dippasan;204914]Hi guy's,
Another Granite Stater chiming in from just outside Manchester. One thing worth noting about the "C" model is the lack of a fuel guage and I know of no way to upgrade the fuel lights on the "C" model to a real guage.

I've gotten to like the fuel lights. Since we can go 40 miles after the lights blink, I try and remember to start looking for gas a 100 miles after the last top off.

rnoliver · 10-12-2009, 02:48 PM

That does make another point, the D holds over a gallon more fuel. So a little further between fill ups.

ejmesq · 10-12-2009, 07:15 PM

Take the time to wait for a mint, low mileage 11 to appear. Always check Craiglist.

Many 11's have been garaged all their life. I'd probably pass on the 25K bike and consider the '92 if its very nice and has an excellent maintanence history.

Just buy a mint C or D and you made the right choice.

Claude · 10-13-2009, 09:22 AM

How about a 1990 with 67000 miles? You can't say it have been stored for long periods except for each damn winter... Located in Canada though and always well maintained.

jay jay · 10-20-2009, 08:19 PM

i seen a reference to craigslist and it a great place cause i bought my 2001 zx11 off there for 2700 and its looks flawless had 12990 miles runs great jus have my vanishin oil prob which lookin into but b patient a great will find u

herbiekeeper@gmail.com · 10-31-2009, 12:06 PM

The older one would be my choice as the handle bars are a bit higher and the ride would be better for long halls.

On a bike your gonna stop every hundred miles or so to take a break so that extra gallon is a moot point other than more weight! and with a full tank on the c model you can travel almost two hundred miles???

smcallis · 03-19-2010, 06:16 AM

Hey guys...been a long story but I got cold feet in the fall...allergic reaction to spending the money at the time. But I found a 96 with 8900 miles, windsor green, original owner, virtually perfect, not a scratch on her. So I backed out last fall but he still had it this spring so I went and got it last weekend. Got it for $4k. Very happy. So I've joined the fray! First thing I need to work on is that factory flat spot between 3-4k rpm. Otherwise I'm having a blast. I also think I want to raise the bars a bit...but in time...

fastlane · 03-19-2010, 06:06 PM

Congrats on your purchase! Good thing that you waited and got something really nice! I really like that Windsor Green.

foxjohnc · 03-19-2010, 08:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smcallis

Hey guys...been a long story but I got cold feet in the fall...allergic reaction to spending the money at the time. But I found a 96 with 8900 miles, windsor green, original owner, virtually perfect, not a scratch on her. So I backed out last fall but he still had it this spring so I went and got it last weekend. Got it for $4k. Very happy. So I've joined the fray! First thing I need to work on is that factory flat spot between 3-4k rpm. Otherwise I'm having a blast. I also think I want to raise the bars a bit...but in time...

Shim up the needles and the 3-4k flatspot should disappear. It was real bad on my 95 I think mostly due to the jet kit, muzzy 4-1, and k&n filter. I moved the clips on the needles and put an extra shim underneath them. It made a night and day difference....doesnt even feel like the same bike. Whereas it had a slight hesitation before around 3-3500 now it just pulls the front wheel up.

smcallis · 03-20-2010, 05:43 AM

foxjohnc,

I've heard about raising the needles slightly...is there an instructional out there on how to do it?

Sean

Claude · 03-20-2010, 01:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smcallis

foxjohnc,

I've heard about raising the needles slightly...is there an instructional out there on how to do it?

Sean

Following link is a how-to for ZZR1200 but it the same on a ZZR1100.

http://www.camcycle.net/HowTo/CarbShim/carb_shim.html

smcallis · 03-20-2010, 04:14 PM

Excellent! Thanks!