[92Ninjas]

A youtuber I follow released this video on ZX7's. He describes it as cheaply made in comparison to other brands, not really that great of a bike, with corrosion, bearing and suspension issues. Also noting it (ZX7RR?) never made legendary status like the RC30 and R7 0w02.

I am highly biased because I didn't experience any other brands from that era to compare to when new. I loved the way it rode, and had 0 issues. I definitely didn't have any bearing or suspension issues. Corrosion seems to be in line with every other brand I have worked on since. Quality seems equal.

What's you guys objective opinion?

Info dump time. This is what I know and some of it may not be correct as I am still learning about the zx7 series and its history.

• Throughout its production, the zx7 was internally labeled as the zxr750 (H, J, and L models) for the road production bikes. Starting with the K and M model, it was labeled the zxr750r. In 1996, the P model was designated the zxr750r and the N model was the zxr750rr. The NA market received the Ninja moniker which dates back to the gpz900r Ninja debut and its famous appearance in the original Top Gun movie. All other markets received the internal model designation of zxr and the accompanying decals on the tank and rear fairings.
• The J model in the EU market was restricted. However, upon the release of L and P model, owners of the J model could de-restrict it by swapping carb slides and swapping the J head for the L head with cams.
• I believe the zx7 series was discontinued due to race regulations changing to allow/require 1000cc class sportbikes to be raced. If you look into other manufacturer bikes in the late 90's to early 2000's, they had bigger motors and fuel injection (Yamaha R1, Honda 929 Fireblade, Suzuki gsxr1000 K1). The zx7 did not have these upgrades and could not carry the zx7 label if the displacement was increased. I believe Kawasaki could have included gear driven cams, increased compression and fuel injection to help improve power numbers. But, the weight of the zx7 and its dated platform was its Achilles heel and could no longer be competitive enough against the 1000cc competition.
• Throughout its racing presence, you have notable riders who won on the zx7. Scott Russell, Eric Bostrom, Doug Chandler, and Anthony Gobert. Just to name a few. If you go back and watch the older races with riders aboard the zx7, you'll see that its aging platform was catching up with it fast toward the end of the 750cc race class series. Kawasaki could no longer support it, race-wise. The zx10r in 2004 was the proper successor to the zx7r in road trim. It took Kawasaki awhile to re-enter the race scene with their zx-rr in MotoGP. But, that bike was on a whole different level with its big bang engine design. I wish Kawasaki would have kept supporting the zx-rr for at least a few more years in an attempt to perfect it. I think we could have seen some awesome tech trickle down to the road production bikes if that would have happened.
• I think the reviewer got the H model BHP numbers mixed up. Or, I don't know WTH I'm talking about. I thought the zx7 H1 model made about 110hp at the crank and the zx7 H2 made 125hp at the crank. Someone will correct me.

As far as corrosion and bearing issues go; I agree with @ninjanut on this. Corrosion and bearing issues are due to weathering and poor maintenance. Any other zx7 owner will tell you that the zx7 has little to no mechanical issues and that electrical issues are more common (grey wire on the P model and sticky relay inside Junction Box on the other models). Everything else, like the neutral safety switch, clutch safety switch, starter relay and the inline glass fuse (on some models) are normal wear items. At least, that's what I think.

 

[92Ninjas]

If anyone from the left hand side of the pond wants to know, the 100bhp limit in europe were infamous in early 1990's. I think France and Germany had self-imposed limits for 100bhp but the UK and the rest of Europe didn't have these restrictions. They all came about when unelected EU commissioner called Martin Bangermann who proposed laws for 100bhp motorcule limits Europe wide, his flawed evidence was based on selected fatal accidents, which when investigated were not the fault of the rider. A lot of euopean motorcycle groups got together to campaign against it and won. Hence why we have 200+bhp bikes today.

I never looked into this. Thanks for the insight on that stoopid limit. I assumed, since unrestricted bikes exist over there, that it was removed some time ago. I hate when people try to blame the motorcyclist when it was not the motorcyclist fault.

 

[92Ninjas]

The 2k 7R is the best handling bike I ever rode. That includes a 2k GSXR1000. I wish I had a 96+ 7R with a 9R motor. Or, have you guys figured out how to put 10R motors in them yet?

There was a guy on the youtubez who was recording his build. IDK if he ever finished it because the uploads stopped almost as soon as it started.

Of course when I go look for it, i can't find it. Though, I have found some newer vids of 10r swaps into the P model 7r

 

[92Ninjas]

 

[92Ninjas]

Since this thread is back to the top I'll add something constructive to it. Going back to the video and the original post about the quality of Kawasaki in the early 90s. I found this little tidbit from an old Cycle Canada Magazine:

View attachment 26446

4.7 for Kawasaki? I find this hard to believe. This must be responses of owners at a cosmetic level. At least for the 93-95 zx7, I could fix that bike on the side of the road with minimal tools. I've done it more times than I'd like to. But, it's possible.

 

[92Ninjas]

it says the survey was based on perceived quality of craftsmanship, not how easy it is to work on them.

Well, from the Kawasaki, Honda and Yamaha restorations I've seen online, They all look really good. I haven't seen a Suzuki restoration that made my jaw drop yet. Nor a bmw.

 

[92Ninjas]

Y won't my zzr600 motorcycle turnover now battery

Start a new thread

 

[92Ninjas]

Thats because i havent bought a 80’s gsx750 project yet. Ive almost finished building it in my head so its half way there

I must redact the suzuki part. @RightSaidFred post in THIS THREAD has exceeded my expectations. That's a Suzuki restoration that was done right IMO.

 

[92Ninjas]

Where do i find it?

I hope you found it