ZX9R - Yay or Nay?!

[ZXR400Lee]

Hey all

After a bit of advice... I want a bigger bike and been looking at a Kawasaki ZX9R. I like Kawasaki's so dont try tempting me with Honda's, Suzuki's or Yamy's.

The model I've seen for sale is a 1999 ZX9R C2 model, 11,000 Miles on the clock, £3275 (from a dealer) and looks in nice clean condition.

Does anyone on here own a ZX9R or have had any experience with one? Anything to look for specifically other than the usual bike stuff. How different are older models to newer models? i.e 1995 B models?

Thanks

Lee

[chris_1127]

try pm'ing vfreak, he's got a zx9 and absolutely loves it and may be able to help you out (or point you at the kwak forums he frequents)

[CvPiper]

Thats not a bad price I am getting tempted by a 'fettled' ZX10R, better have about 5 years more experience first though

[andrew]

don't know much about zx9's other than kwaks rep for making stonking motors.

Only thing i would say mate is are you sure you want to make such a big jump from 400 to 900 what about the ZX6. To be honest litre class bikes cost a lot more to run (not just insurance which will be horendous but also all the consumables which wear out quicker) and most people don't need them as 600's have more than enough performance.

Having said that you can't beat the pull of a big motor!!

[clunk]

Here's a link to one that was on the SV site recently for sale.
Looks very cool in blue and check out the rear lights

http://forums.sv650.org/viewtopic.php?t=22304

[pocket_rocket]

I heard that the ZX9 is a good bike - never had the pleasure of riding one though. I wouldn't worry too much about the size of the jump from a 400 to a 900 - I went from the RVF 400 to the 929 blade with no probs. Just remember that you dont need to 'rag it' as much (says she who managed to get the back hanging out when test riding the blade )

Jac

[ZXR400Lee]

Thanks for the quick replys.

The reason for me getting such a big bike other than I ride everyday and want something big and more comfortable, I dont own my own car, I ride bike everywhere I go, is my Dad sold his Hayabusa for a Subaru Impreza WRX and he has offered to throw in some money if he can take it out every now and then, I have no problems at all with that.

I also fancy biking trips and travelling long journeys...

Lee

[ZXR400Lee]

That ZX9R is well tasty for sale on the SV site. £3800 is a little out of my reach though. I'm going to try and see if I can factor it into a student loan.... 0% interest...

[furry]

ZXR400Lee

SWB Member
Joined: 25 Oct 2004
Total posts: 189
Location: St Ives, Cornwall
Age: 17

M8...if your still 17...they won't touch you with a bargepole on a ZX-9R

[chris_1127]

i think that vfreak changed from the 6 to the 9 after not very long, and found it better for longer runs to the south of france etc. after following him on the 9 though its definitely quick!!!

from what i recall of reviews of earlier (mid 90's) zx9's tyre choice was supposed to be far more critical than for equivalent age blades etc - forget what tyres ended up as being recommended, but there was a certain make that apparently improved the handling no ends.

[ZXR400Lee]

I am 18 in less than a month, I will have 2 years no claims bonus, and FI International do make 33bhp kits, (just need that certificate). Its worth a try, I will phone for insurance before I even think about handing any money over.

[vFreak]

I've got a 2001 ZX9R E1, moved from a 2000 ZX6 that I had for a year - devoted kwakker-lover meself . The 6 was a totally sorted, extremely well balanced bike (even got a gixxer-riding m8 to admit that he'd recommend it!) and I still miss it some days (until I crack open the throttle on the 9 anyway ). I moved to a 9 because I toured round Spain on the 6 and it got a bit "buzzy" after a couple of days constant riding. The 9 soaked up the miles a lot better and was great for the tour we did last year where we covered about 4000 miles - still hard on the a$$ though .
It does depend on your mileage - the 6 is a great bike for Sundays, nice & light and really manoeuvrable, flicking into corners really easy. The 9 is heavier... but then u have the power there... which is nice!
Insurance will cost you though .

[chris_1127]

(even got a gixxer-riding m8 to admit that he'd recommend it!)

...just want to point out that it wasnt me ;)

[jason]

...a zx9 is a big heavy bike to only have 33 horses powering it, that would be a truly pointless thing to own.

[furry]

Lee I would m8...restriction kits make no difference to insurance...

I was tempted to get a ZX-7R...but it's Grp 17...the highest you can get...and insurance for it was extreme...I don't know what the ZX-9R is (I think it's also Grp 17....Sting baby )

Buy the "Used Bike Guide" book from WHSmiths m8...will tell you everything you need to know
(Mine's at home and I'm in Cardiff at the mo )

From what I can gather...the ZX-9R has decent performance...but it more rideable over longer distances and obviously more grunt etc etc...

If it wasn't for the fact I know Suzuki's well...I would have brought one instead of my TL...but TL is grp 16