Questions: - what year - double seat (zx7r and RR? - flatsidecarbs) - how many owners - know previous owner - serviced where - major service - last oil change - hasnt changed spec since '96 - tires (180/190s) - shocks - suspension changes/tweaks (how heavy is rider) - other bikes owned Reviews: http://www.ukbike.com/reviews/bikes/zx7.html http://www.motorcyclenews.com/news/detail?sectionID=50677&documentID=153177 http://www.sportsbikeworld.co.uk/Bike%20Features/zx7r/zx7r.htm Dyno: http://www.rooracing.com/ZX7R96.jpg Links: http://zx-7.netholic.com/links/links.cgi?function=L§ion=ZX-7 Owners: http://www.webzxr.co.uk/ http://www.zx7r.superbikeclub.com/ Performance Bits: http://www.pyramid-plastics.co.uk/zx7_pagex.html http://www.justfairings.co.nz/index.html http://www.beveldrive.com/pages/rapid_art.htm http://www.atomicbikes.co.nz/whatsnew.php Models: http://www.bikingdirect.com/motorcyclemodels/indexkawasaki.htm http://www.imex-model.com/protar.htm Claims: great stability while leaned over great acceleration fantastic all around bike suspension fully adjustable Criticisms: weight slow-turning horrible long rage commuter carb icing rotting exhaust system Specs: Engine 4-stroke, DOHC in-line four, 16-valves, 748 CC Fuelling Keihin 38mm CVKD (Constant Velocity) carburettors / Ram Air System (dual intake) Claimed Power (Crank) 123bhp Gearbox 6 speed - Slipper Clutch Frame Aluminium perimeter Rake/Trail 25 degrees/99mm Wheelbase 1435mm Dry Weight 203kg Front Suspension 43mm USD Forks. Adj Ride Height, Rebound (13 way), Compression (8 way) Rear Suspension Uni Track monoshock. Adj Ride Height, Preload, Rebound (4 way), Compression (20 way) Wheel Travel Front: 120mm, Rear: 135mm Tyres Front: 120/70ZR17 /Std Pressure 36psi, Rear: 190/50ZR17 /Std Pressure 41psi Brakes Front: Dual 320mm disks with 6 piston calipers (Tokiko). Rear: Single 230mm disk with 2 piston (opposing) caliper Data from Performance Bikes Magazine (April '96) Top Speed Speed Upright SS 1/4 & speed Bhp @ rpm 171 158 11.10@n/a 109.0@n/a HISTORY http://www.amaproracing.com/archive/00rr/SBRULES/ROADEQ/KAWASAKI.HTM Kawasaki won the Daytona 200 with Scott Russell in 1994 and '95, and the AMA Superbike Championship with Doug Chandler in 1996 and 1997, thanks to the proven design of their ZX-7 750cc Superbike. During the 1998 season, Chandler raced the ZX7 to the runner-up position for the AMA Superbike Championship. In 1999, he took three AMA Superbike wins on the ZX7. A reorganization of Kawasaki road-race operations took place in 2000, but the team still campaigned the ZX7, and won at Brainerd, Minn., with rider Eric Bostrom. Bostrom and Chandler together collected five more podium finishes in 2000. Kawasaki has won nine AMA Superbike Championships since the start of the series in 1976. In 2001, "Team Green" will enter the ZX-7 in AMA Superbike and 750 SuperSport competition, and the ZX-9R is eligible in AMA Formula Xtreme. The Kawasaki ZX-6, which won the AMA 600 SuperSport Championship in 1993 and was runner-up for the 1998 and 2000 series titles, will be on track again in 2001 ======================================================================= I have not found reliability to be a problem. My machine (98 P3) has now covered some 92,000miles which equates to 148,000Km (approx.) and is still going strong. I do an oil change somewhere between every 4-6000miles, I haven't had any reliability issues. For me, rear wheel bearings seem to last about 25-30,000miles with fronts lasting about 40,000miles and clutch push-rod oil seals seem to fall out about every 25,000miles but these I just attribute to general wear. Other than that it's just been standard service items with the exception of parts replaced after crashing. So certainly in the case of my machine, it definately seems to be bullet proof. http://www.redmonkey.com/7r Steve ======================================================================= From: Adam Sean (asean@gate.net) Subject: ZX7R vs. ZX7RR Newsgroups: rec.motorcycles.racing Date: 1998/12/01 What are the differences between a 1996 ZX7R and a ZX7RR. Please be as specific as possible. Message 2 in thread ------------------------------------------------------------------------ From: roadrash@who.net Subject: Re: ZX7R vs. ZX7RR The ZX-7RR has differential bore Nissin front calipers, 41mm Keihin FVK-D flat-slide carbs, a solo seat/tail section, more adjustable suspension, close-ratio transmission, adjustable swingarm pivot, alloy fuel tank???, that's all that I can think of without the brochure. ======================================================================= From: morris (whitleys@usit.net) Subject: Re: ZX7R vs ZX-7 Newsgroups: alt.motorcycle.sportbike Date: 1999/05/31 but the new body style started in 1996. The frame went black in 99. ======================================================================= From: Kawidood (kawidood@aol.com) Subject: Re: Gsxr 750 vs ZX7r what should i choose Newsgroups: rec.motorcycles.racing Date: 1999/08/01 i am biased in my opinion bec. i ride a 7R but i would deffinately go for a 7R again. from everything i've heard/read , the gixxer is a better race bike than the 7R , but if you want a 750 for everyday commuting, the 7R is the winner. the gixxer is a lot more peaky. the powerband comes on really high in the RPM's . the 7R has a broader powerband and therefore it is much easier to ride normally. if you plan on racing them than get the gixxer. if u want a powerful street machine, go for the 7R. the suspension is fantastic and fully adjustable. the brakes are the same on both...amazing!! and the ergos on the 7R are better than the gixxers ( which isn't saying much..they are both pretty racy). i talked to a guy who has a 99 7R and he absolutely loves his machine!! good luck! 96 zx-7r asher@millenium.texas.net (Michael Royal) wrote: >Is there a difference between a ZX-7 and a ZX-7R, or is there only one >ZX-7 Ninja? Thike ZX-7 was made from '89 to '95, the R was the solo-seat homologation special ($11,000) with aluminium tank, smoothbore crabs, sold in limited numbers every year except for I believe '94. In '96 they changed the markings so that what used to be teh ZX-7 is now the ZX-7R and the limited-edition bike is now the ZX-7RR instead of ZX-7R. > And if there are two versions, what would a good price >be on a new '96 R? About $8999, the retail price of a 1996 Suzuki GSX-R750. ======================================================================= From: rogue_biker@my-deja.com (rogue_biker@my-deja.com) Subject: Re: 1997 ZX7R - any thoughts? Newsgroups: alt.motorcycle.sportbike Date: 2000/07/28 The ZX7R does NOT need a steering damper really. It's not a bike known to have headshakes. In fact, Kawasaki designed it to have lots of straightline stability, thus requiring the rider to have a heavier than normal steering input to get it turned. But once leaned over, the bike remains rock-stable even over bumps. My guess is the steering damper on the bike you're looking at is just for show. Anytime you buy a used bike, you just never know how the previous rider treated/mistreated the bike. Unless you knew the previous owner. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ From: Erik Astrup (eastrup@mother.com) Subject: Re: 1997 ZX7R - any thoughts? On Fri, 28 Jul 2000 03:20:48 GMT, johnnyrad999@my-deja.com wrote: >Im eyeballing a used all black 1997 ZX7R with about 4500 miles on it at >the local dealership. Any thoughts on this bike? Heavy. Slow steering but very stable in corners. Makes a bit more power as the new 600s. ======================================================================= From: Jamie (Jamie@prestigecars.net) Subject: ZX7R Questions Newsgroups: uk.rec.motorcycles Date: 2000/04/29 Just had my zx7r thru its 600 service last week, hit 1200 miles now, do a fair bit of motorway chugging :( unfortunately so have 3 questions.. 1: Does any1 know when / how i will get my letter about carb iceing and my free fix. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ From: dog (dog@dog.net.uk) Subject: Re: ZX7R Questions sculpsit jamie: > Just had my zx7r thru its 600 service last week, hit 1200 miles now, do a > fair bit of motorway chugging :( unfortunately why unfortunately? the 7r is great on motorways. > so have 3 questions.. > > 1: Does any1 know when / how i will get my letter about carb iceing and my > free fix. it may have been done already - depends exactly when you got it. give kawasaki a call on 01628 856600 and ask them; if it needs doing they will send you the notification. ======================================================================= From: sv650naked (yusuke-megumi@home.com) Subject: Need some expert opinions: 2000 ZX6R or ZX7R? Newsgroups: alt.motorcycle.sportbike Date: 2001-06-25 19:52:37 PST I need some opinions. My dealer has a new 2000 ZX6R and a ZX7R that have been left over from last year. I can get a great deal on either. I do like the looks of the 7R better than the 6R (I'm probaby alone here...), but I also know that the 7R is 6 years out of date, and weighs like a truck compared to more recent 750s. I use to ride a 900RR and am currently on a SV for comfort. For some reason, I just cannot get use to a twin sound. I dearly miss the growl and howl of a four... I test rode the ZX6R and was very impressed. It was light, nimble, and had enough power in the lower to mid range for my liking. I haven't tested the ZX7R yet. I would be doing that this weekend. I will be using the bike for canyon carving (mostly on weekends only) and commuting (approximately 30 minutes of highway rides). Another words, no long touring rides, but mostly weekend joy riding and 2-3 days a week commuting. What I would like to know is, which one you would choose and why. Previous experiences with either or both bikes are always welcome. I am pretty serious about getting only one of those two bikes, and am not considering to get any other bike, so please don't try to persuade me in that direction! :) Serious answers only please. Thank you in advance. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ From: Scott_ZX-6R (sdmahan@megageek.net) Subject: Re: Need some expert opinions: 2000 ZX6R or ZX7R? Date: 2001-06-26 08:25:50 PST I'll tell you why chose the '01 ZX-6R and you can make your own opinions: Price: There is a $1,400 difference in price and I figured I could apply that extra $$$ to gear! Riding Position: In the 600 Class, the ZX-6R is claimed by numerous magazines as having the least aggressive riding position. For commuting, this makes a difference. The windscreen also does a great job at cutting through the wind. I drove the ZX-7R and the riding position definitely pulls you over the tank a lot more than the ZX-6R. I imagine that unless you keep your chin on the tank that the windscreen will not protect you as much. Seat Height: The 6R has a seat height of 32.3 inches. I'm 5'7" and that's about all the seat height that I can handle. The 7R is almost an inch taller at 33.1 inches, too much for the stop and go traffic of commuting (which I do 5 days a week). Power: The ZX-7R will smoke the ZX-6R in power. Yet the mid-range power on the ZX-6R (the powerband you will spend most of your time in during commuting) is better. High-end power on the 7R would definitely smoke the 6R. The 7R is also a lot easier to wheelie (if that's your thing). Overall, the 7R probably has about 7 more horses (105 vs. 95, depending on which review you trust). Quarter-Mile times are about the same. Weight: The 7R is almost 75 pounds heavier than the 6R. I've had the bike lay itself down in the driveway (no damage, thank God), 377lbs on the 6R was enough for me :-) Instrumentation: The 6R was recently revised in 2000. You get a digital clock/temp gauge and a digital odometer/trip meter. The clock is a nice feature for commuting :-) I'm sure there are more differences, but overall, if you want the best racing bike Kawasaki makes, go with the 7R. If you want an all-arounder, go with the 6R. If you want a bigger all-arounder, go with the 9R (only a few hundred $$$ than the 7R). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ From: Saddlebag (saddlebag@aol.com) Subject: Re: Need some expert opinions: 2000 ZX6R or ZX7R? Newsgroups: alt.motorcycle.sportbike Date: 2001-06-26 18:32:11 PST I have a local dealer that has the new yellow and black scheme 7 and to me that is by far the best looking bike on their floor. I also have a buddy with one. I've ridden it and found the ergonomics to be pretzel boy, but you aren't going to need a back cracker after a 30 minute ride. He's 41 and we've taken a couple of 2 hour rides and I never hear him bellyache, guess you get used to it. From what I remember I thought the 7 was around 115hp at the rear. I know when we get on it, his bike will walk away from mine (105hp St4) over 100 mph. I suppose the Suzi 750 would jog away. The 7 is kinda known for being rock stable at high speeds, but I'm guessin the 6 would be more nimble in the tight stuff. I'd buy the 7 on looks alone (and might). The dealer told me that he can't give it away because all the young dudes are hip to the latest and greatest, courtesy of the monthly rags. Oh yeah, the 7 is fairly bullet proof too. This guy would put most squids to shame and the bike has 42k miles on oil changes and clutches. He has recently considered adjusting the valves. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ From: Daniel Bannon (oog_20000bc@killallspamYahoo.com) Date: 2001-06-27 20:05:32 PST That ZX-7R is state of the art, 1995. I tried to buy one IN 1995, but it didn't work out and I bought a Gixxer 750 instead. Little did I know I was trying to buy rolling history, with the ZX-7. >I use to ride a 900RR and am >currently on a SV for comfort. For some reason, I just cannot get use to a >twin sound. I dearly miss the growl and howl of a four... The ZX-7R probably doesn't have the squirt of your 900RR, but almost certainly will feel more stable. At a wet weight over 500 lbs, no wonder it feels stable. Light weight bikes are intoxicating, and I'd hate to go back to a Nimitz-class sportbike when so much better is out there for the same price or less. I like the ZX-7R, but it'd be like buying my '95 Gixxer over again instead of a new '01 Gixxer 750 for the same price. Bad idea. >I test rode the ZX6R and was very impressed. It was light, nimble, and had >enough power in the lower to mid range for my liking. I haven't tested the >ZX7R yet. I would be doing that this weekend. Guys say the ZX6R and ZX-9 are very cool sportbikes for everyday living. I like the sound of that, a LOT. Speaking of which, Kawasaki's own ZX-9 buries the ZX-7 in every way except price. Not on your radar? If not, why? >I will be using the bike for canyon carving (mostly on weekends only) and >commuting (approximately 30 minutes of highway rides). Another words, no >long touring rides, but mostly weekend joy riding and 2-3 days a week >commuting. Sounds like either would be a winner for these uses. >What I would like to know is, which one you would choose and why. Previous >experiences with either or both bikes are always welcome. ZX-6R: vastly superior technology, better price, great horsepower, great suspension, etc. ======================================================================= From: Bubba (bubba@beer.com) Subject: Re: First Bike ... ZX7R? Newsgroups: alt.motorcycle.sportbike Date: 2003-04-11 11:26:17 PST On Fri, 11 Apr 2003 14:42:48 GMT, guess@who.com (Barn Barn) wrote: >Can anyone tell me if they thing getting a '97 ZX7R would be that bad of a >thing to do for a first bike. I have never owned or driven a street bike, but > I owned a couple motocross bikes about 15 years ago. This is a bad thing. The 7R makes a pretty good bit of horsepower and it's not particularly light. I'm buying one shortly, but it's my 4th bike and I've been riding a bike with similar specs, but less horsepower, for 6 months. 7Rs have a habit of getting new riders in over their heads very, very fast. ======================================================================= From: Troy \(dba Troy the Troll\) (f4boy@home.com) Subject: Re: 2000 ZX7R versus ZX6R or GSXR750 Newsgroups: alt.motorcycle.sportbike Date: 2000/05/23 > Can you guys give me your opinions of the ZX7R and 2000 ZX6R? Power. > Comfort. Handling. Maintenance. Touring capabilities? Until Kawasaki redoes the 7R skip it. Its a pig weight wise and makes about as much power as the 6R. More torque sure, but considering the extra weight its dragging forget it. I'm betting the 6R is at least as fast, handles better unless you plan on modifying the 7R into Superbike trim and costs less. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ From: rogue_biker@my-deja.com (rogue_biker@my-deja.com) Date: 2000/05/24 7 lbs. does NOT make that much of a difference. That could be rider weight differences for all it matters. My guess is many of the above responses against the ZX7R come from those who have NOT ridden the ZX7R. The 7's weight is located down low so flicking it from full lean to full lean isn't as slow as some might suggest. Compared to an R6 sure. The ZX7R is heavy. Compared to the current GSXR750, yeah. But is its weight really that noticeable? Perhaps the perception of too much weight comes from the 7's relatively slow steering. Actually, the 7's so called "slow steering" is not any different from that of the 916/996. It's there to give the bike outstanding stability. Both bikes require more of a push(compared to other race-replicas) to get it to turn, but once in the turn, the 7 actually steers very well, and is actually easy to make direction changes while still leaned over. In addition, its stability while leaned over is one of its strong suits. Nothing upsets the bike. Big bumps. Little bumps. Dips. Ripples. Nothing. It would take an Earthquake to upset it. That's how good its chassis is. In addition, it has one of the fattest midranges in this class of bike. Humbled only by the VFR800. I recommend that you ride one and see. In article <392BD16E.1BA56019@nebenefit.com>, Wariat wrote: > Can someone explain why the weight on 7R is such a big problem, and > nobody seems to mind the weight of RC51 or Ducati 996 ? 7R is about > 7lbs heavier then RC51. Does 7lbs really make that much difference? > TIA. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ From: Kawidood (kawidood@aol.com) Date: 2000/05/26 >7 lbs. does NOT make that much of a difference I have owned a 96 zx-7r and i currently own a 99 zx-6r and there is a noticable difference in weight. The 7R was a great bike. Excellent handling, great acceleration, fantastic all around bike..except...it was a horrible long rage commuter. The suspension was fully adjustable, but even at the softest setting, after an hour ride i was in serious pain. Maybe some people can handle it. Also, when i took the 7R canyon carving, after about 1/2 hour my hands hurt from pushing the bike from side to side. I tried not to put too much weight on my hands, but since i don't lean off the bike and all that, it ended up hurting. When i take my 6R canyon riding, even after an hour i don't feel pain. So the weight does play a role. But then again, pain is relative. What's hell to me, may not be too bad for you. Personally, if you want the 7R...wait till it's redesigned next year. If you want a quick steering, light,nimble bike that you can tour on occasionally...go for the 9R. The 9R to me is the perfect size. The 6R is too buzzy at freeway speeds, and from what i've read, the 9R has virtually no vibrations. The 9R is a sport tourer in the truest sense. It's a more than capable sport bike, and a very very capable tourer. I'm lookin to sell my 6R and get a 00 9R myself, so of course i'm biased:) Happy chosing! 99 zx-6r ------------------------------------------------------------------------ From: Troy \(dba Troy the Troll\) (f4boy@home.com) Date: 2000/05/24 The weight of the 7R is a problem compared to other bikes in its displacement class. When other 750's carry 50 pounds or more less weight and make 5-20HP more, the 7R simply gets buried. Comparing the 7R to a Harley, hell, its a lightweight. The weight only matters relatively. In my humble opinion. I like light bikes. Less weight can make up for alot of other evils, and is usually rather difficult to carve off a bike easily. Also, relative to its competition the RC51 is a pig also. Weight wise. The 996 is heavier then it ought to be also. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ From: Jay Thomas (jthomas@highlandtechnology.com) Date: 2000/05/26 the zx-7r is not a good choice for an only bike if you want to do anything other than twisties. definitely get something else for straight line travel. however, the bike is comfortable enough for all day riding (provided that you are in good physical condition) as long as the road is twisty enough to keep you moving around on the bike. 20 minutes in a straight line on the thing will make you a very unhappy rider. now, to address popular misconceptions about the '96-'00 zx-7r (and zx-7rr) streetbikes made by folks who have never ridden one: the bike does steer like a bus as delivered from the factory. the fix is quite easy, however- raise the rear ride height adjuster as high as the castle nut will allow (on the top of the rear shock). lower the fork's ride height adjusters (yes, i know the manual sez that the zx-7r has pre-load adjusters- it's just not true) as much as possible. you will get a MUCH faster turning and responsive bike for your efforts and still maintain rock-steady stability. and it's steering manners will be impeccable, too. yes, the bike is a bit heavy. my california zx-7rr weighed 480 lb. with an empty tank (the zx-7r is 5 lb heavier). after removing all of the cali smog crap and replacing the stock exhaust system with a stainless-steel aftermarket job, the bike dropped 20 lb to bring dry weight down to 460 lb. for reference, that's about what a fully gassed cbr900rr or cbr600 f3 weighs. add 35 lb for full fuel payload. no, the bike isn't underpowered. my zx-7rr, when the carbs were properly tuned for the muzzys exhaust system, made 106 hp on factory racing's ec997 dyno (all you dynojet dyno guys need to add 15-17% to this figure for a fairly accurate comparison in numbers. the math makes that 122-124 dynojet hp). for reference on this particular dyno: piped and jetted gsxr-750 made 102 hp, piped and jetted cbr900 made 102 hp, best ama gsxr-750 supersport made 111 hp. so, my street legal 750 makes only 5 hp less than a current 750 ama supersport machine. that's not too bad. '96-'00 zx-7r make 102-104 hp with a pipe and jetting on their dyno on a regular basis. and all of this is with mid-range torque that towers over the gsxr-750 or any 600. and yes, the new zx-6r is probably as fast, but the rider will have to rev the berries off of the thing to keep up. imo, as that not many people can ride any of the current sportbikes to their limits on the street, a good rider on a properly set up zx-7r can hang with most anything in the twisties- just don't try to keep up with the goldwing guys over a long haul! jay san francisco ======================================================================= From: Jamie (Jamie@prestigecars.net) Subject: Re: zx7r rear Newsgroups: uk.rec.motorcycles Date: 2000-09-01 18:53:54 PST "Vic Flange" wrote in message news:1egb7ul.p57d8ve3yanyN%vicflange@fleshmouth.co.uk... > I've heard it said (although I've yet to gain any real evidence) that > replacing the typical 190/60 rear tyre with a 180/55 adds considerably > to the cornering prowess of the zx7r. does anyone have any experience > which confirms/denys this? Did exactly this on my zx7r p5 went from the duncrap 190 to a bridgestone 020 180/55 (biggest 020 they do) its soo much sharper now, rolls into carners better, but i notice the lessening of grip at traffic lights in the wet, she has a tendency to spin more, bu that could also be down to the hard compound middle of the 020. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ From: Champ (champandjo@totalise.co.uk) Date: 2000-09-02 04:31:30 PST It's a general rule that, the wider the tyres, the worse the steering response. This is one of the reasons why small, light bikes, with low~medium power, handle better - their narrower tyres give much better steering characteristics. The ZX7R is rated at what, 120hp? Unless you are *really* screwing on the power hard out of corners, you prolly won't notice the los of 10mm of width (which prolly translates to 1~2 mm max on the actual contact patch). However, you will notice the improved steering. So , do it. As an aside, in 1983 the GPz1100, GPz900R and GPz750turbo were all rated at between 112 and 120hp. They all came with a 130 section rear tyre (the biggest available then). My how times have changed :-) ======================================================================= From: ZX7R Bryan (zx7rbryan@aol.com) Subject: Re: best mods for ZX7R Newsgroups: alt.motorcycle.sportbike Date: 1998/05/20 >I owuld like to know what some of the best modifications to >increase horsepower on a 98 zx7r . I know you may have gotten emails about this already, but I wanted to make sure you knew more than what little these other guys have posted. I have a 96 7R (mechanically the same bike). I have yet to jet the carbs, but plan to sometime soon. Jetting takes ALOT of time and patience if you want to get it right, and if you yourself are not ready to tackle such a tedious task, then by all means don't even start. The first think to do is to order an exhaust from Muzzys, Nothing else belongs on a ZX7, don't let anyone tell you differently. Rob Muzzy has been fixing the mistakes that Kawasaki has made on these things for years, and has the titles to prove it. You will need to shim the needles on you carbs, but there isn't much guesswork involved because Muzzy will send you recommendations that are pretty accurate. Secondly, throw away that piece of juck foam air filter and get a K&N, They are expensive (over 100 bucks), but are worth every penny . If you arent going to jet just yet (like myself), richen your mixture slightly when you do this because you are going to be ramming alot more air into the cylinders and will be running slightly lean. That's about all you can do without jetting, porting, or boring. I wouldn't fathom what size jets you need, because I am unaware of your altitude, and I haven't even jetted mine yet. I am planning on putting mine on a Dyno when I do, but that is not altogether accurate because of the effects of the ram air. Jetting is a tedious process of pulling the carbs and putting them back over and over. You can get a jet kit, which are usually close and always expensive, but almost never right on target. I'd suggest if you are jetting, to just get some different sizes and dial it in without the kit. It will cost much less. Good Luck, Bryan ------------------------------------------------------------------------ From: Roque Torres (dearmond@slip.net) Date: 1998/05/19 ZX7R Bryan wrote: > >I owuld like to know what some of the best modifications to >increase > horsepower on a 98 zx7r . > > I have yet to jet the carbs, but plan to sometime soon. Jetting takes ALOT of > time and patience if you want to get it right, and if you yourself are not > ready to tackle such a tedious task, then by all means don't even start. If you are near a dyno, to ahead and get the jet kit. It the dyno shop is worth a darn, they'll get the baseline settings done quickly enough and you can fine tune in less than a day. They have to have some experience though. > The first think to do is to order an exhaust from Muzzys, Nothing else belongs > on a ZX7, don't let anyone tell you differently. Rob Muzzy has been fixing the > mistakes that Kawasaki has made on these things for years, and has the titles > to prove it. You will need to shim the needles on you carbs, but there isn't > much guesswork involved because Muzzy will send you recommendations that are > pretty accurate. Amen, Muzzy is the only choice. I have one on my CBR900RR, and my shophas placed lots of the Ti pipes on the 96+ ZX7R's. The results are great. > Secondly, throw away that piece of juck foam air filter and get a K&N, They are > expensive (over 100 bucks), but are worth every penny . If you arent going to > jet just yet (like myself), richen your mixture slightly when you do this > because you are going to be ramming alot more air into the cylinders and will > be running slightly lean. The pipe will also cause a lean running condition (at sea level anyway), so you shouldget the jet kit if you can afford to. The Air Filter is a good buy because it flows about 30% + more air. It will require rejetting as is explained, but it also give you another benefit. It's reusable. Yahoo. > That's about all you can do without jetting, porting, or boring. I wouldn't > fathom what size jets you need, because I am unaware of your altitude, and I > haven't even jetted mine yet. I am planning on putting mine on a Dyno when I > do, but that is not altogether accurate because of the effects of the ram air. This is true, but we've found that about 1/2 a full mainjet size is about right to make a ram-aired bike run good as it's moving. If you get the pipe/jet kit/air filter thing done, and you want more power, buy the Muzzy race cams, and port the bike. That's really all you need to make it rip, unless you buy a set of Keihin downdrafts. Be careful because they may need an aftermarket airbox, or a ZX7RR airbox. These are expensive mods, but they're the least expensive bolt-ons after the pipe etc.... Average cost of hp to dollar ration for the first 7 to 10 is about $100-$150 per hp. After that, you'll start paying more and more for less and less hp. ======================================================================= From: Paul (phandle1@pigpond.net.au) Subject: Re: ZX7R, ZXR750R, ZXR750L2 etc, what is the difference? Newsgroups: alt.motorcycle.sportbike Date: 2003-01-15 01:13:27 PST L2 was the last street model b4 they went to the ZX7R name.... the zxr750r is the 'race' version of the respective earlier models and also had the model letters of K and M (ZXR750RK being the race version of the ZXR750J and ZXR750RM being the race version of the L and L2 models) these race versions had different throttle bodies to the standard models, and quite possbly some different engine mods? not sure though....body wise i think the only differences were in that the race versions came with the single seat cowl rather than having dual seats I think the ZX7R is the name given to the models from 1996 onwards feel free to correct me if any or all of this is wrong, these are just my thoughts, im no experts "Lee Paterson" wrote in message news:m0%U9.27801$F63.533064@news.xtra.co.nz... > Im looking at a ZXR750 L2 and was wondering who this differed from the other > models. ======================================================================= OEM front discs are fantasticly expensive, EBC replacements are 125 quid a side. Plus you'll need new pads, another 50 quid. 7Rs eat tyres, due to the weight and harsh suspention, so have a good look at them to see how soon they'll need replacement. On the subject of suspention, at 24K the rear shock will be fucked, unless he's replaced it. I _think_ they can be rebuilt by maxton for about 200 quid, a new one will be 400-700 quid, depending on what you buy. A minor fairing repair will be 50 quid, tops. 7Rs are not wilting flowers, and as long as it's been serviced properly 24K miles won't have done any harm. Should be nicely run in, in fact. Isn't it due a service at 24K tho? ======================================================================= Carb Icing http://redmonkey.com/7r/?msg=3091.2 it sounds like you are suffering from the dreaded Carb Iceing, it is common on all zx7r's although the European models are fitted with a water supply to the carb bodies in a flimsey attempt to heat them sufficiantly to overcome the problem. It is worth checking to see if the filter for this system is blocked, sitting on the bike the filter will e on the right hand side and with the fairing panel off you should be able to see it sitting between two black rubber pipes around the cylinder barrel area. Blow or wash the crap out of it and the problem should be either made less severe or disappear. Failing that try a fuel additive but i am not sure which. It happens on my bike too, uually when the weather is just above zero (2-8 degree C) and there is high humidity in the air. It is the air compressing as it enters the carbs and freezing over the fuel jets. ======================================================================= Ram-Air http://redmonkey.com/7r/?msg=2975.2 hi ive also got a 97 zx7r. ive got rid of my standard ram air tubes and changed them with carbon fibre ones. they weigh a hell of a lot less. it de restricts the air tubes coz the standard ones are re stricted to pass noise regulations. they go straight to your standard air box, are heaps LOUDER, and give you roughly 4-5 hp increase. they really kick in after 100kmh (60mph) i really reccomend them but they do need re jetting. i think if you want to get a racing air box you need to change the tank to a racing zx7rr one. aussie_zx7r ======================================================================= An era has ended. Farewell ZX-7R. Subject: An era has ended. Farewell ZX-7R. From: Tim Kreitz (timkreitz@yahoo.com) Newsgroups: alt.motorcycle.sportbike, rec.motorcycles Date: 2003-10-03 13:41:31 PST "Hi, it's Tim," I announced over the phone to my good friend Rodger, a riding buddy. I had called him during work hours at his place of business -- the local Kawasaki dealership. "Hiya, Tim," Rodger replied. "What's goin' on, man?" "I was wondering if you guys still have that green 2003 ZX-7R I was looking at last week." "We sure do," he said. "Come on over and take a look at it. We'll make you a good deal if you decide to buy it. We've gotten some hints from our Kawasaki representative that the ZX-7R won't be manufactured next year, so if you want a new one, now's probably gonna be your last chance." It was June and I had just gotten back from round five of the AMA Superbike Series at Pikes Peak International Raceway. A long-time loyalist of Team Green, I'd been contemplating the purchase of a new Kawasaki for a little over a year. I had looked at every available 2003 Kawasaki sportbike and liked them all. I'd even gone so far as to test ride a ZRX1200R and a Z1000. But after watching Eric Bostrom and his punched-out Ninja ZX-7RR dominate the PPIR superbike race, I was suffering from a mild case of ‘win on Sunday, sell on Monday' fever. I had never owned an example of Kawasaki's now-iconic, sub-liter superbike, but had always wanted one. So upon my return from the AMA festivities, I was ready to seriously consider the possibility of becoming a ZX-7R owner. Like any good devotee, there were already two Kawasakis my garage – my much loved 2000 ZX-6R and my old workhorse, a 1992 ZX600R. The 600R had been a good and faithful servant, but was worn out and in dire need of replacement. I had entertained thoughts of supplanting the 600R with one of Kawasaki's new naked bikes. But hanging out with Eric Bostrom and his team at Pikes Peak made me realize that what I really wanted was another fully-fared sportbike with lots of sexy lines and attitude. This led me into long ours of contemplation and meditation over the history and significance of the ZX-7R. It seems a little hard to believe in this modern age of super-light, ultra-powerful motorcycles, but the comparatively heavier and somewhat tankish 7RR was the unquestioned king of the AMA for the better part of the 90s. The bike brought Kawasaki into an era of awe-inspiring dominance at the hands of riders such as Scott Russell and Doug Chandler, who's combined efforts resulted in an amazing four AMA championships over a period of seven years. Russell also took the 7RR to the World Superbike Series, where he silenced all the critics with his historic 1993 WSB championship. The 7RR, for the greater part of the decade, was the quintessential high-performance motorcycle. It's impact on racing and even modern culture were so great that, even to this day, most sportbikes -- Kawasaki or not -- are referred to as ‘Ninjas' by the general public. Times change. With the introduction of the 1998 model GSX-R750 and its bigger, liter-sized brother a few years later, Suzuki dumbfounded the racing world with sportbikes that were lighter and faster than ever before. For the next five years, the ZX-7RR would struggle, undergoing a cylinder bore to keep it competitive and barely managing two second-place points finishes as Suzuki's ‘Gixxer' became the new king of the mountain. In case you've been living in a cave for the past few years, Yoshimura Suzuki's Mat Mladin has become an unheard of four-time AMA Superbike champion atop different variants of the newer generation GSX-R. I considered waiting another year for the opportunity to buy Kawasaki's hopeful answer to the GSX-R1000, the much-anticipated 2004 ZX-10R. The rumor for well over a year had been that the arrival of the 10R, along with class and rule changes by the AMA, would bring about the 7R's end. So at surface-level, my ego begged me to hold out for a 10R. But the more I thought about it, the more I didn't want the bike (or any other ‘big bore' 4-cylinder sportbike, for that matter) at all. I am a skillful, formally-trained rider with lots of piloting prowess and strategic talent on the street. In short, I am a damn-good motorcyclist. And while I may not be humble, I am at least aware of my limitations, which I always consider when the time comes to purchase a new bike. With that in mind, I realized that getting a 1000cc hyper-bike wasn't the right thing for me to do. I knew I'd never be able to ride the ZX-10R anywhere near its performance envelope (either on the street or on the track), which made justifying the increased insurance premiums and 11,000-dollar price tag impossible to do. The more I thought about it, what I wanted was the ZX-7R. Perhaps I wanted it for reasons of nostalgia. Or perhaps it was simply because the bike has a sexy character and overall look that the sharply-chiseled R1s, GSX-R1000s, and CBR954RRs sacrifice for the sake of aerodynamics. Whatever the reason, I bought the ZX-7R. I got the bike for $7,560 (US), which is below cost. Considering that MSRP was $9,399, no one can argue that I didn't get an excellent deal, even for an ‘outdated' motorcycle -- whatever than means. Since June, I've been having an absolute blast on the thing. It handles wonderfully, has much more power and torque than my ZX-6R (which has been sitting alone in the garage a lot lately), and growls and screams like nothing else on the planet. Everyone comments on how incredible the bike's exhaust note is. If there was any question in my mind about whether or not to buy the bike, I can't even remember it now. It may not be on the cutting edge anymore, but the ZX-7R is one of the best sportbikes of all time. So while it will come as no surprise, it is with much sadness that I report having just received word that the ZX-7R is officially motorcycling history. No 2004 models will be manufactured. And while examples of the 7R will undoubtedly be rolling the streets for decades to come, 2003 is significant in the motorcycling world -- for it marks the last year of the ZX-7R/RR. Behold, an era has ended. Cheers, Tim Kreitz 2003 ZX7R 2000 ZX6R DoD #2184 http://www.timkreitz.com -------------------------------------------------- All I want is a fast sportbike and absolute power. -------------------------------------------------- Google Home - Advertise with Us - Business Solutions - Services & Tools - Jobs, Press, & Help ©2004 Google