They’re all still faster than you are — all these years later.
750s went away when 1000s were homologated for top of the food chain racing. And in the four-cylinder world, the only company who still makes a 750cc full-on sports platform is Suzuki. But the Kawasaki ZX750P (1996 – 2003) is still one of the most iconic sports motorcycles of an era, and some say one of the best looking. It also was easily the most powerful carbureted 750’s of its time. A slip-on and jet-kit could eke out 115 rwhp, even on conservative dynos. For measure, a stock Honda CBR900RR (919cc) would pull about 116 rwhp. The stock header was a full-duplex type, so advanced and clean that Craig Erion went on record in his own catalogue as saying, basically, that it was so good they couldn’t make it better without making it out of hand-tigged Unobtanium. The 43mm USD fork was highly regarded as offering the best feel of any front end of the era, and the 320mm front brakes with six-piston Tokicos would probably still outbrake many modern, more expensive setups.
No, this isn’t the 1996 ZX-7RR Super-Homologation-Special with an alloy fuel tank, FCR Flat-Slide carbs, adjustable suspension geometry, or trick close-ratio box. But in many ways, its better. The ‘RR has amazing track-cred and pedigree. But to be honest, it’s not really well-suited to street riding — like the other factory race bikes of the same time period. If my memory of the sales slicks hasn’t completely failed me, this bike should be a 2002. Depending on your perspective, this livery may be a welcome departure from the standard, Corporate Green.
The seller’s details are appreciated, but a bit more info wouldn’t hurt:
750CC KAWASAKI ZX7R //
9280 miles // Stirring Damper // Rear Wheel Huger (Targa) // Radiator Cover // Front Wind Shield Smoke (Targa) // Stainless Steel Braided Brake Lines & Clutch // Radiator Hose Set (Samco) // Custom Tank Cover // Custom Aluminum Stand // Hindel Exaust Muffler // Set of Michellin Pilot Power (Brand New)//////
What makes this example rare is that it’s all intact, with turn signals and rear fender and stock paintwork on the frame — all for ask of four-grand. Again, it’s all perspective, but I think there’s nothing worse than two pair of truck-cab lights, drywall- screwed into the fairing and tail section. The Hindle pipe isn’t awful, and if you really wanted a stock can, they should be plentiful on everybody’s favorite auction block. While you’re there, see if you can pick up the Euro ZX-7RR headlamp assembly, which features a projector beam on the dipped (low-beam) side. It’s all about the details, and that’s a highly sought-after one.
Fly in to Toledo Express just outside Swanton, Ohio and ride it home. Just let the seller know you’re coming. $4k feels like a bargain for this one.
-Ross
