Way back when, in ’97 – no actually 1996, Kawasaki transitioned from the ZXR750 to the ZX-7R, and incorporated the steady evolution and innovation from the factory and AMA Superbike race teams. Though the model continued until 2003, the 90’s were good years for the ZX-7R, Scott Russell winning the AMA Superbike in 1992 and WSBK in 1993, and Doug Chandler winning the AMA in 1996 and 1997, both on factory-supported Team Muzzy machines.
1996 Kawasaki ZX-7R for sale on eBay
Based on the 748cc DOHC inline four, the ZX-7R has 112 hp available. Ignition is electronic and the four carburetors are 38mm. The twin aluminum spars look massive but are light in weight, and the rake and trail numbers ensure stability. The rear swingarm is also alloy, with fully adjustable monoshock. The 43mm inverted forks are also fully adjustable. Good size brakes – 320mm front disks with 6-piston calipers, and 230mm rear. The angular endurance fairing is great looking and provides ram-air to the engine.
Offered by a closet collector, the ZX-7R was bought because it was super nice and then restored pretty much to perfection. Centered around the bodywork, the colors, and the decals are smoothed into the clear coat. Not quite sure about the originality of the paint scheme or whether that’s even important, but it does look great. The bike appears to have a -RR tail fairing, but perhaps the single seat was an option in ’96. Neat color-matched Arai is part of the deal. Other details are mentioned in the eBay auction:
I have a detailed list (several pages) of all the restorations performed for the new owner. As a multiple Sport Bike purchaser, I am EXTREMELY picky when it comes to the exterior fuel tank condition. This tank is 100% dent-free. The in-laid and clear-coated “Ninja” decals are flawless and their color is vibrant and brilliant. Other upgraded items include complete frame-up painting, cowling-matched painting, decal clear-coating, powder-coating, overall restoration, tire-hugger kit, numerous carbon fiber components including frame sliders and handlebar column cover, rear fender eliminator kit, integrated rear blinker kit, cowling-integrated front turn signals, ZX7R handle grip sliders, smoked windshield, Pro Grip Carbon Fiber “look” tank protector, carbon fiber top tank protector, checkered flag graphics on underside cowling, and upgraded Yoshimura RS-3 Stainless exhaust. The tires are brand-new Dunlop Sportmax (Front 120/70ZR-17 and Rear 190/50ZR-17) that have less than 47 miles on them.
The cosmetic and mechanical restoration work hidden by the fairing is also detailed, and is comprehensive:
The parts break-down for the restoration included disassembling the cycle to the bare frame for painting and powder-coating, engine modification services, shaving holes in the tail section for the blinker elimination kit, re-building the carbs, re-finishing the frame/swing-arm/rear sub-frame, sand-blasting, re-painting and re-finishing the front and rear wheel assemblies, re-finishing the rear brake holder, fork tubes, foot rest brackets, and sub-links, re-finishing the tail-section, adding the rear tire-hugger package, installing new battery, replacing all 4 spark plugs, adding a new “quick acceleration chain and sprocket, timing chain, timing chain guide, engine mount nuts and bolts, 16 new valve seals, cylinder head gasket cover, O-ring heads, clutch cover gasket, transmission cover gasket, oil pan gasket, spring-leaf, oil cooler rotator pump, rotor pump, oil pump body, oil filter O-ring, breather cover gasket, various seals, wheel bearing kits both front and rear, and mounting and balancing wheels. Lastly, the entire engine was inspected and rebuilt with new cylinder base gaskets, new cylinder head gaskets, and piston ring sets.
The signature of Scott Russell ( on both frame beams ) is a cool addition to a nice collector bike. Well used at some point in its 21,000 mile history, though it’s hard to see it now. While it would be sweet to put this 19 year-old back into service, an occasional ride to a show or fan corral might be a better choice. Probably’d make the previous owner a lot happier too…
-donn
Where is the adjustable swing arm pivot? It has a ZX-7 frame.
’96 on the standard P model bikes we’re renamed ZX7R and the special N model bikes were ZX7RR.
Earlier models ’91 – ’95 the standard J and L models were named ZXR750 (ZX7 in USA) and the Special K and M models were named ZXR750R (ZX7R in USA).
The bike advertised here is a standard P model ZX7R
It has an aftermarket tail section
Ah, gotcha. I’m getting old!
so its a stock zx-7 with scott russels sig on it big deal
Yes, a standard ZX7. it does look nicely done but I’m not a fan of the signature on the frame, would have been better and looked better on the tank IMO. Hard to say from the pics, but the tank looks to be a slightly different colour too.
Actually I should say the bodywork looks a slightly different colour to the tank… tank looks to be correct colour
Yawn…
I don’t get it… How many people are going to list standard non-original ZX-7’s for astronomical prices and have them go unsold before people realize the market isn’t there? I’d love to have another ZX-7, but unless it’s an immaculate “R” model, I’m not paying over book for it.