Posts by tag: ZX7

Kawasaki May 21, 2017 posted by Marty

Featured listing: 1990 Kawasaki ZX750F Ninja

1990 Kawasaki ZX750F Ninja in red and black

Back in 1990 the 750cc configuration was still king on both the track and the sales floor. Some major manufactures had dipped a cautious toe into offering track level performance as a separate model option (ex: Suzuki GSX-750R LE) but the homologation era was still a bit away and overall the focus was still on bikes that could handle the all three of the major missions; street, track and light touring. Sadly this philosophy and the 750cc class have pretty much faded into the pages of history so today’s Featured listing of a Kawasaki ZX750R is quite a treat.

The seller of this is one is Gary in Springville, Utah who has been offering up lots of good stuff lately but to be honest, this one really jumps out for me. Perhaps its the tasteful red and black paint scheme that a lot of the Kawasaki’s of this period had, perhaps its the very pristine condition or maybe its just me getting old but I have to admit this one really brings back the memories of youthful hooliganism and makes me want to add this one to my collection.

As the pictures show, mileage is about 9100 miles but condition is pristine with very few marks anywhere. Even the key/top yoke area looks pristine/scratch free..incredible. As for equipment everything appears to be stock/OEM with the exception of the front windscreen and the seller indicates fresh fluids and a new battery are included. However no info is offered as to the age of the tires so there might be some cost there. The only other point of attention I am seeing might be the front brake hoses which isn’t a surprise given the bikes age and the fact that early 1990’s Kawasaki’s had a reputation for somewhat poor braking anyway. Come to think of it, an upgrade to the braking system might be a good idea regardless of condition.

Here is what the seller has to say and some more pics.

For your consideration is a mint state 1990 Kawasaki Ninja 750 with only 9082 miles. The bike sold new in Hayward California on June 15, 1991 to a young lady who will remain nameless. This Ninja was taken care of and nursed all the days of its life. It is in perfect condition and looks like new. Looks like it has 900 miles on it, not 9,000. Runs like the day it was new, has new battery and fresh fluids. Comes with Utah title, Kawasaki vehicle report, Kawasaki history report, owners manual and tool kit along with two keys.

A quick search through the RSBFS archives shows that while we do get see the mid 1980’s 750 turbo and mid 1900’s ZX7/ZX7R fairly regularly, this model appears much less frequently. While that’s great from an exclusivity perspective, it makes it hard to figure out a price for this one.

Current price is $2,550 USD with the reserve not met and I would not be surprised if it goes up to nearly double that by the time the auction is finished. I think this one is a great add for a someone wishing to relive a bit of their youth, a Kawasaki lineup collector or maybe even as a present from a spouse to someone approaching the big 4-0… maybe just leave the browser open where your spouse can see it… 🙂

Marty/Dallaslavowner

Featured listing: 1990 Kawasaki ZX750F Ninja

Kawasaki May 2, 2016 posted by Marty

The Definitive 750 Kawasaki? 1996 ZX7RR N1

Say Nebraska to most people and they will probably think of something to do with football or Warren Buffett or crops. Fortunately rare sportbike fandom knows no geographical limit and here to prove it is a 1996 ZX7RR that the seller indicates is coming out a large collection in Nebraska.

1996 Kawasaki ZX7RR on eBay

Pristine versions of the ZX7RR are increasing in value very quickly and with good reason; the RR (also referred to as the N1 or Muzzy edition) is probably the ultimate iteration of Kawasaki’s ZX7 line. The ZX7RR was built to meet the homologation requirements of the late 1990’s which said race bikes had to be based on versions for the street. The result was a bike that was quite a step up in performance from the standard 750cc ZX7.

I am not saying the standard ZX7 street bike was lacking but the ZX7RR had lots of top shelf/track oriented components that the standard bike didn’t get. These included things like an adjustable steering head, larger flatside carburetors, upgrades to the front forks, rear shocks and brakes and lots of carbon fiber.

For anyone who is interested in the development history of the ZX7RR, check out the embedded video below

A lot of ZX7RR machines went straight to the track where they were stripped of their street items and raced hard or crashed. Also it was the 1990’s so a lot of people made changes to their bikes such as flush mounted turn signals, aftermarket exhausts and chopped rear fenders. All of this means finding one today in good condition with the majority the OEM street bits on it/available is becoming quite difficult.

This particular ZX7RR looks to be very clean and perhaps more importantly, looks to have all the the OEM equipment including the windscreen, exhaust, turn signals and uncut rear license plate assembly. Its not perfect as the seller indicates and I did notice what looks like a paint chip on the front wheel (possibly from leaking brake fluid?) but overall it looks great.

Here is a summary of what the seller has to say:

Production #38 of 500*
Has 4400 original miles
Has been freshened & tuned and is ready to ride (NOTE: Color of the fluid in the brake master cylinder seems to support this – MARTY)
When not ridden has spent all its life indoors
Had a full muzzy titanium exhaust installed on it shortly after it was new but the factory pristine exhaust has been re-installed and the exhaust hanger currently on it will be replaced with the correct original for the new owner
Currently has no battery however a new one will be provided for the new owner
The tail appears to have scratches in the pictures but it is just the sun reflection. There are two cracks shown in the pictures one way down on the bottom of the left side fairing under the bike and one on the right side by the side scoop, both very easily repaired

*NOTE: The actual production numbers of the ZX7RR/N1 are a bit unclear; my research found references to only 500 total produced in a single year run (1996 only) but I also found references to a production run of about 1300 worldwide across 1996 and 1997 with the 500 number being what was brought into the USA.

Now for the question- what is the realistic price for one of these pieces of late 1990’s homologation goodness? Well we have posted a few of these previously on RSBFS and prices are definitely on an upswing. Available for around $6,000 USD just a few years ago, prices now seem to range between around $10,000 USD for a lightly used but not completely stock unit to over $17,000 USD for a NOS version last year. The seller has indicated he will end the auction early if a price is met and bikes like this tend to get reposted on several websites so I do expect this one to move/not be relisted. If the ZX7RR is on your list for acquisition, this might be your chance.

-Marty/Dallaslavowner

ADDENDUM: For the readers who have sent us message/posted comments about RSBFS posts being reposted on other websites without credit (ex- thecherrycreeknews) we were already aware of this but thanks for the notes.

The Definitive 750 Kawasaki? 1996 ZX7RR N1

Kawasaki October 14, 2015 posted by Tad Diemer

High Miles but Very Clean: 1989 Kawasaki ZX-7 H1 for Sale

Although the 750cc class is basically dead today, there was a time when middleweight sportbikes were the bikes to have, and competition between the Japanese Big Four was fierce in showrooms and on track. Kawasaki’s ZX-7, known elsewhere as the ZXR750 was perhaps The People’s Middleweight Sportbike of the era, a far more accessible and less exotic machine than the competition.

When factories get involved with production-based racing, there are a number of different ways to approach the problem of being competitive. Honda simply created a bike purpose-built for racing from scratch, then just made a few available for road use with their V4 RC30. Yamaha built a bike that looked like an FZR750, but was basically a hand-built race bike. And Suzuki used their “Limited Edition” Gixxers to homologate specific parts for the race teams to use, including a dry clutch.

Kawasaki, however, took a fourth approach, and designed a very solid roadbike with their ZX7, and then made a huge range of race parts available to customize the bike for nearly any type of competition, an à la carte race bike, if you will.

Powered by a 749cc inline four that made 105hp, the bike was famed for its stability and feel, but was infamous for a rear suspension that was too stiff for anything but billiard-table smooth roads. Riding position is very much period “in” versus “on” with a long, reach over that tank to the clipons and a great view of those largely ornamental HVAC tubes sprouting from the tank.

Today’s example has some serious miles on it for a lightweight sportster, but is still fitted with original plastics and appears to have been very well maintained.

From the original eBay listing: 1989 Kawasaki ZX-7 H1 for Sale

Comes exactly as pictured.

This bike is in nice condition for its year and runs great. Has high miles due to long road trips up north but you would never know it by the condition. Always wiped down after every ride. Never down or dropped all plastic is original to the bike. Has always been maintained by the dealer has had valves and carbs done. Adult owned never beat on always garaged. Newer Pilot Powers on it Yoshimura exhaust K&N filter. Only issue is where the upper meets the lower fairing is cracked due to dealer over-tightening but they did not won up to it. Upper can still be bought on eBay. Please see pictures.

Oh, this bike comes exactly as pictured? That’s a relief, because I’d hate to think the seller’d remove those hideous fairing-mounted reflectors before selling it. I hope those were some sort of federally-mandated safety thing… And while the rear signals look original, the front flush-mounts are suspiciously clear. And flush.

These ZX-7’s have become very desirable of late and, with so few surviving the 90s uncrashed or unmolested, it’s getting harder and harder to find nice examples. In spite of the relatively high miles, this one is in clean shape and should appeal to collectors who prize originality.

Even if it means keeping those hideous reflectors.

-tad

High Miles but Very Clean: 1989 Kawasaki ZX-7 H1 for Sale

Kawasaki July 15, 2015 posted by Mike M.

Museum Quality? – Pristine 1989 Kawasaki ZX-7

1989 Kawasaki ZX-7 on eBay

The Kawasaki ZX-7 H1 represents a vital period for Kawasaki. With Superbike racing really taking off, Suzuki had thrown down the gauntlet with the revolutionary GSX-R 750 and the other manufacturers were trying hard to catch up. Everybody knows the age old racing mantra of “Win on Sunday, Sell on Monday” and Kawasaki wanted a piece of Suzuki’s sales. Enter the ZX-7. Sporting a solid 105hp, soon to be legendary front end stability and maybe a slightly too harsh rear shock, Kawasaki was back in the game. The great looks didn’t hurt either!

If you’ve been nostalgic for a while and are really serious about adding a collector quality ZX-7 to your stable, this one deserves a serious look. With just one owner, low miles and all of those hard to find stock bits still intact, you begin to appreciate what you are looking at here. Over the years and throughout their lifetimes, many ZX-7s saw their owners remove things like the original signals, reflectors, chain guards and mudflaps in an effort to save a few pounds. Collectors and restorers know how hard those things are to find these days. This one is still on it’s original tires! (good for the collector, bad for the rider).
Please check out the seller’s full description here: 1989 Kawasaki ZX-7 on eBay

ORIGINAL OWNER, 1989 KAWASAKI NINJA ZX7 WITH 7000 ORIGINAL MILES. THIS BIKE IS IN PRISTINE CONDITION, JUST LIKE IT ROLLED OUT OF THE SHOWROOM AND ALL ORIGINAL. STILL HAS THE ORIGINAL TIRES. NOTHING HAS BEEN CHANGED OR MODIFIED. THIS IS A MUSEUM PIECE, AN EXAMPLE OF A TRUE SURVIVOR. BIKE STARTS AND RUNS EXCELLENT, EVERYTHING WORKS LIKE THEY SHOULD. GOT THE ORIGINAL TOOL KIT OWNERS MANUAL AND EVEN A FACTORY SERVICE MANUAL.

Museum Quality? – Pristine 1989 Kawasaki ZX-7

Kawasaki June 10, 2015 posted by Mike M.

Ask and ye shall receive – 1989 Kawasaki ZX7

1989 Kawasaki ZX-7 on eBay

A few posts back, one of our readers asked where the ZX7s were hiding… so here you go! Most of you will know the history here. Suzuki knocked the rest of the field on it’s heels with the introduction of their revolutionary GSX-R 750 and it took the others a few years to respond. Kawasaki answered with the ZX-7 and the fight was on, on both the racetrack and the sales floor. The 1989 ZX-7 featured a full perimeter aluminum frame, sleek new bodywork, those iconic “tank hoses” and a host of improvements over the outgoing “Ninja-750.” The ZX-7’s front end would become legendary for it’s stability, making the ZX-7s one of the best handling motorcycles of their era. It was still behind the GSXR-750 in most categories, but performed admirably on the track. Just a few years later Scott Russell would score become the first Kawasaki rider to snag a World Superbike Championship in 1993 aboard his Muzzy ZX-7.

This ZX-7 has seen some work and has a few tasty period correct modifications. You can check them out at the eBay listing here: 1989 Kawasaki ZX-7

UP FOR SALE IS MY 1989 ZX7 WITH 10000 MILES FLAT SLIDE CARBS WITH VELOCITY STACKS MUZZY SPEC MOTOR WITH MUZZY CAMS HIGH COMPRESSION PISTONS HEAVY DETENT SPRING ON CLUTCH MUZZY FULL RACE PIPE
MUZZY BLOCK OFF PLATES FOX SHOCK AFTER MARKET LINKS AFTER MARKET TEAR ROTOR PERFORMANCE MACHINE WHEELS
NEW METZELER M5’s 190 IN REAR CARBON FIBER REAR HUGGER FENDER 1990 SWING ARM NEW FRONT AND REAR EBC BRAKE PADS
SECOND LOOK SEAT ZERO GRAVITY WIND SHIELD NEW GRIPS THE GUY I GOT THE BIKE FROM DID THE MOTOR AND TOLD ME IT HAD 120 SOME HORSE AT THE REAR WHEEL

Ask and ye shall receive – 1989 Kawasaki ZX7

Kawasaki November 21, 2014 posted by Marty

Into Zed Darkness: 1989 ZX7 Ninja, 1992 ZX11 Ninja

Here we have two excellent examples of the Kawasaki early 90’s Ninja family, a first generation ZX7 with only! 7000 miles and a pristine 1992 ZX11.

Here is the 1st one, a Dark 1989 ZX7.

1989 Ninja 750 for sale on ebay

Back in 1989 Kawasaki launched their 750cc sportbike, the ZX7 H1. The ZX7 line (known as the ZXR outside of the us) started with the “H” models and it looked uncannily like the first model of the ZXR-7 racer. The 750cc Kawasaki ZX7 was probably the definitive pure sportbike configuration for Kawasaki until the ZX9 was introduced; sure there were other Ninja’s in their product range including the excellent ZX-6 and ZX-11 but the 750cc model was more powerful and less buzzy than the 600cc version while still a pure sportbike/not a partially sport touring oriented machine like the 1100cc.

For the 1st year/1989 model year, Kawasaki offered three bodywork paint schemes- a basic black, a red/silver/black combo and the color scheme that would come to be defined with the ZX7, a green/white/blue combination. While the green/white/blue combo bikes have become quite the collectors item, the other color scheme bikes didn’t sell as well here in the states and are actually rarer to find in pristine condition.

This particular ZX7 is an extremely pristine 1989 Ninja 750 with the black bodywork. The seller indicates a mileage level of 7000 miles (yes you read that right) and that the bike is completely stock. This seems to be one of those bikes that was bought by someone in their youth, ridden for a few seasons and then just tucked away. I would expect a full maintenance would be needed, including new tires, all fluids and possibly a chain.

So whats this 1st generation ZX7 worth? Well, the $5,000 USD asking price is well over KBB values but prices for the first generation ZX7 are definitely climbing and finding one this pristine is going to be a truly rare occurrence.. This might be a smart acquisition for someone looking to add a 1st generation ZX7 to their collection..also this bike could probably be converted to the more desirable Green/White/Blue via the purchase of an aftermarket bodykit or a repaint if the purchaser so desired.

Here is the 2nd one, a Dark 1992 Kawsasaki ZX11 with 16,405 miles

1992 Ninja ZX11 for sale on ebay

As previously posted here on RSBFS, the ZX11 D model was probably THE definitive big sportbike. Even thought it wasn’t a hardcore sportbike/track-oriented machine, the ZX11 was frequently faster than other brands race reps and could be used as a sport touring machine due to it having a center stand, civilized dual seat, 200-mile tank range and full gauge cluster (including a clock!) The ZX11 was the fastest production motorcycle for six years, from its introduction in 1990 through 1995.

Like the earlier posted ZX7, this particular ZX11 comes with the dark scheme of black bodywork with purple highlights and looks to be in excellent condition. The only flaw I was able to spot was some rust on the line going to the rear brake caliper which isn’t too surprising given its location in Illinois.

Here is some of what the seller has to say.

A 1992 Kawasaki Ninja. 1052cc.

Bike is very well maintained and clean, runs great.

Bought it from second owner a month ago and wanted to ship it out of the country but couldn’t due to customs requirements.

The bike has near new tires, brake pads, and battery.

It comes with a charger, corbin seat, and it’s original seat, and a cable lock.

It only has 16K plus miles, and is a speed devil.

All systems are up to date, including oil change.

Very minor scratches, no dents or dings.

Garage kept.

So what’s this big black and purple beastly worth? Buy-It-Now price is a bit above KBB but the seller is asking less than the ZX7 featured earlier in this post. The price actually seems reasonable given the condition and the fact that this isn’t a first gen ZX11 (its a D model). Personally I prefer this big ZX11 over the ZX7, especially the integrated turn signals that are kind of like rocket tail fins. The big Ninja could certainly be a bike for any rider who is a bit more “mature” but still wants to have people say “WTF was that thing that just blew by us?”

– Marty/Dallaslavowner

Into Zed Darkness: 1989 ZX7 Ninja, 1992 ZX11 Ninja

Kawasaki October 18, 2014 posted by Marty

Nice Ninja: 1989 Kawasaki ZX7 Ninja H1

Just a quick post this time. This is a 1989 Kawasaki ZX7 Ninja H1. This is the 2nd generation of Kawasaski 750cc ZX/Ninja bikes and the slightly hotted-up version of these (the 750R) would be used as the basis for the bikes ridden by Scott Russell in 1990 to win hat won the AMA 750 Supersport Championship. This is the non-R/street version and looks to be in pristine shape.

Note: While the H1 version isn’t currently as collectable as the later R versions, they do seem to be starting to appreciate and are certainly easier to use on a daily basis as their engines aren’t tuned as high.

1989 Kawasaki ZX7 Ninja H1 for sale on Ebay

Here is what the seller had to say about the bike:

“You are bidding on a very nice all original 1989 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-7. These bikes are pretty rare and are becoming highly collectible in their original shape. This bike is one of the better examples you will see. Take a look at the pics and you will see just how nice it is. It actually looks better in person.
The only change has been made to the bike is the Yoshimura pipe, everything else is very original. This bike runs strong and everything works. As you can see the paint is in great shape and still has lots of high gloss. The seats are in excellent shape as well. There is a small scrape on the left side of fairing, however there are no cracks or rips in the fairings. The bike has recently been tuned and it fires up and shifts with no problems. The battery is new as well oil changes and maintenance. The tires are still in decent shape. I do hold a clear title on the bike. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions. I do have bike advertised with a few local clubs and reserve the right to end the auction early if the bike is sold. “

Its certainly is nice to see one of these that hasn’t been hacked apart, repainted or had its frame/wheels polished. Mileage is listed as about 18,000 miles but the 750 engine was the configuration with most development effort behind it and was pretty much bulletproof. The bike would definitely need some new tires, also the brake fluid looks a little dark in pictures but seller indicates recent fluids so it may just be the lighting in the pictures or slightly older pictures?

So what’s it worth? Well since the late 80’s/early 90’s 750cc configuration seems to be hot right now, its not really surprising the bid price is already over KBB retail and the reserve isn’t met yet. Personally I think this is probably going to appeal more to someone who wants to relive a bit of their misspent youth than a serious collector or perhaps someone who wants to introduce a youngster into what it was like “back-in’the-day”.

-marty/dallaslavowner

Kawasaki August 24, 2014 posted by Marty

H2 project: 1990 KAWASAKI ZX7 H2

Not so long ago you could tell a motorcycle brand simply by the colors of the bodywork. Laverdas were orange, Ducati’s were red, Suzukis were blue and white, and Kawasaki were always green. Most motorcycle manufacturers have moved away from this signature color scheme philosophy so today you will see red Hondas, orange Kawasakis etc. When I saw this 1990 Kawasaki ZX7 with the classic green/white/blue bodywork it piqued my interest and after reading the auction I found out not only was this a Kawasaki 750cc Ninja with a Muzzy exhaust system, it was an H2 model.

1990 Kawasaki 750 H2

The 1990 Kawasaki 750 H2 is becoming a highly collectable bike. The H2 inherited most of the Racekit engine mods found on the ZXR-7 racebike so although the H2 looks very similar to the H1 (both had the ram air snorkel tubes), both engine and frame underwent a lot of changes and parts are often not interchangeable with the H1.

This particular bike looks to be in good condition but there seems to be some evidence of roadrash on the lower fairings and frame. According to the seller the bike was recently taken out of 5 years of storage so it will need to be tuned and a full service before it is road ready.

The good news is the seller says the exhaust is a full “muzzy” system with a stage 2 jet kit with k&n filter. The seller also includes a good amount of high res pics and seems to be honest about the condition of the bike.

The bad news is the seller indicates the front fairings were poorly repainted at some point in the past , the lower fairings have some scrapes, and the seat tail has a couple hair line cracks in it, also a seat rip. There is also some rust on a few bolts in the pics and the mileage is at 26k so its been ridden a fair amount. Then again, this bike is almost 25 years old so expecting it to be pristine are pretty low.

Also, KBB lists the retail value for one of these in good condition as about $2500 and the current bidding is close to that with the reserve not yet met so the seller may have unrealistic expectations on what its worth.

Basically it seems like an H2 in need of a light restoration but given the rarity of these bikes, this might be a value pickup for someone who enjoys wrenching and light restoring.

-marty