No computers no launch control no ABS, just 1052cc’s of grunt fed by 4 carbs all wrapped up in bodywork that would make the dark knight drool. And with less than 9,000 miles since new, this 1992 Ninja ZX11 is a treat to behold. I know the ZX11 might not seem like a rare sportbike but its important to remember the big Ninja was the fastest production sportbike from 1992 to 1997 in large part thanks to its ram air system. This means it meets the RSBFS technology and historical significance criteria and when you add in the mileage/condition of this particular unit it seemed worthy of a post.
1992 Kawasaki ZX11 with 8775 miles on ebay
We have seen previous posts here on RSBFS regarding the ZX11 which is also known as the ZZR1100 outside of the USA. An evolution of the ZX10 (which is currently shooting up the price chart in a big way for collectors) the ZX11/ZZR1100 took the preceding model and no pun intended, turned it up to 11. Launched in 1992 the big Ninja introduced ram air systems to the big bike segment while also offering wind tunnel based bodywork that made it far too easy to just be cruising along in comfort and suddenly realize you are well over the speed limit. The ZX11 held the crown of fastest production motorcycle until the introduction of the Honda Blackbird in 1997 and is considered by many to be the progenitor of the hyperspeed-touring market segment.
Another plus for the ZX11/ZZR110 is that even though it is now over 25 years old it still looks great. I still like the fairing “wing” integrated turn signals more than the current trend of back side of the mirror embedded units and there is no eye-watering 1990’s graphics package to overcome (cough-Vance-and-Hines-Yamaha-cough). While the ZX11 was offered in several monochromatic schemes include my personal favorite of Candleberry wine red, the sales leader for the big Z was always “Ebony Pearl” or as the sales people often referred to it, Batman black.
This particular ZX11 is in excellent condition having covered only 8,775 miles since new. Even better is the fact that the current owner seems to have kept up the the bike, although no mention is made of tire age/rubber.
Here is a summary of the info the seller has provided
- 3rd owner of this bike and have put <800 miles on it since I purchased it 3 years ago.
- Has a full D&D header system, K&N, Jet kit & ignition advancer (use premium fuel).
- Recently changed all the engine & brake fluids and it has new EBC brake pads. Also changed the fuel filters and fuel bowl transfer tube O rings, as well as the temperature sending unit in the radiator as the temp gauge didn’t work when I took delivery.
- No cracks, rashes, abrasions, chips, etc. There is a small area on one of the fork lowers where the prior owner had to have a registration tag and it has pulled some of the paint off the lower left fork tube, but everything else defies this classic’s age.
- Will come with a number of spare new parts and gaskets to keep this beast humming well into the future.
Note: I did communicate the seller and he indicates the OEM windscreen and exhausts are not available.
So is this big black beastie worth the Buy It Now price of $4,300 USD? Well I have to admit I have a weakness for the big Z even though it is a BIG bike and a bit too tall for me. Also the pictures on this one are good but not great (there is no clear pic of the license plate area) and I would have much preferred to see it out in sunshine /daylight. Lastly I am not sure what the holes are that appear in the frame under the gas tank on the riders right size, I think the cover shroud from the fairing might have been removed but this would need to be confirmed.
Overall I really think the question is what is your intent for acquiring this bike. The listing seems targeted towards day-to-day riders rather than collectors or perhaps a nostalgia-rider who never got to experience the big Zed. For any collector considering this particular ZX11 the main question would be whether the recent dramatic price jumps in the predecessor ZX10 model means they think the ZX11 will see similar appreciation in the near future. All I can say is that if I bought this bike I would be putting in the earbuds and go for a late night or early morning blast listening to this.
-Marty/Dallaslavowner
I’m more curious about the RC51 under the wraps. Is that for sale?
As a pristine ZX-10 owner, I’m more concerned to learn the ZX-10 is a big seller now?? Tell me more!
the first gen zx10 which was the predecessor of this bike seems to be climbing in value pretty quick. The 1988-1990 seem to be especially desireable right now.
The ZX11 was introduced in 1990, not 1992. Still a great ride!
The ZX-11C should be a collectors bike. A low mileage example is pretty rare since they made an excellent spot tourer and usually have loads of miles on the odometer.
I think it is as significant as the Ninja GPZ900R, GSXR 750, CBR 900RR, or Hayabusa.
I remember seeing these in the local showroom and whispering back and forth with my friends in awe about it’s top speed of 176 mph, and it’s power.
Great! I’ve got a 90 ZX-10. Where are you guys seeing these higher sales numbers?
To answer someone’s question on the RC51. Perhaps…. It’s number 647 from 2000 and I am the original owner and it’s a low mileage example and has all of its original parts.
final bid was 3260 with reserve not met so reach out to the seller if interested.