Are 750's dead? (Kawasaki Ninja ZX-7R)

Member Name: BenHonda

Product:	Kawasaki Ninja ZX-7R
Date:	12/03/01 (3907 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Good looks, great front end, stability and price

Disadvantages: Heavy and unfashionable

750 sports bikes, have been under pressure since the Fireblade was launched. After a brief recovery in the late 90's - linked to increased interest in World Superbikes - the 750 sports category has probably been killed off by the R1, ZX-9R and the new GSXR1.

The ZX-7R is older and heavier than the GSXR 750 and not a match for the R7 (if you could get hold of one). In fact its a lot heavier. So, why buy one?

Its gorgeous. The twin headlights and the twin airtakes look the business. The black one is so sexy, the green one looks just like the WSB machine. The others are ok. Get the black one.

The front end was the best in the business and given the weight of the bike is still top class. It stops, turns and gives excellent feedback.

The engine just pulls and pulls and the weight of the bike actually makes it a very fast and effective road tool. It handles bumps, potholes and whitelines better than a blade or R1 everyday of the week.

The ZX-7R is still doing the business in club powerbike racing against the R1 and the likes - proof enough that this bike is plenty good enough for track day fun.

And because its not a new blade or an R1, you can get second hand ones in excellent condition for very reasonable prices.

A full race system gives the top end an extra rush but are very tricky to set without producing a flat spot in the mid-range. Be prepared for some dyno time.

Summary: