KAWASAKI ZX-9R NINJA

Like so many motorcycles the Kawasaki ZX-9R began life as a sports machine, didn’t quite cut it and ended up as an excellent sporty sports-tourer. It’s indecently fast and should put 175+mph on the clock with minimal hassle. Early Kawasaki ZX-9Rs were heavy but from the ‘C’ variant of 1998 onwards it’s light enough to be a capable if not cutting edge sports machine

Always a strong point on Kawasaki's even when chassis development fell behind the competition. The Kawasaki ZX-9R's engine is a classic with modest low rev torque, no major fireworks in the midrange but enough urge to keep the Kawasaki ZX-9R swift. But rev hard and very little will pull away. The Kawasaki ZX-9R has a pleasing growl too.

The early Kawasaki ZX-9Rs weren’t good. The Kawasaki ZX-9R ‘B’ series from 1994 to 1997 were too heavy. Fingers were pointed at the rear swing arm and suspension. It’s the least sporty of the bunch by some margin. Kawasaki ZX-9R ‘C’, E’ and ‘F’ suffix bikes are all much lighter but still stable and relaxed enough to make excellent road bikes. Brakes are effective unless neglected.

Depends on your perspective. The Kawasaki ZX-9R’s well equipped for a sports bike, quite poor for a sports tourer. The fuel tap is an antique idea with little to commend it but is useful when removing the Kawasaki ZX-9R's tank. Grease nipples on the Kawasaki ZX-9R's rear suspension are a simple, superb idea which few other machines have.

Reliability is good – Kawasaki ZX-9Rs will clock up huge mileages without letting owners down. But build quality can be patchy. Paint is so thin on the wheels even regular use of a lock can rub it off. Corrosion and stone chips are a common sight on Kawasaki ZX-9Rs. Shocks go off quickly and steering head bearings can wear fast.

The Kawasaki ZX-9R makes a good buy for two reasons. First, as it was always a close-but-no-cigar sports bike, it’s seen as undesirable so can be cheap. Second, owners who do go for a Kawasaki ZX-9R are less likely to crash or thrash their bikes than those with GSX-Rs or R1s. Look for a bike with a Fenda Extenda and buy with a smug grin

History: 1994:Kawasaki ZX-9R B original model launched.1998: Kawasaki ZX-9R C completely new model, new frame and engine, single reflector headlight.2000: Kawasaki ZX-9R E minor mods including stiffer frame and twin headlight top fairing.2002: Kawasaki ZX-9R F final version with heavier crank and four piston front brake calipers.