Model History

The ZXR Story

1988: Kawasaki built a racer called ZXR-7. This bike had an aluminium perimeter frame and a tuned GPX750 engine. From this bike the first of the ZXRs would be born.
The ZXR-7 continued its evolution through to 1994 when endurance
regulations changed. Up until then the ZXR-7, though sharing the looks
of the ZXR range, was very much a prototype machine.

Here’s some pictures of the 1991 ZXR-7
Click on the thumbnails for a bigger picture

IMPORTANT NOTE:
Kawasaki in its wisdom decided to confuse us all by
calling its range of 750 sportsbikes “ZX7 Ninja” in the US and “ZXR750”
just about everywhere else. The Race homologation versions got an extra R
(ZX7R and ZXR750R respectively). In ’96 they then decided to use the
same name worldwide so the standard version became the ZX7R and the Race
homologation version became the ZX7RR!

ZXR750H1, ZX7 (US) ZXR750R, ZX7R (US)
1989 ZXR H1:


The ZXR line started with the “H” models (called ZX7 in the US).
The H1 looked uncannily like the first model of the ZXR-7 racer. The
rear suspension was very hard. This was chiefly due to the suspension
linkage and, to a lower extent, to the hard rear shock.

Spec at a glance:
105bhp (crank)
205Kg dry weight

Click Here for Full Specs

 

 

 

No “R” version in 1989

1990 ZXR H2:


The H2 inherited most of the Racekit engine mods found on the ZXR-7.
Although the H2 looks very similar to the H1, both engine and
frame underwent a lot of changes. A host of carbs, radiator and engine
mods mean that parts are often not interchangeable with the H1. The
rear suspension was still pretty hard.

Spec at a glance:
107bhp (crank)
200Kg dry weight

 

Click Here for Full Specs

 

 

No “R” version in 1990

1991-92 ZXR (J1, J2):


The ZXR was overhauled and the “J” models were born. The Js were
deliberately restricted by Kawasaki to 100bhp (and are hard to
derestrict), but had very good midrange. These were the first ZXRs with
USD fork and were overall lighter than both the preceeding H models an
later Ls and Ps. The engine was now used as a stressed member to
increase chassis rigidity. The hard rear shock of the J1 was partially
sorted with the J2.

Spec at a glance:
100bhp (crank – restricted)
195Kg dry weight

\

 Click Here for Full Specs

1991-92 ZXR-R (K1, K2):


A Race version (superbike omologation special – “K” model) was
also built, but in limited numbers. This was called ZXR750R (or ZX7R in
the US). The race version had the same frame as the J models, but it
sported 39mm Keihin Flatslide carburettors, full power engine, close
ratio gearbox, alloy tank, fully adjustable suspension front and rear,
single seat and was 5kg lighter than the J models. Both K1 and K2 have
the same spec.

Spec at a glance:
121bhp (crank)
190Kg dry weight

 

Click Here for Full Specs

 

1993-95 ZXR (L1, L2, L3):


This was the first ZXR to have Ram-air (one intake on the left hand side of the headlights).
The engine of the previous years Race version (“K models”) was now
fitted to all L models (minus the flatslides and the Close Ratio
Gearbox). The rear suspension was now sorted and much more compliant
than previous models thanks to a new and more linear linkage and a new
shock.

Spec at a glance:
119bhp (crank)
205Kg dry weight

 

Click Here for Full Specs

 

1993-94 ZXR-R (M1, M2) there was no “R” in 95:


The race version (“M” model) specification was as for the previous
K model with the addition of Ram-air and an adjustable swingarm pivot
(adjustment is done through the use of Kawasaki Racekit parts).
The M model got the J/K model’s super stiff rear suspension linkage
instead of the softer (and better) one mounted on the L models. Both M1
and M2 have the same spec.

Spec at a glance:
121bhp (crank)
200Kg dry weight

 

Click Here for Full Specs

 
1996 – Kawasaki renames the latest models
ZX7R ZX7RR
1996-today ZX7R (P1 – P7):


The name ZXR was dropped and both in Europe and the US the
standard bike was now called ZX7R. The new bike had a shorter
stroke/wider bore engine which gave it much more midrange than previous
models, Twin Ram-air intakes, 6 pot Tokiko brakes and suspension was now
fully adjustable front and rear.

Spec at a glance:
123bhp (crank)
203Kg dry weight

 

Click Here for Full Specs

 
1996 ZX7RR (N1)- The ZX7RR was only produced in ’96:


The race version (“N” model) had a similar spec to the previous M
models (although the alloy tank was now replaced by a steel one), but
it now also boasted an adjustable steering head angle (with additional
Kawasaki Racekit parts). The flatslide carbs went from 39mm to 41mm.
The suspension was of higher spec and more adjustable than the standard
ZX7R and the braking was taken care of by a pair of 6 pot Nissins.

Spec at a glance:
121bhp (crank)
203Kg dry weight

 

Click Here for Full Specs

 

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