The Heavy Weight Champ Needs to Retire
Written: May 04 '01
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Pros: Incredibly fast, power on the low, mid, and top end, solid at any speed
Cons: Outdated, heavy, obsolete w/ the coming of the ZX12
The Bottom Line: Under $5k, and power is the primary goal, then this is the bike. Otherwise, something else. If you're buying new, the ZX12 is everything the ZX11 once was, and more.
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| colbyleonard's Full Review: 2000 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-11 |
As sad as it may be, it's true; the ZX-11, prior holder of the honorary status of the fastest production bike ever made, has exceeded it's own lifespan. Back in 1990, nothing could touch the ZX11. It stayed that way for many years, until the CBR XX came along, then the Busa. Now several bikes, many of which are smaller cc's and lighter, will take it in the straights or in corners.
I owned a 1990 ZX11 and loved it, and I still hold it in the highest respect. But it is a long, heavy, awkward bike compared to the newer models on the market. I sold mine and now own a CBR900RR. It was fairly dependable. The first year I got it (with 15K miles on it), I threw a rod (the #3 rod is infamous for being starved for oil, especially if you like doing wheelies, which this bike really isn't set up for anyways), but after that it ran well, only needing routine maintenance.
Whether this bike is for you or not also depends on what you want in a bike. Is straight line performance all you want? Are you on a $5k or less budget? Do you prefer heavier bikes, over the lighter, less stable smaller cc bikes? Do you not want to sit hunched over like you're on a race track while putting through town? Well, in this case the ZX11 may still fit the bill. They remained the same from 1990-1992, then in '93 they received significant (but not major) changes. But for the most part, they're all the same. So for relatively little money you can buy an older, used ZX11, (I sold mine for $3800) and still keep up w/ most bikes, and be sitting way more comfortably than them. But if you want top-notch performance, then this bike will disappoint you as it's starting to show it's age.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 3800
Condition: Used
Model Year: 1990
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Epinions.com ID:
colbyleonard
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Reviews written: 4
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