The perfect balance of form and function
Written: Jan 01 '00 (Updated Jan 02 '00)
|
Product Rating:
|
|
|
Pros: Massive power, brakes, dual headlight for 2000
Cons: no factory mount for steering damper
|
|
|
| imaspeedfrek's Full Review: 2000 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-9R |
I was looking for a replacement for my aging ZX-7, and after many test rides and magazine articles, I settled on the '99 version of the ZX-9. I was never disappointed! I had ridden several pre '98 ZX-9's and had been reading about all the changes that were made in the '98 model and carried over. The bike lost an incredible amount of weight (between 67 and 74 lbs, depending on whose figures you read) and had a modest horsepower increase.
The Engine:
Some of the weight loss came internally by lightening up some of the rotating components. Not only does this result in lighter overall weight, but it lessens rotating mass in the engine, resulting in better throttle response and more horsepower. There is usually a slight stumble right off idle that Kawasaki couldn't tune out and still meet emissions but the fix is easy. Pull off each float bowl and raise each main jet needle by one slot. Otherwise the power is seamless and plentiful. This bike has a lot of motor!
The Handling
I raced my ZX-9 for 1 season with the MRA in Colorado and can say that is handles great. The suspension is fully adjustable, both compression and rebound adjustments on both ends. The suspension is consistent, no changes after the front forks get warm when racing.
The Brakes
Perhaps the biggest improvement they made was in the brakes. Six piston calipers grab big rotors for massive stopping force. Almost all bikes have more brake than they need, the quality is in the feel. The six piston calipers make for a very sensitive and responsive system that is first rate. Fade is minimal and predictable. I later switched to racing pads, which I recommend for the track, but advise against for the street (they will never come up to optimum operating temp under street conditions).
Overall
This is an awesome machine. It was competitive on the race circuit bone stock except for gearing changes (that's right - stock exhaust and jetting). All I did was tweak and tune and it was right up at the front of the pack. It's street manners are good, very comfortable and predictable, more comfortable than you would expect for 300+ mile rides. In the end, I say buy one, used or new. Only a few riders in the world will ever be able to wring out everything this bike has to offer, it is more than enough for just about everyone.
Recommended:
Yes
|
|
|
|
Epinions.com ID:
imaspeedfrek
|
|
Reviews written: 1
Trusted by: 1 member
|
|
|
- Add to My Yahoo!: 
- Add to Google Homepage: 
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.