Badder Than Ever !!!!
Written: Jan 04 '01
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Powerful, aggressive look, great handle
Cons: None as of yet
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| Jason47's Full Review: 2000 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-9R |
More power, better power, lighter weight....the new Ninja ZX-9R is badder than ever.
This new bikes cylinders are now electroplated, compression's bumped up, new 40mm Keihin carbs are used, and revised intake-cam timing and ports are reportedly responsible for the extra torque as well as improved throttle response, torque being at 74.5 foot-pounds. Downstream, exhaust headers are bigger and use balance tubes between them. A more powerful computer controls the engine.
But the pleasure of driving this mean machine goes beyond specs. It's the look, sound and feel of the thing that makes you scream. Even at a stand still it glares threateningly with those big new eyes and that huge ram-air proboscis. Kawasaki works hard on the noise it's sportsbikes make when they're being spanked. Sound reflectors near the airbox direct induction snarl straight at your ears. This doesn't make you go any quicker, but it adds at least 10 mph to the seat-of-the-pants.
The beauty of the ZX-9R is that it works however you treat it. Take it easy and the big Kwak works fine, swooping and driving with minimum effort. There's plenty of torque from low down. Go down on the throttle and the engine goes manic, wailing and screaming in delight as you bang it up to the 12,000-rpm redline. This rocket has a superb top-end rush.
The handling here just about matches the engine. The frame is very stiff with a detachable subframe. Fork offset is reduced to 30mm, providing more trail.
The only blot on the landscape appears when trying to ease gently back on the power from a closed throttle when leaned over. You twist the grip gently, waiting for a gentle surge and BANG, the power kicks in suddenly, unsettling the suspension and your nerves. This is very uncomfortable when on the lean coming out of a corner.
The ZX-9R is a real all-round bike. This is a bike you can ride really hard, but you will not feel out of place if you decide to take it easy. A decent pillion and grab rails mean a passenger can enjoy it too.
This is a must for sports bike riders. It ranks right up there with Yamaha's R1 which is very good news.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
Jason47
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Member: Jason
Location: St. Stephen, N.B.
Reviews written: 24
Trusted by: 3 members
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