The 2000 ZR-7 was my first motorcycle purchase since owning a dirt bike as a kid. I had ridden many street bikes over the years, but had never purchased one of my own. Being a first-time buyer, I was looking for a bike that would be civilized enough to help me learn better riding skills, yet with enough in reserve that I wouldn't be tempted to trade it in a year later to get something more "sporty". Wow, does this bike deliver!

Being a relative youngster (30), I grew up at the beginning of the sport bike craze, and have always liked the speed-racer look of the Ninjas, Interceptors, etc. The thing about the ZR-7 that immediately drew my attention was how it "kind of" looks like a sport bike, but still retains a civilized appeal. The sculpted tank, pointy rear body work and Dunlop sport rubber evoke the sport-bike image, while the open engine and front end resemble an older style street bike. Kawasaki calls this class of machine a "naked street bike". I've found that the bike draws favorable looks from the high-school speed freak crowd as well as the more mature biking community. The bike only comes in one color in the U.S., but that's OK with me since I love the deep blue metallic color that Kawasaki chose.

Although the looks alone are enough to motivate a purchase, you won't fully appreciate the ZR-7 until you ride it. The bike feels fairly heavy if you sit on it, but you forget all about it once you start moving. This bike has the best low-speed handling characteristics of any that I have ever ridden (possibly tied with a friend's new W650). After riding it for one day, I felt like I'd been on it for years. The machine is so well balanced it's scary! And unlike some other lighter bikes that feel good at low speeds, this one feels equally capable at higher sport-touring speeds. The motorcycle press has been raving about how the ZR-7 is possibly the best handling bike available at any price for sport-touring speeds, and can even hold its own at track speeds against almost every sport bike out there. It seems ridiculous that what by all rights should be a "budget" motorcycle would be such a solid performer. But it is! I'm sure no owner of a $10k plastic-encased screamer will belive it, but no one who has ridden one will dispute it.

The riding position on the ZR-7 is virtually perfect. It's upright enough to be comfortable for commuting and touring, yet raked enough to allow spirited sport riding. The stock seat is very comfortable, although the passenger saddle is a little thin for long rides. The feel of the bike's shaped tank is also perfect for sport riding situations, and allows you to grab your knees comfortably into the tank.

The decade-old 738cc inline four powerplant is air-cooled, although it does have an oil cooler radiator to help keep things under control on hot days in heavy stop-and-go traffic. The power band is extremely well-suited to most types of real-world riding. Dashing from stoplight to stoplight is effortless, carving canyons at high-rpm's is thrilling, and idling through the grocery store parking lot is a breeze. In comparison, a cruiser falls apart on a twisty back road, and a sport bike is virtually worthless for cruising through city traffic at low to mid RPM's. The ZR-7 handles all situations with a level of ease that is almost incomprehensible. The specs on the engine show about 75hp, which is much lower than most of the modern sport bikes, but the difference is that all of the power is usable and tuned to perfection for real-world riding. And the reliability of this engine has been proven over time, so it should be a maintenance-free ride for years to come.

There are almost too many good things to cover in one review, but a few of the noteworthy benefits are: Fuel guage, Adjustable clutch and front brake handles for various hand sizes, perfectly placed handlebar controls, a real helmet lock, extremely powerful dual 300mm front disk brakes, perfect balance and low-speed control, comfortable riding position, ideal sport handling, nifty center stand, lots of aftermarket accessories available (fairings, bags, etc.), cool looks, good gas mileage (50+ mpg), 250+ mile touring range, reliability and ease of use, and lots of intangibles like extremely low insurance rates (no ABS Plastic to crack apart!).

The only complaint I have is that the bike is pretty heavy if you ever have to pick it up from the ground. I had a little mishap in the garage taking it down from the centerstand and had to pick the bike up. I was able to do so, but it was a struggle. It also takes several minutes to warm the engine up before you can ride it.

Overall, I think this bike is nearly perfect for real-world riding. I plan to keep it forever and pass it on to the kids some day. As one other reviewer noted, "This is the best $5000 I ever spent!".



Recommended: Yes