Kawasaki ZX-9R
The ZX-9R looked just like what it was: a sporty but practical model that sat midway between Kawasaki’s racy ZXR750 and the bigger ZZ-RIIOO. That meant the 9R couldn 't match lighter, more focused rivals on a racetrack, but for riders looking for an efficient, comfortable bike with shoulder-splitting straight-line performance, the Kawasaki had much to offer.
WjL Kawasaki’s tradition of building /firm outstanding 900cc superbikes suggested f a that a hot new contender would appear in the mid-1990s. The Z1 of 1973 and the GPZ900R Ninja of 1984 had firmly established the Big K’s reputation for powerful, rapid and bullet-proof 900cc fours. And in 1994 came the model that was intended to maintain that reputation for another decade: the ZX-9R.
The superbike world had become increasingly specialized since the days of the Z1 and Ninja, when a single brilliant new machine could outperform all opposition and be a top all-rounder at the same time. Nevertheless, Kawasaki designed the ZX-9R to fit between the firm’s race-replica ZXR750 and sports-touring ZZ-R1100. Its style and emphasis were on performance, but the 9R was less extreme than some super-sports rivals.
It was certainly one very rapid motorcycle, for all that. The Kawasaki's engine was an enlarged,899cc version of the 749cc, liquid-cooled powerplant from the ZXR750. It had a ZZ-R1100 type ram-air system, big 40mm carburettors plus detailed smoothing of the induction and exhaust systems. The result was a peak output of 137bhp at 10,500rpm, and thrillingly strong power right through the rev range.
The motor was held by a large, aluminium twin- beam frame similar to that of the ZZ-R1100. backed-up by an equally sturdy box-section alloy swingarm, with multi-adjustable suspension at each end. Chassis geometry was sporty, with forks set at 24 degrees. But the Kawasaki weighed 4741b (215kg), considerably more than several of its rivals, and 661b (30kg) more than Honda's FireBlade. Styling was very sharp and aggressive, owing much to Kawasaki's World Superbike racer. But by sports bike standards the ZX-9R was a fairly big machine, with a broad fuel tank and a long stretch forward to the handlebars. The roomy riding position and wide seat helped make the Kawasaki comfortable while emphasizing that it was no ultralight race replica.
The ZX-9R was at its best on a fast, open road where its motor's phenomenal power never failed to impress. At low revs the 16-valve four grow led impatiently; straining at the leash. B\ TOOOrpm the Kawasaki was storming forward with real conviction, and around lO.OOOrpm it kicked again, howling towards the 12,500rpm rev-limiter w ith a gloriously smooth, free-revving feel that took the 9R to a top speed of 165mph (266km h ).
Handling was superb on sweeping main roads where the Kawasaki’s stability and neutral steering allowed its rider to exploit the engine's power to the full. On twistier roads the bike was less impressive, as its weight and relatively slow steering made it cumbersome in comparison with racier rivals.
There was no doubt that the ZX-9R failed to raise the superbike stakes in the way that its Zl and GPZ900R predecessors had done. By race-replica standards it was too big and heavy; and as a longdistance bike its lack of features such as centre- stand and grabrail told against it. But for riders looking for a genuine super-sports bike with a fair degree of practicality, the ZX-9R was arguably the pick of the bunch.
ZX-9R Gets Faster Still
Kawasaki revised the ZX-9R over the next few years, and for 2000 introduced a new version that incorporated many changes but still had the look and feel of the original. Producing 142bhp from its 16-valve engine, now fed via one big slot in the nose of its twin-headlamp fairing, the 9R was faster and torquier than ever. Weight was down to 403lb (183kg); agility was increased. But the Kawasaki was still a super-sports bike that was roomy and comfortable enough for touring - and which took no prisoners on the way.
There was p of power available for wheelies. Hard acci U from a standstill u impossible witlu wheel lifting of A.■ beneath the headlighj are air intakes leading io the ram-air system, which gave a major boost to the 137bhp unit s high-speed performance.
Specification Kawasaki ZX-9R (1994)
- Engine Liquid-cooled dohc 16-valve four
- Capacity 899cc (73 x 53.7mm)
- Maximum power 137bhp @ 10,500rpm
- Transmission Six-speed, chain final drive
- Frame Aluminium twin beam
- Suspension Telescopic front; monoshock rear
- Brakes Twin discs front; disc rear
- Weight 474lb (215kg)
- Top speed 165mph (266km/h)
0 comments: