KAWASAKI ZX-9R (1994 - 2002) Review

Version: F2P

Year: 2002

Best value bike out there, does anything you ask from pottering through town to surprising newer super bikes.

Buying experience: Bought privately from an ad on Facebook, a bargain in my eyes.

Year: 2002

Annual servicing cost: £250

Overall it's okay, but buying a good one is a mine field due to owners. I'd not recommended one as they cost in maintenance unless you know how to use tools.

Buying experience: Bought from a back Street dealer, knocked him down from £3295 to £3100.

Version: E1

Year: 2000

Still a quick motor bike despite its age and weight. With the unmistakable Kawasaki air box howl when on full chat. The front end doesn’t inspire confidence and compared to to today’s lighter bikes takes a bit of stopping. But will still show a clean pair of heels when required.

Buying experience: Bought brand new 21 years ago.

Year: 1999

Unbelievable 2nd hand value

Buying experience: Took in part ex against a 2010 FZ1S. Was going to sell it on but can’t bring myself to do it.

Version: C

Year: 1998

No gadgets most don't use. old school engine bubble so nice. can do touring journey. all-round winner.

Buying experience: search around there are bargains to be found. got mine from a dealer up north great price top condition1 tiny mark on tank.

Version: E1

Year: 2000

Best features are its power so fast brilliant for overtaking, brakes need improving handles well, doesn't like being ridden slow. Only had it a month would reccomend it to anyone. Came from a CBF1000 to this. Pity I can't give it 10/10

Buying experience: traded in my cbf1000 for it deffo the best decision I've ever made. The ninja has 47,000 on the clock which is nothing for a 21 year old bike

Version: Street fighter

Year: 1999

Annual servicing cost: £100

Outstanding. Puts new bikes to shame.

Buying experience: Private, £1500. Was already fightered when he bought it too, so done a while ago. No nasties on the hpi check so paid the man and left. Bought it to flip but within 5 minutes knew it was a keeper. It's scruffy, pitted engine and got a few rusty bits. I like it that way, the scroats walk straight past it in favour of newer shiny things.

Year: 1999

Annual servicing cost: £60

Bike has done 46k km mostly on the tt circuit Assen. Never had any problems.

Buying experience: Dealer

Version: B1

Year: 1994

Very comfortable, easy 500+ miles in a day, smooth, great fuel consumption, great engine.

Buying experience: Payed £6000 private in 1995, 1 year old, 3k on the clock in mint condition. 25 years later still going strong.

Year: 1999

Annual servicing cost: £300

Worst feature is thirsty on fuel, only get around 140 miles before reserve. Best features are the looks, handling, noise (with an SP Engineering Can) performance, acceleration, Reliability and all round ability to use as a commuter or fun tool. Still makes me smile every morning when I open the garage door 👍🏍😀

Buying experience: Bought from a dealership I work for as a part ex trade in for £800

Version: F1

Year: 2002

Annual servicing cost: £500

Sublime all round machine. Linear off idle power, stable predictable frame and handling, excellent adjustable suspension once correctly sprung and valved to rider, very good to excellent brakes front AND rear, excellent ergonomics for taller rider and solo with a gear rack makes for a quite brilliant and roomy sport tourer. No electronic aids or wizardry. Will work hard AND play hard all year round. Starts when you push the button!

Buying experience: Privately bought. Getting hard to find as not many F models were sold in Australia. Was competing directly with the R1, Gsx-R and Fireblade which sold much better but ultimately were less rideable on the road for any length of time. Lots of Zx9's were bought by P platers moving to their first large bike because they were less desirable hence cheaper and consequently many were crashed and or poorly maintained by inexperienced buyers. A real sleeper now though still not particularly desirable. About AUD $4000 buys a good one, 5000 would be top.

Version: b3 and b4

Year: 1996

Annual servicing cost: £400

I purchased one new back in 1996 and its a monster. Its more upright than most fast bikes and on real roads this makes it better. At the time a motorbike magazine quoted as saying (100mph knee down in the wet and this is the best bike for it). Everyone I knew went for a blade but on the roads they could never keep up as the extra weight and better seating position made it easy to go faster than them over the bumps. I kept it for about 10 years before moving to a zx12 and wish I had kept it. (Just purchased a 1997 for £2000 with 6000miles on it but now returnign it to standard as thats the best) . One of the things i loved about it was the low down pull changing up about 6000rpm made the thing shift and a nice induction noise. People say they are to heavy but I never had a problem as a run from Northern Ireland down past scotland and down to the south coast of England in a day and a lot of beer the same night would of been a nightmare on anything else at the time. Buy one ride it for what it is but dont get it if your expecting a tract tool and anyway do you really get to 100% on your new blade/R1/Gsxr or Ducati on the road.

Buying experience: Deal got mine for the price of a 750 at the time

Version: C1

Year: 1998

Annual servicing cost: £100

21-years-old and still goes like a good 'un. I bought this bike 3 years ago for €1300. What a bargain. Great engine, torque and power, if you're feeling lazy it can just roll along but if you want to give it the berries it's your best friend too. Handling is great and no electrical gimmicks, just you, the bike and the roads. Put a decent set of tyres on it and enjoy. I forgot to mention that it is so comfortable too, I'm 6ft3 and over 115kgs and can ride for about 500kms per day before aches and pains take over. I also have a 2017 Versys 1000 in the garage, another great bike, but this is the one that I choose 80% of the time.

Year: 1999

Very easy to ride for the most part, but can feel prone to under-steer, especially if suspension is set to soft. On standard settings the bike will steer very accurately, even on technical sections - but it has to be ridden well, or you may find yourself running wide. It's probably happiest on sweeping A-roads and the smoother, less tricky B-roads. But it will do almost anything, any time - and with very little complaint. Indeed, the bike always feels eager to be ridden - and wants to please. The 6-pot Tokicos are miniature money-pits - and adequate at best. Braided lines and good pads are required - and even then you'll probably be considering switching to 4-pot Nissins off the big Bandit. Problem is, you've already put new seals (and may be even pistons) in the Tokicos, not to mention sprung for some Hel lines. So now you're committed to the 6 pots. Damn. As for the engine, well, yes. It's lusty, sweet and very strong. It seems to have endless reserves of power - but you do sometimes find yourself working for it. Even though it's a litre, it's not perhaps as accessible as it could be. That can make it more rewarding, however. In general it's a really flexible motor - best on open roads, but able to accommodate trickling town work, walking speed filtering, country lane bimbling and guided missile ton-plus hours-long motorway journeys. It's the bike's strongest card - well, that and it's ergos. Pegs are a little higher than necessary, but the "bars" are well positioned, and the seat is a proper man's saddle - not a thin piece of foam on a narrow subframe. Consequently comfort levels are very high.

Year: 2001

Best value old school superbike available, I think so! Buy one, before 90s prices go the same way as 80s ones when the rose tinted memories start to kick in. Fantastic bike with a mental engine and to be honest, crap brakes....can’t have it all, eh!

Buying experience: Bought from a dealer, price perfectly reasonable. Got a £100 off and delivered.

Year: 1999

Annual servicing cost: £300

Reliable fast and comfortable.

Buying experience: Bought private on a whim (powder coated frame and swinging arm). First bike and I love it.

Version: F1

Year: 2002

Annual servicing cost: £750

Best : Fast enough, very comfortable with good suspension. Worst: No fuel gauge!

Buying experience: An excellent second hand buy as there are plenty of parts and the entire bike is old tech and relatively simple to service.

Version: E1

Year: 2000

Annual servicing cost: £400

The big Ninja is a great comfortable sportbike to learn from. The California emissions model sold selectively throughout the U.S. has some unique capabilities, in that it recycles fuel vapors, effectively extending the bike's range beyond other non-CA 9Rs and every other sportbike in its class. The E/F 2000 - 2003 variants are the best of the 9R lot. Excellent at 20+ MPH cornering and stable at those speeds and above. This bike doesn't excel however, at lower speed corners or in drag racing scenarios with newer lighter, more powerful bikes. But use the bikes long range, handling, and comfort capabilities and you'll find it rises like dairy cream over its rivals.

Year: 2002

Annual servicing cost: £50

A cracking and reliable bike which I have proudly owned for over 7 years now. Will never sell it as it all for me, it ticks all the boxes. One of the last big framed superbikes, at 6'3 I avoid looking like a demented Spider-man on a tricycle - you get the picture right! Yes - it doesn't cut it with the ZX10r's, GXSR's and BMW's et al, but it's fast, a great road bike and has it's own loyal cult of followers. Lastly - it has carbs, and the mechanics on it are fairly simple overall - a tinkerers dream! Buy one and you'll not regret it!

Buying experience: Brought from ebay (private) after promising myself one ten years earlier. Good price (can't remember exactly what though as was smitten!).

Version: B3

Year: 1996

Annual servicing cost: £300

I have loved owning this bike, practical for my every day riding, however riding in rain is twitchy and i kinda find that intimidating. But they are cheap enough to buy, i spent £1000 just in performance mods and making it look better, well worth it! But don't expect to get that money back when selling it.

Buying experience: Bought privately, was completely standard when i bought the bike.

Year: 1999

Annual servicing cost: £120

Some quality issues with paint on the rims being to thin and bad corrosion on the inside and outside of the rims, the swing arm paint is also to thin and leads to bad corrosion but front brake callipers demand too much attention this is made worse when you ride the bike every day in all weathers.

Buying experience: Brought from a dealer every time well priced at £1900 unlike some other manufacturers who cost more than they are worth at almost £3000 and would happily pay more for a ninja as they are worth the money.

Year: 1998

Stonking engine, poor finish (corrosion) Rubbish calipers.

Version: F1P

Year: 2002

Annual servicing cost: £200

Outside of any offroad potential, this is the ultimate all rounder. Fast enough for trackdays, comfy enough for touring, good enough in traffic for commuting. Made at a time when sportsbikes were made for the road than overly track focused it is faster than you'll ever need, sounds fantastic (especially with a Yoshi exhaust), and can be had at what can only be described as a bargain price.

Buying experience: Paid £2200 for bike (in blue) in good condition with 21k miles.

Year: 1999

Annual servicing cost: £60

A real 'sleeper'!

Version: c2

Year: 2001

Annual servicing cost: £150

Positive- power, handling, brakes, confidence inspiring all what u want from a bike so long as shes been looked after Negative- seat can be a litle sore after a long ride, not much storage but it's a sports bike

Buying experience: Purchased from a dealer, got price down from £2299 to £1825, it has fsh and only 17k on the clock when i bought it.

Version: B3

Year: 1996

Annual servicing cost: £100

Excellent grunt and handles like a dream, a very planted bike to ride. A bit on the heavy side

Buying experience: Bought privately, beware of modified to race bikes, bigger jets and different exhausts upset the kwak and make for a horrible round town ride

Year: 1999

This is a very quick bike, the myth these bikes cannot take corners is completely wrong and they love fast straights where you can really pin the throttle but unfortunately I cannot say how good it is without touching that this bike doesn't even have a fuel light or gauge on the 99 model that I own, so me as mr clumsy doesn't have a clue what kind of fuel I'm using but apart from the lack of equipment the price tag I paid of £1000 was more then worth it 4***

This is the first big bike I had and Oh my was the engine a power house. It's weak points are the brakes but in the end I upgraded the callipers and they were fine. For a bike under 2k you can't beat it much better than buying a beaten up 600.. Reliability issues were purely due to age but a main dealer found the fault in seconds were as a back street garage had it in for a weak and couldn't find the fault. Well worth using a main dealer in relation to your make bike and well worth chosing a bike that you have a local main dealer for...

An absolute do it all bike that is just as suitable to ripping up your local twisty road as it is taking a long haul cross country. I rode mine for 70k miles before slamming it into a Jersey barrier. I replaced it with a ZX12, and am having second thoughts. A solid bike. Love it Love it Love it

First big bike after passing my test. After countless hours, reading reviews and researching this that and the other, I decided that the ZX9R sounded perfect. I knew I would have to take it steady for starters with such a powerful tool. I have to say, it's been an absolute delight. So easy to ride quick or steady. Great for comfort with that broad seat and sensible bar height. Cracking prices available on these bikes too. Parts are decently priced and also abundant. Well worth a look if your after some serious fun on a budget.

Great all round bike which can be had now for less than £1500. Only grips are the short service intervals, and the OEM headlight. Nothing a quality aftermarket bulb doesn't fix though.

Absolutely brilliant fun to ride. All the rubbish about it being bigger and heavier is irrelevant, it's a few kg more than a blade but has more horses to power it. It's longer wheel base makes it more stable in corners, it's riding position is more comfortable than other more modern sports bikes without taking away the control and focus when you want it. It adjustable enough if there is anything you want to improve and when are you ever gonna push it hard enough to need more anyway! The power delivery is incredible, the engine note addictive and overall the zx9r is without a doubt the best balance of performance and real world usability. I absolutely love my f1p and recommend a test ride to anyone looking for something sporty.

Ive owned two of these now absolutely fantastic machines very fast comfortable may not be state of the art but a fantastic every day bike

These were bloody rippers when they first came out. Wonderful bikes with a ball-tearing top end rush.

not into sports bike but had one ofthese and fully enjoyed it. not as good as my bandit but great little machine.till it was killed by car driver. she handled pritty well very cumfertable. the only down side is the numness came to the hands very quickly

i enjoyed the bike although i had alot of over heating problems... appart from that nice ride

This bike is one of my all time favorites.. fast, good looking, reliable, handles well, everything you want in a bike, highly recommended ..

I just part ex'd an 06 Triumph ST1050 for a ZX9R 2001, and got lots of cash back.. My triumph was very unreliable and the dealer was cr*p. I looked for a new bike, something fast, light, good 2 up and comfy but most of all reliable - nothing out there. I'd had a couple of Kawasaki's in the past so I knew they were good bikes. But.... WOW I was totally blown away by the ZX9R. The review's are a little harsh, It is still a very quick bike and handles really well on british roads, even 2 up and around the city. It's the perfect blend daily commuter with stacks of weekend fun. It's a shame they don't make bikes like this anymore. I will be sticking with this one!

Recently bought an '02 plate ZX9R F1P in blue and black. It's a very pleasing bike. It's comfortable, indecently fast, looks mean, well built and it handles much better than it's reputation implies. The only down points so far are the clocks are hard to read and the fuel tap is a rubbish idea.

got zx9r e1 a year ago for bargin price done about 7000 miles in all weather.this bike will keep up with larger cc machines no problems on the road its is big vulgar an green but smooth and easy to ride fast or slow.the handling can be increased by raising the rear and putting a decent tyre on it,i recomend a mitchelin road pilot 2 its like riding on a roller coaster its that stable.this bike is also exellent 2 up with a comfy seat for a pillon it also looks as fast as it is and stands out which help drivers see you better

I still rue the day I sold her... we have 7000 miles of fun... about 1.5 hours at the time. Surprising amount of power and with heli-bars, I wasn't but so scrunched up. Front wheel could be lofted easily coming out of corners... but it always felt controlled. Great, great sportbike for the road.

Had my C1 since 1998 and clocked up 47.000 miles! still puts out 130bhp at the wheel on dyno. Will do everything you need ..tour commute,track days.Still looks good for 11 yr old. Had Race cans but back on standard one, dynojet (remember them) ,double bubble & hugger really all you need & keep carbs balanced. Keep on top of brakes,seals & master cylinder ,fit braided hoses. Bad bits; carb icing and thin paint on wheels Build quality on this C1 is excellent much better than the B1 model I had. & zx6 zzr,s Brilliant underated bike,

iv had mine (c2 1999 in red) for 18mth now, and i love it...iv street fightered it by choice, for added comfort, and it still upsets newer 1 ltr sports bikes...even twos up

on my 2nd zx9 a e1, had a c1 first, great bikes, fast ,cheap to buy, easy to work on, cheap to run, pretty comfy, a great all rounder, on a dry road it all ways puts a grin on my face, if you aint got one than get one!

Had my e1 for 3yrs now ride about 5-6oomiles a week it has never let me down what can i say .Ride it on a daily basis 365 days a year whatever the weather will only get rid of the old girl for a black 1098s as i regularly ride a 1098 and although that is a mean machine i have no problem keeping up with it.

I got the ninja bug when i saw my mate's C1, bought mine new in 2000 and to date can't fault it.I've had galfer disc's fitted recently, which combined with braided lines makes a big difference to its stopping power.Other mods i've done,ixil end can and suspension set up by STEVE JORDAN MOTORCYCLE'S in bookham. I still find the fruity ram air induction iresistable after 8 years of owning. Since sj sorted the suspension my bike corners even better, the only thing that will improve it is a complete suspension overhall which i'm considering as i've no intention of selling.

I got the ninja bug when i saw my mate's C1, bought mine new in 2000 and to date can't fault it.I've had galfer disc's fitted recently, which combined with braided lines makes a big difference to its stopping power.Other mods i've done,ixil end can and suspension set up by STEVE JORDAN MOTORCYCLE'S in bookham. I still find the fruity ram air induction iresistable after 8 years of owning. Since sj sorted the suspension my bike corners even better, the only thing that will improve it is a complete suspension overhall which i'm considering as i've no intension of selling.

Had 2 600, but wanted a bigger chassis for comfort on longer trips. Can't improve on it now. Sporty, comfy, does everything I need. (And capable of a lot more)

2000 E1, owned and ridden hard for 3 years. Always get off it with a mega grin even after 3 years. Power is superb, wheelie on the throttle at 6k, knee down all the time. fit some proper rubber and stiffen up the shocks and there's not much that will pass you. nice big nose to hide behind and sooo comfortable to ride. Generally an excellent all rounder - sunny Sundays are the highlight of my life!

I love the bike, its fast, responsive and handles well. Its built for speed not comfort and my wrists ache after 35 mins so long rideouts are out of the question. Its also a bit twitchy at times but on the whole it does the job.

I've owned the bike for 6 months now, it's a fantastic bike very stable, kitted out with Michelin Pilot Road 2s. Relatively easy bike to do your own maintenance on, only struggled with the valve clearances. The bike came fitted with a rear hugger and double bubble screen from the previous owner. Great all-rounder. The engine is fantastic, very strong and I'm getting 50+ mpg, mixed motorway and back road commute.

Recently P/Xed my Green C1, for an '06 10R. They're completely different bikes but the 9R is still great. It boasts a strong engine, with drive from any gear or revs, comfort is good for both rider and pillion and under seat storage is good too. It may be slated by the press sometimes, but in the real world, this is a fantastic bike. Only fitted F.Fabbri screen, HEL lines. Lacks USD forks, slipper clutch e.t.c but doesn't need it. Highly recomended.

Was so impressed after a 1/2 hour test ride on a 99 C2 I did a part ex deal on return to the dealer. The big surprise for me is the comfort. I've tried lots of sports bikes only to find them painful after a short time. More important is the engine performance, this bike feels just as powerful as any Fireblade or R1 I've ridden but is so much more useable.

Brill bike, this is my second, had a TL1000s last and it highsided me eventually. The result was bad circulation in my busted up right arm, making my hand go numb. I love the bike so I invested £152 in a set of Hellibar handlebar raisers from Bikebitz. What a difference, they raise the bars by about 1.5 inches and gone is the numbness and discomfort. I did 200 mile trip at the weekend and only stopped for fuel (at 165 mile) cracking bike for the real roads and occasional trackday! love it, love it.

My 6th bike in as many years. I previously had a TL1000S, but the engine in the zx9 is just as amazing and takes off at the top-end. The sound from the airbox is addictive to. It's also comfy, fairly economical and even has a clock! I am however having trouble setting up the suspension as it tends to run wide unless you give it a bit of muscle and can be a bit skitish. Will junk the standard shock asap. Overall though, a great real world bike.

This is my second bike and I had it this full season, I put 6000km on it an I think it is wonderful!It accelerates like hell when needed, the position is relaxed even for me (I am 1.90m), this bike is a wonderful street bike.

I have covered just 70 miles on my ZX9R so far and love it already. It is comfortable, no wrist ache yet and is so easy and forgiving to ride. I have just changed it from a 16 year old CBR600 and can't believe how far bikes have come! I was ready to do a bit of taming, but none of it. It is far easier to ride than my CBR, but jesus, when I open that throttle, it flies! I recently tried my brother in laws £8000 Repsol replica Fireblade with more mods than Brighton seafront in the 60's and my bike has easily as much grin factor and is much more comfy. Strengths: Smoothness, comfort, performance, handling. Weaknesses: No fuel gauge and manual fuel tap (what are they all about??!!). Lights are weak.

I have had many bikes over my 20 years of riding blackburds cbr 100 fj 1200 the one thing I would say abought the zx9 is that you can ride it all day long for touring and the next day go to a track and thrash it knowing that you will still be fit enough to ride back home in comfort in my opinion its the most underrated bike in the world and its abought time all the journos out there stoped thrashing on about the fastest bikes out and looked at the real world and found a zx9 to live with.  Strengths: The engine its awsome full of life when you want it.  Weaknesses: If I have found anything it would be the rear suspension.

Had my c1 for almost a year, great bike does all you want. Keep coolent filter clean to prevent carb icing, and chain tension & condition effects gear change, other wise its pretty much bomb proof. Strengths: Got to be that motor. Weaknesses: Paint on wheels.

Had a 96 fireblade before the ninja, was a great bike,but lacked the top end and over all excitement of the ninja. Best swap I ever done. Excellent engine, handling and looks, just brakes could do with braided hoses. Beats the modern crutch rockets all round! Strengths: Engine, engine, engine, looks, noise. Weaknesses: Brakes.

Twisty country roads are where I ride for the most part. The 9R loves them and I love it. whatever about the track, in the real world in my opinon both the fireblade and the R1 take a backseat to the ZX9R. 1500 mile weekends hassle free in comfort. This bike has been seriously under rated by the media. Strengths: Ability to put the power down without a flighty front. Comfort. Handling. More power than I'll ever be able to use. Fairing actually protects from the elements. Acres of under seat storage. Stable at top speed 165mph. Weaknesses: Not mad about the colour schemes. The tail unit is a bit fat and dated.

Greatbike only let down in a few small areas brakes are weak as standard but a change to ebc hh pads will do the trick after my previous bike a tl1000r it feels gutless at low revs but you soon remember how to ride a 4 comfort is fantastic cant say how it will be on a long ride yet but as I had a zx9rb2 prior to the tl it should be ok only thing about it I do not like is it just does not like cold weather or cool damp weather the dreaded carb icing. Strengths: Comfort smiles per pound. Weaknesses: Carb icing brakes as standard.

I've had a C2 before, that was good, but this F2 model is amazing. The mag testers don't seem to like it though. It's not the latetst spec but in the real world it does everthing very well. Let the good times role! Strengths: Speed, looks, comfort, useability. Weaknesses: None yet.

I was going to buy a blade, the zx9 was cheaper and almost as fast. I have toured 2 up and had weekend blasts with mates on gixer thous, kept with them OK. Strengths: Cost speed. Weaknesses: Poor finish.

Had my E1 for three years and just sold it with 16500 miles on it, the last three years it has not let me down it's been a fantastic bike. Longest journey was to cadwell park 2yrs ago 700 miles round trip in a day, blasted it down. Sore arse next day though. Strengths: Comfort for, induction noise, feelfront end. Weaknesses: Nothing much, major service cost over the top.

I bought this in March 04 to replace my 16 year old GPZ600. Must say I'm pretty impressed. The performace is stunning and I'd though the GPZ was quick! Fairly comfortable, and can be ridden slowly if needed. fuel economy suprisingly good at between 50 and 60 mpg; although I'm sure it could be low sometimes. Tyre were tolerable original still has couple of thou left after 3500 miles. ZX10, R1, GSXR new 'blade maybe faster on a track but the ZX9 works; and was cheap. Strengths: Performance, economy, looks, ergonomics. Weaknesses: Needs to be ridden where there is no traffic i.e. not in SE England.

Bought a 2001 E1 from Millennium M/C in St Helens in Feb 2004. Froze my nuts off riding it home to Sheffield but fell in love with it that day. So much room to move about that my 90min commute to Warrington is thoroughly enjoyable, but it's an awesome machine for just hacking round the Peak District. I'm 6ft and find there's a bit of windblast at high speeds but otherwise I can't find fault with the thing. Some might find the suspension a bit hard but a quick tweak soon sorts it out. Love it! Strengths: Engine is awesomely fast and the blue model is a real looker. Weaknesses: The pilot!

Soon as it was run in went across Europe, 3000 miles in six days 700 miles on the last day coming home, still as good today as when I first bought it, carb icing problem sorted under warrenty, it still is at the front off the pack when we go out on weekend runs. Strengths: Ultra reliable no problems at all since bought, still bloody fast. Weaknesses: None.

It might be a bit heavier than the latest trickest machines but this is not a problem. Weight helps stability and size makes it much more comfortable for taller riders. I had it jetted after fitting an Akrapovic race can. Gained 20lb-ft of torque between 2200 and 3000rpm. Who needs an Inter City 125? Strengths: Usable power. Weaknesses: Carb icing but Silkolene FST cures it.

I like the ride and the comfort on this bike is excellent. It sounds great and rides very smoothly and it's very solid and stable at high speed. It's probably not as agile as some other superbikes in corners. Digital Speedo will be much better, dificult to read when riding fast on corners.

Was missing gears this was due to an over acuating clutch 1/2" slack in the lever prob solved, handling is amazing once suspension is dialed in reallt trust the front, brakes are mind blowing, and it is the fastest thing I have ever sat on, warming up is a pain in the arse.

What a bike.Fast and easy to ride.

My previous bike was a 99 zx6r, I thought that was a great bike, but it felt like a barge compared to the 9. Engine is plenty powerful enough for a mere mortal like me. Brakes are excellent, as is the handling. Seat could do with more padding, thats the only fault I have, if you can call it a fault,i think im just being picky now.

GOOD ALLROUND SPORTS BIKE. GETS BAD PRESS BUT UNLESS YOUR NAME IS WALKER YOU WON'T HAVE MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE HANDLING. GOES LIKE A ROCKET ABOVE 8000 RPM AND PULLS WELL FROM 2500. INTEND TO KEEP IT 'COS IV'E NEVER RIDDEN ANYTHING BETTER (YET).

What a stonking motor! It just goes and then goes some more. Coupled with a lovely suspension set up it really is a comfy, fast, cross country missile. With just the Akrapovic is puts out 142bhp at the wheel but it is just so useable. There is a flat spot at 3-4K but its not too bad. Carb icing really affects it though it is easy to ride around. The brakes are powerful but lack feel, Carbone Lorraine SBK pads in at the moment.

Fantastic smooth power, great feel, sensible riding position, looks the dogs nads, comes out of corners like chris walker. downside, bad gear selection, need to sit in it more rather than on top of it. Need rearsets as my legs don't fit snuggley into the cutaways of the tank. Love it though!

Amazing engine very powerfull and smooth.

Had a gixer 600 before this. The nine is terrific. The take up is awesome, I can tease the R1 club at leisure, and find it very difficult to find anything approaching in my mirrors. Comfort is very good. Sat in the bike rather than perched on it. Rarely travel without my pillion, she sits in comfort with room for a much larger arse. The performance and handling is awesome, flickable when it needs it, but commanding on the longer runs. Turns an eye at every tea stop and if there are any doubters, turns an ear as it screams past the rest. Solid on the twisties, edges tyres with an embarrasing ease. I am a very happy man.

Likes: Fast as hell. Fantastic screaming motor, best sounding sportsbike by far with a standard end can. Roomy and comfotable for longer trips. Dislikes: Feels rough when it needs a service. Never ticked over properly (lumpy) since new despite carb balancing at every service. Also has sugffered from a metallic tapping sound from top end since new. Eats rear tyres.

Only had the Ninja three wks so anything i say will be first impressions really. Having said that what a great bike!! Stacks of torque corners like it's on rails(now that the susp is set up correctly) and is good around town. Only have a couple of gripes so far 1- I get a false neutral between 4th and 5th. Happened twice sofar. 2-On selecting 1st the lever drops futher than normal and I have no drive,pop up the lever into 2nd then back into 1st and your ready to go this has also happened twice. Still love the bike and expect to own it for a long time yet.

More nimble that my old ZZR1100, performance better than I had expected, room for improvement on braking, also rides well with pavillion.

Just run in , was getting 165 miles till reserve dont think Ill see that again! so far excellent bike, only downside-fueltap.

Had a 6R before this bike and the 9R is a total revelation. I love it, even though it scares the hell out of me sometimes. Just need some more sunshine to see what the bike is really like.

This is my 26th bike in 15yrs. I love it to bits. I did have 010s fitted but have replaced them with D207s. The steering is much slower now. I prefer the Bridgestones. Problems? Well, carb icing in Nov. Carnells took it back and replaced the heaters. Backfires (really loud) on startup occasionally, and there is an annoying hesitancy on throttle take up. Brakes could be better too. Other than that excellent. I'll keep it til the arrival of the ZX10RR!!

I COMMUTE 70 MILES A DAY EVERYDAY ALL YEAR ROUND, WENT TO MONZA LAST YEAR, VARIOUS WEEKENDS IN FRANCE,1 TRACK DAY AT BRANDS AND NURBURGRING. I FIND THE BIKE VERY QUICK AND COMFORTABLE, I'VE HAD FRONT DISCS CHANGED TWICE AND SUFFER WITH CARB ICING EVEN IN APRIL-AFTER 5 ATTEMPTS TO CURE! STILL LOVE IT 95.

Its an exciting bike but startlingly uncomfortable. Been impressed with the build quality and once set up, the handling is excellent. The only problems are the appallingly glitchy throttle response, big holes in the power delivery below 4000rpm and the comfort. Every time you get on the bike, you want to annihilate everything on the road so you get there quicker and R1s are not a problem - its just as quick. Ditto GSXR1000s. Did 2500 in France last year and screamed all the way. Where the magazines get the idea that this is more real world than its competitors, I just don't know. Just bought a Fazer 1000 so my aching butt will forgive me the last 2 years. I'll miss the excitement though!

Great bike overall, I cannot fault it's comfort levels, in fact it's so good I don't want to change it and I've had 14 bikes in 3 years.

Lacks a bit of finish quality. Had ignitor plug problem at 65 miles but was sorted there and then by dealer. Not cramped at all. Love the induction noise. Don't put macadams on - they kill it but last for ever [they were in my garage at the time and it was end of season]. Went round spain etc couldn't have been on a better bike.

For the winter I am trying these Tomahawk remoulds (half the price) - no point in squaring off BT010's. Will fit BT012's once sun shines. I nearly always use a power washer on wide spray after a wet ride (most at moment) and have no corrosion problems. Had to have carbs changed under warranty last winter due to icing. Problem cured. Only took 1 week from reporting to fixing.

Like power noise looks handling dont like N/A.

The fourth ZX9 I've owned and easily the best yet - lighter, quicker and better looking. However it is getting left behind by the competition - old fashioned instruments, suspension etc Strengths Weaknesses

Gradually getting suspension perfected. Top bike for distance work. Used every single day, but it doesn't get real cold here 2deg c lowest. Careful in the heat tho - 45deg c in summer (shade) poor thing struggles over 35deg in traffic. Low revs a little uneven. Upped idle a little. Very satisfied overall. Much cheaper here too! And got $500 free petrol thrown in!

I commute daily and in all weathers. The bike is a pussy about town. On the occasional trackday, it is not quite as nimble as Fireblades on corners, but blasts the straights and outperforms me by a long chalk around the track. It has a firm planted feeling when cranked and is less twitchy than more 'ultra' performance bikes. I was scared by stories of poor engine performance in wet/ cold conditions, but have ridden summer and winter with no such problems.

Love handling, brakes and the never ending power, very addictive. Very comfortable, easily as fast as i'm ever likely to travel (on land!) and to top if off, it looks the boll*cks! Build quality could be better, but reliable and bomb proof engine. Suspension needed adjust ing.

Good seating position, but seat is hard and uncomfy. Power is great, love the torque down low. Good fuel mileage, better than my GSXR750 Fuel Injected model. Good wind protection, but could be better with a double bubble wind screen, as I am 6'1". Love the sound of the engine and stock exhaust. Suspension set for lighter riders and needs tightening up for heavier riders, but good as is.

This bike replaced a "93" ZX9, Disappointed in the lack of fuel gauge. Had to have new clocks and sump fitted at the 500 mile service, that being said I think it's a wicked piece of kit which suits my size and build. True one finger braking and stunning looks.

This is a great bike that is bypassed by the press because of the R1 and Fireblade. In it's defence it will do everything most of us can acheive on a bike and only a few riders will be able to ride significantly faster on the roads. The handling is positive and stable. It takes a lot to knock it off course. The suspension once adjusted to the riders weight is firm but compliant. I commute on this bike doing lanes, motorway and city. It handles all without batting an eye lid. The engine is storming and pulls from low down to top revs. In the petrol crisis I managed 56mpg. It was boring though. The worst petrol consumption I've had was on a track day at Snetterton where over an evening and full day I only got 38mpg. I can live with that. It shot the tyres to peices though. I had Michelin pilot sports for a while but the bike didn't like them and felt twitchy in the wet. The 010s are brilliant but I've only used them through winter. The only major faults were a rear shock replaced under warranty after 2000 miles and the headraces which are being done as I write. There have been no reliability problems. Its blue and I love it.

Also owning a 98 Buell S3, this bike simply blows my mind. The motor ismunbelievable! The handling is quick, the brakes are awesome, the bike is totally comfortable (really!), and the Purplish Black Mica color is great. I love it!

Comfortable, fast, not as sharp on the brakes. Good tank range, better with twin h/lights. Seldom eclipsed on the queens highway it`s all down to rider ability be it R1, Blade etc. This bike replaced H/blackbird & TL1000R and I am happy. Haven`t tried GSXR1000 YET THOUGH !! KWAK PAINT still not up to Honda`s std`s .

Bike is fantastic, but cannot wait for some dry weather. No serious faults found yet. But do have mysterious clicking when braking/coming to a stop. Feels like headraces but these seem fine. I am suffering from poor running when v.cold weather but have not had time for carb recall work to be done so this is probably the problem. Have owned mostly Honda's before and do not think build quality is up to Honda standard.

My previous bike was a FZR1000 Exup a great bike but a bit slow steering and heavy but very stable. When I decided to change my original choice was an R6 but I wasn't happy with the trade in offer for the Exup, I shopped around and liked the look of the ZX9, I thought this was a cracking bike for the current price £7,500 (sounds dear now but wasn't at the time) the salesman seemed keen to do a deal and offered me £4,000 for my Exup, I took his hand off without even a test drive of the ZX9. I took delivery of the ZX9 in November in the p???ing down rain, headed straight for home and had a monster slide on a deisel covered roundabout just about 500 yards from the dealers, fortunately didn't fall off, but rode the bike upright all the way home. I washed the bike as soon as I got home and put it in the garage but had to go back to have a look every 10 minutes or so, now all I need is a fine day, not forgetting this was November. The forecast for Saturday was good, sunny but about 4 degrees, that'll do for me, put on the thermals and the rest of the gear and set of on a favourite road, the A68 Newcastle to Jedburgh fast A road with not too tight bends perfect for trying a new bike. Running in is a pain in the a??e but I stuck with it. Bike ran well and I experienced the most beautiful sound I had ever heard that puts a stupid smile on your face, makes your hair stand on end and shout at the top of your voice, the intake howl you get from the ram air, all this at running in speeds, what the hell will this be like at full revs. I rode the bike all through the winter but just on the fine days so I would be ready for the fun when the rest of the pack came out of hibernation. The rest of the pack comprised; 748 SPS, 2 x 748's, R1, fireblade x 2, 750 FZR. The only one that could live with the ZX9 was as you would expect the R1 and that was generally down to grunt out of corners. I've got loads more to write about this most under rated bike that has won praise from every one I ride with even the R1 owner and now that I have made the modifications it is even better, would like to write further on track days and Nurburgring but have run out of time.

Really need to get the bike dynojetted with an aftermarket end can to improve performance - suggestions as to the best cans ? If possible, will be part exchanging the bike for a GSX-R1000 though the Ninja is more than I will ever use. The only problems that I've experienced are 'carb-icing' and all lights on the 'cockpit' blowing although these were both fixed under warranty without complaint.

The Ninjas handling can be altered to suit most riding conditions and although supplied in standard trim for those horizontally challenged (another word for those of us who weigh more than 12 stone). A little time spent changing the settings and the handling comes alive.