1996-2001 Kawasaki ZX-7R

The Kawasaki ZX-7R according to some bike journalists is yesterday’s news; they say its heavy, underpowered and hasn’t got the sharp looks of some of the latest offerings from Japan and Italy.

I disagree {well I would I’ve got one}, it is a little on the heavy side but this translates into a superb confidence inspiring ride. The extra weight it carries over some of the more recent models from the Far East means you have to be pushing really hard for it to misbehave over bumpy roads.

The extra weight does mean though that walking pace manoeuvres need a little extra care, and if wheelies are your thing it takes a bit more effort and practice than say a R1 or ‘blade {not that I do that sort of thing you understand} but once mastered all the more satisfying.

As for the power, Kawasaki claim somewhere around 128 bhp, which can be improved by grafting on a race can and dyno-jet kit. For my money that’s enough power thank you very much, certainly enough power to propel the 7R to 165-ish mph {on a private road of course officer}. Fast enough I think you’d agree especially on our Gatso and pothole infested roads.

And be honest how many people can use the full power of a new GSXR thou, ‘blade or R1, if you know someone who reckons they can their second name is either Bayliss, Haga or Hodgeson etc, or they could represent their country in a bullshitting contest.

It is said that beauty is in the eye of the beholder; well to my eye the 7R is a thing of beauty. It looks mean, aggressive and purposeful {especially in black}, and it’s size gives it a particular presence on the road that you don’t seem to get with the likes of your R1’s and Ducati 998’s etc.

The rest of the bike is more than enough for real world conditions as well, the front end feels as planted as a 1000 year old oak tree, and the front stoppers are good enough to stick your eyeballs to the inside of your visor, or crush your manhood on the tank, if like me you polish the seat {ouch!!!}.

I’ll grant you that the comfort levels aren’t the best, but they seem to suit me, and even after a full day in the saddle I remain relatively ache free. The pillion perch is best suited to sort jaunts as it’s a bit precarious, and there’s a chance you could find a pair of feet under your armpits if you’re a bit too enthusiastic with the throttle. Anyway if all day comfort is on the top of your list you’d buy something else.

If you are in the market for a sports bike for real world conditions, and you aren’t one of those people who must have the latest all singing and dancing guided missile, and like to stand out from the herd, take a look at the 7R you never know you might just like it.