Oddity

Originally Posted by gettin2dizzy

The speedo was converted - it had a sticker over the KPH sign and went up to 280 'MPH'. So naturally I thought it was an import. When I asked the dealer he said he didn't think so, and pulled out the HPI. The bike was completely clear, no history of being an import whatsoever.

I am would say that it was an import, there are a lot of import Kawasaki's in the UK. If not then at some point it had the clocks replaced with KPH ones instead of MPH and had the little converter gadget fitted (hence the sticker).

You'd have to wonder why were the clocks replaced with none MPH ones if this is the case.

Originally Posted by gettin2dizzy

This one?

If only I didn't have blue textiles


That's why I want one. A proper sized motorbike, none of this gsxr nonsense

I dread to think what value part-ex I'd get for mine. It's got a few scratches on it

Nah, was talking about the plain green ZX12's...

then again, they did the ZX9 in a metallic blue didnt they? - to match your textiles you big girl...

Originally Posted by Biker_Billy

they did the ZX9 in a metallic blue didnt they? - to match your textiles you big girl...

They sure did....

like this puppy:

http://pictures.autotrader.co.uk/img...a?id=760374125

[Biker Biggles]

Id say it was a parrallel import.That means it was brand new when registered but was a non uk spec model.This was very common in the mid 90s as foreign markets were often selling the same bikes much cheaper than here.Some big dealers like DK and Taz specialised in these bikes,but more recently the savings were much less.My SV is an import and came from Wheels International originally,but I dont think the V5 tells you.Im not convinced HPI would identify this either.I recall at the time you could only get this information from the manufacturer,and they were very reluctant to tell you.

Originally Posted by Biker_Billy

like this puppy:

http://pictures.autotrader.co.uk/img...a?id=760374125

Yeah that's nice. I wish they did plain black, like the zx12. Now that's a pretty bike

Originally Posted by Biker Biggles

Id say it was a parrallel import.That means it was brand new when registered but was a non uk spec model.This was very common in the mid 90s as foreign markets were often selling the same bikes much cheaper than here.Some big dealers like DK and Taz specialised in these bikes,but more recently the savings were much less.My SV is an import and came from Wheels International originally,but I dont think the V5 tells you.Im not convinced HPI would identify this either.I recall at the time you could only get this information from the manufacturer,and they were very reluctant to tell you.

The guy in the stealership told me that even if that was the case, it would show up on the HPI. Something to do with a V55c I think. It was in his interests to tell me it was all okay, but he was baffled!

It'd be hard work using a bike day to day with a speedo that goes to 300mph

Originally Posted by Biker_Billy

http://pictures.autotrader.co.uk/img...a?id=760374125

The model before, not much in it colour wise though.

Here is a blue E model...

[Biker Biggles]

You can live with the speedo reading KPH with an overlay to show the important bits,but its worth checking the headlights dip the right way,and with big bikes there were some that were restricted to 100BHP to satisfy fascists in France.
The ZX9 is a great bike(Ive got one)and should be available at really keen prices.Out of prodution for about four years,and a bit "old school"so unfashionable with the journos and weekend warriors.Its a bit heavier and less"focused"than the current stuff,and the seat is softer and wider,as are the bars,but that makes it useable and practical.Talking of which,I did a run out on mine recently and checked the fuel consumption.Brim full to brim full and 134 miles it used 10 litres.Work it out.

Most parallels came from the German market, but 'Biker Biggles' makes an excellent point which is worth checking.