Looking for info on ZX9R please

Hiya,

IIRC there's a few ZX9R owners on here (Bear, Sid Squid?) - I'm considering changing the SV and a 2002-ish ZX9R seems like it's pretty much in the same sort of price range that I can expect to get for the SV, but I just wondered what to expect in moving from the SV.

Obviously there's a lot more power, and from the few articles I've found online so far I expect it to be a bit less nimble than the SV, so should I maybe consider a 636 (the A1P i think?) of the same age instead - bearing in mind I haven't ridden a SS600, is the 9 going to be a 'beast' for someone with only 5 years riding under their belt?

I suppose really I'm just generally interested in what people's experiences are who've had both bikes (or the 636 as well). Any comparisons in terms of reliability / cost of DIY servicing etc would be ideal too so I can work out whether I can afford to change!

Ta muchly

IIRC, Bear used to call his the 'Whale Shark'

Lovely bikes. AFAIK, you can't go wrong with Kwaks...

Originally Posted by plowsie

IIRC, Bear used to call his the 'Whale Shark'

Lovely bikes. AFAIK, you can't go wrong with Kwaks...

mmmm

The resounding clunk as you find 1st. The 4000rpm or nothing choke - Although I'm Back in the 90s here. Sounds like you're aiming more modern.

(I Know nothing)

[Spanner Man]

Good afternoon.

In common with most Kawasakis ZX9's have a frequent servicing schedule for the valve clearances, compared to most other bikes. Which can make them expensive to run if you do a lot of miles.
They have Tokico calipers as standard, frequent cleaning & lubing is advisable, & if you're unlucky you could buy one that needs a rather expensive caliper overhaul.
Other than the above, they're pretty much the same as most similar offerings from the other manufacturers when it comes to service costs.


Cheers.

the girlfriends dad has a ZX9R C1 on a T reg, i had a go of this the other week and it was absolutely awesome, iv only been riding just short of a year and was really nervous at first, but when my nerves settled down a bit i really enjoyed myself

there is alot more power, but at the end of the day the bike will only go as fast as you want to ride it, after a couple of hours on it i didnt find it intimidating at all, and was using a good chunk of the available power, altho admittedly not all of it!

the bike was also suprisingly light, i thought it would be heavier but it wasnt, haha you've met me at Rivvy and im only a short a$$, and i found it great so i think you would have no problem

totally different experience to an SV, i think you should go for it, you only live once

Go for it, they are great bikes especially the C models!

Big and comfy, reliable, some have been known to burn oil, plenty of power in the mid-range and of course up top.

Like Suzuki's the Kawasaki finish needs looking after, ACF-50 will take care of this.

Oh... dump the six-pots in favour of four-pots.

Ta for the replies ladies & gents, methinks I need to find a nice dealer and get a test ride on one!

Can't comment on the 900, but I do have a ZX6R J2 (the one before the 636 A1P). Valve clearances are every 8000 miles on the J2, 16000 on the A1P - it would appear that the rebore made the engine more reliable, go figure Other than that the J2 and A1P are identical. A very comfortable bike to ride and (having ridden the other half's curvy SV) the kwak is much better for long distances, although the engine is nowhere near as tractable low down. Oh, and Kwak wheel paint quality was rubbish with those models so expect them to chip. 6pot brakes are over-rated too, absolute pig to service/bleed. From what I have heard - if you want to take a pillion get the 9, if not then get the 6.

get yourself onto this site m8. You'll need to register to see anything though

http://www.zx-9r.net/phpBB2/index.php

Good owners site, and the folks on there are excellent. Especially for annual events such as Metheringham '10..... live bands, plenty drink, etc.
I balanced 6 9r's carbs this year at the Metheringham '09 meet, got drunk and sunburnt

I've got a 9, and I ain't selling it anytime soon - hell will have to freeze over 1st... Good power, takes pillions and luggage no problems, very reliable, and comfy bike. Will scratch, commute, and tour.

Just keep on top of the 6 pot brake calipers - they cost a bomb if you need to overhaul them.... everything else about the bike is brilliant. Ask Yorkie off that forum for mechanical advice on the 9. There's nothing he doesn't know about them.... genius when it comes to servicing, shims, carb balancing, and rebuilding them from the ground up. Top bloke

Originally Posted by jimmy4237

get yourself onto this site m8. You'll need to register to see anything though

http://www.zx-9r.net/phpBB2/index.php

Thanks for that mate - I've registered & posted to introduce meself, looks like a good site!