1990 Kawasaki reviews

I bought mine exactly one year ago. I could not be more pleased with what this bike can offer for its age and I can rest assured that its performance is comparable with the state of the art present bikes. I consider it a sport touring ultimate machine. Power, style, dependability are my main characteristics of the 1988-1990 ZX10 (B3) Show less

Con's: Low resale value.
Pro's: Low resale value. This bike is nothing short of rock solid reliable. Its personality is ever changing. Although at first a little unusual or hard to get used to, coming off a crusier, after a while and a few mods, the bike has easily been conformed to my comfort. Strong 90hp dual personality motor, great gas mileage, great handling (just short of sportbike), and great comfort (just short of full tour). Aftermarket support is there. You can raise or lower the handlebars, seat, windshield, and footpegs. Add or remove luggage. Or if you like, leave her the way she comes and ride without worry. Best of all, this bike hasn't changed since 1986 so you can buy a clean cheap one for a couple of grand and if you find you like it, sell it and get a new one if you should desire. That was my plan, but never desired. Show less

I have just finished fixing up my '90 EX500. I bought it last year with only 4400 miles on it for $750.00. It had been dropped on some train tracks and the upper fairing was damaged, also one of the side panels was cracked. I replaced the upper with a Targa unit and replaced the side panel with a used piece. I then had the body work painted "Magma Red" which is Mercedes factory color. Finally, I installed a Lockhart Speedscreen Euro windscreen and 1/2 tank bra. The bike looks very sharp. My wife and I ride 2 up all over the place and are extremely happy with the performance and economy of the machine. My first EX was an '87 that I put 17000 miles on in the one year that I owned it. I had to give that one up due to a divorce and I really missed it. Now I'm back in the sadle again and still loving it. Show less

Touted a "sport-tourer," this bike does not provide ideal comfort for rides longer than 1 hour. The handle grip buzzing, extended reach on rider's arms and cramped leg position accelerates fatigue for those non-commuting rides. After a weekend excursion to the Blue Ridge Mountains from Charleston, S.C., my knees, lower back and arms were all cramped. I'm not a huge guy (5' 8", 174 lbs.) or one who lacks physical fitness, so cramping is not due to long legs or an out-of-shape body. The bike is just not as much of a "tourer" as it claims to be. After riding the Concours for over 2 years, I'm selling it for a more comfortable ride (perhaps a cruiser or a real "touring" bike). Show less

I bought this bike with 7,800 miles on it and have run it another 50,000. I've added a Corbin seat, Vance & Hines supersport system , K & N filter and jet kit, and most importantly a Storz Performance (www.storzperf.com) superbike bar mount ( part no. SB-025) with a Daytona Touring bar (part no. 91-0060). This bar has a 4" rise and a 6 1/2" pullback and has allowed me to burn off many tanks of gas in a row. I use this for my solo touring rig and have ran many 600 mile days on it. It is more comfortable than my GL 1500 that we ride two-up. The Storz set-up including a longer braided brake hose is about $200.00. Obviously, you could use any bar that suits you. I have one that is a little lower and narrower and will try it soon. At 53 I've ridden a lot of bikes, this is by far my favorite of all time. Oh yeah, did I mention the 48.5 mpg at a steady 75. This will vary, depending on how much fun I am having. Dunlop D205s usually last between 10-11,500 miles and give reasonable grip. I know the ZX10 got overshadowed by the ZX11 almost immediately, but if you can find one in good shape, they have gotten awfully cheap, snap it up, You won't be sorry.... Comfort and power: WHAT MORE COULD YOU ASK FOR? Show less

I think it is more sports than a tourer. Then again it can be a touring sports bike. With Mez1 (front - 34 psi) and Mez4(rear - 38 psi) plus well-lubed chains and Penzzoil 10-40 engine oil, and proper rear damping adjustment (level 3 for solo), and change to a thicker front fork oil and you're ready to go. don't forget unleaded (97) gas. Aftermarket pipes unnecessary but would be good to have as the standard as-is-where-is is all you need to blast this 'old' guy up to 260kmh on an empty straight freeways and to have some fun on the twisties. Sitting position is a little bit radical for short riders like me (5' 4"). I wish i could do something to the seat or the handlebars to get a little bit of an upright sitting position to ease the strain on my arms and wrist and on my shoulder blade. (Getting old I guess) If it is any to blame, it's not the bike then, but maybe because it's not meant for short riders like me. The bike is 'awesome' - any bike is anyway. I just love my ZX10 (some call it TOMCAT - I call it THE BULL). I am thinking of the ZZR1100 D2 after this. Any advise anyone? Show less

The bike is real torqy, running over a lot of the 1100 class. Even it's brother the ZX11. Show less

I just bought my 15th motorcycle, a 1990 Kawasaki EX500.This thing looks great, handles great, and is fast enough. I found one with only 1487 miles in A-1 shape, with $400.00 lower cowling for $2000.00.It's a pleasure to ride anywhere. Mine got an unbelievable 63 mpg on my first tank! I would jump on this bike anytime, and go on an extended camping trip without a concern. The mirrors don't give you a really good view of traffic behind you, but that's my only criticism. It is not only a great first bike, but a great 15th bike too. Also by getting a pre-Ninja, it saved me a pile of money on insurance (the lady asked me if it was a Ninja, with money) Show less

It's a great bike with plenty of power, good looks and fairly decent handling for it's age. It hangs with the newer ones and even blows the doors off of a lot of them, but i guess that's on the driver. It has excellent powerband -- up to 11,000 rpm's. Show less

I wish Kawasaki would build the same bike again--it's fantastic. Lots of power, and it runs just as good as any newer or faster liter class bikes. Show less