Kawasaki ZR-7 reviews

Have read several reviews of this bike, by both magazines and owners themselves, and find them somewhat amusing. I have read that it is old tech, too slow, doesn't handle well, too noisy, too cold blooded, blah, blah blah!!! If I didn't know better, I would think that every motorcycle rider out there is a speed-intoxicated maniac professional rider. I know better. Other than being slow to warm up and having a habit of bogging when down shifting (particularly from 3rd to 2nd), I like this bike. Just bought my 2002 1.5 months ago, and I like it. Looks nice and clean, commutes great, and is very distinctive with it's purple paint. ( looked blue in the brochure). If you are looking for a reasonably priced, fun to ride bike and are not worried about being the next race champion or the coolest looking cruiser on the block, buy one. Show less

This bike is ok. Not really that exciting to me. it has it's good points. 25yr old bullet proof air cooled engine. Gas gauge that is sort of accurate. Usuable powerband. The bike however is unexciting. I mean it's fun for awhile but will leave you wanting more. The bike is not confidence inspiring in the twisties. It does ok. The brakes are sub par with a decent amount of fork dive. Not many are sold so you do get some uniqueness when driving around town. The purple is gawd awful color though. Mine was an 01 in red. Much better color. The bike is overall fine and it is some what antiquated. It's price is attractive thought but for the same price range you could do better on a Bandit1200. The B12 is a much better bike in ALL regards. Heck even a 00 SprintRS goes for the same price and is hands down a superior bike. But I didn't post to just trash on this bike. For some, it will be more than enough. It didn't satisfy me though. Show less

i had the bike now for about 3 months, it's a great bike with tons of balls, if you plan to buy one... break it in the propper way keep the tach under 5 thousand for 500 miles, tho it has so much power this will prove to be difficult! the only bad thing i can find so far is when you are in 5th gear the engine sounds like it want to go a gear higher.. also at first the seat is somewhat uncomfortable but thats because its new it will soften as you ride it more and more, great excelleration great breaking handleing is like a dream, if you drop the hammer in any gear it will scream! it keeps up with most any bike out there Show less

Great price. Adequate power to ride around on, lots of potential as with all bikes in its UJM heritage. A great bike for tinkering. Not sorry I bought it in the least, but the transmission is as slow and klunky as they come. Understears a bit, easy to fix, but disappointing on the twisty bits riding it home from its previous garage. Show less

If you want a sport bike but you also want to do some touring and reliabilty and insurance costs are a concern you'll get it all in this bike. At around $6000 no other bike I looked at came close. It surprises me that this bike isn't sold out. Riding for 34 years and dozens of bikes I pretty much know an overall value when I see it and this bike is it. Although it shouts "sport bike" it really is a standard do it all cycle. I am 6'2",200 lbs and it feels perfect. I see it suggested as a beginner bike and wonder if it means a beginner at racing as this will handle with any bike and is down only on top end miles per hour and 1 or 2 seconds quarter mile times with the highest tech bikes. Insurance is low and has all day comfort for this fifty something rider,MPG in the 50s and has a pedigree of reliability. I always believed that beginners should start out on 125cc dirt bikes for a year and as their experience increases so should the size of the bike. There are too many one bike accidents with young riders unschooled in bike dynamics at speed.You could use this as a beginner bike but do yourself a favor and double up on your insurance. Show less

I have had the bike for about 6 months and logged about 3800 miles. The braking and handling is good. I have a friend wit a Katana 750 and I can keep up with him. It is a little cold nature. Take a little to long to warm up but once it is warm it runs very well. I have enjoyed it from the start! Show less

Unfortunately, no amount of aftermarket parts are going to wake this bike up. It's just too old tech and far too heavy to really feel potent. A pipe and a jet kit will help it to feel a bit more lively, but it's never going to endear the kind of passion something like the SV650 does off the showroom floor. A shame as the motor lets down an otherwise nice package. Nice handling, comfy, and fairly spacious, it assumes the perhaps unwanted role of sport-tourer behind the likes of lighter, more agile, and quicker sporty standards. Have a look at the engine as it rests in the frame- it's a crime that something that large contributes more mass than it does power. It's looks say streetfighter or boulevard bad boy, but it's more roadside diner patron than muscled athlete. Too much lard. A good choice for the more conservative and relaxed rider who wants to tour? Even that pursuit is hobbled by a five speed gear box. It just feels way too frantic and stressed on the freeway, and you'll be forever searching for that sixth gear. Show less

I recently bought this bike in the beginning of June. Love the handling, braking and great looks. It's great for anyone looking for a first bike, or just a sport like cruiser for those long trips to the softball games. The only two main complaints that I have and there really not a problem but could be addressed if Kawasaki took down some notes and thats, it needs six speeds. Five speeds is just aliitle bit revvy for a sport cruiser. They say the bike is a kind of blue. It looks more purple then anything. As for power great in it's class. Fuel injection. Ah we can only dream. But what else does a man or women want for $ 6,000 out the door. All and all good job Kawasaki. Now If they make the same style bike only with six speeds and a 1100 power plant like the Suzuki bandit. I think other makes will look just plain ordinary. My advise to the smart buyer. Buy this bike. You will be satisfied. Show less

The ZR-7S was just the bike I was looking for. Having been without a bike for 8 years, I found there were Cruisers and Sport Bikes. I wanted neither. I wanted an in-line, air-cooled, 4 cylinder bike that I did not have to lay down on. The ZR is that bike. I like the more upright riding position and the protection the windscreen offers. I find the engine, while low-tech in today's market, with more than adequate power. It is smooth and pulls well. I looked at the "Naked Street Bikes" offered by the other makers and settled on the Kawasaki because of the size (750) and price ($5600). I am pleased with my choice and have enjoyed the bike very much. Show less

I love this bike! It's great looking, but upright so it's comfortable. It has an auto-neutral finder so no more flipping around to get it out of gear. The clutch and brake levers adjust for smaller hands, the gas tank is generous (5.3), the pickup is great. I do often try to shift into a 6th gear which isn't there. I'm 5'9" and 155 and it fits me perfectly. Show less