Motorcycle specifications Kawasaki900 ZX-9R 1994 A certain idea of sport

if you shine a light on the name "Kawasaki", the shadow you see is that of the word "sport". A tradition that has been engraved in time by famous and furious models: 750 H2, 900 Z1, 1000 Z2R... until the arrival of the first Ninja: the GPZ 900 R. From then on, the manufacturer's sports models were called Ninja. Although the 1000 RX and Tomcat followed, these bikes never really took over from the GPZ. That's why this new ZX-9R is so important: it picks up the torch after a gulf of years, and fills the gap between the ZXR 750 and the ZZR 1100.

So we've given the ZX-9R a lot of attention. It's a truly beautiful machine, harmonious in form and inspired in turn by the ZXR and the ZZR. Its elegance is matched by a finish that inspires no reproach. The lighting even features lenticular optics. The Kawa's appearance is sporty, but without exaggeration. Its shape is generous, as is the mill's power and the overall weight.
At 215 kg dry weight, the machine isn't exactly lightweight. And yet, this stoutness doesn't really affect it. The work done on the chassis gives the bike remarkable performance. As for the engine, its origins quickly reassure us of its potential. It's the ZXR 750 block, revised to 899 cm3 by increasing stroke and bore. The T.R.A.I.S (Twin Ram Air Intake System) forced-air system feeds a 40-mm carburetor manifold. With 139 hp at the vilo, this boiler offers excellent figures for the category. Alas, it's hard to enjoy it on French soil. To take advantage of all the horsepower (it's forbidden, isn't it?), you'll need to change the camshafts, pistons and ignition box.
Fortunately, there's nothing to touch on the chassis, which is of classic, safe design. The frame is a double aluminum cradle connected to foundry components with a double steel lower cradle. This reinforcement was necessary because the engine no longer plays a stiffening role; in fact, it is no longer attached to the cylinder head. For improved handling, the inverted fork has a column angle of 24°, 1° less than the ZXR, and a 93 mm headroom (99 mm for the 750).
While the ZX-9R isn't a hard-core sports bike (that's a role it leaves to the 3/4-liter), it is perfectly at ease on the racetrack. Just make a few small adjustments to suit the track, do some reconnaissance and you're off. The bike's balance and efficiency are such that there's only one thing to do: attack. The bike takes care of the rest. Very nimble despite its weight, stable and perfectly geared to the rider's needs, the Kawa offers remarkable pleasure between the vibrators.

-* Editor's note: I had the opportunity to try one out on the road. Well, you feel the weight, too much so. A dead donkey! Excellent suspension tuning is essential for driving it with ease. *-

Speaking of settings, don't forget to readjust the suspension once you're back on the road. If you stay in track mode, you're dealing with a sportive, with a driver broken in 2 and average performance. Get out the screwdrivers, fine-tune, and the bike is transformed. The rider's position is much less radical, still sporty but courteous. As for the tank, it's less cool. It spreads the knees too far apart and doesn't shy away from contact with your "virility". We'll overlook the too-low bubble to avoid being rude, and we become friendly again when gauging the suspension. At ease on many roads, the machine (after adjustments) demonstrates precision and a new-found agility.
On another note, the engine is not the most impressive element. Very smooth but also very linear, it is not really generous in terms of sensations. There's even an area of weakness at mid-range. It's true that the clutch doesn't help. On the clock, the efficiency is obvious and the performance convincing. However, we would have liked more character. There's no need to push the engine to the limit. As it approaches 10,000 rpm, it's no longer very cooperative. 2 words on elements of real importance. First, the brakes: while 6-piston brakes are fashionable, the ZX-9R makes do with 4 to offer consistency, feel and quality power. Then there are the gears. The selection is precise but too firm. This ZXR-derived gearbox is suitable for hardcore track riding, but not necessarily pleasant for road cruising.