Motorcycle specifications Kawasaki1100 Zephyr 1996

It's not unusual for models to come out of fashion and, without anyone really understanding why, become an unavoidable standard on the Japanese market. The Zephyr 1100 is one such machine, although it's relatively unknown in France (where it had a fairly successful career).
Introduced in the early '90s, this big, classic roadster that doesn't skimp on chrome has enjoyed an incredible 15-year career on the Japanese market, with no major modifications.

after the success of the 750 Zephyr in 1991, the Zephyr 1100 arrived in 1992 (accompanied by a smaller a smaller 550cc sister) to a market that was already very large, but also very different from today's market. The flagship models were not yet called Monstro, Bandit or Fazer, but V-max, Trident, Big One, K100 or GSX-1100G. The sporty roadster has not yet taken over the market, and the large roadster market offers utility, classic, on-road and slightly sporty models.

kawasaki has chosen to play on the nostalgic side of things, and is banking on the neo-retro trend with a model reminiscent of the 900 Z1. The lines are classy and the omnipresent chrome gives it a look all its own.

in terms of dynamics, the bike is immediately accessible. The engine doesn't have all the power of a GSX-G or a V-Max, but it makes up for it with great suppleness and a willingly turbulent character at high revs. It's even formidable in sporty riding, thanks to its excellent handling and slightly forward riding position, which is much more conducive to attack than the pullman position of the Suzuki GSX-G or the dragster position of the Yamaha V-Max.

the braking is perfect, but the suspension is not of average quality. The forks can't cope with the power of the double discs clamped by 4-piston calipers, and they stall under heavy braking. At high speeds, the rear end tends to waddle a little. And even if the Zephyr stays on course and never proves dangerous, it encourages the novice to exercise restraint.

in town, it's a perfect ride thanks to its maneuverability (despite weighing in at over 260kg fully loaded), and can be a traveler if you invest in a good windshield. The Zephyr is a very consistent and endearing model in everyday use. However, it is not without its faults. The 4-cylinder engine is a little more gluttonous than the competition (half a liter more on average than a V-Max or GSX-G), and the chassis could have done with a little better suspension.

in France, this model lost some of its appeal when the Ducati Monstro and its sportier siblings arrived. But its success in Japan continues to this day, proving that this machine was well born.

Tanthallas