KAWASAKI ZR-7 (1999 - 2004) Review

At a glance

Owners' reliability rating: 4 out of 5 (4/5)
Annual servicing cost: £80
Power: 75 bhp
Seat height: Medium (31.5 in / 800 mm)
Weight: Medium (445 lbs / 202 kg)

Overall rating

Next up: Ride & brakes
3 out of 5 (3/5)

With its proven engine, accessible power and easy handling, the Kawasaki ZR-7’s the ideal choice for newbies, couriers, and anyone wanting an easy life. At its budget price, it’ll appeal to the frugal, too. What it lacks in presence and excitement it makes up for in practicality and affordability.

Ride quality & brakes

Next up: Engine
3 out of 5 (3/5)

Again, softly-softly is the approach here: nothing’s too challenging with the Kawasaki ZR-7. The suspension’s comfy, if a bit spongy, and the brakes are adequate, whilst handling’s good enough for most things: just don’t go too berserk. The ZR-7’s very forgiving of mistakes and easy to ride but it’s quite a heavy lump and performance suffers as a result.

Engine

Next up: Reliability
4 out of 5 (4/5)

The Kawasaki ZR-7's been around so long it’s virtually prehistoric but that also means it’s a good ’un. It’s very softly tuned, so perfect for inexperienced hands, and power is delivered gently and steadily. There are no hidden glitches (but no hidden moments of naughtiness either, alas). Predictable, a bit fluffy, but powerful enough for a top speed of 126mph. Could be worse.

Reliability & build quality

Next up: Value
4 out of 5 (4/5)

Ample pillion provision, a good seating position with upright bars, a huge fuel tank… The Kawasaki ZR-7’s pretty versatile. Adjustable clutch and brake levers, wide mirrors (which work), a bit of underseat storage: all relatively basic but useful, like the rest of the bike. Rear light cluster’s nicked from the ZX-9R

Value vs rivals

Next up: Equipment
3 out of 5 (3/5)

The word “budget” is often used to describe the Kawasaki ZR-7 but rivals such as Suzuki’s SV650 and the old Bandit 600 could be regarded as better bikes for the same money. What the ZR-7 does have in its favour are good fuel consumption figures and a design which makes it very easy (and cheap) to work on. Find a Kawasaki ZR-7 for sale.

Equipment

4 out of 5 (4/5)

Ample pillion provision, a good seating position with upright bars, a huge fuel tank… The Kawasaki ZR-7’s pretty versatile. Adjustable clutch and brake levers, wide mirrors (which work), a bit of underseat storage: all relatively basic but useful, like the rest of the bike. Rear light cluster’s nicked from the ZX-9R.

Specs

Engine size 738cc
Engine type 8v inline four, 5 gears
Frame type Steel double cradle
Fuel capacity 22 litres
Seat height 800mm
Bike weight 202kg
Front suspension None
Rear suspension Preload and rebound
Front brake Twin 300mm discs
Rear brake 240mm disc
Front tyre size 120/70 x 17
Rear tyre size 160/60 x 17

Mpg, costs & insurance

Average fuel consumption 42 mpg
Annual road tax £117
Annual service cost £80
New price -
Used price -
Insurance group 11 of 17
How much to insure?
Warranty term Two year unlimited mileage

Top speed & performance

Max power 75 bhp
Max torque 47 ft-lb
Top speed 126 mph
1/4 mile acceleration 12.4 secs
Tank range 204 miles

Model history & versions

Model history

1996: Kawasaki ZR-7 was introduced, bearing an engine taken from predecessor,  the Zephyr 750 (and a number of others before that). Minor changes only until it was discontinued in 2004.

Other versions

Kawasaki ZR-7S: Half-faired version of the standard bike which ran from 2001 to 2004.

Owners' reviews for the KAWASAKI ZR-7 (1999 - 2004)

11 owners have reviewed their KAWASAKI ZR-7 (1999 - 2004) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.

Review your KAWASAKI ZR-7 (1999 - 2004)

Summary of owners' reviews

Overall rating: 4 out of 5 (4/5)
Ride quality & brakes: 3.7 out of 5 (3.7/5)
Engine: 4.1 out of 5 (4.1/5)
Reliability & build quality: 4 out of 5 (4/5)
Value vs rivals: 4.6 out of 5 (4.6/5)
Equipment: 3.6 out of 5 (3.6/5)
Annual servicing cost: £80
5 out of 5 Great all rounder.
03 June 2024 by Mick W.

Year: 1999

Best all rounder I’ve ever owned. Better than my old 1980 Z650.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

Brakes not the best but improved with braided hoses and caliper rebuilds. The caliper pistons can rust and start to push the caliper seals out. I now have a Hagon shock on the rear. Progressive fork springs and thicker oil at the front. Transforms the handling. I change the fork oil every 10,000 miles as it goes off by then.

Engine 5 out of 5

Amazing 750 / 4 engine. Removing all exhaust gas recirculating gubblns plus a K&N filter and free flow exhaust really improves performance. I installed a 4 ignition advance plate. Picks up really well now. Oil and filter change every year.

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

I’ve had this 14 years and it had been looked after before I got it. The frame welds holding the subframe to the main frame are not the best. Paint on the swingarm at the back of the engine suffers from surface rust. Otherwise it’s well put together. Very reliable.

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

I do all my own servicing including valve clearances. I trained as an agricultural mechanic in my youth and have a genuine factory manual for the bike. Straight forward to work on. Did close to 50 mpg before I tuned it. Still getting mid forties now.

Equipment 4 out of 5

25 year old bike now so no toys on it. Metzeler tyres work great on it. My Petrol gauge is surprisingly accurate.

Buying experience: £1200 14 years ago. Has 34,000 miles on the clock. No major issues what so ever. Other bikes come and go through my garage but the Kawasaki stays.

4 out of 5 So far a great buy
23 January 2023 by Simon Buck

Version: ZR7S

Year: 2001

Fine all-rounder at a good price.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5
Engine 4 out of 5

My bike is an incredibly low mileage example for a 21 or 22 year old bike, so (if you believe it) it's only just about run in. The engine sounds really good and in the limited number of miles I've managed to do in a cold Jan 2023, it feels like a low mileage example.

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

Haven't had the bike long so reliability is hard to judge. My one is in very good condition.

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5

Buying experience: Bought from a Kawasaki dealer, who had spent a fair amount of time and money to get the bike road worthy again. This included re-balancing the carbs, new tyre, fork seals and quite a few other things. I think it had sat in a garage unused for years. I paid £2500 and the bike only had 2030 miles on the clock.

4 out of 5 cheap and cheerful
06 June 2022 by Jerry Bondy

Year: 1999

Annual servicing cost: £50

super reliable, good fuel tank range and for me a lot of fun and plenty fast enough

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

as a 70's biker it is all good for me

Engine 5 out of 5

great engine, plenty of go, super reliable

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

finish is a bit poor in places but super reliable, never broken down in over 20,000 miles added to it, no on over 50,000 miles

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

just uses consumables, brake pads, tyres etc and fuel/oil

Equipment 4 out of 5

all good and has the essential centre stand as standard

Buying experience: bought from ebay nearly 7 years ago and still my go to machine

4 out of 5 Much better than I was expecting - I love it...
17 June 2021 by RobW

Year: 2004

Annual servicing cost: £50

Bought mine a year ago as a second/winter bike and very glad that I did. Totally reliable (so far), very comfortable with a good range. It's not the most exciting bike to ride, but has a certain charm handles well enough and the gentle power delivery is very unlikely to catch anyone out. Standard rear suspension is too soft with a passenger on board, but that is easily fixed. It's grown on me and I like it far more than I was expecting to.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

Suspension (particularly rear) is a bit on the soft side. Seat and riding position are just so very comfortable. It is machine I can happily ride all day without issues. Brakes are more than adequate for its performance with good feel.

Engine 4 out of 5

Power delivery is very predictable and gentle, and none the worse for it. Gearing is a bit on the low side. Working on the air cooled lump is a doddle.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

A year in and no issues at all. Finish has stood up pretty well to 16 years all things considered.

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

Never particularly popular, so they are great used buy. I paid £1200 for mine with 16,000 miles on it a year ago - superb value, if you ask me. I service this one myself as it is such a simple piece of kit, so no more than about £50 a year in consumables.

Equipment 3 out of 5

What equipment?! It's a very basic bike, but doesn't pretend to be anything else.

4 out of 5 A reliable old plodder just like me!
13 December 2018 by Clive999

Year: 2004

Annual servicing cost: £150

Worst feature is no 6th gear! Any speed above 60 and your aching to change up. Best features, under seat storage and huge fuel tank for 200+ miles.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

Great suspension, low comfortable seat, brakes do what they should.

Engine 3 out of 5

You are never going to win any races on a ZR-7! A little lethargic under 3000 revs but soon picks up from there. Great for touring, especially with my aftermarket fly screen.

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

Whilst a “budget” bike back in the day, that said build quality is ok, mine is 14 years old and no corrosion anywhere. Chrome parts are still gleaming and paint job is great.

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5

Under seat storage

4 out of 5 Had it a year now and still love it!
07 November 2012 by NB64

After years away from bikes I fancied getting back into them but on the cheap and nothing sporty. Just over a year ago I got an ‘02 for €1,800 with 30,000km on it. I’ve done about 6,000km since then, mainly days out and a couple of trips. I took it to Italy and Switzerland in the summer, ran without a hitch and was lots of fun. For last month I’ve been commuting on it too. It’s dead comfy, did 10 hour days in the saddle and only had sore shoulders some days. Very economical and I get 230 miles from a tank before reserve. After a long time out of bikes it’s very reassuring to ride, I’m no scratcher though. Very little power below 3000 revs but from then up to 6000 is smooth as silk, apart from a slight vibration at 110kph. As somebody else has said if you want to go over 6000rpm, this isn’t for you. I like the looks a lot, even though mine’s tatty. A screen is pretty much essential for touring, wind blast is an arse on any naked. Nice to have centre stand and fuel gauge. Only complaint is I’d like a 6th gear, but that’s a minor quibble. If you want a cheap reliable bike you can ride on all day at legal speeds you can’t go far wrong with this. Whoever did the MCN review lives on a different biking planet to me!

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 5 out of 5
4 out of 5 Biking Bargain!
29 November 2011 by Gittmeister

I managed to pick up a 2004 model with just 3k on the clock from a "Born Again" biker. Got her for just £1500. I have used this bike, rain or shine. Snow, Ice, Fog you name it. It's bomb proof! Regular checks on the usual and the odd spray of chain lube and she's ready to go. I easily get 45mpg and clear 200 mile to the tank on my daily commute. She wont break landspeed records, looks boring but she's a proper workhorse! I've had loads of bikes and she's as good as any I've had! Cannot fault it! Added a screen and heated grips for winter comforts, apart from that totally standard.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 3 out of 5
4 out of 5 all rounder
19 June 2010 by stitchwort

Had mine for 3 years,paid £1800, toured France lots of times, Spain and Italy as well, 230 miles to reserve, cruising at motorway (+) speeds easy , two up touring with luggage and tent, and a corbin seat for comfort now at 23000 miles I,ve still got it, and I'm not going to change it unless it gets too heavy for me at my age (63)

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5
Engine 4 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5
4 out of 5 Curently own a 7S version
18 September 2008 by fossil

been running my ZR7-S for 3 years now, no problems whatsoever. A very capable scratcher and a nice tourer, Handling is a lot better than I would have imagined for a hybrid sports/tourer. Engine pulls well but could do with a 6th gear for cruising on mtorways as it's a bit revvy.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5
Engine 3 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 3 out of 5
3 out of 5 Solid Performer
15 May 2007 by

I bought this bike a cheap, hopefully reliable, run-about which I could use during the summer months to get me to work and the occasional run at the weekend. I'd previously owned a Hornet 600 and Bandit 600, so thought I'd try Kawasaki for a change (my nearest dealer is Kawasaki so it made sense). At £1900 for a 4000 miler 03, bought privately, so a decent price. First impressions are pretty good, certainly not as good a handler as the Hornet but on par with a Bandit. One thing it does have is loads of low down torque - this bike will happily run from walking pace in 2nd or 3rd gear, making it a relaxing bike to ride. If you tried this on most middleweights, they wouldn't be happy, except the old Fazer 600, which has the best engine of the bunch. It's only got five gear and to be honest there's little point revving it past 6000rpm - if you're in a hurry this is the wrong bike for you! It seems to carry it's weight very well and with the low seat height is a very easy bike to ride. In terms of maintenance it should be a doddle - air cooled and 8 valves. Good fuel consumption too (50+ mpg). Cheap to insure. It was also sold in the US for while, so parts are never going to be a problem. Build quality if pretty good, but I have serious doubts about using this bike over the winter - it doesn't look nearly as winter resistant as say the Hornet. The engine in particular look prone to corrosion. Stainless pipes look good though. Another aspect I like is the looks. In blue, it looks great. Putting aside preconceptions about it's performance (not up there with the Fazer and Hornet), for me it's the best looking middleweight. None of the watercooling / plumbing you get with most of the other contenders and I'd say it's better looking than the Bandit (just). So if you're after and low maitenance, good looking, cheap to run and buy, "proper" sized, slightly cumbersome run-about, this might be worth considering.

Ride quality & brakes 2 out of 5
Engine 3 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 3 out of 5
Value vs rivals 4 out of 5
Equipment 3 out of 5
4 out of 5 My Review
07 March 2007 by cjparry21

Great commuting machine, with a flexible engine. Gets 50+ mpg and and 200 miles on a single tank without a problem. Suspension too soft to be pushed in the twisties, although the brakes are surprisingly effective for a heavy budget machine.

Ride quality & brakes 3 out of 5
Engine 4 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 3 out of 5
Value vs rivals 4 out of 5
Equipment 3 out of 5
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