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Kawasaki ZRX1100 motorcycle review - Riding

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Kawasaki ZRX1100 (1997-2001)

Detail	Value
Used price range	View Kawasaki ZRX1100 bikes for sale to see current asking prices
Engine size	1052cc
Power	98bhp
Top speed	145mph
Insurance group	13

	MCN ratings	Owners' ratings
Overall
Engine
Ride & Handling
Equipment
Quality & Reliability
Value

MCN overall verdict

The Kawasaki ZRX1100 is one of those bikes which doesn't look that exciting on paper, or even parked up, but once you grab a big handful of throttle down a twisty road the thing comes alive. It's an old school, take-no-prisoners hoon machine and you can surprise yourself - and random sportbike riders - with its combination of solid braking, decent handling and raucous speed.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

The Kawasaki ZRX1100 engine is derived from the ZZR1100 motor, which dominated the 90s with its raw, locomotrive power, the ZRX's 1052cc engine has loads of oomph in the midrange and will eventually blast you all the way to an indicated 150mph - if you can hang on behind the bikini fairing. A highly addictive engine, very reliable too.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

The Kawasaki ZRX1100 takes some work, some serious weight-shifting, to get the best from it, but when you feel in the mood, it does play ball pretty well. On slow corners the sheer weight of the ZRX seems to make it want to `fall in' on itself, but otherwise, it can hang on in there with other big retro bikes.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

The Kawasaki ZRX1100's tiny nose fairing actually works very well, and it gives the big ZRX a distinct advantage over blunderbuss bikes like the GSX1400/XJR1300/Triumph Speed Triple 509 etc which have nothing at all to protect the rider from the force of the breeze at 100mph plus. Great 6 pot brakes on the Kwacker, nice stepped saddle, grab handles, but no centrestand.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

Apart from the finish on some of the chassis parts - a typical 90s Kawasaki failing - the Kawasaki ZRX1100 is solidly built and wears well. The exhaust downpipes rust pretty rapidly however and the braced swingarm and brake caliper arm at the back are all exposed to a life of grime.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

The traditional Kawasaki green models seem to fetch a price premium and the ZRX1100 seems generally more popular than its successor, the flabbier looking ZRX1200S/R. Because it didn't sell well when new, used prices are that bit higher for the Kawasaki than for contemporary retros like the Bandit 1200 or Yamaha XJR1200/1300. Find a Kawasaki ZRX1100 for sale.

Insurance group: 13

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1997: Kawasaki ZRX1100 launched.
1998: RRP reduced by £1200.
2001: Model replaced by ZRX1200S/R.

None.

Specifications

Top speed	145mph
1/4-mile acceleration	11.6 secs
Power	98bhp
Torque	70ftlb
Weight	222kg
Seat height	790mm
Fuel capacity	20 litres
Average fuel consumption	35mpg
Tank range	125 miles
Insurance group	13

Engine size	1052cc
Engine specification	4 stroke, in-line four, 5 gears
Frame	Steel cradle
Front suspension adjustment	Preload, rebound, compression
Rear suspension adjustment	Preload, rebound, compression
Front brakes	Twin 310mm disc
Rear brake	250mm disc
Front tyre size	120/70 x 17 in
Rear tyre size	170/60 x 17 in

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Owners' Overall Rating (1 review)

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The best of the bargain nakeds

warbird

Glendale, AZ USA

Average rating

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Overall
Ride and Handling
Equipment
Quality and Reliabilty
Value
Engine

Stonking power, great looks and more than adequate handling and brakes. That just about summs up the big Rex! Big Kawasakis are known for their bullet-proof engines. The rex is no different. I have performed some simple mods, such as installing ZX11 cams, K&N pod air filters, Muzzy Stainless Steel header and Titanium end can, and an Ivan's Performance jet kit. This has taken the mild mannered 93RWHP sleeper to an amazing 129RWHP with NO loss of low and midrange torque. Even though it is rather heavy compared to current sport bike standards, properly set up it will not embarrass you in the twisties. A side benefit of the size is all-day comfort for two-up riding. Strengths: Stone reliaility! You can't kill it. Eye-catching great looks. Tons of great mods available. Best owners association in the world: http://www.zrxoa.com Gobs of power from 3k on. Weaknesses: Weaknesses? There AREN'T any!

20 January 2006