Skip to content
An MCN ad reaches more motorcyclists than any other biking website or publication
Sell your motorcycle
However much you want to borrow, search 1000s of low-rate loans
Search motorcycle loans
Find out exactly how much bikes like this actually sell for
Look up Parkers used bike prices
Visit our forums to ask current owners about their bikes - or to put a question to our expert panel
Get advice
Like so many motorcycles the Kawasaki ZX-9R began life as a sports machine, didn’t quite cut it and ended up as an excellent sporty sports-tourer. It’s indecently fast and should put 175+mph on the clock with minimal hassle. Early Kawasaki ZX-9Rs were heavy but from the ‘C’ variant of 1998 onwards it’s light enough to be a capable if not cutting edge sports machine.
Always a strong point on Kawasakis even when chassis development fell behind the competition. The Kawasaki ZX-9R's engine is a classic with modest low rev torque, no major fireworks in the midrange but enough urge to keep the Kawasaki ZX-9R swift. But rev hard and very little will pull away. The Kawasaki ZX-9R has a pleasing growly nature too.
Early Kawasaki ZX-9Rs weren’t good. The Kawasaki ZX-9R ‘B’ series from 1994 to 1997 was too heavy. Fingers were pointed at the rear swingarm and suspension too. It’s the least sporty of the bunch by some margin. Kawasaki ZX-9R ‘C’, E’ and ‘F’ suffix bikes are all much lighter but still stable and relaxed enough to make excellent road bikes. Brakes are effective unless neglected.
Depends on your perspective. The Kawasaki ZX-9R’s well equipped for a sports bike, quite poor for a sports tourer. The fuel tap is an antique idea with little to commend it but is useful when removing the Kawasaki ZX-9R's tank. Grease nipples on the Kawasaki ZX-9R's rear suspension are a simple, superb idea which few other machines have.
Reliability is good – Kawasaki ZX-9Rs will clock up huge mileages without letting owners down. But build quality can be patchy. Paint is so thin on the wheels even regular use of a lock can rub it off. Corrosion and stone chips are a common sight on Kawasaki ZX-9Rs. Shocks go off quickly and steering head bearings can wear fast.
The Kawasaki ZX-9R makes a good buy for two reasons. First, as it was always a close-but-no-cigar sportsbike, it’s seen as undesirable so can be cheap. Second, owners who do go for a Kawasaki ZX-9R are less likely to crash or thrash their bikes than those with GSX-Rs or R1s. Look for a bike with a Fenda Extenda and buy with a smug grin. Find Kawasaki ZX-9R motorcycles for sale.
Insurance group: 16
Compare motorcycle insurance quotes now
1994:Kawasaki ZX-9R B original model launched.1998: Kawasaki ZX-9R C completely new model, new frame and engine, single reflector headlight.2000: Kawasaki ZX-9R E minor mods including stiffer frame and twin headlight top fairing.2002: Kawasaki ZX-9R F final version with heavier crank and four piston front brake calipers.
Kawasaki ZX-9R
15000 miles
£1,595
34800 miles
£1,950
31007 miles
£1,895
24400 miles
£1,995
36000 miles
£2,799
Powered by motorcyclenews.com
Mad for it!
Madforitbaz
Average rating
Show Details
I just part ex'd an 06 Triumph ST1050 for a ZX9R 2001, and got lots of cash back.. My triumph was very unreliable and the dealer was cr*p. I looked for a new bike, something fast, light, good 2 up and comfy but most of all reliable - nothing out there. I'd had a couple of Kawasaki's in the past so I knew they were good bikes. But.... WOW I was totally blown away by the ZX9R. The review's are a little harsh, It is still a very quick bike and handles really well on british roads, even 2 up and around the city. It's the perfect blend daily commuter with stacks of weekend fun. It's a shame they don't make bikes like this anymore. I will be sticking with this one!
16 September 2009
Lots of bike for very little money
bigbadmad
Recently bought an '02 plate ZX9R F1P in blue and black. It's a very pleasing bike. It's comfortable, indecently fast, looks mean, well built and it handles much better than it's reputation implies. The only down points so far are the clocks are hard to read and the fuel tap is a rubbish idea.
26 August 2009
its an animal
domin8
got zx9r e1 a year ago for bargin price done about 7000 miles in all weather.this bike will keep up with larger cc machines no problems on the road its is big vulgar an green but smooth and easy to ride fast or slow.the handling can be increased by raising the rear and putting a decent tyre on it,i recomend a mitchelin road pilot 2 its like riding on a roller coaster its that stable.this bike is also exellent 2 up with a comfy seat for a pillon it also looks as fast as it is and stands out which help drivers see you better
18 June 2009
Great sport bike for the street
gloverll
I still rue the day I sold her... we have 7000 miles of fun... about 1.5 hours at the time. Surprising amount of power and with heli-bars, I wasn't but so scrunched up. Front wheel could be lofted easily coming out of corners... but it always felt controlled. Great, great sportbike for the road.
06 June 2009
Oscarsdad
Had my C1 since 1998 and clocked up 47.000 miles! still puts out 130bhp at the wheel on dyno. Will do everything you need ..tour commute,track days.Still looks good for 11 yr old. Had Race cans but back on standard one, dynojet (remember them) ,double bubble & hugger really all you need & keep carbs balanced. Keep on top of brakes,seals & master cylinder ,fit braided hoses. Bad bits; carb icing and thin paint on wheels Build quality on this C1 is excellent much better than the B1 model I had. & zx6 zzr,s Brilliant underated bike,
05 June 2009
you wont be dissapointed
sparkysbandit
newcastle
iv had mine (c2 1999 in red) for 18mth now, and i love it...iv street fightered it by choice, for added comfort, and it still upsets newer 1 ltr sports bikes...even twos up
02 June 2009
under rated blaster
oldthing
on my 2nd zx9 a e1, had a c1 first, great bikes, fast ,cheap to buy, easy to work on, cheap to run, pretty comfy, a great all rounder, on a dry road it all ways puts a grin on my face, if you aint got one than get one!
09 April 2009
goes like sh*t
bostonbiceps
Had my e1 for 3yrs now ride about 5-6oomiles a week it has never let me down what can i say .Ride it on a daily basis 365 days a year whatever the weather will only get rid of the old girl for a black 1098s as i regularly ride a 1098 and although that is a mean machine i have no problem keeping up with it.
19 February 2009
Ninja 2000 for life
carllb
I got the ninja bug when i saw my mate's C1, bought mine new in 2000 and to date can't fault it.I've had galfer disc's fitted recently, which combined with braided lines makes a big difference to its stopping power.Other mods i've done,ixil end can and suspension set up by STEVE JORDAN MOTORCYCLE'S in bookham. I still find the fruity ram air induction iresistable after 8 years of owning. Since sj sorted the suspension my bike corners even better, the only thing that will improve it is a complete suspension overhall which i'm considering as i've no intention of selling.
16 October 2008
I got the ninja bug when i saw my mate's C1, bought mine new in 2000 and to date can't fault it.I've had galfer disc's fitted recently, which combined with braided lines makes a big difference to its stopping power.Other mods i've done,ixil end can and suspension set up by STEVE JORDAN MOTORCYCLE'S in bookham. I still find the fruity ram air induction iresistable after 8 years of owning. Since sj sorted the suspension my bike corners even better, the only thing that will improve it is a complete suspension overhall which i'm considering as i've no intension of selling.
Sign in You must be signed in to submit a comment.
Subject
Your comment
By submitting your comment, you agree to be bound by MCN's Terms and Conditions
Cancel
sdv9r says
ZX9R-e2
I had a C1 first and that bike was faultless except for vauge gear change's up the box, this developed into a broken gear box so i bought an E2 which was must have been satan's love child as it didn't like high speed corners or any corners for that matter, anyway 12mm drop on the forks and a 60mm jack on the back (which took a long time to find) cured all of it's previeous problem's as most of my mates who have late model blades,r1's,zx10's and so on say at very high speed the 9 feels better than there own machines, but vague gearbox changes where there from the start and the only way to get a clean change is without using the clutch on the way up the box. It's now covered 18.500 miles which isn't a lot in 7 years but i do have 4 other kawasaki's to use and though i have tried lot's of other bikes and liked them modern sports bikes are to small for me and the 9 isn't, it's a great all rounder and i love it 7 out of 10.
04 November 2009 14:16
oldthingsays
yea i fancy a 10r but to be honest i dont ride my 9r to its full, so maybe it would seem a waste of money, i suspect a test ride on a 10 would soon change that line of thinking,and they look mean in black, i wonder how much faster it would be than my 9 ? oh shit ive got a free day tomorrow too!
09 April 2009 22:24
bruvz says
ZX9
i had my 98 ZX9 for 6 years and what a great buy it was to, people who think they could never be a contender against the so called real sports bikes are wrong, yes they are heavy, yes they are bulky but in the right hands will match anything put in front of it including new bikes, the fact you have to muscle them around bends makes it more fun it gives the rider real feed back, its a great bike to ride fast but also easy to ride long distance in comfort (for a sports bike) in the 6 years i owned mine it never missed a beat i decided to get a new bike so got the ZX10R its the only bike i would ever have to replace my old faithul, if anybody is looking for a great all rounder then the ZX9R is the bike for you trust me you wont regret it
bruvz
02 April 2009 22:59
KWAKMADsays
ZX9-R B4
14 June 2007 12:33
xxprsxx
Great bike, sadly now sold. Never mind got the Anniversary Speed Triple and love it.
Show us what you've got. Share photos of your bike.
Upload your bike
RocketManDan
sciad
yamakawa
stevencooper
badgergoldwing1
andylumley
vickysmith
ZXSCOTTYR
Dynojunky
noz2314
