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Kawasaki Zephyr 750 motorcycle review - Riding

Kawasaki Zephyr 750 (1992-1998)

Detail	Value
Used price range	View Kawasaki ZEPHYR 750 bikes for sale to see current asking prices
Engine size	738 cc
Power	76 bhp
Top speed	125 mph
Insurance group	9 of 17

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

MCN overall verdict

The Kawasaki Z1 was an awesome bike in its day, but the Zephyr 750/1100 tribute bike - like tribute bands - doesn't quite capture the lairy, dangerous essence of the original. The 750 is too soft, a bit underpowered and the 1100 is simply a lardbucket that makes a Bandit 1200 look like a sportbike.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

Based on the old air cooled GPz750 of the 80s, the eight valve, four cylinder 738cc lump is reasonably punchy in its midrange, which is where you want the power in a retro bike, making its peak torque around 7000rpm. It makes a claimed 75bhp, which is enough to scare you all the way to 120mph.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

It's a comfortable old thing to ride, almost as bouncy as the original Z1 from the 70s, but not quite so likely to hurl into a ditch on a bumpy 80mph bend. The excellent brakes at the front end cause the forks to dive too deep when you push hard on the Zephyr, it's better to take life easy in the slow lane.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

The later Zephyr 750 Classic is one to have from the range, with its Z1 style paintwork, spoked wheels and extra chrome-plated parts. It looks great, although bikers who know their stuff will still think you should have bought a used Z1 for another two grand. One is Rola Cola, the other is Coke - know what I mean?

MCN rating
Owners' rating

The Zephyr needs a dry, sunny kind of life to last in tip top condition. One good winter on the road and salt will simply eat away at all kinds of cycle parts on the Zephyr 750. Otherwise, pretty much bullet-proof mechanically, so it does make a cheap commuter if you fancy buying a used example in less than perfect nick.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

As little as £1000 you can get yourself a Zephyr 750 and for a first time motorbike, that's not a bad way to start your biking career. It's an excellent choice for riders with a short inside leg as well, as the Zephyr has a low seat height. Find a Kawasaki Zephyr 750 for sale.

Insurance group: 9 of 17

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1992: Zephyr 750 launched in UK.
1996: Zephyr 750 Classic appears in Z1 paintwork, spoked wheels, more chrome.
1998: Model discontinued.

Zephyr 750 Classic: As Zephyr 750 but with wire s[poked wheels and two tone paint.
Zephyr 1100. Bigger engined version.

Specifications

Top speed	125 mph
1/4-mile acceleration	12.4 secs
Max power	76 bhp
Max torque	46 ft-lb
Weight	212 kg
Seat height	780 mm
Fuel capacity	17 litres
Average fuel consumption	40 mpg
Tank range	135 miles
Annual road tax
Insurance group	9 of 17

Engine size	738 cc
Engine specification	8 valve, in line 4, 5 gears
Frame	Steel tubular cradle
Front suspension adjustment	None
Rear suspension adjustment	Preload
Front brakes	Twin 300mm disc
Rear brake	245mm disc
Front tyre size	120/70 x 17 in
Rear tyre size	150/70 x 17 in

See all Kawasaki ZEPHYR 750 motorcycles for sale

Kawasaki
ZEPHYR 750

36200 miles

£1,900

Owners' Overall Rating (3 reviews)

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Great sound

jasukas

Average rating

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Mine is -98 with slightly pepped engine. Original owner did modify silencers and it sounds great. Visited my brother last week and when I left, he came outside to hear the sound :D I like the looks and it feels so light, nice to ride. Only negatives are one cylinder too much and maybe front suspension could be a bit harder and fuel consumption lower.

05 May 2009
Under-rated

fukthis

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I would never have looked twice at a Zephyr until I swapped my wife's old banger for one. That was 6 years ago, and as a second bike (winter hack) I love it. The engine is amazingly flexible and linear, the handling is sure-footed (with decent tyres) and it is easy to flick around. After years of driving thru winter weather, it still scrobs up well. Corrosion has not been an issue. The brakes could be better though, and they need all to frequent new seals.

29 March 2009
Cheap but fun

edthebad

Average rating

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I'm no seasoned biker but I picked a K reg 750 with 27000 on the clock and I'm still smiling. There's an excellent forum, parts still available (exhausts are pricey) and as it says here, the engines are bullet proof. It's not a speed machine but you don't buy one for that. They're unbelieveably noisy on tickover but as soon as it's warm it goes - it's just a Kwack trait. If it's a cheap bike with real classic feel, how can you go wrong when you can so easily pick up half decent ones for less than a grand?

28 October 2008