KAWASAKI Z750R (2011 - 2012) Review

At a glance

Owners' reliability rating: 4.5 out of 5 (4.5/5)
Annual servicing cost: £100
Power: 105 bhp
Seat height: Medium (32.5 in / 825 mm)
Weight: Medium (494 lbs / 224 kg)

Prices

New N/A
Used £4,600

Overall rating

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

Kawasaki say they’re gunning for the Street Triple R with the new Z750R, but it ultimately lacks excitement and you don’t get the kind of performance you want from a 750 or an ‘R’ tagged bike.

It seems the marketing men have gone a bit giddy with that badge. If you’re expecting a smaller version of the excellent new Z1000, you’re going to be disappointed.

This bike also appears in our expert guide to used top-spec middleweights.

Ride quality & brakes

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

The Z750R features new forks (taken from the ’09 Z1000), rear shock, wheels, a lighter aluminium swingarm and radial Nissin four-piston front calipers. These new parts should offer a slight improvement in handling and braking over the standard Z750, but we haven’t ridden the two models back-to-back. What makes the riding experience so uninspiring is the Z750R’s weight. The non-ABS version, which we get in the UK, is 224kg wet, that’s 6kg more than the Z1000 and only 5kg lighter than a fully-fuelled BMW R1200GS.

Engine

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

The 105bhp, liquid-cooled, 16v, inline-four cylinder 748cc motor is unchanged from the standard Z750’s. It’s fun enough when you’re in the mood, but you have to scream it for best results, as there’s little grunt to speak of. Overall, the motor feels flat, bland and breathless, more like a 600 than what you’d expect from a 750. Top speed is restricted by the size of your neck muscles. In the real world, that’s around 90mph.To put that into perspective, it’s a massive 45bhp down on a GSX-R750 and lacks the Suzuki’s midrange too. OK, it’s not fair to compare a budget middleweight (although costing seven grand  it’s not that budget) with one of the best sports bikes on the planet, but the Z750R shouldn’t be that far off, especially when you consider the Street Triple R has similar power to the Daytona 675.

Reliability & build quality

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

There’s no reason to doubt the Z750R will go on-and-on, but the sheer weight of the machine suggests it’s not exactly made from the best components and materials money can buy.

Value vs rivals

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

The Z750R is £500 more than the base model, but for newbie Kawasaki fans, you’re best heading for the brilliant ER-6N, which is lighter, has more character, is much more fun, no slower in the real world and a useful £1500 cheaper.  If you’re more experienced and want more big bang for your buck and smiles aplenty, the similarly-priced Triumph Street Triple R is still the Daddy. Find a Kawasaki Z750 for sale.

Equipment

3 out of 5 (3/5)

Chassis-mods aside, the Z750R is quite basic and doesn’t even come with fully-adjustable suspension, which is something you’d expect from an ‘R’ model. It does get a new dash and nose fairing, though. Compare and buy parts for the Z750 in the MCN Shop.

Specs

Engine size 748cc
Engine type 16v, inline-four-cylinder
Frame type Tubular steel frame
Fuel capacity 18.5 litres
Seat height 825mm
Bike weight 224kg
Front suspension 41mm forks, rebound and preload adjustable
Rear suspension Single shock, rebound and preload adjustable
Front brake 2 x 300mm petal discs with Nissin four-piston radial calipers
Rear brake 250mm single petal disc with single-piston caliper.
Front tyre size 120/70 x 17
Rear tyre size 180/55 x 17

Mpg, costs & insurance

Average fuel consumption 35 mpg
Annual road tax £117
Annual service cost £100
New price -
Used price £4,600
Insurance group 11 of 17
How much to insure?
Warranty term Two year unlimited mileage

Top speed & performance

Max power 105 bhp
Max torque 58 ft-lb
Top speed 130 mph
1/4 mile acceleration -
Tank range 144 miles

Model history & versions

Model history

Model introduced in 2011

Owners' reviews for the KAWASAKI Z750R (2011 - 2012)

2 owners have reviewed their KAWASAKI Z750R (2011 - 2012) 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 Z750R (2011 - 2012)

Summary of owners' reviews

Overall rating: 4 out of 5 (4/5)
Ride quality & brakes: 4 out of 5 (4/5)
Engine: 4.5 out of 5 (4.5/5)
Reliability & build quality: 4.5 out of 5 (4.5/5)
Value vs rivals: 5 out of 5 (5/5)
Equipment: 4 out of 5 (4/5)
Annual servicing cost: £100
4 out of 5 Z750R
02 January 2016 by Sideways 46

Year: 2012

Annual servicing cost: £145

The handling, brakes and smooth power delivery.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

The brakes are very strong with lots of feel. The rear shock was very hard from new which was OK on smooth roads but horrible over bumps. I had the suspension set up by 100% suspension which helped a lot but further improvements would mean buying a better quality shock.

Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

This was the cost for the 3,000 mile service.

Equipment 4 out of 5

I love my Z its fun and to me that is the most important part of motorcycling. Granted its not the fastest or covered in rider aids but for me it handles and preforms brilliant. I have done 4 trackdays this year and been able to keep up or pass bigger more expensive bikes. See you tube Z750R Llandow. I would recommend the Z to new or experienced riders, its never let me down always starts on the button and puts a smile on my face every time I ride it.

Buying experience: The bike was purchased from M&P.

4 out of 5 Z750r Ireland
24 July 2015 by Doxter

Version: matt black

Year: 2011

Annual servicing cost: £65

Bought this to do my test on. Felt very powerful when I first rode it compared to my old SV650. Passed my test and still find this bike has plenty of power. In the real world I can blast with much more powerful bikes without being too far behind but being a street bike speeds over 100mph start to pull off your head after a while. Still stable at 135mph if you don't mind the wind drag on your neck.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

i regularly take 2 to 3 hours before stop. Most comfortable bike I have owned. Only problem I have is a hip cramp but I have always had this on other bikes due to an old injury. I think I get longer on the Z before it kicks in than on sportier shape bikes

Engine 4 out of 5

slightly lumpy down low. This could be down to the after market can as its even lumpier with the baffle out.

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

I bought mine second hand and the previous owner had left it outdoors for 2 years. There was some rusting on bolts etc. which polished off easily with a rub of wet 'n dry. The frame welds particularly under the seats had started to show slight rust. I treated these to a bit of Kurust from hammerite and some satin paint and a year later no problems.

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

I bought this bike quite cheap and serviced it myself. Oil and filter cost about 45 euro. I got a full set of brake pads with the bike and changed them (1 hour) easily. K&N filter had been fitted and just requires a clean every service

Equipment 4 out of 5

Fairly basic as standard. I added heated grips and a 12v socket for charging ancillaries and also the battery without having to remove seats. i also fitted a bagster tank cover which looks well in matt black and a tank bag which holds enough for one overnight or two if you're a dirt bird.

Buying experience: Bought privately and knocked a grand off the price due to the guy heading on military service and wanting rid.

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