2001 Kawasaki zR7S - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

kipperoo3 · 10-26-2003, 08:08 PM

Hi everybody!

Just wondering what people know about the Kawasaki ZR7S. It appears that Kawasaki doesn't have much of a following on these bikes, probably because it's such old technology. BUT.. I happen to like the older 4s. There is a dealership in my area with one for just under trade in value ($3000), with normal mileage and no obvious problems. Before I go for it, I'd like to see if anybody knows something that I don't about service problems, or if anyone has any helpful resources for me.

I know it's an 8 valve engine,and that doesn't bother me!

Thanks for any info or input!

RemyLebeau97 · 11-11-2003, 10:43 PM

I'll save you the headache fast, go Suzuki or Honda, Im just not a big Kawasaki fan at all.

BooRadley · 11-12-2003, 12:40 AM

The first question would be... have you ridden before?

If you said "yes" then , ok, it is an acceptable bike. Sounds like a good deal, but I would very carefully scrutinize it. Do a google search for "Used motorcycle buyers guide" or go to beginnerbikes.com and check the technical/maintenance forum there.

If you said "no" then I personally would consider a more managable bike. I'm a big advocate of taking the MSF course before you go bike shopping, so you know what you are getting into. You will then be able to tell whether you can handle a bigger bike or not. Obviously, if you are terrified of 125s, you don't want something with 6x the horsepower that weighs 200 pounds more.

As far as kawasakis being so much more unreliable than suzukis and hondas, do you have a single bit of proof, Remy?

Moonduck · 11-12-2003, 10:09 AM

I've owned all of one Kawasaki product, and I loved it. It was a smaller streetbike that I picked up for nothing. The previous owner had set it to recharge with an industrial battery charger used on military vehicles, the battery overheated and popped, and the heat and damage killed the bike. I bought it for a song, pulled the head, and replaced the valves. I then shot the damaged areas with some black primer, replaced a coupla wires, and put it back on the road. It served me well for years. I sold it to a friend and he rode it for another coupla years before destroying it with total lack of maintainence.

Great bike, all around. I would not hesitate to buy another Kawasaki were the price right. Still, that being said, I like my Hondas quite a bit and see no reason to leave 'em behind =)

10-26-2003, 08:08 PM	#1 (permalink)
kipperoo3 Crazy Location: Phoenix, AZ	2001 Kawasaki zR7S Hi everybody! Just wondering what people know about the Kawasaki ZR7S. It appears that Kawasaki doesn't have much of a following on these bikes, probably because it's such old technology. BUT.. I happen to like the older 4s. There is a dealership in my area with one for just under trade in value ($3000), with normal mileage and no obvious problems. Before I go for it, I'd like to see if anybody knows something that I don't about service problems, or if anyone has any helpful resources for me. I know it's an 8 valve engine,and that doesn't bother me! Thanks for any info or input!

11-11-2003, 10:43 PM	#2 (permalink)
RemyLebeau97 I stole my boyfriends TFP, hehe !! Location: Galveston, TX	I'll save you the headache fast, go Suzuki or Honda, Im just not a big Kawasaki fan at all.

11-12-2003, 12:40 AM	#3 (permalink)
BooRadley Insane Location: Kentucky	The first question would be... have you ridden before? If you said "yes" then , ok, it is an acceptable bike. Sounds like a good deal, but I would very carefully scrutinize it. Do a google search for "Used motorcycle buyers guide" or go to beginnerbikes.com and check the technical/maintenance forum there. If you said "no" then I personally would consider a more managable bike. I'm a big advocate of taking the MSF course before you go bike shopping, so you know what you are getting into. You will then be able to tell whether you can handle a bigger bike or not. Obviously, if you are terrified of 125s, you don't want something with 6x the horsepower that weighs 200 pounds more. As far as kawasakis being so much more unreliable than suzukis and hondas, do you have a single bit of proof, Remy?

11-12-2003, 10:09 AM	#4 (permalink)
Moonduck Junkie Location: SE USA	I've owned all of one Kawasaki product, and I loved it. It was a smaller streetbike that I picked up for nothing. The previous owner had set it to recharge with an industrial battery charger used on military vehicles, the battery overheated and popped, and the heat and damage killed the bike. I bought it for a song, pulled the head, and replaced the valves. I then shot the damaged areas with some black primer, replaced a coupla wires, and put it back on the road. It served me well for years. I sold it to a friend and he rode it for another coupla years before destroying it with total lack of maintainence. Great bike, all around. I would not hesitate to buy another Kawasaki were the price right. Still, that being said, I like my Hondas quite a bit and see no reason to leave 'em behind =)