The Charm of the ZX-9R without Electronic Controls but Enjoyable! [Webike Motoreport]

I will introduce my motorcycle history. I am Ryu, Webike Staff.

Hi! I am Ryu who has been writing test ride reviews of various motorcycle since 2017. Usually, my topic is mainly the introduction of a new motorcycle, but this time I will introduce my history of motorcycles I have been riding in the past! Please read this article to know the reasons!

So, I will introduce the KAWASAKI [ZX-9R]. Among these motorcycles, I will introduce the C-type of 1999 model year. It is a single headlight. I would like to write a little about this wonderful motorcycle that is classified as a minor model. Please bear with me.

1. The encounter with the ZX-9R

Long time ago, I met my ZX-9R in winter during the first year of my work. I fell down when riding with the KAWASAKI BALIUS I owned at the time, and it was scrapped, so I decided to buy a big bike and started looking for a new one.

The filter is as follows:
・KAWASAKI
・900cc
・Lime Green

Now I reviewed the filter, it was too narrow and I do not understand the meaning. I want to tell the old me what is motorcycle selection.

The only motorcycles that I could be chosen by that kind of filter are the "GPZ900R" or "ZX-9R". After adding the last filter "full cowl model", the only option was the ZX-9R.

But without knowing what kind of motorcycle the ZX-9R was, I went to the shop with an ID card, and bought it because I liked its style. I and my ZX-9R started living together (my loan also started).

▲ After delivery. This is a nostalgic masterpiece.

2. The muscular body that the modern SS does not have

You can understand if you have seen the actual ZX-9R before, it is a bit chubby in overall. It is not a styling that seems to be high fighting force systemic in a compact like the 10R and 6R if I say either, I have a tourer-like form. I felt that the big body, like "the big bike", was really cool, and I liked it more than anything.

Even so, the ZX-9R was light for a motorcycle of that time, and it seems that 209kg was quite shocking at the time, but it was disappeared by the impact of the early YZF-R1 that came out soon after. It is like the 9R. So, the ZX-9R was easy to handle in spite of its size, and when lent to a friend riding on the ZZR1100, he was shocked by the lightness. In addition, the seat height is not so high as 830mm, and it had straddled by many people, and most of them said, "It's easy to sit down!"

It was a great charm that drew my attention.

I also liked the fact that the headlights were not the mainstream dual. Viewing from the front, it was cute as the ram air part looks like a mouth smiling.

▲ It was also comfortable when touring.

3. The crazy acceleration is addictive!

The engine is a liquid-cooled 4-stroke DOHC 4-valve parallel 4-cylinder with a maximum output of 143ps (105.0kw)/rpm. Riding performance was naturally fast with its cute appearance. Basically, it's a motorcycle that won't be comfortable unless opening the accelerator, and if I was riding slowly I may hear dissatisfied noises from the engine.

The acceleration is relatively violent and I often had a dangerous experience if handling it roughly. However, after experiencing such acceleration, I began to feel "interesting" and "pleasant", and quickly became addicted after purchasing it.

As for riding performance, the ZX-9R is a machine that I can enjoy not only the acceleration but also the cornering. As I described above, since the body is so light, I could handle the leaning position without a second thought and performance on the winding road was great.

Of course, you can fully enjoy the circuit riding. In the mini circuit riding, I felt it was a bit too powerful, but when I ride on the ZX-9R in SUGO or Fuji Speedway, I remember that it was really fun to ride with full throttle. The ZX-9R was a really great motorcycle that I can ride anywhere from winding roads to the circuit.

By the way, I fell down at SUGO resulting in the upper cowl split into two. However, since I have repaired it myself, and my bond has deepened further.

▲ Superb styling

▲ It was cracked

4. Wide range of customizing in accordance with oneself preference

The ZX-9R C type has already been in ended production before 20 years, but there are quite a few options for custom parts. I also proceeded with customizing little by little to finish my favorite style.

I have done everything I can do, such as replacing the exhaust system, changing to the mesh brake hose, and installing the tail tidy, HID headlight, LED tail light, pasting turn signal, T-REV, BREMBO calipers, rearsets, and racing-throttle. After I was satisfied with customizing, I was riding with thinking about "how will I maintain its beautiful appearance and good condition" (lol). The number of OEM parts that are no longer available to order has gradually increased, and I was concerned about that.

Nevertheless, there are still many aftermarket products, so you can enjoy customizing enough!

▲ The motorcycle in the photo is not customized.

5. Reactions around it because it is neither major nor minor so far.

Riders are always asked "What motorcycle are you riding?" from people whether they are riding a motorcycle or not. Right?

While riding the 9R, I have not heard like this kind of answer "Oh, I know it." or "It is a good motorcycle!". Even riders, there were many unreliable reactions such as " the 9R ...?" and "Huh".

However, I liked its minor position. It is a good motorcycle like it is a well-known only for those who know it. After I work in Webike, I was surprised that many employees were riding, rather than knowing the 9R. There are many employees riding the same type and E type of after 2000, and I thought "I did not know there were so many 9R riders..."

Eventually, I peeled off even the decals, and I created it like no one understands what kind of motorcycle is it at a glance (lol). It is a great motorcycle for those who don't like the same motorcycle with other riders or who can understand only for those who know it.

6. Reassurance that I don't want to switch

When I bought my ZX-9R, I thought that how long I would keep riding, and which motorcycle would I ride on the next, and so on. But I had ridden on the ZX-9R for eight years. I think there are many owners who have owned it for a longer time, but I was honestly surprised that I kept riding on it. The ZX-9R which makes fully enjoy everything was too reassuring, and I did not want to switch it to another.

I have ridden on a new motorcycle by business, and thought, "It has a high performance and is great!" But, when you ride back on the 9R, there is a feeling that I was relieved, "Oh, it's the best after all." It had a mysterious charm that I can not let go for some reason.

When I fell down in SUGO and the front cowl was split into two, I thought it was time to buy a new one, but eventually, I fixed it and kept riding on it (lol). But in the end, a lot of other parts were in trouble, I couldn't take the time for maintenance and I have no choice but to let go. It was really a nice motorcycle...I feel like riding on the ZX-9R again.

7. Summary

It has a 900cc engine displacement, but it is the recommended motorcycle for those who wanted to own big bikes for the first time. The distribution amount of used ZX-9R is certainly decreasing, but I think it is surprisingly cheap and relatively easy to get it.

Since you can find a lot of owners of the ZX-9R through social media, it is easy to get advice about maintenance and custom. Please try to add on the ZX-9R in your big bike selection!

See KAWASAKI Moto Index Page
See Accessories for KAWASAKI ZX-9R Ninja
See Accessories for KAWASAKI BALIUS 2 (ZR250)
See Accessories for KAWASAKI GPZ900R Ninja
See Accessories for KAWASAKI ZZR1100 (ZX-11)