Advice on a 7

[DaveGPz]

The time is approaching when the last 250 will leave the shed; the youngest is looking at a ZX7 to replace the Fizzer250 that's seen 3 of the family onto their big wheels so the question is...

...those of you who have one, had one, ride one etc... are there any particular issues he should look for in the '98 - '01 age/price range ? Cheers!

[DaveGPz]

Hmm. Guess they must be crap then

[Kwakked Up]

Sorry mate, I assumed that there would be someone here that knows a spitload more than I

I recently went hunting for a zx7 and bought 99 model. Paid $2.5k but it is nothing flash and has lived by the beach so a little corrosion, slide damage to the usual bar ends, levers, mirrors etc, wasnt too worried as I wanted it more for the track so am going to play with it a little.

It is a great bike to ride with sufficient power without being overwhelming like some of the big bikes. I am really happy with the handling and stoppers although I have only really done one track day and a little on the road.

I found that prices vary a great deal ranging between about $7k and $2.5k. That pretty much depends on kms, condition, service history etc. There are some owners out there that are very flexible on price. check gumtree ( a place i hadnt looked for bikes before but some good prices)

I think when looking at them you wanna look for all the usual issues any motorcycle can have so I guess there is no point telling what you would already know. My engine is a little noisy so have ordered a manual cam chain tensioner to see if it will quieten her down, if not it is an engine out job.

I was directed to this site by a member here and it is a really good site for info on the zx7

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/webzxr/zxr750r/

If I think of anything else I post again
Hope this helps a little
cheers

[Mel]

ZX7R is awesome. Starter solenoids are apparently prone to corrosion - that's all I know

[ZXR750]

It's not quiet what you are after but I have owned 93 ZXR750 for around eight years. Almost problem free even with 85k on the clock. They are a bit heavy compared to modern bikes but they still handle very well on the road. I also think they have much more character than the modern sports bikes.

[MadKaw]

Great bikes, just a bit heavy. I had one for 6 years and had very few problems..
Check the usual stuff but clutches and shifts forks / selector can be a problem if they've been on the back wheel a bit.
Front ends are good, rear shock will probly be shagged.

[DaveGPz]

Thanks all. Sounds like a typical Kawa - strong and well built, and reliable depending on use and abuse from the previous owner. Rear shock rebuilds aren't too dear. Thanks for the link, Kwakked Up. See how we go.

[z900/zx9]

Get him a 9,ya know ya gotta lurve the 9

[DaveGPz]

Yeah; cheers Mal. I'm actually in favour of a little bit of an intermediate stage and a trackday/Preston session before he discovers that bikes go bigger than 7. Then I can stick the 955i back on the side of the Daytona.

[Strika]

Fork bushes are common. Did several early on in their life.

[greenmeanie]

I had a 97 model for about 8 years.
ZX7R's stayed the same 96-02 just changed colours & decals a bit.
No major issues just general wear & tear stuff. Did a fuel pump & a clutch push rod seal.
Really strong motor + great front end.
Coolant reservoir bottles are prone to crack so check if it is holding coolant.
Look for general crash damage that you would on any bike in particular the footpeg mount brackets break easy(check for cracks/welds). Check the fairings line up & not cracked. Also cracks around the front indicators. Not all but there would be a good % of 7's that would have been thrown down a road or track by now. That's not a bad thing if repaired properly.
If you get a good one @ a fair price they are really great bikes. Get plenty of bang for your $.

[DaveGPz]

And after all that he bought an R6. Why do I even bother

[Kwakked Up]

Thats kids for ya