So, You want to know more about the Kawasaki ZX9-R C1 / C2.

What You Will Find

Well, you have come to the right place. What you will find in this section is details, specifications, a buying guide and roadtests. Finally, shortly I will add a brief overview of the opposition. But, in the mean time ....

If you want to know about running costs and what the bike is like to live with, see the section on My Bike opposite for an unbiased?? opinion. To get an idea of how well these bikes last, read the extract from a 25,000mls strip down that Bike magazine performed in their September 2000 issue. Also, I have included a Buyers Guide to give some idea of pricing and what problems to look out for.

You won't be surprised to hear that I am a big K fan. And, this bike has done nothing to hamper that. Unlike the R1 (did you know R stands for Recall!), only the C1 and early C2's have had a recall notices. It is for a mod to the carb heating system. The later C2 already have twin heating rails. The problem (known as carb freezing) is supposed to show up on cold mornings as the fuel in the slow running circuit freezes. This causes miss fires or stalling. Even after running the bike through two winters, I never had it once (but I know other people have). Also, Kawasaki say that the mod is recommended, not essential. I have decided not to bother. Anyway, don't take my word for it, check the mini poll on the front page to see what other owners think.

If you already have one of these bikes, please use the Guest Book or Discussions Forum and let other owners find out what you think of anything from general ownership to what tyres you like/hate and any tips you may have.

What You Won't Find

When the zx9 first hit the scene, you could be forgiven for thinking that it was an out and out sportsbike. Certainly, it was the first bike (996 excluded?) that had the FireBlade whipped. But almost immediatley Yamaha introduced the R1. After a series of track test (and fast road tests), the press quickly came to the conclusion that the zx9 was no sportsbike.

Quite a lot of bad publicity then came. The bottom line was, that it could not beat a R1 on the track. Now this gets a bit confusing since in a variety of track tests, the '9 is as fast (if not faster) than the R1. This was more of a feeling thing -   the press report it takes more effort to get the same lap times or does not inspire confidence.

All the above is a matter of opinion (well, in my case anyway) because the GSX-R family has pretty much put paid to the out and out sports capability of the zx9. It simply can't compete.

But, before you run to the nearest Suzi dealership or pen me to tell me to shutup, read on. The zx9 is a fantastic ROAD bike. It is far more practical than the plethora of bikes it is often tested with. It will handle huge distances. It takes a thrashing, laughs and then asks for more. It responds well to tuning. The missus won't shrink into the distance if you ask her to go pillion (can be a bad thing too). It gives you a great feeling when you drive round the outside of an R1, Blade, TL1000 etc. You won't persuade me that the above is true of the opposition.

And as with all Kawasaki's, its heart and soul is that engine. Ride it untill the redline, and you too will be convinced.