So, You want to know more about the Kawasaki ZX9-R E1.
What you will find in this section is details, specifications, roadtests, etc. Finally, shortly I will add a brief overview of the opposition. But, in the mean time ....
If you already have one of these bikes, please use the Discussions Forum and let other owners find out what you think of anything from general ownership to what tyres you like.
The Opposition
At the end of May / beginning of June, Motorcycle News took 14 bikes to Assen to fid who was the Daddy. I have summarised below their findings. To be fair, the ZX9 got a pretty hard time. Comments like "won't hold a line", "jerky throttle" and "vague and uninspiring" were all used. BUT, so was "Worst example of breed tested".
Still, you will see below that the '9 managed the second fastest top speed down the straight and the third fastest lap time - quite impressive for an all rounder.
| Bike | Speed | Time | Rating(%) | Comment |
| R1 | 158 | 1.34.844 | 89 | Still one of the Best |
| V-Raptor | 148 | 1.38.861 | 75 | Copes Well |
| ZX9 | 162 | 1.33.417 | 84 | Great All-Rounder |
| Augusta F4s | 160 | 1.34.286 | 90 | You just would |
| CBR600F | 146 | 1.35.163 | 85 | A Rounded Package |
| GSX-R600 | 160 | 1.32.811 | 96 | Like a 750 |
| RSV-R Mille | 155 | 1.33.489 | 97 | Awesome Track Bike |
| R6 | 150 | 1.38.484 | 93 | Needs top tyres |
| ZX6 | 158 | 1.34.232 | 89 | A top 600 contender |
| 955i | 146 | 1.36.067 | 89 | Much Improved |
| SP-1 | 160 | 1.35.120 | 89 | Fast, but hard work |
| GSX-R1000 | 168 | 1.32.211 | 98 | Power and Handling |
| 996B | 155 | 1.34.288 | 93 | Be Foggy |
Buying Guide
There is not much to say about the E model. The carb icing problem is supposed to be fixed, but I know of one person who has had a new set of carbs (from Kawasaki) after complaining about it.
Also, there seams to be a few problems with poor running at low (< 3k) revs. Not sure what the problem is, but it is not carb icing or carb sync. problems. Atleast one person reckons the problem is crap in the float bowls.
These Prices are out of date!!!!!!!!
| Model | Year | Mileage | Price (£) |
| E1 | 99 / V | 5000 | 5200 |
| 00 / W | 4000 | 5300 | |
| E2 | 00 / X | 2000 | 5600 |