Walkaround Video
Cold Start Video
Warm Start Video
Blinkers and Horn Video
Light and High Beam Video
In 1988, Kawasaki debuted a 750cc racebike called the ZXR-7. The following year, they released a production version – we knew it in the US as the Ninja ZX-7.
The 748cc inline four engine produced 105 horsepower inside of an aluminum perimeter frame. Performance Bikes magazine saw 91 hp at the rear wheel with a 152 mph top speed in a 1989 test.
Crucially, it was easy to ride (though the rear suspension was quite stiff). As noted in a period review, it was “one of the few modern 750s that can be ridden to its maximum in comparative safety.”
Arguably just as important, it looked the part. As Bennett’s says, “When Kawasaki pulled the covers off the ZXR it was love at first sight for riders all over the world. With its twin headlights, race inspired fairing and paint scheme and hoover pipes, the ZXR looked every bit an endurance racer for the road. Add in the beefy aluminium E-Box frame, 17-inch wheels and sporty rubber and the ZXR certainly gave the impression it meant business. Who cared if the hoover pipes did absolutely nothing aside from blow air onto the cylinder head, they looked cool and that was what really counted.” It was the springboard for the long series of Kawasaki 750cc sportbikes that we all adore.
This example is VIN: JKAZXDH18LA021565. The seller is the second owner, she acquired it from the original owner in March 1991. The original owner purchased it from Don & Roy’s Cycle in Brookfield, Wisconsin in June 1990.
During her ownership, the seller has covered 35,000 miles. The odometer shows 36,250 miles.
“I have loved this bike for just over 35 years. As my 60th birthday looms it is time to sell. It will be very bittersweet to see it go.”
Maintenance:
“I have always kept up on the basic maintenance of the bike. In order to prep for sale I took the bike to Action Power Sports, Inc. S14W22605 Coral Drive, Waukesha, WI 53186. They performed a 54 point inspection. I purchased a new battery in 2025. Action Power Sports did a coolant flush, changed the oil/filter, replaced the brake fluid, put two new tires on the bike.”
Mechanical Issues:
“It does not do well in very hot weather. Doing the coolant flush in 2025 was very helpful, but it still runs a bit hot at slow speeds. No temperature issues at 30 mph or over. It does need the choke on a cold start.”
Modifications:
Not pictured: Fox shock. The seller is unable to get a photo of it, she notes “one of the team mechanics at Road America put it on for me while I was in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin for the superbike races many years ago, so I do not have dealer paperwork.”
Tank bra.
Rear seat cover.
Battery tender lead for Wisconsin winter storage.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Pirelli Diablo Rosso II tires from 2025.
The sale includes 2 ignition keys (the small key is for a lock and will not be included in the sale), the owner’s manual, rear stand, battery tender, winter bike cover, and summer bike cover.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album in the “Photos” tab for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
“There are scrapes on both the right and left side. My son was sitting on the bike and lost his grip, the bike fell to the left side while at a stand still in my driveway (2021).
On another occasion my husband was backing up his truck in the driveway and did not see the bike. It was tipped over to the right side (2007). There is some decal damage to the word Kawasaki and minor scratches on the exhaust.
The windshield has cloudy spots. The bike has never been laid down while in motion.”
Currently located in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, this Kawasaki is offered on a clean Wisconsin title with registration current through April 2028.
Have any ZX-7 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
