Description
2/11 Update: Please note that the paint job on the upper fairing and mirrors on this bike is from a 1990 model – the ’89 had an all-green upper with black mirrors.
Click here for an CycleVIN Motorcycle History Report on this 1989 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-7. Additional photos are available here for your perusal.
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, and the first year model was specifically referred to as the H1.
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 (VIN: JKAZXDH18KA007003) was built in March 1989, and it was originally sold in Canada. We believe it was first registered in the US in 1990 in the state of Nebraska.
The seller acquired it on eBay in November of 2020, and he’s covered 10 kilometers since. The odometer shows 29,129 kilometers (18,099) miles.
It is equipped with a Muzzy exhaust.
The bodywork has been repainted and the decals were clearcoated over – however the “Ninja/Kawasaki” decals on the tank were not placed at the correct angle. In addition, the paint job on the upper fairing and mirrors on this bike is from a 1990 model – the ’89 had an all-green upper with black mirrors.
We also note some orange peel on the tail.
There is a crack in the right side of the tail.
The left bar end is damaged and the clutch lever is bent.
The coolant overflow bottle has been repaired.
Please note that the bike has a different key for the gas cap/rear hatch. The tumbler in the gas cap is bad and the lock will open with just about any key.
The seller states that the bike was recently serviced with a carb rebuild and new Continental Conti Motion tires (120/70ZR17 Front and 180/55ZR17 Rear) ordered in November 2020.
Before the auction, he had us clean the bike and replace a leaking shift shaft oil seal.
Currently located at our facility in Santa Monica, California, this ZX-7 is offered on a clean California title with registration that expired in July 2020. The seller will pay for current registration for California buyers.
Have any ZX-7 stories or questions about the listing? Let us know in the comments.
