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.
Manufactured in January 1990, this example is VIN: JKAZXDH17LA017555. The seller acquired it two years ago from a private party in Northern California.
During his ownership, the seller has covered 100 miles. The odometer shows 10,852 miles.
“I purchased it approximately 2 years ago from a gentleman in Northern California who had had it sitting at his garage for about a decade, he says before that he got it from who he believed was the original owner the bike was in good shape, just needed to be freshened up a bit to get it back on the road. It had the carbs done by Mach 1 in Costa Mesa, California and put new tires on it. The chain and sprockets were in excellent shape, so we cleaned that up and adjusted the chain, changed all the fluids and I put a clear aftermarket windshield on it with the correct Kawasaki windshield fasteners and washers. There was a small crack on the upper fairing, which I had repaired and if I didn’t mention it, you wouldn’t even know it. The repair was done by Boris at California Cycle Design in Costa Mesa, California. Any parts that I’ve used for it are all Kawasaki or NOS Kawasaki. The bike runs great and does everything it’s supposed to do very well.
I have over 30 bikes, and I’m trying to thin the herd way back. I just don’t get to ride any of these bikes enough, especially this one and it’s nice as it is. It should be out and about and appreciated.”
Maintenance:
“Carbs cleaned and serviced, chain adjusted, newer tires, flushed all fluids and oil/filter changed. Mach 1 in Costa Mesa, California.” The seller states that there are no known mechanical issues.
Modifications:
Aftermarket windshield.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Dunlop Sportmax Q5S tires with date codes of 3124 and 4224.
The sale includes 1 ignition key.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album in the “Photos” tab for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
“I must mention that on top of the tank around the gas cap area, I believe somebody must not have been able to find the key at some point and lightly tried to pry the bezel around the gas cap open, so there’s some small undulations around the gas cap on top of the tank. Which is hard to see in the pictures and it’s not hugely noticeable. And it’s still overall, very clean, nice, original low mile bike, everything is completely stock.”
Currently located in Huntington Beach, California, this Kawasaki is offered on a clean California title with registration current through March 2027.
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