Description
The seller has requested that we include the below riding/acceleration video clips taken just prior to transport from his address.
Click here for an VINData Motorcycle History Report on this 1990 Kawasaki ZX-7 H2. Additional photos are available here for your perusal.
Per the seller, this H2 had been kept in a motorcycle repair shop and neglected for 16 years. In lieu of paraphrasing his restoration process, we’ll let him take the lead:
“A nice 1990 Kawasaki ZX-7 H2 restored to operation and back on the road after sitting in neglect for many years! A great deal of restoration and refurbishment has taken place on this Iconic Kawasaki Ninja ZX-7 H2 from the Kawasaki’s Glory Days!
This Kawasaki Ninja ZX-7 H2 has a clear California title and registration is current to April 2025.
A new battery was sourced as the OEM was not functional. A new OEM type Air Filter was installed. The carbs were removed, completely disassembled and cleaned, all jets, components, valves and passages were solvent flushed and needle cleaned, new o-rings and float springs, new fuel tube o-rings, etc.
Considering the Ninja’s lengthly slumber, great care was taken to ready the engine for restart. The steps included removing the spark plugs, filling the cylinders with diesel fuel, allowing them to sit for 24 hours, then hand cranking the engine via the rear wheel while in gear. The engine turned freely, and subsequently the diesel was suctioned out, replaced with 5 w 40 oil, and the procedure repeated. Once the pistons were thoroughly lubed the new battery was connected and the engine cranked briefly with no issues.
The tank, which had mild internal corrosion present, was removed, cleaned, treated with vinegar solution, and flushed with distilled water repeatedly to remove rust and particulates. The OEM fuel fill cap, seal, and tumbler were replaced with a Kawasaki OEM NOS assembly due to corrosion, and re-keyed to the ignition key. The fuel lines and filter were replaced with new parts, and the Fuel Petcock was completely disassembled, meticulously cleaned, and restored with new parts. VP Racing 94 octane non-ethanol fuel has been the only fuel used during the restoration. The ZX-7 sprang to life during initial startup, and ran moderately well from a separate tank to the OEM carbs I had sprayed out with carb cleaner.
The front forks have been completely refurbished. The lower housings, exhibiting minor corrosion, nicks and scratches, were cleaned and polished, and the upper/inner tubes were professionally stripped and re-chromed by Electric Chrome and Grinding Co. Inc. in Santa Fe Springs, CA. May 2022 due to chips and flaws in the surface. RaceTech springs for a 200 lb. rider were installed and Kawasaki OEM seals were used to reassemble the suspension with work completed at National City Motorcycle . A vintage rear Fox Shock is functional and in excellent condition. The ZX-7 rides very well, with moderately firm suspension feel, and seats and corners nicely.
The original wheels, exhibiting scratches, chips, and minor corrosion, were removed and the finish restored at R.W. Little Co. in San Diego, CA., to new condition with the correct powder coat color. New OEM bearings and seals sourced from Fun Bike Center in San Diego were installed. A new rubber Cush Drive Damper was sourced from Kawasaki to replace the OEM original 1990 part which was age rotting/cracked and had visible wear. A new rear Axle was sourced from Kawasaki. Front and rear axles were lubricated. New Michelin Pilot Power 2 CT tires were installed in May 2023 and are barely broken in with late 2022 date codes.
The clutch servo, master cylinder assembly, and levers were refurbished/rebuilt with Kawasaki Dealership and online sourced new parts. The OEM clutch lines were cleaned and flushed, and a NOS intermediate rubber clutch line was acquired.
The Valve Cover gasket was cracked and replaced with a new OEM Kawasaki part. The valves were checked and in excellent adjustment and did not need to be shimmed. New Spark plug oil gaskets were installed and new plugs, as well as two oil/filter changes completed at initial prep before starting and after 100 miles of operation just to be sure the oil system was thoroughly refreshed.
The OEM brake calipers front and rear are in very good condition, and were disassembled, thoroughly cleaned, lines flushed, passages cleaned, seals inspected, then reassembled with new brake fluid. Steel Braided brake lines were on the motorcycle when I acquired it.
No oil consumption has been noted during my ownership and after riding the ZX-7 approximately 800 miles. The H2 starts at the first crank or within a second or two after sitting. The Choke lever/cable functions however does not stay in the on position and must be held for initial warmup – the plastic washers / bolt friction point tightened or possibly replaced. The inlet manifolds are in very good , uncracked condition, which is wonderful as these four rubber parts from the carb to the engine are no longer available from Kawasaki or aftermarket. The coils and plug wires are original and in good condition.”
He adds: “the gas tank interior shows light to moderate surface corrosion, no leaks or pinholes. Three fuel filters were installed (On, Reserve, and petcock to Fuel pump lines) to keep tank contaminants from cycling to carbs, and the fuel tank will need a professional cleaning and possible internal treatment to be 100%. The choke lever is functional; however, as previously noted, does not stay open for cold starting without holding in position.
Although many steps have been taken to restore the functionality, operation, and reliability of this machine, no Warranty, either expressed or implied is offered on this used, vintage Icon produced 34 years ago.
This 1990 Kawasaki is in very good condition but not perfect or showroom condition, with cracks in the fairings, flaws in the finish, corrosion in various locations, and other character imperfections. The upper fairing is cracked on the left side at the middle fastener hole caused during transport.
A new, fiberglass gel-coated fairing sourced from the UK is included in the sale (value $500.00), along with a damaged OEM extra upper fairing for parts/restoration of the original OEM fairing on the ZX-7. A complete replica Decal set is included, NIB, sourced from a replica decal manufacturer (value of $580.00). NOS Engine cover, bare, in package. Value $100.00 plus.
Also available to the winning bidder, if requested, are front and rear 1989 ZX-7 H1 wheels/discs, the original OEM fork springs, a set of front forks in usable restorable condition, and a used set of front brake calipers in need of restoration. These items will be available to the winning bidder (actual packing/shipping charges to be determined and paid by the winning bidder).
Manufactured in January of 1990, this example is VIN: JKAZXDH14LA017433. The seller acquired the bike from a motorcycle repair shop in April 2022.
During his ownership, the seller has covered approximately 800 miles. The odometer shows 29,491 miles.
Maintenance:
Per the seller, “Front forks fully restored with RaceTech springs, Kawasaki seals, Upper Tubes stripped and re-chromed at Electric Chrome and Grinding Co. Inc. in Santa Fe Springs, CA. May 2022. New Thermostat and Pressure Cap (Fun Bike Center San Diego OEM), Sept 2022, Thermostat Housing cleaned and repainted, restored Sept 2022. Fuel Tank interior cleaned, treated with vinegar solution to remove surface rust, vent passage and fuel passages routed and solvent blasted , Wheels professionally restored (stripped, prepped, and powder coated) by R.W. Little Co San Diego Ca., March 2023, Kawasaki OEM Bearings installed, New OEM Kawasaki Rear Axle, New OEM Kawasaki Valve Cover Gasket, New OEM Kawasaki Spark Plug Gaskets, New CR9E Spark Plugs, Valve Clearance checked all within spec, New Air Filter, Fuel Lines replaced OEM Kawasaki Gray fuel lines, Carburetor completely disassembled, housings and passages cleaned and reassembled with UK sourced complete Rebuild Kit, New Airbox Orings, NOS Rear and Repro front Turn Signals, New Battery, Coolant Flushed and refilled (OEM Kawasaki), Brake Calipers, Master Cylinders, Lines disassembled and rebuilt, New brake pads EBC HH, Clutch line removed, cleaned April 2022, Slave Servo disassembled, cleaned and rebuilt with OEM Kawasaki parts, Chain and Sprockets cleaned and lubed, Axles cleaned and greased, Speedometer / Tac / Temperature gauge housings, Bracket, Electrical connectors cleaned, Front Suspension fully restored and upgraded to RaceTech Springs and valves, Kawasaki Seals.”
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us replace the front brake pads and service the chain. Our service department notes the following in their condition report:
Gas Tank Condition: OK, NOT PERFECT
Tire Years – Front/ Rear: 1422/0622
Tire % – Front/ Rear: 99/98
Tire Pressure – Front/ Rear: 36/38
Brake % – Front/ Rear : NEW/70%
Hydraulic Fluid – Front: Ok, less than 1% Moisture; Hydraulic Fluid – Rear: Marginal, 1.5-3.0% Moist.
Hydraulic Fluid – Clutch: Fail, +3% Moisture
Engine Oil – Level: Ok; Quality: Dark
Coolant – Level: Ok; Quality: Clear, Blue
Low Beam: Ok
High Beam: Ok
Parking Light: Ok
Turn Signals: Ok
Tail Light: Ok
Brake Light: Ok
Plate Light: NOT WORKING
Killswitch: Ok
Horn: Ok
Fork: Ok
Shock/s: Ok
Final Drive: CLEANED AND LUBED
Battery:
OCV: 12.93
Capacity: 15.0 AH
State of Health: 66%
State of Charge: 87%
Charging: 14.68V
Notes:
-Bodywork’s not perfect. A few nicks, touch-ups and broken bits.
-Front brake rotors are badly worn
-Bike runs but is a bit rough sounding. They hang on – pilots possibly part-blocked
The customer states that the following services were performed approximately 500 miles ago:
-Engine oil and filter
-Coolant
-Carb clean and sync
Recommended:
-Carb Service
-Engine oil and filter
-Coolant
-Hydro 3
Modifications:
Muzzy can with full exhaust.
Powdercoated wheels.
Front suspension fully restored and upgraded to RaceTech springs and valves, Kawasaki seals.
NOS mirrors.
Fox shock (vintage).
Smoked windscreen with new nylon mounting screws/washers.
Not pictured: MotoBatt battery.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Michelin Pilot Power 2CT tires with date codes of 0622 and 1422.
The sale includes one key, one repainted OEM fairing, one aftermarket fairing, a clutch cover gasket, the original mirrors, a set of NOS grips, a spare coolant tank, a NOS case cover, case cover gaskets, airbox gaskets, spare brake pads, and a full set of NOS decals.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
“Cracked Upper Fairing bolt hole middle left side from bent shipping crate support.”
“Cracked rear side fairing lower edge approximately 1/2 inch in length.”
“Rear seat cover cracked front edge approximately 1/2 inch.”
Currently located at our facility in Santa Monica, California (please make an appointment for an inspection), this Kawasaki is offered on a clean California title with registration current through April 2025. Have any ZX-7 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
