Description
Please Note: this bike is being sold as a runner, not a rider.
Additional photos are available here for your perusal.
Introduced in 1989, the ZXR400 was one of the first and most popular of the 400 cubic centimeter sport bikes that swept across Japan (and later Europe) in the 1990s. The H model was produced first, and it was superseded by the L series in 1991. The L series had increased horsepower but less torque, and updated slimmer rear styling.
This 1993 ZXR400 in the 90s hulk green, blue and white made a claimed 64hp @ 13,000 rpm, almost 27lb-ft torque, and topped out around 140mph. Better still, though, was the bike’s weight — it tipped the scales at a svelte 351lbs dry.
Accordingly, it was a surprisingly capable all-around mount: reasonably comfortable for commuting or getting to the twisty bits, at which point you could take full advantage of the great handling due to the small size and low weight penalty. The quality components didn’t hurt, either. Between the upside down fork, the Uni-trak rear suspension, the aluminum chassis, and the slipper clutch, many reviewers felt that it delivered more performance than anything else in its category.
As VisorDown found: “Yes, rather than fade away to get lost in the mists of time, the ZXR400 simply refused to lie down and die. Believe it or not, the ZXR only went out of production in 2003 and ran most of its 16-year life virtually unaltered. Unlike the majority of the 400s, whose flames burned briefly and brightly in the 1990s then flickered and died at the turn of the century, the ZXR smouldered well into the 2000s. Why? The most obvious reason is that it’s an absolute blast to ride. Sitting on the ZXR is like sitting on a miniaturised ZXR750. The rear end is low, view of the clocks dominated by two huge hoover pipes (which do absolutely nothing, just like the 750) and clip-ons angled downwards. It’s a racy riding position, but not too cramped or uncomfortable. Then you fire it into life.”
This is the extra-special “R” version, which featured some extras above the base model: a solo seat, adjustable suspension, high-lift cams, and Keihin flat-slide carbs. It is the first 400R that we have seen here at Iconic.
This example is VIN: ZX400L306128. It came to Iconic as an import from Japan; prior history is not known.
The odometer shows 12,986 kilometers (8,069 miles).
Maintenance:
In preparation for the listing, our service department cleaned and synced the carbs and replaced the battery, the spark plugs, the fuel filter, the fuel pump, and the air filter. We also performed a compression test; the results are as follows:
Cylinder 1: 145PSI
Cylinder 2: 147PSI
Cylinder 3: 142PSI
Cylinder 4: 150PSI
Yonni did the work, he notes the following in his condition report:
Tire Years – Front/ Rear: Pre 2000
Tire Life – Front: 80%; Rear: 90%
Tire Pressure – Front: 36PSI; Rear: 42PSI
Brake Life – Front/Rear: Over 50%
Hydraulic Fluid: Front/Rear/Clutch: Dark, aged
Engine Oil – Level: Ok; Quality: Ok
Coolant – Quality: Ok; Quality: Ok
Drive Chain: Worn out
Low Beam: Ok
High Beam: Ok
Turn Signals: Rear Ok, front signals not flashing
Tail Light: OK
Brake Light: Ok
Plate Light: Ok
Killswitch: Ok
Horn: Not working
Battery: 12.6V, New
This bike is not ready to ride as is. Yonni would recommend fixing:
– Internal fuel tank rust
– Inoperable petcock
– Stuck front brakes
– Complete fluid flush (coolant, engine oil, brakes)
– Leaking left fork
– Drilled-out gas cap
– Inoperable front signals
– Worn out drive chain
– Missing trunk door/seat pad
– Broken shift rod (replacements are still available)
Modifications:
Tank pad.
Aftermarket stickers.
Battery tender lead.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Dunlop Sport Radial tires that have aged out.
The sale includes one key.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located at our facility in Santa Monica, California (please make an appointment for an inspection), this Kawasaki is offered on a clean Oregon title. Have any ZXR400 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
Please Note: this bike is being sold as a runner, not a rider.
