Description
Please note: The seller has asked that we sell this ZXR400 “as-is.” It does not currently run, though the engine is free and will turn over.
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 The H model was produced first, and it was superseded by the L series in 1991.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. The ZXR featured an impressive 14,500 rpm redline, which is a hint that the 398cc inline four needed to be worked hard to make speedy progress.
This 1996 ZXR400 made ~64 hp @ 13,000 rpm, with almost 27 lb-ft torque. The ZXR400 weighed in at 351 lbs dry with a top speed approaching 140 mph. It was a surprisingly capable all-around mount; reasonably comfortable for commuting or getting to the twisty bits, at which point you could enjoy great handling due to the small size and weight paired with quality components – upside down fork, Uni-trak rear suspension, aluminum chassis, and 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 example is VIN: ZX400L047981. It came to Iconic as an import from Japan.
The odometer shows 43,102 kilometers (26,782 miles).
Maintenance:
In preparation for the listing, our service department performed a safety inspection. They note the following in their condition report:
Fuel Tank Internal: Unknown, cannot open fuel cap
Tire Years – Front: Pre 2000; Rear: 5016
Tire Life – Front: 0%, tread cracking; Rear: 25%
Tire Pressure – Front/ Rear: 32 PSI
Brake Life – Front: 90%; Rear: 90%
Suspension Leaks – Front: Both forks
leaking, forks pitted; Rear: No leaks
Hydraulic Fluid – Front/Rear: Fail, >3% Moisture
Drive Chain: Rusted, O-Rings missing, tight
Engine Oil – Level: Overfilled; Quality: Dark, Aged
Coolant – Level: Ok; Quality: Ok
Low Beam: Not Working
High Beam: Ok
Turn Signals: Ok
Tail Light: Ok
Brake Light: Ok
Plate Light: Ok
Killswitch: Ok
Horn: Ok
Battery: 1.63V
Test Ride: None taken
BIKE CONDITION:
– “As is Project, No Repair Needed” was written on tape on passenger seat, has bled through
– JMCA Muffler, aftermarket exhaust system (collector to muffler)
– AFAM rear sprocket
– Mismatched tires, Bridgestone front with Michelin rear
– Front brakes worn out, worn unevenly
– Forks pitted, leaking
– Fuel cap cannot be opened with key, rusted.
– Petcock seized in one position
– Front brakes dragging
– Clutch and brake adjuster pitted
– Rear brake master does no build pressure
– RH rubber cushion missing from fuel tank, tank touches frame
– Battery no longer useful
*Engine turns over fine, bike does not run
– Aftermarket front brake lines
– Rusty fairing upper stay
– Oxidation all over engine, radiator, radiator fans
– Green overspray on wheels, weights painted-over
– Adhesive residue on triple clamp
– Oxidizing on triple tree
– Rash on LH tail section
– Oxidation on stator cover
– Fuel tank has a dent, scuff
– Few tears on rider’s seat
*Cannot get bike into 2-6 gears, 1st and Neutral are fine
-Neutral light does not illuminate on gauges
-Paint flaking from swingarm, frame
-RH signal loose
Modifications:
Aftermarket exhaust system, rear sets.
AFAM rear sprocket.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Bridgestone Battlax and Michelin Pro Pilot tires that have aged out.
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 Tennessee title. Please note that as an import, this bike lacks certain compliance and emissions stickers that the state of California would require to transfer a title. Have any ZXR400 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
