Kawasaki Motorcycle Reviews


Read Kawasaki motorbike reviews. These have been written by owners of Kawasaki bikes for the benefit of fellow bikers. Read other Kawasaki owners' personal opinions of Kawasaki motorcycle ownership. You can also submit your own Kawasaki review.

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Kawasaki ZXR 900cc Apr '99 (T)
Overall Rating:
Review
This bike is no race rep, but if you want rapid...It does that,if you want cornering...It does that, if you want to tour...it does that too!
If you're on a budget and want all or some of the above, then I dont think you can go wrong.
Submitted by
sparkysbandit in Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear on 03/02/2008
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Kawasaki ZX 1000cc Sept '05 (55)
Overall Rating:
Review
I was once fortunate enough to ride the Kawasaki ZX-10R C1 when it was first released as a favour for a local bike shop, they asked me to run it in on the way to Brands Hatch where it would be swiftly fettled for track use prior to giving it a right going over for a future endurance race they wanted to compete in.

When I first saw it at the NEC show along with everyone else it was immediately remarkable for its diminuitive size, even taking into account the way it was mounted to the stand with the suspension compressed to keep it steady for the thousands of punters who were likely to sit on it over the course of the show.

Oddly juxtaposed to this immediately perceptible trait though was the main visible feature of the bike. The black painted muscular chassis. It looked huge, dominating the look of the bike from the side profile like a weight lifters arms with straining biceps. The twin beamer departs from what has been accepted generally as the norm thus far. Instead of clutching the motor these massive extruded struts flow over the engine which is suspended from it thus making it noticeably narrower. Like the SP-2 Honda and latterly a number of modern sports bikes the ZX-10R C had a ram air system which forces air hitting it's pointiest extremity straight through the headstock, pressurising the the capacious airbox.

The fairing is also minimal and flat giving the impression that the bike had been squeezed, also the fuel tank which looks minimal from the side aspect though it will hold 19 litres. Binnacly speaking there isn't much to shout about. As a traditionalist I like whirring dials and flashing lights. The mighty Zed however does not hold with tradition and is equipped with the next generation of digitalised mono unit, multi function cockpit display, thus saving weight and ideally making the information displayed easier to see. (Debatable)! But here to stay and shared on the Z1000, ZX6 and Z750 models that year.

The engine, the heart of the machine is an across the frame four cylinder. Nothing new in that I hear you say, but it is equipped with big valves, high comp pistons, a slipper clutch if memory serves me well and a stacked gearbox all made from a selection of exotic metals and alloys which produce a vertable tsunami of power for an out of the crate sportsbike with no other aim than to crush the opposition with power to weight performance. It's still a feisty number three years on.

The wavy discs were a first for a production road bike and have spawned a flurry of aftermarket activity as the bolt on goodie brigade mobilised their wallets to equip their sadly lacking bike with the latest in high tech stoppers. Forks are inverted, black nitrided with radial brake calipers, now again standard on most up to date performance machines.

Veering away from the fashion of underseat scrotum heating pipes at all costs, kawasaki stuck with the conventional 4-1 side mounted muffler, (all titanium) with an exhaust valve. Wannabee fathers this is definitely the bike for you. Remember the tadpoles work best in the breeze not a sauna.

I parked it in my garage overnight next to my by comparison 'Belgrano-esque ZX9RC1, yep it's a small bike and marked considerable progress for Kawasaki in five fleet years. I struggle to get the most out of the 9 and I have been giving it the big one for over twenty years, I consider myself competent and even a little above average in terms of rider ability, but this thing caught a few wannabee racers out when first launched for sure. I saw alot of them really smeared on the trackdays I was doing at the time and the dealer in question had a fair few in for accident repairs shortly after they shot out the showroom door.

To be honest the bike is not as refined as the Honda probably was, I never rode one, and it's not as complicated looking as the same year R1 appears and not as aged (relatively)as the Suzuki Gixer 1000 was, but given a firm right hand and available space this thing was an eyeball smearing supernova, retina burning missile, so hang on tight if you test ride one. I believe a steering damper may also be beneficial though the bike I rode never had one equipped, until it was readty to race.

I'm always skint and still cling precariously to the ZX9, but to this day, of any sportsbike that was made available to me, this is the one I would plump for. It made my heart beat, my adrenaline rush and made me feel good to be alive and on it
Submitted by
bignose in Hastings, East Sussex on 29/01/2008
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Kawasaki ZX 1000cc Sept '04 (54)
Overall Rating:
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Awesome Bike, had the ninja 2004 C model for a year now, still improving, had gsxr750 before, this is an animal compared, treat with respect or it will bite you back, even better on the track, better looking than the newer models, especially in black.
Submitted by
ninja666 in Bristol, Somerset on 28/01/2008
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Kawasaki ZX 750cc Apr '03 (03)
Overall Rating:
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The Kawasaki ZX7R Ninja boasts a 748cc engine, the bike is straight from the track NO REFINMENTS no digital speedo here. The engine is carburetted, 748 displacement that has the most awesome addictive air intake noise that just makes you wanna cane the bike everywhere you go.
The upside down fully adjustable front forks are renowned as one of the best sets produced and give superb feedback. The mono shock on the rear is also very good and fully adjustable. The bike is no light weight, weighing in at some 212kg its extremely heavy compared to some of today's superbikes. I would have no hesitation in recommending this machine for experienced riders or new to biking as its very forgiving. If you get the chance grab with both hands one of these future classics.
Submitted by
smithy3879 in Bristol, Gloucestershire on 28/01/2008
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Kawasaki ZX 600cc Sept '99 (V)
Overall Rating:
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I have a G2 model,overall it's an outstanding machine, i'm 6'5" and find it comfortable even on long hauls, the other half informs me the pillion pads not to bad for a sports bike either! even standard for a 600 the engine is smooth and punchy, although it's well worth the money having it set up properly on a dyno,it gives you a lot more useable midrange. the handling is pretty good all though with the standard bridgestones the front end felt like it was gonna tuck under(never did?). this is easily improved by a change in tyre profiles to 120/65-17 on the front & 180/55-17 rear. there is also not enough rebound damping available standard for really hard use, i think a visit to maxton is next on the cards. but all this really is nit picking, i'm more than happy with it.
Submitted by
CiderSi in Bristol, Somerset on 26/01/2008
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Kawasaki KX 80cc Apr '04 (04)
Overall Rating:
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This bike is amazing! So much power for a small bike, the front wheel comes up during gear changes. Excellent condition for year. I'm a teenager and stand at 6ft 2 and weigh a fair bit, but the bike still manages to nearly throw me off the back.
This bike is definately not for the faint hearted !
Submitted by
skippy in Rye, East Sussex on 22/01/2008
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Kawasaki KX 100cc Sept '00 (X)
Overall Rating:
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I have a 2000 model KX100. I am female, 5ft 4" and not very confident on a bike but I knew that my YZ85 just didn't feel right when standing during my riding. The KX is a little bigger and bridges the gap between comfort and confidence. Although still not 100% comfy whilst standing I can still get my feet down in difficult terrain or tight corners to help build my confidence.



I find the bike pulls me at 81/2 stone with ease both on the straights and uphill. The power band kicks in but never feels like its going to teleport you onto your ass.


The gearbox works o.k. being reasonably smooth through changes but i've never had any problems with a bike's gearbox so can't really comment any more on that. I would love to try enduro's but up until now couldn't find the right bike. Now I have and can't wait for the better weather to get out there.


Ok so it's a 2 stroke and i'm unlikely to keep it in the 'power' around an enduro course but as a means to trying something I wouldn't dream of on a full size bike it fits the bill perfectly.


I have a KTM 250EXC but again the confidence stops me going too far off road for fear of hurting myself. This is the reason for the KX - hopefully this year I can learn a bit about this offroading stuff and transfer it to the bigger bike in time.


The little green machine has excellent braking and doesn't fishtail or skid if you lean over too far going into corners, the way I found the YZ85 used to do. It took me a while to get used to the stock handlebars - they just felt too small but maybe they weren't fully straight (bike is older and not perfect). Easily fixed by sticking on a set of new Renthals which immediately felt a lot better.


Maintenance is really easy. I just change or clean the air filter every now and then which is a simple seat removal job. Oil changes are simple as well. Spark plug, lube the chain and you're away.


I haven't really blasted the bike for hours and i'm still getting used to the feel of it. It does shift quicker than the 85 whilst still being easy to ride. The seat feels about right for the width of the bike and although 8 years old the foam and support from it has lasted very well.
I have kept the standard gearing 51t rear and 13t front but I did add a heavy duty chain as the standard looked soo flimsy. This gearing seems to work fine for me around a track but maybe would need changing if you were using it for enduro or around the hills etc. The other thing I like about the KX is it's weight. The bike can easily be picked up after a fall. i didn't find any difference in weight between the 85 and the 100cc bikes which is good to know if your kids are not so strong.


The bike starts really easily every time but what i found was when starting from cold if you pump the throttle 2-3 times before kicking it and then when you kick the bike keep the kickstart at the bottom of your stroke just a little longer than normal, the bike always goes 1st time.


These KX100's are getting more and more difficult to find in the UK and I can't understand why they don't still market them here??? You can still buy upto an 07 model in the States.
A quick check on Ebay and plenty of spares are available and from what I can figure most 80/85cc KX parts also fit the 100cc models. I'm not sure if the bike is just an 85 big wheel with even bigger wheels (19" front & 16" rear instead of 17" & 14") and bored out engine or whether the frame is a little bigger all round. If your son/daughter doesn't race and only rides for fun but is getting a bit big for the 85's or about to blow it up you should really consider one of these. I personally think that the 100cc 2 stroke is a better bike for learning on than the 150cc 4 stroke Hondas currently available, even if the 2 stroke technology is a lot older. But does it matter if the kid's not competing?


Overall I think the KX whilst not the most modern bike in terms of looks, styling or technology is an excellent bike to help make the step from 'kids' bike to full side models. If you want one though you are gonna need to get moving cause as i say they are getting rare and i'm not selling mine ever!

I hope this has helped someone who is thinking of buying one of these bikes make up their mind.
Submitted by
eurobikes@ntlwo on 06/01/2008
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Kawasaki ZRX 1200cc Apr '01 (Y)
Overall Rating:
Review
Ive owned my zrx for 3 years now,after a number of Bandits[great bikes,if a little ragged when pushed hard]and an Hayabusa[if you can keep the throttle open for more than two seconds you are a better man than me]
after I fell off the Busa twice I decided I needed
something fast,not ballistic!Being 16 stone,I needed something with plenty of torque,and an upright riding position.The zrx has 118 BHP standard,and almost linear torque.
The handling is better than a Bandit[better quality components]and sharpens up if you drop the forks a bit.Brakes are good,but lack initial bite,though they are powerful enough.Cant do stoppies,but thats probably my weight!
There is a slight glitch in the fuelling at about 5,500 revs,common to a lot of Jap bikes,but this is not a problem.HOWEVER,if you put a complete Akrapovic system on,you save tons of weight,eliminate the glitch entirely AND gain a guarranteed 18 BHP!Torque is also improved.
This is now a stonking goer,and sounds great.A TIP-see an advert with an Akrapovic,and offer to buy it.He will have the original,and will get little if anything more for it with the Akro.I got a complete system for £300.[new,£760}
Very happy with the bike.It is totally reliable,goes VERY well and stops safely.You can tour on it,hoon it around,or go to work on it.
In my opinion,this is the best retro out there in terms of performance,handling and looks.I would also advise buying the Lawson rep,in green,as this will hold its value best.The fairing looks too small,but actually does a great job,deflecting more air the faster you go.If you are in the market for a retro,check this out.
Further thoughts are that it has a good tank range,and is comfortable till the next pit stop.Quality of components is good,and mine still looks nearly new.I usually change my bikes every year,but Ive had this for 3 years.NUFF SAID!
Submitted by
petebandito in Manchester, Greater Manchester on 29/12/2007
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Kawasaki KX 100cc Sept '99 (V)
Overall Rating:
Review
Very good bike, fast as well, love it!
lovely colours and great to handle' Will always keep it as they are becoming rare to find in the UK!
Submitted by
perry125cc in Wellington, Somerset on 12/12/2007
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Kawasaki GPZ 500cc 92/93 (K)
Overall Rating:
Review
This a great bike good for the short rider. This bike has taken me to the TT five times. I have never had any problems, starts on the button and rides great'
I would tell anyone looking for a medium sized bike then this is it. I purchased mine brand new in 1993 and covered 30.000 miles hassle free. This is a great bike well worth the money
Submitted by
tnt in Wallasey, Merseyside on 11/12/2007
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