It would be pretty difficult to hustle a heavier, longer wheelbase 750 or 1000 round a country lane at anything like the same rate, which makes the little ZXR the absolute ideal tool for anywhere with smooth tarmac, lots of corners and not many straights. Anyone living north of Derby or south of Paris who's thinking of buying a big bike should try one of these first.
Cadwell was also the best place for the ZXR's motor. Slick, smooth gearchanges, 10,000rpm plus at all times, crisp throttle response. On the road this ideal is not always practical and although the Kawasaki has a strong torque curve it lacks instant zap. It's really got to be spinning to 8 or 10,000rpm before the action starts, but most riders liked this definite powerband.

Kawasaki Zxr 400 Manual For Sale

Round town the ZXR feels harsh and slightly vibey, needs a fair bit of clutch slip (a jerky process below 4,000rpm) and clunks going from first to second. The low, swept-back bars don't help either, though once outside a 30 limit there's no problem with the riding
tion. Should you be unfortunate to find yourself on a motorway, the low screen will keep your speed down and the engine's desire to creep above 10,000rpm will keep it up. How you resolve this problem is entirely up to you.

Kawasaki Zxr 600

With such a big price differential between the ZXR and the FZR400, it's tempting to think there are some areas where you'd have to accept a lower standard. Apart from the choppy ride which spoils a basically excellent riding position and the lack of highly fashionable
bump damping adjusters (so what?), there aren't any areas of compromise. Power, nan-, dling, braking and steering are all top line stuff. The ZXR also has an economical motor, the biggest tank range, the best mirrors, the most easily-removed bodywork, the best pillion seat (ha ha) and a high build quality. It looks like a bargain because it is.