1992 Kawasaki Zephyr 1100 from Republic of Ireland

Summary:

Reliable

Faults:

Brake light needed work. Nothing major.

General Comments:

A great bike in all. Very happy I waited a long time to get the big Zephyr, and I'm glad I picked one up.

Was told they have a soft clutch, but I think I was told lies. I've since being told the Zephyr gives very little trouble, and the clutch in mine is perfect.

When I drop the throttle she moves. Great bike to accelerate. Will sit nice at 100mph all day long.

Riding position is comfy. Great for long distance.

Great fun bike handles very well.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 15th May, 2010

16th Feb 2026, 17:56

41,000 miles is a lot for a motorcycle that was less than 20 years old in 2010.

I don't know if you still have the same motorcycle today, but it wouldn't surprise me. Many people have owned a Zephyr for over 30 years and are still riding them.

If I could get one today in acceptable condition, I would take it without hesitation.

1992 Kawasaki Zephyr 1100 from United Kingdom

Summary:

Good

Faults:

When I bought this bike, the rear brake had seized. The clutch actuator seal failed, the bike did not idle that well, and the gearbox did not select as smoothly as I would have liked from 3-2-1 at lower revs.

The fork seals needed replacing and generally the stanchions suffer from pitting.

I have overhauled this bike and posted several pictures, which others may find useful. You can check this out on REDZED.PROBOARDS.COM.

General Comments:

Overall, I love the looks of these bikes, but once they hit 30,000 miles, the exhaust valve guides are likely to need replacing. Great bikes all the same, great Z1 looks, engine power at real road speeds, and the comfort.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd May, 2010

1992 Kawasaki Zephyr 1100 from United Kingdom

Summary:

Best of the BIG Retro's!

Faults:

Nothing went spectacularly wrong, an irritating indicator bulb that kept blowing was about as bad as it got, and a flat tyre the day I got it, but them's the breaks I guess!

General Comments:

What a gorgeous ped! Comfortable, fast and with loads of roll on acceleration meant no frantic foot bashing through the gears.

The bike felt totally stable and predictable in all but the very worst conditions (ice, no bike is good on ice).

Having no wind shield means that your leathers have to be good, and you do get all the weather and other road stuff thrown your way, but who cares!

The seat is very comfortable, fat and wide, and is low enough that smaller riders aren't on tip toes at the lights.

The biggest snag with the dear old Zephyr 11 is the petrol tank; I've seen egg cups which hold more! The range on a tank of gas is therefore pathetic! A 100 miles if you're lucky! Much less if you use a lot of right fist, which of course you will, 'cos it's GREAT!

The only other gripe is that it has the most tiny weeny rear stop light, bicycles have better rear lights! Not good! I'd have another one, except that they seem to be quite rare, and so bits might be a bit hard to come by; I don't know though.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 4th June, 2008

9th Sep 2010, 11:26

I am a Brit expat living in Japan, and was lucky enough to be able to borrow (and insure for a short time) a Zep 1100 this August in the UK. I concur with your comments... A gorgeous velocipede indeed!

A porky beast, but carries its burden low, which makes it easy to handle at low speeds and on corners. Once moving, the low-mid range torque makes her sit up and go like a bat out of hell. Very impressive goer...

First ride -- got caught in a downpour -- totally soaked, but the old Kwak motor never missed a beat.

Next year, the insurance is half-price (no-claims bonus) -- I'm looking forward to it already!

Hth.

25th Dec 2010, 08:22

What can I say, I have owned a few big Kwaks. I bought a Zephyr 750. It was OK, then I saw an ad for a Zephyr 1100. Looked good, so I did the deal. Bike was duly delivered, on with my leathers and helmet, and rolled it onto the road. Pressed the button. Those big 4 cylinders growled into life, MMMmm, sounded good. Engaged 1st gear and off open the throttle, and WOW, I ain't stopped grinning yet. 1st gear to take off up through the other 4, then that's it, no more changes required, it just goes on. You can't beat lots of cubic centimeters, and then big Zephyr has lots of em.

My bike, a 1993, colour red, very low genuine mileage 19000. Can't see me needing another bike, sold on it for life.

Well done Kawasaki, best one you've made. (Well I think so anyway)

1994 Kawasaki Zephyr 1100 from United States of America

Summary:

Exhilarating!

Faults:

2nd gear took a dump at 21000 miles. Cost $1500!

General Comments:

Reliably quick, but twitchy on turns.

Roll on acceleration beyond 5000rpms is GRReat!

Cruises all day at 100mph.

A true 142mph bike!

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 26th February, 2008

1994 Kawasaki Zephyr 1100 from United Kingdom

Summary:

Great bike and good value for money

Faults:

Seat cover wear.

General Comments:

A great looking bike. Completely reliable with above average handling. Just a bit juicy, but no more than any other other 1100cc engine.

Spares are not so easy to come by nowadays, but then not much goes wrong.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 17th February, 2008