2nd Jul 2005, 09:39

A really useful review. I've had my 7R for about 18 months. It's been a great bike, albeit one that's absolutely impossible to ride remotely sensibly.

Mine's standard, but it has been geared down with a tooth smaller front sprocket. This really does give it some pull, but it now runs into the limiter just past an indicated 160 mph (260 km/h). That's probably more like 145 when you remove the usual 10% speed over-read. However, considering the speed limit here in the UK is 70 mph and the courts are now routinely jailing people (clean record or not) for up to a year for going over 100 mph (160 km/h), that's plenty quick enough for me.

Your comments about the front end and the huge spread of torque ring bells, and I would like to second them if anyone is reading this wondering what the bike is like to ride. As long as you don't expect comfort or featherweight mass, you'll be laughing all the way to the nearest twisty road.

Ride safe and enjoy!

Dan (UK)

26th Mar 2007, 17:43

I've had my ZX7R five years, and I agree with the points made above. I'm now looking to replace it, but can't find anything as good to replace it. I am now thinking hard of being a two bike man, as I just can't part with my ZX7R.

20th Mar 2008, 12:41

All that above and very tough. Two crashes at 60 m/h and only fairing damage...about260 euros worth of damage each.

16th Jan 2011, 21:46

I have had my ZX7R for just on a year now, and I just love it!

I have had a few problems with mine, one being due to a butchered ignition wiring job by a previous owner, the other being the starter solenoid (which is being replaced today, so fingers crossed it will be as good as new).

I can't bear to part with this bike; for all that it is very heavy, it is hands down the best bike I have ever ridden through the twisty stuff... and that's where it counts, right?

I also rode it around Australia, and find it quite comfortable on the long haul as well (probably due to the awesomely padded seat), though around town the handlebars are probably a bit low.

Mine now has 123,000km on board, and the motor is still pulling strong.

16th May 2012, 14:14

I have been riding for about 30 years now, and have owned more bikes than I can count. Hayabusa's, Blades, 9r, 12r etc.

Of all those bikes, the one that I kept for the longest, and handled like it was glued to the road, was a 2001 RSV 1000. Nothing before or afterwards as much fun, or so much of a giant killer.

Then, about 2 months ago I bought my first ZX7R. What a shock! This bike is without doubt, the most rewarding to use I have owned. Not as much power as the big dogs, but you can use all of it without having a moment. The front end is near perfect, and the comfort is up there with the Honda Blackbird.

Yes, I commute it and have just completed a 300 mile day.

On my local roads, I can cover the miles as fast or even faster than the Mille.

I think I may just have found my next long term bike.

MODEL:

1997, ZR7R.

MODS:

Full stainless system.

Factory pro jet kit.

Airbox mods.

Oh, the best tyres I have found on most of my sports bikes are Metzeler Racetecs. Loads of grip and feedback.

7th Nov 2017, 22:01

I have just got a P4 ZX7R, had a few mods, Arashi discs, Nissan calipers, steering damper, talon C&S, Scorpion pipe and dynojetted. Carbon ram air pipes. So hardly stock, but as a Fireblade owner and a ZX9R streetfighter, it is in great company.

Mine's orange and gold fleck paint and single seat. Looks and sounds mean, and has got plenty of stock. However my 97 Blade is better at the every day stuff and my 9R is bonkers; the ZX7R is a blast and a bike for the real world, track days sadly are scarce so I chose it over a GSXR. Looks awesome, a WSB bike for the average man/woman.

Paid £1450 with 28000 miles. Why buy a new bike; I got my 3 for under 4 grand. A classic now, let alone the future. Get a Blade and a 7R, job done...

17th Dec 2017, 04:33

I bought my 1997 ZX7R about 14 years ago. Had a few little oil leaks in the countershaft area/ clutch pushrod. Last time I let it sit for 3 years. Expensive mistake! Got to rebuild carbs / new fuel pump and replace seized throttle cables. But now back on the road! So happy. I've loved this bike!

Yeah, a couple hours is about what I can take with the weight on wrists riding position, but if I lean on the tank and bag it's better.

I've ridden a newer Triumph 675 Triple. On that bike I felt perched on top, and it was lighter, more flickable side to side. But I still prefer that feeling of being down in the seat, just more connected to the bike. Hard to explain until you ride a ZX-750P.

I'll never part with it. I don't need more than 155 HP at crank/ 120 RWP. Now that it's on the road, going to keep it alive for years. 20 year old bike with just 30,000 miles. Just broken in.

9th Jan 2018, 18:04

I've owned & ridden many bikes since turning 16, 32 years ago. My ZX7R is a keeper. As a road bike it is difficult to fault. It puts a smile on my face every time I ride it. Plenty of usable power (120bhp at the rear wheel). Rock steady handling, I've ploughed through gravel & road kill mid corner with nothing but a shrug. 700 miles in one day, no problem.

It always gets really nice comments when parked, mine's green. The induction growl from the air box is addictive. I run 15/44 gearing instead of the standard 16/43, full Akrapovic, float bowl mod, K&N.

My only gripe is how modern fuel can gum up the carbs if left stood for a while; they're very sensitive & need proper know how to get them working properly again. I use fuel stabiliser & run the carbs dry if it's going to be stood for a while.