Kawasaki ZR7-S or Not??? Givi Luggage???

[Zeke]

I am looking at selling one of my 02 ZG1000 Concours and buying a 2002 ZR7-S which is setting at a closeby (trustworthy)  dealer and has been since October.  Priced @ $2500 with only 9,000 miles and a new set of tires plus looking to be in very nice condition plus one that he sold new, it seems to be a good deal providing I can sell one of my Concours for a decent price.  I believe they were only made for 3 yrs. with what little info. I have dug up today.  I like my Concours but don't really need 2 of  the same bike plus this one is close at hand and looks like a Cherry one (Yellow actually).  I was hoping someone has or is the present owner of one to give me some Pros and Cons or anything special I should look for.   Thanks much for your help!!!

[garry]

A buddy has one. Really disliked the budget suspension and brakes so he grafted the entire front end from a ZX6R (2006 I think) on the front and the swingarm and shock from a ZX6R on the rear. Much happier with the improved suspension and brakes. Took some custom machining of spacers to make it all work. He likes the engine and upright seating position but wanted a sportier ride, so he built a Frankenbike.

[Andrew]

I concur the stock shocks of the ZR7 are a bit lacking in anything except a rough ride.


just my $0.02 take it or not

[Zeke]

So far 2 cons....thats OK....I have not found much in aftermarket for this bike so thats also not good.  The dealer is only 30 miles away so was going to go ride over and give it a test ride this week sometime,  Hell maybe I won't even like it other than the looks!

[SuperSlider]

I had one, although it was a while ago. I'll agree with the budget suspension, the brakes weren't that bad though. Power was decent, pretty torquey not much on the top. It's seemed like a basic well made bike with a simple easy to work on motor, I think it was an old 8 valve design. Overall I'm sure it would have been a reliable practical bike but it the end was dreadfully boring. Your money would be better spent on something else. I'm sure an sv650 can be had for around the same money and they are much more fun and very reliable. I had two of them, kinda still wish I had one.

[hig4s]

Come now, while it is a classic UJM, he is coming from a Concours!!! the ZR-7s has better suspension, weighs 100lbs less, and has a shorter wheel base. It will seem like a sport bike comparatively.  

 I loved mine for a couple years,, all except the stock-rock seat.. you will need to upgrade to a custom seat if you plan to ride over 200 miles in a day..  I did the STN 06 Nat on mine.. with a Rick Mayer custome seat, an Ermax +15 touring screen, foam grips, Givi E41 bags and V46 trunk.  Never gave me any trouble... But when the wife decided she would like to tour also, it was just way to small for 2 up touring, even with a custom saddle.  

I believe the ZR-7s was only made in Yellow in 03.  It was a great bike, will handle a little better than the concours probably not as comfortable for distances, and does make a lot of wind noise around the helmet with the stock wind screen.

[hig4s]

here is a pic from Killboy at Deals Gap in 06 http://www.photoreflect.com/pr3/orderpage.aspx?pi=04RK00780I0006&po=6

[Zeke]

Thanks for the inforomation so far....very helpful.  Yes the stock Concours suspension pretty much sucks but I have upgraded them to solve that,  I just don't REALLY need 2 of them, that is boring.  I want something else for short runs and back and forth to work,  I want upright ergos, good gas mileage, and reasonable performance plus this one is closeby with a dealer I have known for 20 yrs. so would like to deal with him if it will turn out positive.  I like the pic. of Killboys.  Maybe I am wrong on the yrs. if Yellow was just available in 03??

[phlatlander]

I owned one for 2 riding seasons and 15k miles b4 i sold it and bought a.............. gen I Concours.

I really enjoyed mine, it was a solid, reliable bike.  I have since went threw a few 2nd bikes, the connie has always been in the garage.  Here is a list of the 2nd bikes and how i liked them compared to the connie:

1) VFR800 - awesome motor - left me stranded due to the reg/rec issue - it went bye bye soon there after only owned it for 3 months.  VFR was more comfortable on the highway, zr more comfortable in town.
2) nighthawk 750 - nice bike but i like the zr better.
3) dl650 - perfect compliment to the connie.  It is far superior to the zr and will remain in the stable for a while.  Did an 800 mile day the first year i owned it, in town it works great.

If you are buying a bike for around town i would suggest you get a fuel injected one.

If you have specific questions feel free to pm or email me.

[mtrider16]

My friend has one and tours with me on the VFR.  The VFR has a longer range and the engine feels better around 80+ mph.  My friend is usually stopping at 100-140 miles, and doesn't feel comfortable for long stints above 75 mph.  He has soft bags he throws over the passanger seat.  My friend is into it for half to 1/3 what I am with the VFR.

Inexpensive runner.

David

[atadaskew]

FYI the ZR7 has a strict every 6000 mile valve check which involves removing the cams to change shims.

[cognosticator]

My wife had one for two years. She toured with me doing 700 mile days.  I agree with the suspension but she never complained about it.  I did take it for a ride up at Highlands NC once and flogged the crap out of the bike    Not a lot of power but she really enjoyed the bike.  It got 50 miles per gallon even doing 80 on the interstate.  She sold the bike and now has the Kaw Z750S which is the upgraded version, with radiator, fuel injection but the suspension still sucks on the new bike.

She sold her ZR7S to a buddy who has an ST1300, he likes the bike as a second fun, get around town bike.  I didn't know that info about valve adjust, as she put 25k on the bike and I never had the valves checked   but they were done just before she  bought it from a dealer.

[Dunewar]

I have one and I love it. It's my first bike, so for comparison i'm not too thrustworthy, but my friend has a 1999 Triumph sprint and is pretty impressed with my 2003 ZR-7s.

I did change the stock screen as soon as I got it with an MRA ST screen (works wonders), and I'm about to replace the stock suspension for a Hyperpro spring set. This will set me back about 350 euro's, (should be about 500 dollars).
It's an aircooled, carburatorfed 8-valve four-cylinder engine, with about 75hp. Pretty torquey.

I love it because it's one of the very few bikes that i'm comfortable on, I have short legs and a tall body, and this bike just works for me. I bought it as a starter bike with the idea of replacing it after a year, but i'm so hooked I wanna keep it and upgrade it and ride it till it dies.

If you do these upgrades, your still a lot cheaper then other stock bikes (that you will want to mod anyway), so it's not a bad deal. And it's a kawa, it does make that howling noise once you go past 6-7K rpm's...
And since it has 1980's technology, it's very easy to work on yourself. Mine has got 26k kilometers and the valves never needed shimming. It does need fresh oil every 6k kilometers though, you do feel the difference in that. Otherwise, it's a low maintenance bike.

[phoenix]

I would think a little heavier fork oil and some more aggressive brake pads would make improvements to the comments on suspension and brakes.

I had a Z750s (the next generation). I liked the bike for what it was, although I'm not so skilled that I can comment on the suspension or the brakes. I took it to one trackday and then I bought a dedicated trackbike (an R6). The R6 came with stainless brake lines and race brake pads, and holy cow did they stop faster than the stock equipment on the Z750s. I'm sure if I made the same conversion to the Z750s, it would greatly improve braking performance.

But back to your situation, I don't see why anyone would want 2 of the same bike. Put one up for sale and start doing test rides.

[SuperSlider]

I had one, although it was a while ago. I'll agree with the budget suspension, the brakes weren't that bad though. Power was decent, pretty torquey not much on the top. It's seemed like a basic well made bike with a simple easy to work on motor, I think it was an old 8 valve design. Overall I'm sure it would have been a reliable practical bike but it the end was dreadfully boring. Your money would be better spent on something else. I'm sure an sv650 can be had for around the same money and they are much more fun and very reliable. I had two of them, kinda still wish I had one.

I never thought the one I owned was a bad bike by any means. As I said it was reliable and seemed well put together. I owned the naked one and really liked the looks of it. I never really got along with the handling of the bike and in the end it just wasn't enough "sport" for me. Dale walker used to make some performance goodies for that bike, might want to check him out.

[BABOU]

I had an '03 ZR and put almost 12,000 on it.  I probably would not have traded it for anything but the '08 FJR I just bought.  It was one of those things right place at the right time.  If you are interested I have CORBIN SEAT, manual and saddlebags.  Was going to put them on Ebay in February.

JEFF

[GerryPetrecca]

I had an '03 ZR and put almost 12,000 on it.  I probably would not have traded it for anything but the '08 FJR I just bought.  It was one of those things right place at the right time.  If you are interested I have CORBIN SEAT, manual and saddlebags.  Was going to put them on Ebay in February.

JEFF

Like wise for me... only my "new" love is a 2001 Triumph Sprint ST.

ZR was a great commuter bike..better than ST ( she don't like bumper to bumper commuter traffic).

I have a GIVI Mono rack and top plate left that I have to get around to selling.

Gerry

[1KPerDay]

Coming off a conc you'll be used to the vibes of the ZR-7S. That was the only complaint on the one I rode. The engine felt... old. Like an old design.

[zenwhipper]

My first bike was a 2001 ZR7-S. Being my first bike I loved it! The motor has been arounf for awhile and is bullet proof. I liked the looks of it as well. Having said that- yes the suspension/brakes are pretty weak. I put on an aftermarket muffler and it also sounded sweet! After the ZR7-S I bought a 2002 VFR, then a 2006 Vstrom and now rider an 08 FJR. But I think the ZR7-S is a good bike overall.

Scott

[atadaskew]

Coming off a conc you'll be used to the vibes of the ZR-7S. That was the only complaint on the one I rode. The engine felt... old. Like an old design.

The motor felt just like the one from my Gpz 550/1984.   Which makes sense.

[jnor]

  My wife has had 2 ZR7S's  and loved both of them. I rode them a lot also. I didn't see anything wrong with the suspension (but i'm not a kneedragger either). Great reliable engine, with decent power, good handling.

 I would buy another one in a minute !!!!  Great bike!!!

[hig4s]

The motor felt just like the one from my Gpz 550/1984.   Which makes sense.

Sure does, considering the ZR7s engine is the same engine that came in the 84 GPz 750!!!! They just added computer controlled carbs (KIPS), an oil cooler, changed the valves to shim under bucket, and added EGR.

[atadaskew]

Sure does, considering the ZR7s engine is the same engine that came in the 84 GPz 750!!!! They just added computer controlled carbs (KIPS), an oil cooler, changed the valves to shim under bucket, and added EGR.

My gpz550 had shim under bucket valves which needed you to pull the cams to adjust.  What a PIA.  Makes working on a Duc seem like a piece o cake!

[BlueRidgeKat]

I rode one once a number of years ago at a Kawi demo. Upright and pretty comfy, decent power for what it is. I remember thinking it would be a good commuter or light tourer with some soft bags. I have always heard that the engines are quite bullet proof as someone else has already mentioned.

If you like the look of it and it seems to fit you rather well I dont see how you could go wrong for $2500.
Go for it and enjoy!!

[Doug Just Doug]

Bought my 2003 as a new leftover in 2004 and have about 29,000 miles on it now.  Daily commuter, weekend twisty seeker, and occasional tourer (have done 3 7-day trips).  Strengths and weaknesses are well known; check out the knowledge base at www.riderforums.com.  Don't sweat the valve check interval; most owners do them around 6K and then wait at least 10K or more between subsequent checks.  Here's a write-up I did almost 2 years ago, but the basic info hasn't changed:  http://www.tiltedhorizons.com/2006/10/what-im-riding.html

[Zeke]

Thanks to everyone for the information,    I actually recieved more ammo than I thought I would.  The lst Gen. Concours has been around since 86 so I guess I am used to "Old Technology" and some motor vibes to a certain degree.  I still do really like the Concours and ended up with 2 of them for that reason plus I did not really ever get attached to the V-Max that I traded for the last 02.  I will see what I think about the ZR7-S after a test ride this weekend.   Thanks for the offers on leftover parts also,  will keep them in mind for sure.  Again Thanks!!!!!!!

[Zeke]

Thanks to all for the info.!!!   Doug just Doug...thanks for the sites...very good indeed.
I am off work on Friday (no pay ) due to a work slowdown so will be heading to the dealer for a test ride...if I like it then the 02 Concours goes up for sale.  Later!

[Zeke]

It sounds like my 02 Concours is sold,  supposed to get a downpayment sent on Sat. from a gent in Wisconsin.  I rode the 03 ZR7-S this week and like it although since its been setting since last fall it has carb problems (No Shit?? )  I will see if the dealer wants to discount it and I fix it or he fixes it for the $2500, anyway I wanted to get a few things lined up with the start going to Givi Luggage and mounts if they are still available for this "Old" sucker.  Anyone have any places to recommend?  I did a google search with not much luck,  also will be needing a taller shield for starters then I am good for awhile.  Thanks in advance.

[Dunewar]

I use the MRA ST-screen. They have a whole line of screens for the ZR-7s. If you get the mra ST screen, be sure to use the rubber lining, it makes a tremendous difference in turbulence.
I also got the GIVI E46 (I think) topcase. IT is very easy to mount a givi topcase plate on that bike.

Have fun, I know I do !

[cognosticator]

 anyway I wanted to get a few things lined up with the start going to Givi Luggage and mounts if they are still available for this "Old" sucker.  Anyone have any places to recommend?  I did a google search with not much luck,  also will be needing a taller shield for starters then I am good for awhile.  Thanks in advance.

Twisted Throttle sells the Givi rack.  I put one on my wifes ZR7s.
 http://www.twistedthrottle.com/trade/productview/821/96/

The PO had cut off the back of the bike the part that the rack screws into so I have to rig up a way to connect the rear of the rack to the bike.  Hopefully you will not experience this and it will bolt right up.

She also put on an ST screen but I cannot remember the brand.  It is a common windsheild maker but my brain isn't working right now.

[PhilBiker]

It sounds like my 02 Concours is sold,  supposed to get a downpayment sent on Sat. from a gent in Wisconsin.  I rode the 03 ZR7-S this week and like it although since its been setting since last fall it has carb problems (No Shit?? )  I will see if the dealer wants to discount it and I fix it or he fixes it for the $2500, anyway I wanted to get a few things lined up with the start going to Givi Luggage and mounts if they are still available for this "Old" sucker.  Anyone have any places to recommend?  I did a google search with not much luck,  also will be needing a taller shield for starters then I am good for awhile.  Thanks in advance.

I believe the Kawasaki OEM mounts should work if they are still available from Kawasaki.  The Kawasaki branded accessory luggage was OEMed by GIVI.

[pearsonm]

My old ZR7S is the bike I wish I had bought instead of a Bandit. It was almost perfect for me to learn on. It had a low center of gravity and a fun, easy motor that made cool, torn-fabric noises when revved up. After one season in which I put on over 12k miles I sold it because I wanted to try a 600 race replica. Some of my fondest memories are of exploring NE OK on that bike.

If you want to do any serious performance riding I think you’ll be disappointed, but if you take it for what it is - an outrageously inexpensive, dependable and good-looking streetbike - you can have a lot of fun. The only absolutely, positively, my-god-how-could-they-have-got-this-so-bad? thing about mine was the seat. I called it the Nut Cracker.

[hig4s]

Twisted Throttle sells the Givi rack.  I put one on my wifes ZR7s.
 http://www.twistedthrottle.com/trade/productview/821/96/

The PO had cut off the back of the bike the part that the rack screws into so I have to rig up a way to connect the rear of the rack to the bike.  Hopefully you will not experience this and it will bolt right up.

She also put on an ST screen but I cannot remember the brand.  It is a common windsheild maker but my brain isn't working right now.

That will let you do just a trunk, if you want the three bag setup like in my pics from Killboy.. you need the PLB436 side mounts and the PB02 rack.
http://www.twistedthrottle.com/trade/productview/123/138/
http://www.twistedthrottle.com/trade/productview/181/138/

even if you only plan on using two side bags, I recommend the tail rack. With in on when I was not using my trunk, I found that I could pull into a rest stop, put the bike on its center stand, and lean back on the rack and take a nap.

[Doug Just Doug]

I have Givi E-21 side cases and a Givi E-350 top case on my ZR.  Racks, cases and Monokey/Monolock adaptor came from Arizona Motorsports, which has a good rep.  Google reveals many other sources as well.  I believe all Givi stuff is drop-shipped, but I could be wrong.  PM me if you need part #s, etc.

[Zeke]

Looks like Arizona Motorsports has been taken over by "Ride Now" and the site is under construction,  I remember a thread awhile back which had NOTHING good to say about them so I will continue my search.  I just want the E-21s and mounts for now after I get my full payment for the C-10.
I only rode the bike about 15 miles last Thurs. so the Nut Cracker seat did not affect me in that short distance but the rest of the bike impressed me even with the carbs being gummed up so it would work for an Old Man like me.  Doug I will PM you for some part #s.  Thanks again to all.

[hovmaven]

FWIW, I rode mine and liked it -- and even completed an IBA BB certified ride on one.  Unless you need secure storage, or can get hard luggage used or on discount, I was more than satisfied with my $10 bungee net -- which was particularly well usable because of the stock rails on the rear.  The 1/2 fairing was certainly welcome at highway speeds.  As others have said, though, the bars could get a bit buzzy.  I also think valves need to be adjusted at 6K.  All in all, if you are looking for a solid, all-around, tour sometimes bike, old school carbed bike, the ZR-7S is a candidate.  

[Cars5585]

I have a 2001 ZR7S. It is the 3rd bike I have owned and I have owned this bike for 3 years now. I ride it every day I can and have gone on three 2000 mile+ trips. The pros of this bike are it is extremely dependable. It has never let me down ever. I actually layed the bike down after a teenager swerved in my lane while I was cruising about 65mph. The bike skidded at least 200 feet and during the wreck one of the outside spark plugs snapped off. I was able to drive the bike home 50 plus miles on three working cylinders and still was able to go 50mph the enitre way. The only real damage was the front fairing plastic. The bike is also extremely mechanic friendly. Oil changes are a breeze, chain adjustments are easy, and the grease fittings are easy to get to. It has plenty of power and torque so get the bike moving quickly. The transmission and clutch are smooth. I average about 50mpg per tank no matter how I ride the bike. The luggage racks make strapping a bag on the tail easy. The front shock is pretty soft which is great for eating imperfections on the road but if your intent is to get crazy in the twisties then sometimes that shock can hold you up. The rear is adjustable but honestly its the front that really could use the adjustment. That is not to say that it is not fun on curvy roads, but it wont be confused with a ninja.
There are some things that I have found to be annoying however, the engine is pretty buzzy at highway speeds. A 6th speed would have done the bike wonders. The wind protection of the stock windscreen is not the best and after a couple hours of riding I found I was exhausted. The speedometer lights are useless in the dark. I can never tell how fast I am going when the sun goes down. The seat is adequet for short trips but if touring is planned I would recommend investing in a better seat. The ergonics does put a little too much weight on the wrists so handle bar risers are also a good parchase. Also, a clock would be nice but it is def not a deal breaker. Overall the bike is great for the price. It can be used as a dependable tourer. It can also, be a daily commuter, and with the forgiving power band it can be really fun to take on curvy roads. Of my bikes this one is my favorite so far.
Overall my opion is the bike is great for the money.