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

[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.