 Rider
Review: 2002 Kawasaki ZR-75 |
Submitted
by: ZRTom
I've
only spent about a month with this bike but I have some first
impressions I'll share with everyone. Like many here, I haven't
ridden any other bikes in recent history so my views are a little
one sided.
Overall
impression:
I
really like this bike. Its combination of styling, handling,
size, power, and cost all appealed to me. At about 450 pounds,
dry, it's a medium weight bike and the weight is very well distributed.
For what it's worth, I sat on an SV650 and was far less comfortable
than on the ZR. I know lots of people like the SV but it didn't
fit me at all. For the record, I'm 6'2" and 210 lb.
Engine/Transmission:
Air/oil
cooled 738cc inline four with a 5 speed transmission and chain
final drive.
This
engine has been around since the 80s and produces a fairly modest
65 hp. The main difference in this and more "modern"
inline fours is that it has very nice low end power delivery.
I've been religiously keeping the revs at 4000 and below for
the break-in. There is more than enough power for me in this
range. The redline is 10,000 so I can only imagine what lies
beyond 4000. Conveniently enough, the speed in 5th gear at 4000
is 55. The stock exhaust has a nice sound and is fairly quiet
for a bike. The engine does require periodic (10,000 miles or
so) valve adjustments. The good news is that it only have two
valves per cylinder so it's a little less expensive.
Suspension:
Adjustable
rear mono-shock, non-adjustable conventional front fork.
I
haven't ridden hard enough to really offer much on the suspension,
other than it is very smooth. I hit a decent size pothole today
and barely felt a little bump. There is a fair amount of front
brake dive but this can be cured with new progressive springs
in front. The bike is very stable at speed. I remember meeting
my first semi on a two lane and bracing for the wind. The bike
absorbed it with just a little wiggle. Steering input is quick
but smooth.
Brakes:
Dual
300mm front disks with four two piston calipers in front; single
rear disc.
These
binders definitely will stop in a hurry. I did not lock up the
front wheel (fortunately!) in my practice stops but I was only
using two fingers on the lever. Needless to say, the rear can
be locked pretty easily.
Ergonomics:
The
riding position is very comfortable. I sit mostly upright with
a slight forward lean. The pegs are just a little back from
straight down. My legs fit the tank like a glove. The only bad
ergos are mirrors that let me know what my elbows are up to
and a seat that tilts forward a bit too much. Both of these
can be cured with aftermarked parts.
Tidbits:
- Quarter
fairing that keeps a decent amount of wind off my torso.
- Speedometer,
tachometer, fuel gauge.
- 5.8
US gallon fuel tank with a .8 gallon reserve.
- Helmet
lock.
- Decent
under seat storage and large tie down bars with mounts for side
saddles.
- Centerstand.
I'll
post a follow up when I've gotten through the first maintenance
and the break-in period. For now, I couldn't be more pleased.
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