REVIEW – KAWASAKI Ninja ZX-25R – the small giant of the big sport

Appearance

The car looks like a typical representative of the class. The original coloring combines light green, white, gray and black colors, which are intricately intertwined with each other. All the filling, as expected, is closed for aerodynamics and compliance with the sports class standard.

Judging by the reviews of those who have never been interested in sportbikes before, it was this technique, along with some other models from Kawasaki, that impressed them most with its design. I especially liked the light green rims that matched the frame color.

Looking at the photos and videos, the conclusion suggests itself that the equipment looks best at night. However, in the sun it also looks bright, just not so contrasting and exotic. Perhaps this is the most colorful model of all Kawasaki sportbikes. However, her appearance is not the most aggressive.

Kawasaki has bikes with a more aggressive appearance. This is achieved through highly protruding mirrors, which themselves are small and oblong. Here the mirrors are large and set low, so the sportbike looks more moderate and not so sporty.

Comfort

The machine is primarily suitable for high and medium speeds. At low levels, this relatively massive sportbike will not be so pleasant to drive. If the equipment drives very slowly, it will sometimes fall over, which is inconvenient in city traffic jams.

Therefore, it is rational to buy a bike for those who often travel out of town on relatively car-free highways.

Considering how much it costs to purchase spare parts, as well as the availability of them, maintaining the bike will be inexpensive. However, it is important to take care of the place where it will be stored, for example, a garage. Otherwise, even if the new equipment quickly becomes unusable.

And it cannot be said that this is a problem with the model. Any vehicle will suffer from aggressive natural conditions.

The model is not suitable for off-roading, which is clear from the review, where the owner tried to drive the car a little over rough terrain. For such situations, a motocross motorcycle or another one adapted for light off-road use is required. The official description of the bike should ideally mention this.

REVIEW – KAWASAKI Ninja ZX-25R – the small giant of the big sport

The most controversial KAWASAKI motorcycle of the next season is looking for its future fans! It looks technically like a legacy of the roaring nineties with their low-flying, small-capacity two-stroke rockets, but at the same time it is equipped with modern electronics, high-quality sports suspension, quickshifter and has the characteristic appearance of the latest models of the Ninja line.

Note : The KAWASAKI Ninja ZX-25R model is not supplied to Russia. See other Ninja models delivered to Russia here >>

Charismatic, excessively brutal

Who is he, what is his name? KAWASAKI Ninja ZX-25R in person! Let's get acquainted:

Engine KAWASAKI Ninja ZX-25R

The classic in-line four for sportbikes is one of the unusual features of the KAWASAKI Ninja ZX-25R. At first glance, the meaning of such a complication of the engine design compared to the usual single- and two-cylinder designs for 250 cubic centimeters is not clear. But if you perceive the Ninja ZX-25R as a serious track projectile, everything falls into place.

The interesting engine is almost invisible behind the fairing, but the standard slider is visible to protect it in case of falls.

Instant revving characteristic of an in-line engine and, accordingly, rapid acceleration of the motorcycle, lightweight cylinder block of the KAWASAKI Ninja ZX-25R with sixteen valves and overhead camshafts, water cooling and a six-speed gearbox, the red zone of the crankshaft speed starting at beyond comprehension 17 000 rpm - all this helps to squeeze everything possible out of the little green monster and even a little more.

Chassis KAWASAKI Ninja ZX-25R

A Trellis-type frame made of steel pipes has the necessary combination of strength and rigidity, and it will also cost significantly less to produce than a cast aluminum structure.

The Ninja ZX-25R steel frame may not be the lightest, but it is rigid and durable.

The rear wheel swingarm has an optimal shape for better structural rigidity. Light alloy wheels contribute to dynamic acceleration and ease of cornering.

Suspension KAWASAKI Ninja ZX-25R

Everything here is mature: the front suspension uses an inverted Showa SFF-BP (Big Piston) fork with separate leg functions, and the rear suspension uses a horizontally located shock absorber.

Showa Big Piston fork is an excellent choice for a modern sportbike

The suspension as a whole is almost the same as in the best modern sportbikes with a volume of 600 cubic centimeters or more, but this fact is no longer surprising: the KAWASAKI Ninja ZX-25R already has a lot of wonderful things.

Brakes KAWASAKI Ninja ZX-25R

They didn’t skimp on the brakes, although the creators of the Ninja ZX-25R made some allowance for engine power, so they installed one large brake disc with a KAWASAKI monoblock radial caliper at the front and another smaller disc with a Nissin caliper at the rear.

Anti-lock braking system and traction control on a small-capacity car—are they even legal?!

The presence of ABS is not even discussed; it operates on both wheels.

Electronics KAWASAKI Ninja ZX-25R

The electronic filling of the KAWASAKI Ninja ZX-25R can be the envy of many larger and more expensive models.

Modern instrument panel combined with LCD display, standard immobilizer

The evil baby has not only the aforementioned ABS, but also full-fledged traction control, control of engine power modes, and even a quickshifter installed straight from the factory!

Features of KAWASAKI Ninja ZX-25R

Despite the obvious sporting orientation of the KAWASAKI Ninja ZX-25R model, the manufacturer left a second seat and footrests for carrying a passenger. Also, lighting devices and rear-view mirrors are left for use on public roads.

Standard lighting equipment and rear-view mirrors will be useful on public roads

The exhaust system is equipped with a catalyst to reduce harmful emissions into the atmosphere. The muffler turned out to be quite compact and practically does not protrude beyond the dimensions of the motorcycle frame.

The muffler was removed as soon as possible, but still not to the detriment of the environment

Rumors that KAWASAKI is preparing a “charged” four-cylinder small-capacity car have been circulating since 2014. But who believes the rumors? Therefore, the announcement of the imminent release of a refined track rocket in the 2022 season still became a sensation.

Beautiful, beast!

While we probably won't see the KAWASAKI Ninja ZX-25R in the regular urban landscape, there seems to be a new favorite in the 250cc class.

Note : The KAWASAKI Ninja ZX-25R model is not supplied to Russia. See other Ninja models delivered to Russia here »

Dimensions and weight

The dimensions of the Kawasaki ZX-7R are as follows:

• height – 1130 mm;
• width – 740 mm;
• length – 2090 mm;
• wheelbase – 1435 mm;
• seat height – 790 mm;
• curb weight – 232 kg;
• Tank capacity – 18 l.

The volume of the fuel tank will be enough. The technique is neither light nor heavy, which allows it to be stable on the track. Sportbikes and bikes that are too heavy are generally not agile, while those that are too light are shifted by wind currents.

Specifications

The Kawasaki ZX-7R is a powerful and fast bike. It is capable of accelerating well and then maneuvering at high speed no less successfully. It does not have the most compact dimensions, but they make it more stable on the road surface. The main thing is that the latter is smooth, otherwise a dangerous situation is possible.

The performance of this bike is good for the race track. For the city, this car is unlikely to be as convenient. In addition, you should get on such a sportbike only after careful preparation. Otherwise, there is a high risk of getting into an accident.

Review of the Kawasaki ZX-7R (ZX-7RR) motorcycle

The most awesome bike! I’ve been riding it for the 6th season, I’m not going to sell it because they don’t sell such bikes and leave them forever, well, firstly, it’s not commercially profitable for sale, and it’s really a shame to part with it!

1 The motor is really reliable and very strong, there are NO weak points, at least none have been identified!

2, it’s really cool to drive, I drive it (I drove it constantly on the Firsa and Lider tracks - until the bitches closed it - great!), and for long-distance driving it’s also no worse than other sports, or even better - it really holds the road! Really!!!! there is something to compare with! You don’t feel 200 km/h! and wind protection is the best in sports! You adjust the suspension properly and off you go.

3 engine is a little noisy (like a bucket of bolts) all sevens are like that! but this engine has a huge resource and is very reliable and durable!

The bike is big in size! Everyone who rides fresh six-hundred-liter cars and sits on it is blown away by the size and feel! not childish! ! The rear roller is standard 190, but I set it to 200 wider - it looks more massive from the rear than the zx9r!

I tried to sell it twice but didn’t, the man really came with money, I changed my mind at the last moment and couldn’t part with it! I’m alone on the mountain with a group of seven and there is one other acquaintance and that’s it, I’ve never met any more sevens in Moscow! In fact, our motorbike is rare - less common than a Ducatti!!!!!!

4 in terms of traction, it’s like insisting and modifying it - mine accelerates on par with the nine, loses only the maximum speed, I did races with a Jixer 750 injector - I lose a little, but notice a little!

The power can be increased due to the ignition and a competent direct-flow line (replacing one muffler with a direct-flow one does not give anything, only a sports line!)

and if you want to know all the truly legendary stuff, then please go to YouTube - there are all the superbike races, 1998-2000, a lot of gold and, moreover, the constant competitor of Ducatti, which the seven tore at the races !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Search YouTube (zx7rr superbike racing) and enjoy it, and you will understand how legendary this model is! Yes, this is a legend indeed!!!

I had a 2001 7 with a full titanium exhaust and some other minor tuning (everything was done in Japan). The motor is awesome, as already written in terms of stability and stability. It is equally convenient for long-distance travel and laying down)). If it hasn’t been rocked before you, then the bike will require a minimum of attention and will serve you forever; its safety margin is huge in all respects.

An amazing motorcycle that stands out from the entire Ninja line. It was originally created specifically for endurance racing and partly as a superbike, but made cheaper for civilian life. Much has already been said about the negative qualities of Kawasaki motorcycles. However, the ZX-7R deserves the most flattering reviews in all respects and does not have any significant design flaws.

Engine

The classic in-line engine is very well designed by the designers, has amazing reliability and a good margin of safety, which allows it to be “pressed” very well. After which the device can outperform even such a thunderstorm of tracks as the GSX-R1000. In this case, the motor is sleeved (!), in which case repair boring is possible.

Transmission

It deserves the most flattering reviews both in terms of reliability and quality of work. The service life of all structural elements is excellent.

Frame and body kit

The monumental frame design provides excellent handling, while the frame itself is not very heavy. In addition, it is also durable (unlike the ZX-6R, for example, where it breaks very easily). The design of the steering column hub is simply indestructible, the bearings used are so large in diameter. The body kit as a whole is typically sportbike and does not contain any design features or flaws.

Pendants

They are very good both on the track and in long-range shooting - the range of settings is wide. But there is also a drawback: they leak a lot. Very much. Technically sound suspensions leak completely in almost a year and a half.

Brakes

Everyone is good, but the complexity of the design of the front six-piston calipers often leads to souring of the pistons. Moreover, treatment with all sorts of “cleaners” is like a poultice for the dead: full functionality can be restored only by disassembling the calipers, squeezing out the pistons and cleaning everything.

Comfort

Oddly enough, but this is a very comfortable sportbike. In the most literal sense of the word. One of the few sportbikes suitable for long-distance driving. By the way, this is also why this motorcycle is so controversial: its chassis, body kit and engine allow it not only to “sit well” in long-distance driving, but also to surprise many on the track. It is a known fact that the ancient ZX-7R, although very well prepared, once defeated the GSX-R1000 in a “Superbike”.

Modifications

The motorcycle has not been significantly modernized, with the exception of minor improvements and changes. The ZX7-RR modification was distinguished by a better degree of readiness for racing.

What do bike owners say?

Those who once bought a new Kawasaki ZX-7R note that it is still in good condition, and maintenance does not take much time, effort and money.

Comparing their cars with those used versions that are sold, they note that most of the bikes are in good condition. And most likely, it’s not so much about the owner’s neatness, but about the quality of the bike.

It is also noted that this motorcycle has greater stability than many other bikes in this class. This makes it more suitable for urban environments, although it still cannot compare with road bikes in this regard.

They also note that the car handles well and feels good on the road. The instrument panel is easy to use, although some feel it could be clearer. Overall impressions of the bike are positive.

In conclusion, it is worth noting that the Kawasaki ZX-7R is suitable for speed enthusiasts, but not for those who live exclusively in the city. For these people, classic road bikes are much better suited. As for the ZX-7R, it has no serious shortcomings, although it is not the best representative of the sports class.

1995. The ZX-6R is the little sister in the Ninja family.

1995: the younger sister of the “nine hundred” - Kawasaki ZX-6R (66 × 43.8 mm, 599 cm3, 108 hp at 13,000 rpm). The car is more compact than its older brother (wheelbase - 1415 mm) and much lighter (182 kg). The front tire size is 120/60-17, the rear tire is 160/60-17.

1996. “Hot” superbike - ZX-7R.

1996: The ZXR750 was replaced by the ZX-7R - a machine that absorbed the experience of performing in Superbike racing. Engine (73 × 44.7 mm, 748 cm3, 125 hp at 11,800 rpm) type ZX-9R, but the piston stroke has been changed. The motorcycle wheelbase is 1435 mm, dry weight is 203 kg. Front tire - 120/70-17, rear - 190/50-17. The semi-racing modification is designated ZX-7RR. A new swingarm was installed on the ZX-9R - the same as on the ZX-7R.

1997: 6-piston front brake calipers were installed instead of 4-piston for the ZX-9R.

1998. ZX-9R of the second series “lost weight” by 32 kg!

1998: The ZX-6R and ZX-9R models were updated. Both cars have become much lighter and more compact: the “six hundred” has lost 6 kg, and its older sister has lost 32 kg! The base of the new motorcycles is 1400 and 1415 mm, respectively. The ZX-9R has a new engine with parameters: 75 × 50.9 mm, 899 cm3, 143 hp. With. at 11,000 rpm; The electrochemical coating of the cylinder mirror used in it made it possible to abandon traditional liners. The ZX-6R's rear tire size has been increased to 170/60-17.

2000. The new leader of the family is the ZX-12R.

2000: second “synchronous” modernization - ZX-6R and ZX-9R. Externally, the new cars have an air intake “jaw” that is pushed forward. The new engine on the 600 is 66x43.8 mm, 599 cm3, 111 hp. With. at 12,500 rpm, it also has electrochemically coated cylinder walls instead of liners. The weight of the motorcycle has been reduced to 172 kg. The front tire size is 120/65-17, the rear tire is 180/55-17. Particularly notable design elements of the ZX-9R: a frame with a detachable rear subframe, a new rear suspension swingarm, and a modified timing cam profile.

The leader of the Ninja series was the largely revolutionary new model ZX-12R. The engine (83x55.4 mm, 1199 cm3, 178 hp at 10,500 rpm) is equipped with a fuel injection system. The frame is made in an original way: its upper part is a spatial monocoque. The rear tire size has reached a record size for this class - 200/50-17. The dry weight of the motorcycle is 210 kg, the wheelbase is 1440 mm.

2002. ZX-9R from the updated “green” range.

2002: now three “spies” have completed a synchronous modernization course. By increasing the cylinder diameter from 66 to 68 mm, the working volume of the ZX-6R model increased to 636 cm3, maximum power - to 113 hp. With. at 12,500 rpm. To “smooth out” the speed characteristics, the mass of the engine crankshaft on the ZX-9R and ZX-12R has been increased. In addition, on the “900” the torsional rigidity of the frame and rear pendulum has been increased, and the 6-piston front brake calipers have given way to more sensitive 4-piston ones.

Sisters, but not twins

Despite all the external and structural similarities, the Ninja series motorcycles are not at all the same in terms of consumer properties. This difference is primarily due, of course, to the size of the working volume. Intended for the Japanese market, the ZXR250 and ZXR400 are “lovers” of high speeds, which only begin to wake up at 7000 rpm. Very stiff suspensions match them; they provide good handling, but reduce the level of comfort. However, as far as handling is concerned, it depends: when driving in a bend on a road with an uneven surface (which prevails in our country), the rear wheel jumps so much that it tends to “lose” the trajectory. In addition, these motorcycles are designed for short Japanese people, and a person 180 cm or taller will feel very uncomfortable, a passenger of any height. However, the Kawasaki ZXR400 is one of the very few 400s that was officially supplied to the European market: it really hit the spot for fans of aggressive driving styles.

Owners of the first series of Kawasaki ZXR750 (before 1991) also suffered from an uncomfortably stiff rear suspension. Two subsequent upgrades significantly improved this parameter, and the ZX-7R, with its wide possibilities for adjusting the level of rigidity, leaves no room for criticism. But when buying a 750 cc model, you should be careful not to run into a raced example (these machines fit into the requirements of the “Superbike” formula): you may end up with a motorcycle on its last legs.

The ZX-6R and ZX-9R have proven themselves to be excellent sportbikes with a fair amount of... sanity. While maintaining excellent dynamics and handling, they are at the same time more comfortable than their competitors. But the ZX-12R is an excellent sport-touring motorcycle. The low-mounted saddle and fairly high handlebars provide a comfortable riding position, and a huge reserve of torque will help you cope with difficult road situations when you need to “break out”. But it should be taken into account that, like any heavy-duty motorcycle, the chain, clutch and rear tire on this megabike are not just consumables, but “very consumables”.

Kawasaki inline 4-cylinder engines are renowned for their reliability. Ninja series engines are no exception. The brakes used on bikes of this series are very good, with 4-piston ones being slightly inferior to 6-piston ones.