2000 Kawasaki ZX-9R

Kawasaki’s 2000 ZX-9R will have more power, less weight and better handling due to many significant refinements. The bike also is far better looking – incorporating dual headlights (looks a bit like an R1 doesn’t it?) and a single Ram Air scoop at the front of the fairing.

The most significant changes include an increase in compression ratio from 11.8 to 12.2:1 (claimed to provide more torque across the rev range and sharper throttle response), an improved Ram Air system, larger air box, new Keihin CVRD 40 mm semi-flat slide carburetors (claimed to deliver sharper throttle response, stronger acceleration and easier starting) and detailed chassis improvements (discussed below) for improved handling.

The fork offset was reduced from 35 to 30 mm, and the steering head moved forward to maintain the same wheelbase (for quicker steering while retaining the stability of the old bike). Rake remains the same, while trail has been increased from 93 to 97 mm.

In order to further improve handling and feedback from the tires (one of the complaints about last years 9R), Kawasaki made some significant, detailed improvements to the chassis. In addition to the fork offset and trail changes described above, stronger main beams and 12 mm longer steering head pipe increase stiffness in the steering head area and overall frame rigidity. Kawasaki even went so far as to change the head bearings from a tapered style to a ball bearing style for improved steering qualities (i.e., better feedback). Additionally, the swingarm pivot shaft diameter was increased 5 mm and both the front and rear axle diameter have been increased by 5 mm.

Kawasaki didn’t stop with these changes. Further refinements include a larger, 190-section rear tire and, to snuff out complaints about the front brake, Kawasaki increased the disc diameters from 296 mm to 310 mm.

Both the fork and shock have been modified for better performance.

Other refinements were aimed at reducing the weight of the bike, which should be slightly lighter – in part due to a redesigned cylinder block (saving 2.2 pounds).

Kawasaki’s refined ZX-9R should be a wonderful bike, although slightly heavier than Yamaha’s R1 and Honda’s new CBR 929. Nevertheless, the new 9R will be far more bike than most of us can handle, and Kawasaki’s well-deserved reputation for comfortable rider ergonomics and ample wind protection make the 9R, perhaps, the right choice for the “real world”. We’ll have to wait and see when the rider reviews come in, but Kawasaki seems to have carefully refined an outstanding motorcycle in the 2000 ZX-9R.

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