Sportbike Stories: Customer ZX9-R Project Back to Life (if Not Quite Back on The Road)

After writing about really bad sportbikes in my last post, I wanted to share some details on a project that maybe looks worse than it is, that started coming together nicely from the second I started looking at it.

These bikes were common as dirt 20 years ago; however, these days they are becoming rarer and rarer in repairable, let alone serviceable or rideable condition. They were built like hammers, so getting them going again is often not especially difficult, especially if they ran recently. I took the carbs with me, cleaned them at my shop, and returned about 10 days later to install them.

This bike is remarkably original as well, sporting a Yosh full exhaust and some easily removed stickers that deviate from stock. The front indicators had broken and fallen off at some point; the owner tried to tie them to the front fairings in a way that wasn’t great. I recommended cutting them off as close to the stems as possible and sent him a link to get some new, OEM indicators once he’s ready. These parts are still available new, which is pretty cool IMO.

The people who like these bikes, like myself, like them best when they are 100% stock OR if they are upgraded with period-correct “cool guy” parts like Ohlins shocks and Muzzy pipes. That said the Yosh pipe is fine; my own personal ZX7-R has a Yosh pipe on it. I’d jump at the opportunity to buy and install one by Muzzy at the right price though!

Storing sport bikes outside does damage to them. The best way to get away with storing them outside is to ride them every day. That way whatever damage is done via improper storage, at least you’re getting your money’s worth as the bike deteriorates, which it will. Items like original seats, mirrors, and fairings are getting more difficult to find in good condition as time passes.

In addition to cleaning its carbs to verify it runs and runs well, and it does, I also drained the old fuel out of it and added some fresh 91 octane pump gas. This particular bike needs a coolant reservoir before it can be ridden on the road reliably and safely. It could also use new seats, or some upholstery work from a local shop, and new front indicators to make it complete.

A quick and easy way to tell if a sport bike has been taken care of or not is to look at its forks, shock, and underside/rear of its engine. If these parts are clean and leak free, we’re likely looking at a good bike regardless of its exterior condition. This bike checks all of the boxes, a great example absolutely worthy of the light restoration work that it needs IMO.

As I told the owner, it’s a terrific bike. I could spend all day looking at it. It reminds me of the era I grew up in, when I was too young to buy a late-model sport bike for myself. These days they can be had for very reasonable money not-running, in decent “rider” condition.

I doubt this will always be true. They are worth about twice what they were 10 years ago, and I don’t see their prices coming down anytime soon. They are as great now as they were back then, just truly wonderful motorcycles that are built like hammers, which is the Kawasaki way.

Also happens to be my way; it’s far better to own a fast motorcycle that works properly and maybe weighs a little more and doesn’t have quite as much power as a high-speed hand grenade tuned to within an inch of its life.

If you have a 90s Kawi in need of some TLC, I’d love to see it, work on it, bring it back to life for you. If it’s too far gone, I’ll let you know without breaking your piggy bank if not both of our hearts. Phone number (text is best!) is (720) 634-6935 or check the right sidebar to book online. THANKS FOR READING!