Kawasaki ZXR400 explained

Kawasaki ZXR400
Manufacturer:Kawasaki
Parent Company:Kawasaki Heavy Industries
Production:1989–1999
Successor:Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4R (2023)
Class:Sport bike
Bore Stroke:57mm39mm
Compression:12.1:1
Top Speed:225km/h
Power:H model 45.6kW @ 12500 rpm[1]
L model 47.8kW @ 13000 rpm [2]
Torque:H model 39.2Nm @ 10000 r/min (rpm)
L model 36.3Nm @ 12000 rpm
Ignition:Battery and coil (transistorized)
Transmission:6-speed, constant mesh, return shift
Frame:Tubular, diamond
Suspension:Front Telescopic fork
Rear: Uni-Trak swingarm
Brakes:Front Dual discs
Rear Single disc
Tires:Front 120/60 VR17
Rear 160/60 VR17
Rake Trail:24°, 85mm
Wheelbase:1395mm
Length:1995mm2035mm
Width:700mm705mm
Height:1125mm
Seat Height:760mm765mm
Dry Weight:H model 163kg (359lb), L model 159kg (351lb)
Fuel Capacity:16L
Oil Capacity:3L
Turning Radius:3.2m (10.5feet)

The Kawasaki ZXR400 is a sport bike introduced by Kawasaki in 1989. It was one of the most popular of the sport bikes that swept across Japan and later Europe in the 1990s. It was discontinued in 1999 in worldwide markets but unsold models were imported to the United Kingdom until 2003. The H model was produced first, and was superseded by the L series in 1991. The L series had increased power output, but less torque, and updated slimmer rear styling. An earlier model called the ZX-4 was released as a Japan only model from 1987-1988.

Standard Models

1989 (H1): Introduction model
1990 (H2): Changes to swingarm, curved radiator replaced the old flat radiator, while the rest of bike remain unchanged.

1991-1993 (L1-L3): New Frame and Engine Changes. The front fairing was also changed to include a new single headlight unit from the previous models twin round headlights.

1994 (L4): Limited edition ITOHAM Scheme
1995 - 1999 (L5):
1999 (L9): Modified engine internals and suspension

Homologation Models

Both the L and H models were produced in a very limited "Sport Production" series, allowing Kawasaki to homologate a higher specification to make them more competitive in the Formula 3 race series, and were only available in Japan.

The H1 Sport Production model was known as ZX400J1, and the H2 equivalent was ZX400J2.The L model dropped the "Sport Production" decals and instead had "400R" on the number board, and was simply known as ZX400M.These models are identified through the VIN, which begins with the digit 3.

The J and M specification included these additions over and above the standard models : Close ratio gearbox, FCR Flatslide carburettors with TPS, adjustable camshafts, lighter rear subframe combined with single seat unit, front suspension with compression & rebound damping, fully adjustable rear suspension, Mitsubishi CDI with a raised rev limit of 15200rpm.

See also

Notes and References

  1. [Kawasaki Motorcycle Corporation|Kawasaki Motors Corporation]
  2. zxr400world, "ZXR400 Technical specifications"