Kawasaki ZXR400 (L Model)

Released in 1989, the Kawasaki ZXR400 was one of the first, and most popular, of the 400cc sportsbikes that swept across Japan and later Europe in the 1990s.

The ZXR has a 398cc DOHC 16v inline-four cylinder engine, tested by the UK's Bike Magazine in March 2002 at 55.3bhp @ 12,000rpm and 24.7lb-ft @ 11,250rpm, 57mm x 39mm Bore/Stroke, 4x 32mm Keihin carburettors, a 6-speed chain final-drive transmission and an aluminium twin-spar frame.

The ZXR400 has been datalogged at 139mph (Bike Magazine) and can complete a standing 1/4 mile in 12.9s (Bike Magazine). It takes tyres of sizes 120/60-ZR17 (front) and 160/70-ZR17 (rear).

Dry weight is 159kg, the fuel capacity is 16 litres (average fuel economy 45mpg) and has a 760mm seat height, ideal for newer or shorter riders, and has a wheelbase of 1385mm.

UK insurance group is NU12.

History

This mini sports motorcycle was first introduced in 1989 in the form of the H Model referred to as the H1. The year 1990 showed the introduction of the H2 model with no changes to styling or engine performance. However from 1991 the H Model was dropped and replaced by the L model. This was named the L1 and for the next 9 years would see a new model every year till the L9 in 1999 before production for this motorcycle finished. The difference of the L model over the H was a more powerful engine (65 horsepower at 13,000RPM compared to 62 horsepower at 12,500RPM), new styling (mainly rounding out the tail end, changing the headlight from 2 single rounded headlights to a single sharper one and sticker changing.

Top Speed: 135mph approx.
Acceleration(0-60mph): 4.4 secs

More Information, and Owners Club

[http://www.zxrworld.co.uk ZXR World]