KAWASAKI ZX7R (1996-2003)

ZX7R:
The Kawasaki ZX-7R is proof that a motorcycle doesn’t have to be the latest, lightest and most powerful to be popular. The Kawasaki ZX-7R was no match for Suzuki’s GSX-R750 when launched in 1996 and was never updated significantly until it was deleted in 2003. But people love them and bought the Kawasaki ZX-7R because it looked great and they’re a decent road bike if not a match for the competition on the track.

Engine:
Kawasaki ZX-7R's liquid-cooled inline four is pretty unremarkable but a genuine 110bhp at the rear wheel means it’s still a rapid motorcycle. Carburettors on the Kawasaki ZX-7R equals three things. First a nice, smooth delivery, second, possible stalling as they can ice in cold, damp conditions and third, neglected or high mile Kawasaki ZX-7Rs may suffer problems which can be complex to fix.

Ride and Handling:
The Kawasaki ZX-7R is very heavy compared to its rivals, but it's stable and works nicely on the road. The Kawasaki ZX-7R's front end is incredibly precise and communicative – you wouldn’t know what the wheel was doing any better if you were gripping the spindle. Raising the rear ride height and fitting tyres with sharp profiles will speed up the Kawasaki ZX-7R's otherwise slow steering. Brakes strong unless neglected

Equipment:
No frills anywhere on the Kawasaki ZX-7R. The riding position’s pretty old-school sports – head down, arse up and a thin seat. Some people find the Kawasaki ZX-7R comfortable, most don’t. The pillion grab handles look generous but there’s little space of leg room for a passenger. Cluttered clocks, mediocre mirrors and the headlight doesn’t work as well as it looks.

Quality and Reliability:
Reliability is good – you’re not likely to get stuck at the side of the road with a stationary Kawasaki ZX-7R. But build quality’s less impressive. Down pipes rust, wheel and brake caliper paint drops off, chassis bearings fail as few were greased when the Kawasaki ZX-7R was sold and suspension wears fast.

Specifications:
Top speed: 165mph
1/4-mile acceleration: 11.2 secs
Power: 123bhp
Torque: 58ftlb
Weight: 203kg
Seat height: 790mm
Fuel capacity: 18 litres
Average fuel consumption :42mpg
Tank range :165 miles
Insurance group: 16
Engine size: 748cc
Engine specification: 16v in-line four, 6 gears
Frame: Aluminium twin spar
Front suspension: adjustment Preload, compression, rebound
Rear suspension: adjustment Preload, compression, rebound, ride height
Front brakes: Twin 320mm discs
Rear brake: 230mm disc
Front tyre size: 120/70 x 17
Rear tyre size: 190/50 x 17

Value:
A mixed bag. There are some bargain Kawasaki ZX-7Rs out there but there’s also a few dealers asking massively OTT prices. Value your Kawasaki ZX-7R on condition, mileage and service history as well as age. Older Kawasaki ZX-7Rs can be bought cheap and barely depreciate these days. GSX-R750s are better if you fancy the odd track day, FireBlades if you’d like to tour

Insurance:
Insurance group: 16

Model History:
1996: Kawasaki ZX-7R launched.
2003: Kawasaki ZX-7R discontinued

Other Versions:
1996: Kawasaki ZX-7RR . Limited edition race homologation version of the Kawasaki ZX-7R. Stiffer frame, flatside carbs, close ratio gearbox, single seat.

HONDA CB125ss(1970's-1980's)

CB 125 ss: One of the kings of its time,The JAPAN made CB125 ss is one the most precious and collectible bike in all over asia and surely has its own demand in european countries. The bike has Old school looks with 2 circular analog clocks for (tacho,speedo) and a single round headlamp,and has a single cylinder 124cc ,2 valves,OHC engine and it has torque power delivery with wide ratio gearbox having 5 speeds, its 14hp, torquey engine is still capable to compete with some modern 125cc motorcycles. monthly maintenece is required for optimal performance and can easily be modified by using other honda motorcycle parts to ...it is similar to 1976 Cg125 but with some little differences.

HANDLING AND RELIABILITY:it handles well and can even be sports ridden by just replacing stock tyres with some wide sticky after market rubber.although it handles well, corners well and even runs well,on this bike ring wear happens ocassionly ,oil change is must after every 700 miles ,monthly tuning was required for TIMING CHAIN and the bike is just DAMN good in every angle ,a "simple commuter " for everyday use..build quality was Good and still is good if u still have HONDA GENUINE PARTS on it and braking is a bit helped by single DISC rather than drum and although its not very good but performs well when in straight braking.although the CB 125 s was the best bikes in its class.

SPECIFICATIONS:
Displacement: 124.00 ccm (7.57 cubic inches)
Engine type: Single cylinder
Stroke: 4
Power: 14.00 HP (10.2 kW)) @ 10000 RPM
Compression: 9.4:1
Bore x stroke: 56.5 x 49.5 mm (2.2 x 1.9 inches)
Valves per cylinder: 2
Fuel control: OHC
Cooling system: Air
Gearbox: 5-speed
Transmission type
final drive: Chain
Weight incl. oil, gas, etc: 105.0 kg (231.5 pounds
Front tyre dimensions: 2.75-18
Rear tyre dimensions: 3.00-17
Front brakes: Single disc
Rear brakes: Expanding brake
Top speed: 116.0 km/h (72.1 mph)
Max speed: 140 km/h on straight roads after some little mods
Fuel capacity: 9.50 litres (2.51 gallons)

YAMAHA RX-115 (1980's-1990's)

RX115: One of the best two stroke 115 cc motorcycle ever created by yamaha.. in early 1980's..this bike was enough powerfull to fly by the most 125cc 2 stroke and 4 stroke machines..this motorcycle used a ram air intake system which is located underneath the fuel tank which boosts power in high speeds as well as torque....Rx 115 is similar to rxs(rx100) but with extra 4.5 hp gain and a sleek well performing disc with 115cc engine capacity.

RIDE AND HANDLING: The bike is capable of going on high speeds like 140 km/h but on such high speeds bike's own weight becomes her own enemy....it looses its stability on high speeds and weave due to low weight.and in streets this bike handles great ,very stiff suspension and capable brakes .and its riding position is not preferrabale to most riders due to extra height of handle bars.

ENGINE:
TYPE: ................................2 stroke,torque induction single
DISPLACEMENT: ...............115cc
BORE AND STROKE: .........54.0x50mm
COMPRESSION RATIO: .....6.6:1
MAX.POWER: ...................15.5BHP@8500 rpm
MAX TORQUE: ..................1.35kg-m@8000 rpm
LUBRICATION: ..................autolube
CARBURETION:.................VM22
IGNITION:..........................CDI
STARTE SYSTEM:............KICK
FUEL TANK CAPACITY:....9.0L
OIL CAPACITY:................1.3L
TRANSMISSION:..............5 SPEED

CHASSS:
OVERALL LENGTH:........1950MM
OVERALL WIDTH:...........745MM
OVERALL HEIGHT:.........1,035MM
SEAT HEIGHT:................780MM
WHEEL BASE:...............1240MM
GROUNG CLEARENCE:..155MM
DRY WEIGHT:.................94KG

SUSPENSION:
FRONT:..........................TELESCOPIC FORKS
REAR:............................DUAL SHOCKS

BRAKES:
FRONT:..........................SINGLE DISC
REAR:............................DRUM BRAKE

TYRES:
FRONT:..........................2.50X18-4PR
REAR:............................2.75X18-4PR

HONDA CBR FireBlade 954 (2002-2003)

OVERALL:
The last Honda CBR900RR FireBlade by Tadao Baba is the most exciting to ride and lighter than its successors. Later Honda CBR1000RR Fireblades were faster but heavier and less involving. Like any Honda CBR900RR FireBlade this one is incredibly fast, surprisingly reliable, amazingly comfortable and well built too. A stunning motorcycle that looks extra tasty in white.

ENGINE:
In-line four is the class standard and the Honda CBR900RR FireBlade's 954cc version was a little smaller than the competition. Yamaha’s YZF-R1 and Suzuki’s GSXR1000 from the same year beat the Honda CBR900RR FireBlade on midrange and top end partly thanks to extra capacity. But if you find the Honda CBR900RR FireBlade wanting you should be a pro-racer. Fuel injection slightly snatchy but that’s nit-picking.

RIDE AND HANDLING:
The Honda CBR900RR FireBlade's small size and quality chassis makes this a motorcycle you can get on and ride hard from day one. Once you get used to it you can explore its outstanding abilities. The Honda CBR900RR FireBlade is fast to turn and will shake its handlebars when accelerating, especially if the front hits bumps. It’s just a warning and makes the ride really involving.

EQUIPMENT:
The Honda CBR900RR FireBlade is pretty comfy for the rider – acceptable for the pillion if a grab rail’s added – that’s impressive for a pure sports motorcycle. Mirrors are pretty good, underseat storage is accessible and handy, HISS imobiliser’s a boon and upgradable. The Honda CBR900RR FireBlade's clocks are comprehensive, including a fuel consumption read out.

QUALITY AND RELIABILITY:
The odd Honda CBR900RR FireBlade used for racing suffered problems with the engine but motorcycles used on the road are pretty much trouble free. Some engine noise is normal. The original steering head bearings should have been replaced with a recall but not every owner of the Honda CBR900RR FireBlade bothered – if the handling’s bad that might be the problem, especially if the motorcycle is an import.

VALUE:
Like so many Hondas the Honda CBR900RR FireBlade holds its value pretty well on the used market. It’s quite a sought after motorcycle – the previous motorcycle was less nimble, the successor less exciting so clean 02/03 Honda CBR900RR FireBlades always make good money. That said the Suzuki GSX-R1000 K3 and 02/03 Yamaha YZF-R1s mean the Honda CBR900RR FireBlade's price is never too high.

SPECIFICATION:
Top speed 170mph
1/4-mile acceleration 10.7 secs
Power 149bhp
Torque 78ftlb
Weight 168kg
Seat height 815mm
Fuel capacity 18 litres
Average fuel consumption 39mpg
Tank range 150 miles
Insurance group 17
Engine size 954cc
Engine specification 16v in-line four, 6 gears
Frame Alloy twin spar
Front suspension adjustment Preload, rebound, compression
Rear suspension adjustment Preload, rebound, compression
Front brakes Twin 330mm discs
Rear brake 220mm disc
Front tyre size 120/70 x 17
Rear tyre size 190/50 x 17

HONDA CB1000R (2009)

REVIEW

Forget the dinosaur CB1000 of the early nineties, or the now defunct 900 Hornet, the CB1000R is a whole new bag for Honda, designed with Europe, using a retuned version of the 2007 FireBlade engine and with 2008 FireBlade forks and brakes, a beautiful single-sided swingarm and fabbo styling. In fact the only thing the CB1000R lacks is a bit of soul and the noise you get from a Brutale or Speed Triple. But for ninety-nine per cent of the time it’s a better bike in every respect.

Engine

The Honda CB1000R uses a 2007 FireBlade unit that has been retuned for maximum torque and midrange. It’s similar to the CBF1000 engine but gives stronger performance. As such, 130bhp is plenty but it’s more about the torque and the way the power is delivered that impresses. It comes on clean and fat to the point where sixth gear will pull 30mph with no shakes just clean drive. That said it doesn’t howl or really get you excited. It has the looks of something really aggressive but it never really wants to kick off. In comparison to the Speed Triple it’s not quite as raw, but that makes it easier to ride than all its rivals.

Ride and Handling

The Honda CB1000R’s suspension is softer than, say, the Triumph Speed Triple’s, but, for many give the perfect blend of feel and comfort. Most don’t want a bike that’s rock hard, just one that lets you know what the wheels are doing and one that doesn’t pitch around under power or braking. The Honda gets it bang on. It may lag behind rivals on track, but in the real world, where cops are hiding in trailers with speed guns, the roads get ever busier and the surface isn’t racetrack smooth the Honda CB1000R is a brilliant unfaired bike.

Equipment

The Honda CB1000R is a top quality bit of kit in every respect. The forks are taken from the 2008 FireBlade but feature different internals. Brakes are taken from the 2008 Blade, too, but use smaller 310mm discs, different master cylinder and brake lines. Flashy LCD clocks are, Honda claim, the most sophistated and expensive to produce they’re ever made and then there’s that stylish and clever single-side Pro-Arm rear end…

Quality and Reliability

Like with the equipment, the Honda CB1000R’s quality, like most Honda’s truth be told, is right up there with the best. Paint is thick and creamy, metal finishes excellent and the only slight doubt regards reliability, simply because the bike’s so new and proven.

Value

At £6950 (£7450 with ABS) the Honda CB1000R is impressive value, especially considering its spec and the Honda badge, in the naked litre-bike category, undercutting the more basic Speed Triple and Tuono comfortably.

Insurance

Insurance group: 15

Model History

2008: Honda CB1000R launched.

Other Versions

None.

Specifications

Top speed 150mph
1/4-mile acceleration secs
Power 130bhp
Torque 100ftlb
Weight 217kg
Seat height 825mm
Fuel capacity 17 litres
Average fuel consumption ---mpg
Tank range --miles
Insurance group 15
Engine size 998cc
Engine specification Liquid-cooled DOHC 16 valve inline four cylinder. Fuel injection. Six gears.
Frame Aluminium spine
Front suspension adjustment 43mm upside down front forks, fully adjustable
Rear suspension adjustment Single rear shock, fully adjustable
Front brakes Twin 310mm front discs with four-piston calipers
Rear brake Single 256mm rear disc with dual-piston caliper
Front tyre size 120/70 x 17
Rear tyre size 180/55 x 17