Kawasaki Zephyr 550-750

[Tyrone ORourke]

Hi all,

I just turned 21 so I am elegible for un unlimited bike licence here in the Czech Rep. I am looking around for a bigger bike. I want something not to big, as i've never ridden above a 21hp 350cc bike.

I was really liking the lines of a Kawasaki Zephyr 550 I saw the other day. Anyone have any idea about these bikes, are they good technically etc.

Also is the 750 a better option in alround usabilty.

Cheers

Tyrone

[The549]

I ride the zr550, which has around 47hp, and it can really go fast if you wring it. The only thing you have to be careful with is if you have a sticky throttle or uneven throttle response and are going around in 1st gear. Easy to work on. Except the throttle cables.

I've cruised for around 30 minutes at 70mph in the dark in the rain, and while it was getting into a buzzing range, it wasn't bad, and I plan on fixing that with sprockets (it feels like it has the power to cruise at a lower rpm).

Will gladly answer more questions.

[flynrider]

The Zephyr series of bikes are basically updated copies of Kawasaki's popular "KZ" bikes of the early 80s. They are very solid and proven designs.

Personally, I like the 550 quite a bit. It is very quick and stable, with a comfortable standard riding position. The inline 4 cylinder engine makes it ride much smoother that two cylinder bikes of similar displacement. It also gets good gas mileage.

The 750 is everthing the 550 is, just more of everything. It's heavier, faster, has about 75 hp, drinks more fuel, and slightly better suited to long distance touring than the 550. It is also a well proven design. Kawasaki used that same engine in motorcycles from 1980 to 2003.

[Tyrone ORourke]

Hm, thanks for the responses. Sounds rather nice then.

Unfortunately the problem now is going to be finding the cash, as the lease plan I had hoped for has gone by the way due to the fact that I dont hold a Czech passport gotta find some other way out then.