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The NINJA® ZX-7R sportbike is the platform upon which Kawasaki’s championship-winning Superbike was built. Featuring racetrack-derived technology, this is the machine behind Doug Chandler’s back-to-back ’96-’97 Superbike titles, which extended Kawasaki’s AMA Superbike Championships to nine, the most won by any single manufacturer. It also carried Chandler and his teammate Eric Bostrom to a number of AMA Superbike victories in 2001, 2000 and 1999. Finally, Kawasaki Drag Racing’s Rickey Gadson is a three-time national champion aboard a Muzzy-prepared ZX-7R in AMA/Prostar Drag Racing.
Keeping this Superbike champion competitive is a 748cc ultra-short-stroke inline-four-cylinder engine. The short stroke and large bore help increase reliability at high engine rpm and allow for more tuning capability for racing applications. Direct-actuation valve-train components relay the fuel mixture from four 38mm carburetors. Moderate exhaust-valve timing produces strong midrange for real-world power on the street. Exhaust gasses are then expelled through a 4-into-2-into-1 system for optimum performance and quiet running.
A pair of large, aggressive air intakes at the front of the aerodynamic fairing feed the ZX-7R’s Twin Ram Air Induction system. This system, combined with a steep carburetor downdraft angle and Straight Shot Intake ports, increases volumetric efficiency for more power.
The lightweight, aluminum, twin-spar perimeter frame was designed using computer-aided technology. Sheets of aluminum alloy are pressed to shape, and then welded together to produce remarkable strength and low weight. An aluminum rear sub-frame also keeps the weight down, yet provides the strength to carry a passenger.
The same engineering techniques were used to design the hollow cast-and-pressed aluminum-hybrid swingarm. Lightweight aluminum components are also used in the UNI-TRAK® rear suspension system, which produces progressively stiffer damping and spring rates as the fully adjustable rear shock is compressed. Front suspension is handled by a fully adjustable 43mm inverted cartridge fork.
Strong braking is achieved through the use of 320mm semi-floating front discs clamped by powerful opposed six-piston calipers at the front. The rear brake features a 230mm disc with an opposed-piston caliper.
Available in green and black or silver and black color schemes, the NINJA ZX-7R’s good looks accurately reflect its winning reputation.
2002 KAWASAKI NINJA® SPORTBIKES
For more than a decade, the term “Ninja” has been synonymous with Kawasaki sportbikes. In fact, the association is so widespread that even non-motorcyclists are familiar with the Kawasaki NINJA® motorcycle line-up. Such familiarity should come as no surprise to anyone, considering Kawasaki’s formidable history with sportbikes.
New for 2002 is the ultimate open-class sportbike, the new ZX-12R which features more than 130 updates, enhancements and improvements to the engine, chassis, suspension and more. With a more planted feel, lighter steering and more low- to mid-range power, the new ZX-12R is the bike of choice for serious enthusiasts. Also, new for 2002 is the NINJA ZX-9R which bristles with a host of performance and styling changes sure to blast it to the pinnacle of the liter class.
For the sporting adventurer, the new-for-2002 Kawasaki NINJA® ZZ-R1200 sport-touring motorcycle is the ideal vehicle. Designed specifically for motorcyclists interested in a performance-oriented ride, but who also seek the comfort and style of a bona fide grand-touring bike, the ZZ-R1200 can’t help but please.
And for all those sportbike riders who seek a more adventurous and winding route, Kawasaki features the ALL-NEW ZZ-R1200. A sportbike with a touring heart. Check out the features and styling of this new model.
On the professional racing level, Kawasaki has won an impressive nine AMA Superbike Road Racing Championships–more than any other manufacturer. Currently, modified NINJA motorcycles are raced by the Kawasaki Road Race team in its quest for championships. This includes the much lauded ZX-7R, upon which Kawasaki Road Racing’s Eric Bostrom and Doug Chandler battled for AMA Superbike victory in the 2001 season. Likewise, the ZX-6R provided the base for Bostrom’s 600 SuperSport mount in ’01 where he won multiple races.
Furthermore, Kawasaki has dominated the AMA/Prostar Motorcycle Drag Racing Series over the last several years. Team rider Rickey Gadson won three consecutive AMA/Prostar 750 Superbike National Championships, and teammate Chip Ellis was named Rookie of the Year in 2000.
In addition to these particular racer replicas, Kawasaki also offers other sporting options. These include the sporty-yet-affordable ZX-6 and some of the best entry-level bikes available in the form of the popular NINJA 500R and 250R models. Whether the goal is track time, canyon carving or NINJA performance at an economical price, all of these Kawasaki motorcycles deliver experience you crave.
Specifications:
Model
ZX750-P7
Engine Type
4-stroke, liquid-cooled
Displacement
748 cc.
Bore x Stroke
73 x 44.7 mm.
Compression Ratio
11.5:1
Valve System
DOHC, 16 valves
Carburetion
Keihin CVKD38 x 4
Ignition
Digital
Starting
Electric
Transmission
6-speed
Frame type
Perimeter, pressed aluminum
Rake / Trail
25 degrees
Wheelbase
56.5″
Suspension, Front
43 mm. inverted cartridge fork, adjustable preload, fully adjustable compression and rebound damping
Suspension, Rear
Bottom-Link Uni-Trak, a piggy-back reservoir rear shock offers adjustable compression and rebound damping, preload and ride height to match a wide range of operating conditions.
Tire Front
120/70ZR17
Tire Rear
190/50ZR17
Brakes, Front
Dual 320 semi-floating discs with dual six-piston calipers
Brakes, Rear
Disc with opposed-piston caliper
Seat Height
31.1″
Fuel Capacity
4.8 gallons
Dry Weight 448 pounds
Color
Lime Green/Black Pearl, Galaxy Silver/Black Pearl
Specifications are subject to change without notice, in accordance with national regulation and legislations.
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