Opinions on first bike 2001 Kawasaki ZR-7 ZR750?

[holden j caufield]

Anybody have experience with these? I've seen one for under 2k which is around how much I want to pay for a first bike. I'd like to a sport bike which this isn't but seems to have some sport bike qualities.

 

[PlasmaBomb]

Don't do it.

 

[SpatiallyAware]

Nope.

 

[MiataNC]

Great bike for under $2K,

Classic air-cooled Kawasaki inline-4. It is NOT a Supersport. It is closer to the GS500, SV650, Bandit 600, and Ninja250/500 when it comes to overall performance

About as bulletproof mechanically and "sane" as it gets, making it great for a first bike.

 

[Demon-Xanth]

It's a lot of bike for a first bike, but it's not a full on supersport so it may be more manageable. I personally wouldn't get it for a first bike, but it's a much much better option than an R6 or something along those lines.

 

[JulesMaximus]

It's a bit heavy for a first bike. Honestly, I'd recommend something smaller and lighter to learn on.

 

[holden j caufield]

500lbs is too heavy for a first bike? What's a good weight bike and cc I should get? I'm not very big 5'9-10 150-155lbs. If I can get it near $1100 with 20k miles would that be a steal. Also guy said he was dropped in the garage (believeable) How do I tell if it's dropped in the garage vs laid down on the street (besides long scrap marks what should I look for?).

 

[SpatiallyAware]

500lbs is too heavy for a first bike? What's a good weight bike and cc I should get? I'm not very big 5'9-10 150-155lbs. If I can get it near $1100 with 20k miles would that be a steal. Also guy said he was dropped in the garage (believeable) How do I tell if it's dropped in the garage vs laid down on the street (besides long scrap marks what should I look for?).

It should be pretty obvious. I'd bring someone at least remotely familiar with bikes - telltale drop rash is on bar ends, mirrors, brake/shift levers, case covers.

If it's the Z750 I'm thinking of then it's water cooled, the former zx7r motor. IMHO too big, especially at your height/weight.


Look at GS500's or Ninja 500's. An SV will be too tall, as will the Kawi. This is a good time to be buying, middle of the summer means prices are starting to fall.

 

[SpatiallyAware]

Also don't forget to account for gear.. Helmet, jacket, gloves, boots at BARE minimum, preferably pants too.

 

[Greenman]

The specs say 450 pounds and 76 pony's. Sounds like a fine starter bike to me, though it might have a bit to much power. That 2k price tag seems to be well below street value as well.

 

[JulesMaximus]

500lbs is too heavy for a first bike? What's a good weight bike and cc I should get? I'm not very big 5'9-10 150-155lbs. If I can get it near $1100 with 20k miles would that be a steal. Also guy said he was dropped in the garage (believeable) How do I tell if it's dropped in the garage vs laid down on the street (besides long scrap marks what should I look for?).

The toughest thing for you will be low speed turns with a bike that heavy. I have a tank bag on my bike and I notice a difference in handling just by carrying a 2 liter bottle of soda.

If I had one word of advice to give, check everything, especially the shift and rear brake levers. Look for rash and damage. Look for evidence that it has been stored for years outside. Sun damage on the front brake reservoir, sun damaged/faded paint, rotten cables and hoses. Look for oil weeping between the cylinder head and the block. Check for any fluid leaks. Look for evidence of crash damage such as bar ends, damage to the casing on the engine, plastics, exhaust, swingarm. If it has rust, walk away.