Early ZX9Rs

[Pie-Roe]

Hey, looking for a bike at the moment, something along the lines of RF900, Thunderace, FZ1 faired etc.

Noticed zx9rs are fairly cheap and are physically fairly roomy.
Any problems with the earlier ones? I've seen a few 95-99 models which are around 1000-1200 in good condition which seems like a fair deal.

I commute 30 miles a day, fun rides with pillion, some Europe plus camping gear.

I know there's been a few threads on zx9s but search is not working.

Cheers
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Previous: GSF600, FZR600 x2, ZXR750, XT600 Tenere, CB125, CZ125, ETZ 250, ER5, CCM R30, DRZ400, RF600x4, RF900x2, GS500, VTR1000F, 640 SMC, CB250 NIGHTHAWK, GT550x3, GPX750 TE610, CB500, X11x2, SV650, ZING 125, TL1000R,CB250 Superdream, CBR1100XX

[G]

Go for a 98+ one - C model or later.
The B model which is earlier is a good bit lardier and slower - as a good deal on a C model is usually not much more, I'd stick with them.

[Wull]

All 9r's are good......but here's my two pence worth

I've owned two c model 9r's,a 98 c1 model and currently a c2 99 model.

The c model was a complete overhaul from the b model which was much heavier(215kg dry weight) at 183kg dry,power is 143 at the crank.

The b models suffer from head gasket failure so if its higher mileage ask if its been done and check coolant level and if there's any emulsification in the oil.

Issues with the early c models were carb icing but there's ways round this,they solved this for the c2 even though its been known to happen,tbh you can't get a much better all round bike.

The c2 I've just bought set me back £1500 with a decent spec,its had a recent service that includes refurbed calipers,fork seals,front and rear sprocket and a new chain......a bike that's capable of 175 and will still take you around Europe with no issues at all.

The riding is more forgiven than your usual sports bikes,clip one are above the yoke taking the stress of the wrists......you'll get through the miles quickly with no probs.....
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"Scooters are for men who want to ride motorcycles but prefer to feel the wind on their vaginas"

[Snorty]

Bought a C1 earlier this year. Really enjoying the power and ride. Bit more of an all rounder but plenty of power.
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Current: Yamaha FZ1 '07 | GSXR 750 SRAD

Past: CB125TDC | TZR125 | GPZ500 | CBR600F3 | ZX9-R | GSXR1000 K4

[Fisty]

I had a B model, it was fantastic for the price £700. Came with Ohlins rear, full micron system, dynojetted and set up properly.

It was fast, stable and reliable. I did 30k in 12 months on it commuting from Derby to Bristol on it and loved it!
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Quietly and consistently taking the piss.
TL1000R | Hayabusa | ZXR400 | TL1000S | Bandit 400 V
Fatter and faster than Fret

[totalllama82]

Another vote for the C model here. Had her for nearly 3 years now and outside of servicing and tyres, am yet to have any issues.

The carb icing mentioned earlier was solved with a coolant line running up through the carbs in the C2 model (C1 didn't have this). The problem is that there is an in-line filter which gets clogged up and prevents the flow of water around the carbs (effectively making the solution useless). It should be cleaned as part of a service before the winter.

Besides that they also have the 6pot Tokico callipers. When working, they have amazing stopping power however, they need a proper strip down AT LEAST once a year. Most people swap them for Bandit 12 Nissin 4pots - maybe worth a look.

Can't think of anything else .
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Gone: Haotian HT125-8 / Yamaha YZF 600R Thundercat / Kawasaki ZX9R C2
Current: Kawasaki ZZR 1400 A7F

[totalllama82]

Another vote for the C model here. Had her for nearly 3 years now and outside of servicing and tyres, am yet to have any issues.

The carb icing mentioned earlier was solved with a coolant line running up through the carbs in the C2 model (C1 didn't have this). The problem is that there is an in-line filter which gets clogged up and prevents the flow of water around the carbs (effectively making the solution useless). It should be cleaned as part of a service before the winter.

Besides that they also have the 6pot Tokico callipers. When working, they have amazing stopping power however, they need a proper strip down AT LEAST once a year. Most people swap them for Bandit 12 Nissin 4pots - maybe worth a look.

Can't think of anything else .
____________________
Gone: Haotian HT125-8 / Yamaha YZF 600R Thundercat / Kawasaki ZX9R C2
Current: Kawasaki ZZR 1400 A7F

[totalllama82]

Another vote for the C model here. Had her for nearly 3 years now and outside of servicing and tyres, am yet to have any issues.

The carb icing mentioned earlier was solved with a coolant line running up through the carbs in the C2 model (C1 didn't have this). The problem is that there is an in-line filter which gets clogged up and prevents the flow of water around the carbs (effectively making the solution useless). It should be cleaned as part of a service before the winter.

Besides that they also have the 6pot Tokico callipers. When working, they have amazing stopping power however, they need a proper strip down AT LEAST once a year. Most people swap them for Bandit 12 Nissin 4pots - maybe worth a look.

Can't think of anything else .
____________________
Gone: Haotian HT125-8 / Yamaha YZF 600R Thundercat / Kawasaki ZX9R C2
Current: Kawasaki ZZR 1400 A7F

[dodsi]

Is yours once, twice, three times a lady?

[Snorty]

The 6 pots are dog shit. That's the only thing I wasn't happy about with the ZX9. They're the same calipers I have on my GSXR so I knew they'd be poop.

They do stop you but there's far too much travel on the lever, the CBR600 has much better brakes than both bikes.
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Current: Yamaha FZ1 '07 | GSXR 750 SRAD

Past: CB125TDC | TZR125 | GPZ500 | CBR600F3 | ZX9-R | GSXR1000 K4