Nearly bought an 1100 a few years ago until I discovered it didn't even have a ZRX engine. Then bought a lovely restored 2005 1200R from Germany (to Ireland). This bike is like new so I am very pleased with it. The feeling of power and solidity and being very planted is very strong. Reminds me of all those big police bikes I used to ride when I was in the force.
Wonderful job on the vid. I own a 2000 zrx1100. It was in dire need of help when I got it,at a good price. Here in USA by the way. I want to tell what I learned about working on those carbs.The rubber boots on back of carbs connecting to air box become hard with age... They are $25 a piece. So for $100 the carbs become much easier to remove and install....I practiced this procedure at least a dozen times...Then decided to call Ivan’s jets and now the bike runs perfect. That deceleration popping was eliminated. Such a fun bike.
Cheers Kevin. It's a heck of a bike for sure. The original Bandit 12 is my choice but it's very subjective. I'd love to get hold of an XJR, GSX1400 and a CB1300 to review the whole host of second wave retros. Also, great tip on the carbs. I'll pin your comment.
@@TheHomeExpert5 I picked it up, but ended up paying a bit more for it. I just fired it up yesterday, but I am open to selling it, so if you are near Texas hit me up. my gmmail is my name plus the domain.
For sure. All of these retro machines are more about feel than outright performance. The original Bandit 1200 is still my favourite machine to ride to this day and it's objectively slow and heavy.
I wish I hadn’t sold mine. Great bike,I had put ZX11 cams,jet kit,pod filters,ignition advancer and exhaust system. Oh,it needs an aluminum radiator fan,the stock plastic one melts from the radiant heat. 136 rear wheel HP on the dyno.
@@TheLoneTrader No,it was a huge improvement though. The stock ZRX had lots of bottom end and when to increase horsepower you always steal from the bottom end to get more on the top. The loss of bottom end torque wasn’t that much noticeable but the top end rush was. I had a friend that had a Triumph Daytona that didn’t believe my claim so we went out and did it the old fashioned way on a lightly used country road and even though his bike was lighter and fully faired the ZRX had the better of him. If we had done a top end test I’m sure he would have won due to aerodynamics. All in all the investment I made for the improvements was very cost effective even though the exhaust system I bought was a Muzzy titanium with a carbon muffler which I think I paid $800 for in the day. I couldn’t believe how little the headers weighed! The box and packing weighed more than the entire header minus the muffler. And oh did the header age so beautifully! A pretty blue at the exit from the head and a nice straw color on the way back to the muffler. Too bad Muzzy closed his doors some time ago,he made nice Kawasaki performance products.
Great bikes for sure, I have a beautiful 99 first year available in the US as well. Same color as this bike. Has all the ELS improvements 4 degree advance, starter alternator chain tensioner rework, no- flo's, D&D exhaust, custom all aluminum radiator with titanium bracketed mounting of GSXR cooling fan for weight reduction. etc, etc on and on, even some custom oil gallery parts for beautification. They are all he says they are and more fun than you can imagine. Then I also have a 2003 green in 1200 as well with all the custom stuff the 1100 has as well.
forget the kerker the D&D looks better and performs better and the sound is absolutely race bike pure. Always get comments on how good this bike sounds. Now own a 2003 1200R in green as well, heavier but faster in a straight line. Torque makes up for lost top end power against the 1997 ZX1100 which I own as well . The ZRX1100 being over twenty plus lbs lighter as set up is a dream in the twisties. Cant wait till I wear out these tires and can add some michelin road 5 or 6's to it since they are being made to fit the 1100!
Top Video 👍 i have a Rex 1100 in candy with 18000 Kilometers and a Rex 1200 R also in greenmetallic white blue strips in absolutely original condition and with only 6000 Kilometers. Best bike ever had
How do they compare? I have a XRX1200S I really like, but the 1200R is what I want. The 100 has a shorter swingarm, I know. i've read different power figures. This guy says 98hp, which is the lowest I've heard. the 1200 at 122hp is a little more than I really need, but I wouldn't want much less. I have a bandit 96 too, with 96-98hp, but its soo much lighter and shorter so it is maybe a little faster up to 6500rpm.
What a good-looking bike. I first saw one on my way to Ireland. I was smitten lovely muscle bike and wow how they have kept the value Great. Review thanks. Eddie would have loved it .
I rode a VFR and I could not stand the whine from the engine. Yes, I know it has gear-driven cams. This Kawasaki sounds incredible! The original Kawasaki Z1 had an amazing inimitable sound, especially when you stick a Kerker exhaust on it.
Ive had this bike for about 8 years now. Needs a 6th gear something serious IMO, vibrates so bad at high speed the mirrors are useless, it's heavy, motor is lucious, ride position is perfect, abundant power, best looking bike on the road IMO. still get oohs and ahs after all these years. oh yeah, and the sound when you get on it, (Kirker can) yowsa!!
I was seriously considering this as my first big bike after obtaining my full license but it went with the cb1100sf x11 from honda. In my opinion kind of a forgotten bike amongst the 90s muscle bike crew because it was kinda weirdly styled not really retro not really modern but it delivers exceptionally well when riding. Freight train levels of torque and a substantial amount of horsepower and with the fuel injection it makes it a (for me) superior bike than the zrx1100 xjr1200/1300 or the bandit. I would only consider the gsx1400 as an upgrade over the x11 since it has more retro styling and even more torque especially when you tune it a little. Would love to see a review on an x11 from you! They shouldnt be hard to come by and i'd love to hear a comparison to all the other muscle bikes. Enjoyed the video, cheers!
The X11 is an interesting bike. Very capable, for sure, but I think the unique looks made it a bit of an acquired taste. Glad you found a bike you love. I'd be up for reviewing one as an oddity. I get the feeling I wouldn't like it as much as a Bandito but living with one for a bit would make for an interesting experience.
A very fair overall assessment I had a 1200 could’ve done with six speeds certainly for motorways immaculate didn’t pay much for it sold it very quickly for what I wanted eventually bought a Harley which had a lot more character Although I’ve recently picked up a very tatty that are excellent hundred from a friend which I’m busy working on, but yeah, I pretty much agree with your assessment all around but people that love them really really are obsessed with them
Hi!In factory configuration it does 106HP at 8500RPM and 98NM Torque at 7500 RPM...And the engine is from the GPZ1100 originally and the Kawasaki built the ZZR1100 from the same engine..😉
Hey there. I might have to agree to disagree on the bhp figure. The European specs that I looked up all say 98bhp. Though perhaps there was a difference in tuning for different markets. I'll take your point on the GPZ engine. I just made an assumption based on the ability to drop ZZR cams in the ZRX but apparently the ZRX engine is far more similar to the GPZ engine than the ZZR engine. Good spot.
If cost is the goal for mods, go with holeshot by dale walker. His step by step instructions and products for the zrx1100 make a nice 115-118 ish rwhp/76-78 lb-ft a piece of cake. The whole power band spreads out. Immediately after installing the header, i did an unintentional legitimate wheelie in 2nd gear (already had 16/47 sprockets.) He even has dyno charts that are extremely comprehensive in terms of which mods do what. Add your sprocket change of choice and the bike is whatever you want. Tips from a cheapskate zrx1100 owner. High value bike when modified this way. Pods, jets, header, 4 degree advance....good to go.
That's a big +1 for me for Holeshot stuff. Dale is very responsive to questions and really knows his stuff. It's even worth the import fees for getting his stuff to the UK 🇬🇧.
@ 26:35 ...but not with the unspeakable mild steel exhaust manifold, in which the baffle plate(s?) often comes off, and then the loud rattling noise starts at around operating temperature - especially when accelerating in a gear too high.
Had a new 2000 in GPz style red, black and silver. It was the bike where I learned to play with rear wheel traction. And just off idle wheelies. Not great for long distance touring though, so I replaced it with a much uglier first generation V-Strom.
There was a 1200 on Craigs here last month for $5,500 US. It either didn't sell or the ad was just not taken down and left up to expire. I had a 1200 Bandit that was ok power wise. Then it was rejetted and piped. It was a totally different machine. Tons of low/mid torque. I prefered how it rode overall vs the ZRX. I do have a ZRX-ish bike, an 83 Honda CB1100F Super Sport.
The ones without the bikini faring are imports. And have a round headlight. Lovely bike though. I have one in the garage in mint condition, haven’t taken it out for about 10years!!!! 24:03
Not ideal, no. It's very heavy, tall and powerful for a first bike. Anything is possible but you'll have an easier and safer time on something a bit lighter and less powerful.
Where's the head checks while changing lanes? Also when stopped at traffic lights try positioning bike to one side of the lane not in middle where the oil and junk from cars/trucks lay. Maybe revisit the basics in riding and road positioning for your safety..
A new job forced me to somewhat abandon this channel but I would like to put out 3 to 4 videos a year if I can. I have a Yamaha Virago to do a vid on and I'm hoping to grab a Sprint ST 1050 too in the near future.
@@TheLoneTrader Whatever you can. You're one of the better ones at this. Informative, entertaining and unique bikes. Not riding around moaning about your life, but all the focus on the machine, love it.
@@Sportsbikeguy Thank you. I really appreciate that. I just try to make what I would like to watch. Nobody needs to hear me moan about my life. My other half gets that privilege 😄
I love me a Bandit 1200, I really do, but I literally could not disagree harder. The suspension and brakes on the Suzuki are far worse, the engine runs out of urge after two thirds of the rev range and it'll rust as soon as you look at it. I much prefer the Bandito to ride but as they come, the ZRX is the much more capable bike. Plus, if speed is your thing, wtf are you looking at these fat retro machines for? 2.5k will get you a good GSXR1000 K1 that will eat both of these bikes for breakfast.
Speed is fun on these bikes. Had a 2000 Rex 1100. Sold it last year. I regret it, but the fuel consumption was too extreme for me when you drive the ZRX with fun factor. And I can say from experience that it is a very fast and agile bike. Now I have a Yamaha MT 09.
🍺 If you enjoyed this video click this link to buy me a beer: www.buymeacoffee.com/thelonetrader 🍺
Nearly bought an 1100 a few years ago until I discovered it didn't even have a ZRX engine. Then bought a lovely restored 2005 1200R from Germany (to Ireland). This bike is like new so I am very pleased with it. The feeling of power and solidity and being very planted is very strong. Reminds me of all those big police bikes I used to ride when I was in the force.
The sound these make at full chat is a noise to behold.I wouldn't have anything else
Wonderful job on the vid. I own a 2000 zrx1100. It was in dire need of help when I got it,at a good price. Here in USA by the way. I want to tell what I learned about working on those carbs.The rubber boots on back of carbs connecting to air box become hard with age... They are $25 a piece. So for $100 the carbs become much easier to remove and install....I practiced this procedure at least a dozen times...Then decided to call Ivan’s jets and now the bike runs perfect. That deceleration popping was eliminated. Such a fun bike.
Cheers Kevin. It's a heck of a bike for sure. The original Bandit 12 is my choice but it's very subjective. I'd love to get hold of an XJR, GSX1400 and a CB1300 to review the whole host of second wave retros.
Also, great tip on the carbs. I'll pin your comment.
Just stumbled across a decent one for $1100 US.
@@mpeugeot if you're not going to buy it, send me the information please.
@@TheHomeExpert5 I picked it up, but ended up paying a bit more for it. I just fired it up yesterday, but I am open to selling it, so if you are near Texas hit me up. my gmmail is my name plus the domain.
@@mpeugeot what's the overall condition and how well is it running? Is there anything that It needs?
100% my style of bike even with its flaws. Its like my Bandit on steroids.
Very good review my moto friend.
For sure. All of these retro machines are more about feel than outright performance. The original Bandit 1200 is still my favourite machine to ride to this day and it's objectively slow and heavy.
@@TheLoneTrader I think I subscribed to you because of your Bandit review. I got the 600 though
nice bike still looks good 2023
I wish I hadn’t sold mine. Great bike,I had put ZX11 cams,jet kit,pod filters,ignition advancer and exhaust system. Oh,it needs an aluminum radiator fan,the stock plastic one melts from the radiant heat. 136 rear wheel HP on the dyno.
That must have felt pretty beastly.
@@TheLoneTrader No,it was a huge improvement though. The stock ZRX had lots of bottom end and when to increase horsepower you always steal from the bottom end to get more on the top. The loss of bottom end torque wasn’t that much noticeable but the top end rush was. I had a friend that had a Triumph Daytona that didn’t believe my claim so we went out and did it the old fashioned way on a lightly used country road and even though his bike was lighter and fully faired the ZRX had the better of him. If we had done a top end test I’m sure he would have won due to aerodynamics. All in all the investment I made for the improvements was very cost effective even though the exhaust system I bought was a Muzzy titanium with a carbon muffler which I think I paid $800 for in the day. I couldn’t believe how little the headers weighed! The box and packing weighed more than the entire header minus the muffler. And oh did the header age so beautifully! A pretty blue at the exit from the head and a nice straw color on the way back to the muffler. Too bad Muzzy closed his doors some time ago,he made nice Kawasaki performance products.
What a great and thorough video.
Great bikes for sure, I have a beautiful 99 first year available in the US as well. Same color as this bike. Has all the ELS improvements 4 degree advance, starter alternator chain tensioner rework, no- flo's, D&D exhaust, custom all aluminum radiator with titanium bracketed mounting of GSXR cooling fan for weight reduction. etc, etc on and on, even some custom oil gallery parts for beautification. They are all he says they are and more fun than you can imagine. Then I also have a 2003 green in 1200 as well with all the custom stuff the 1100 has as well.
forget the kerker the D&D looks better and performs better and the sound is absolutely race bike pure. Always get comments on how good this bike sounds. Now own a 2003 1200R in green as well, heavier but faster in a straight line. Torque makes up for lost top end power against the 1997 ZX1100 which I own as well . The ZRX1100 being over twenty plus lbs lighter as set up is a dream in the twisties. Cant wait till I wear out these tires and can add some michelin road 5 or 6's to it since they are being made to fit the 1100!
Nice, reasonable, balanced review. Thank you sir, a pleasure to watch.
No problem Barry. I aims to please.
Top Video 👍 i have a Rex 1100 in candy with 18000 Kilometers and a Rex 1200 R also in greenmetallic white blue strips in absolutely original condition and with only 6000 Kilometers. Best bike ever had
How do they compare? I have a XRX1200S I really like, but the 1200R is what I want. The 100 has a shorter swingarm, I know. i've read different power figures. This guy says 98hp, which is the lowest I've heard. the 1200 at 122hp is a little more than I really need, but I wouldn't want much less.
I have a bandit 96 too, with 96-98hp, but its soo much lighter and shorter so it is maybe a little faster up to 6500rpm.
What a good-looking bike. I first saw one on my way to Ireland. I was smitten lovely muscle bike and wow how they have kept the value Great. Review thanks. Eddie would have loved it .
I rode a VFR and I could not stand the whine from the engine. Yes, I know it has gear-driven cams. This Kawasaki sounds incredible! The original Kawasaki Z1 had an amazing inimitable sound, especially when you stick a Kerker exhaust on it.
forget the corker find yourself a D&D and watch the smile spread across your face
Ive had this bike for about 8 years now. Needs a 6th gear something serious IMO, vibrates so bad at high speed the mirrors are useless, it's heavy, motor is lucious, ride position is perfect, abundant power, best looking bike on the road IMO. still get oohs and ahs after all these years. oh yeah, and the sound when you get on it, (Kirker can) yowsa!!
I was seriously considering this as my first big bike after obtaining my full license but it went with the cb1100sf x11 from honda. In my opinion kind of a forgotten bike amongst the 90s muscle bike crew because it was kinda weirdly styled not really retro not really modern but it delivers exceptionally well when riding. Freight train levels of torque and a substantial amount of horsepower and with the fuel injection it makes it a (for me) superior bike than the zrx1100 xjr1200/1300 or the bandit. I would only consider the gsx1400 as an upgrade over the x11 since it has more retro styling and even more torque especially when you tune it a little. Would love to see a review on an x11 from you! They shouldnt be hard to come by and i'd love to hear a comparison to all the other muscle bikes. Enjoyed the video, cheers!
The X11 is an interesting bike. Very capable, for sure, but I think the unique looks made it a bit of an acquired taste. Glad you found a bike you love.
I'd be up for reviewing one as an oddity. I get the feeling I wouldn't like it as much as a Bandito but living with one for a bit would make for an interesting experience.
A very fair overall assessment I had a 1200 could’ve done with six speeds certainly for motorways immaculate didn’t pay much for it sold it very quickly for what I wanted eventually bought a Harley which had a lot more character
Although I’ve recently picked up a very tatty that are excellent hundred from a friend which I’m busy working on, but yeah, I pretty much agree with your assessment all around but people that love them really really are obsessed with them
Nice reviews, And nice to see you're in my hone town of Crawley.
Born and bred in the area.
Land of The Cure! ZRX owner for 21 years and Cure fan for 40.
Hi!In factory configuration it does 106HP at 8500RPM and 98NM Torque at 7500 RPM...And the engine is from the GPZ1100 originally and the Kawasaki built the ZZR1100 from the same engine..😉
Hey there. I might have to agree to disagree on the bhp figure. The European specs that I looked up all say 98bhp. Though perhaps there was a difference in tuning for different markets.
I'll take your point on the GPZ engine. I just made an assumption based on the ability to drop ZZR cams in the ZRX but apparently the ZRX engine is far more similar to the GPZ engine than the ZZR engine. Good spot.
Oh, the 106hp version has well over 100Nm at 7500rpm.
There are also 98 hp versions with less torque. 😎
If cost is the goal for mods, go with holeshot by dale walker. His step by step instructions and products for the zrx1100 make a nice 115-118 ish rwhp/76-78 lb-ft a piece of cake. The whole power band spreads out. Immediately after installing the header, i did an unintentional legitimate wheelie in 2nd gear (already had 16/47 sprockets.) He even has dyno charts that are extremely comprehensive in terms of which mods do what. Add your sprocket change of choice and the bike is whatever you want. Tips from a cheapskate zrx1100 owner. High value bike when modified this way. Pods, jets, header, 4 degree advance....good to go.
That's a big +1 for me for Holeshot stuff. Dale is very responsive to questions and really knows his stuff. It's even worth the import fees for getting his stuff to the UK 🇬🇧.
Yes, i forgot to mention telephone support...we discussed tips that dialed my bike in the rest of the way!
@ 26:35 ...but not with the unspeakable mild steel exhaust manifold, in which the baffle plate(s?) often comes off, and then the loud rattling noise starts at around operating temperature - especially when accelerating in a gear too high.
Had a new 2000 in GPz style red, black and silver. It was the bike where I learned to play with rear wheel traction. And just off idle wheelies. Not great for long distance touring though, so I replaced it with a much uglier first generation V-Strom.
Any upgrades including changing up transmission to a 6-speed you can put these ZZR1100 SIX-SPEED AND PISTONS. YOU CAN PUT THE INVERTED FORKS
Sky's the limit pretty much!
There was a 1200 on Craigs here last month for $5,500 US. It either didn't sell or the ad was just not taken down and left up to expire. I had a 1200 Bandit that was ok power wise. Then it was rejetted and piped. It was a totally different machine. Tons of low/mid torque. I prefered how it rode overall vs the ZRX. I do have a ZRX-ish bike, an 83 Honda CB1100F Super Sport.
What pipe? I have a holeshot stage 2 modified stock air box with two bros slip on, making about 115hp 80tq what about you? Ignition advance?
It had a Yoshimura exhaust, opened up air cleaner and jetted. I don't recall anything on the ignition, it was 1999.
Great honest review. I have a candy green 97 1100 with a few mods. Just my kind of bike, had it 10 years now and can't see me selling it.
Kawa powa!
The best grin factor bikes i have ever owned, so last year i bought another one to keep.. oh btw... Gpz Red is the fastest 😜
I love your jacket, is it a special edition or replica from a movie or something? Nice bike also.
The ones without the bikini faring are imports. And have a round headlight. Lovely bike though. I have one in the garage in mint condition, haven’t taken it out for about 10years!!!! 24:03
Approx value of a 2000 zrx 1100 in great shape??
I just saw this bike at my local dealers. Same colour & in great condition. I didnt look at the price tag though
Dealer might be very pricey.
Would this be an ideal bike to start on I’m lookin at one rn 👀
Not ideal, no. It's very heavy, tall and powerful for a first bike. Anything is possible but you'll have an easier and safer time on something a bit lighter and less powerful.
Where's the head checks while changing lanes? Also when stopped at traffic lights try positioning bike to one side of the lane not in middle where the oil and junk from cars/trucks lay.
Maybe revisit the basics in riding and road positioning for your safety..
👍❤
Dry roads and sun's coming out. More uploads on the way?
A new job forced me to somewhat abandon this channel but I would like to put out 3 to 4 videos a year if I can. I have a Yamaha Virago to do a vid on and I'm hoping to grab a Sprint ST 1050 too in the near future.
@@TheLoneTrader Whatever you can. You're one of the better ones at this. Informative, entertaining and unique bikes. Not riding around moaning about your life, but all the focus on the machine, love it.
@@Sportsbikeguy Thank you. I really appreciate that. I just try to make what I would like to watch. Nobody needs to hear me moan about my life. My other half gets that privilege 😄
🙂👍👍😁👍👍🙂
The suzuki bandit 1200 is much quicker than this and has a better finish than the kwak
I love me a Bandit 1200, I really do, but I literally could not disagree harder. The suspension and brakes on the Suzuki are far worse, the engine runs out of urge after two thirds of the rev range and it'll rust as soon as you look at it.
I much prefer the Bandito to ride but as they come, the ZRX is the much more capable bike. Plus, if speed is your thing, wtf are you looking at these fat retro machines for? 2.5k will get you a good GSXR1000 K1 that will eat both of these bikes for breakfast.
@@TheLoneTrader that because you not got the carbs set up rite
Speed is fun on these bikes. Had a 2000 Rex 1100. Sold it last year.
I regret it, but the fuel consumption was too extreme for me when you drive the ZRX with fun factor.
And I can say from experience that it is a very fast and agile bike.
Now I have a Yamaha MT 09.
Utter shite!