Hi All! Always wanted one of these and the opportunity came up, so I gave in and added this to the collection. Hopefully lots of content to follow with this. Enjoy!
I have two 1991 zx11 c models. I purchased one of them with a rod knock and I installed a d engine in it. Love them. Had to have two so I have one to ride if I am doing maintenance on the other. Ride everyday in California.
Great! Nice place to ride… this one has just come back from some minor engine work, yesterday. Update video to follow in the next week or so… big steps forward have been made. Should be back on the road in a couple of months all being well. Thanks again.
I bought mine a couple of years ago cause they look great and they were the ultimate bike back in the day. I haven’t ridden for 20yrs and Back then I used to ride an rgv250. Well, after 20yrs of not riding and remembering my old bike, it felt like a big old bus 😅. Opening the taps on this old girl was quite eye opening. What a beast! I’m starting to get used to the weight a bit now and enjoying it. I’m an ex mechanic and find it really easy to work on. There’s nothing on this bike that I feel I can’t do. Overall, it makes me feel good. I love looking at it in the garage and I love getting the spanner’s out and keeping it running sweet. A lovely machine.
There’s an update video coming soon re the 11, sadly my prediction re the life of the exhaust proved a little optimistic. All good fun getting the tools out on a bike that doesn’t need plugging into a laptop though. 👍 I was out on my Crosstourer last night, first time for a while, it actually felt a little ‘flat’ engine wise compared to the 11, just shows the muscle in these older kawasaki motors doesn’t it. 👍
@@headrace4863 it’s just a great old bruiser that you want to ride. Just a big hefty engine that wants to go forward at a very quick pace 😂 I’ll look forward to your next post 👍🏼
Good call. For a sports ‘bike, it’s remarkably accommodating. I’m 6’1” and it’s comfortable for as long as there’s fuel in the ‘tank. As for the performance, I’m not sure how much more is really necessary in the real world as it’s over delivering in every measure. 👍
You have the baddest bike speed champ from 94-99. The Blackbird took over in 99 by beating it by 6 mph. I have one too and OMFG I love riding it. Low speeds it is bulky but soon as you hit 30-40 mph it becomes a feather.
Got a 1999 zzr1100 and a ZZR1200 love them both the 11 got a special place in my heart reminds me of my younger years in the nineties when I was running wild lol 😂 love working on them rebuild the engine for the 11 at home in the garage new everything plus some head work she’s strong and fast puts a big smile on my face every time I ride it 🏁👌🏻
You've bought an excellent bike. I paid 2200 for my 2nd ZX11. And I'm still riding it. Almost 60 now and love riding fast. But not much over 160mph. So I've slowed down a bit. Good luck
A wee note which *could* help people - Black Widow Exhausts (formerly Sandy Bike Spares) do (did do) full systems for the 11, I think they're out of stock now, but if enough people ask, chances are they'll do another production. Decent price, and very good quality
I have that exact model and colour. It's mint considering it's now a classic, don't let that big tank fool you, theyre thirsty if you rush them. Slightly overfill the oil, and tip those concentric adjusters upside down seeing you got the legs- enhances turnin but you'll have to modify your stands, NO WHEELIES!!!!! ....well long one's anyway lol
Like the Bike.. I’ve one same age and colour.. bought it for a grand about8 years ago to do up and work on as it was in a bit of a mess … love the torque, totally addictive lol .. enjoyed your talk through.. cheers ..
Very kind, many thanks. This is nearly back on the road now after a replacement (standard) exhaust, new radiator, chain & sprockets and a major service. Video coming soon. 👍
A lot of bike for the money and an appreciating classic. Got me thinking about getting around to putting my Blackbird back on the road. My mate had the ZZR600 and I went for the Yamaha Thundercat. Thanks Michael.
I had a carb’ blackbird… crossed France in a day on it, 2 up and luggage.If I had to have one bike for the rest of my days, that’s what I’d have. Superb machine. Get it back on the road and marvel at what build quality is really about. 👍
I walked away from a stunning red Blackbird with one lady owner and very low mileage, at the time I could not justify buying another bike. Regret not getting it to this day. But I do have the ZZR1100 still so not all bad :o)@@headrace4863
@@headrace4863 Have to say the build quality on the Ds was/is a match for any Honda - put 50,000 + on mine and it still looked mint. 100% reliable, only spent brass on oil plugs filters tyres chains and bearings. Only had 1 thing fail - the starter button pinged off one morning (apparently not unheard of) - but replacement switch unit was very reasonable (especially compared to modern stuff now) and took 5 minutes to swap.
@@kwakkers68 yeah they’re great bikes, not sure if modern machines have the same “hugeness” about them in every sense. The switchgear is common to most Kawasaki’s of the era. I used some nearly new 7R stuff I had in storage on this one. For no reason other than the wiring connectors were in far better condition than the originals.
Hi" looks OK condition age & price I had two of these when they came out got 175 out of them a silver & lovely dark green was my favourite colour, I'm thinking of going back to these older bikes 175isent a bad speed but I'm getting fed up with to much technology having to adjust the way I ride to suit it I find rider aids a hindrance not a help so many settings have to remember what you set to ride accordingly rather than just how you feel! So much so just got a blackbird 06 a bike that starts properly from cold and just gets on with the gobin hand' thinking of selling all my tech ones for the 99-2000 era ?
got the 600 too myself both are brilliant bikes......... you can put them at any corner ,,very forgiving if you get it wrong , as long as you can ride..... and understand counter steering.... she'll get you around... yes its...not an R1 but the money you paid can anyone suggest a better bike in its class ? doubt it ???
They do handle very well, taking into account that neither are lightweights and they’re firmly aimed at the sports/touring end of the spectrum. The architecture is remarkably close the ZXR750’s and this really shows when you ride them, as you say. Standard shock on the 600 is very poor, the 11 is better from standard with at least a semi decent shock. Both bikes have fairly soft forks even when wound up but they are at least well controlled damping wise. As you say, for the money, hard to do better…. 👍
You could probably get one on there, but I’m not sure what you’re looking to gain by doing so. Generally the manufacturers take a lot of factors into choosing tyre sizes, so just be sure you’re aiming to achieve a certain improvement if you go for a wider fitment.
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I have two 1991 zx11 c models. I purchased one of them with a rod knock and I installed a d engine in it. Love them. Had to have two so I have one to ride if I am doing maintenance on the other. Ride everyday in California.
Great! Nice place to ride… this one has just come back from some minor engine work, yesterday. Update video to follow in the next week or so… big steps forward have been made. Should be back on the road in a couple of months all being well. Thanks again.
I bought mine a couple of years ago cause they look great and they were the ultimate bike back in the day. I haven’t ridden for 20yrs and Back then I used to ride an rgv250. Well, after 20yrs of not riding and remembering my old bike, it felt like a big old bus 😅. Opening the taps on this old girl was quite eye opening. What a beast! I’m starting to get used to the weight a bit now and enjoying it. I’m an ex mechanic and find it really easy to work on. There’s nothing on this bike that I feel I can’t do. Overall, it makes me feel good. I love looking at it in the garage and I love getting the spanner’s out and keeping it running sweet. A lovely machine.
There’s an update video coming soon re the 11, sadly my prediction re the life of the exhaust proved a little optimistic. All good fun getting the tools out on a bike that doesn’t need plugging into a laptop though. 👍 I was out on my Crosstourer last night, first time for a while, it actually felt a little ‘flat’ engine wise compared to the 11, just shows the muscle in these older kawasaki motors doesn’t it. 👍
@@headrace4863 it’s just a great old bruiser that you want to ride. Just a big hefty engine that wants to go forward at a very quick pace 😂
I’ll look forward to your next post 👍🏼
I’d love another one of these, super comfortable to ride and spine shattering performance.
Good call. For a sports ‘bike, it’s remarkably accommodating. I’m 6’1” and it’s comfortable for as long as there’s fuel in the ‘tank. As for the performance, I’m not sure how much more is really necessary in the real world as it’s over delivering in every measure. 👍
You have the baddest bike speed champ from 94-99. The Blackbird took over in 99 by beating it by 6 mph. I have one too and OMFG I love riding it. Low speeds it is bulky but soon as you hit 30-40 mph it becomes a feather.
Got a 1999 zzr1100 and a ZZR1200 love them both the 11 got a special place in my heart reminds me of my younger years in the nineties when I was running wild lol 😂 love working on them rebuild the engine for the 11 at home in the garage new everything plus some head work she’s strong and fast puts a big smile on my face every time I ride it 🏁👌🏻
What’s your view of the 12? The 11 will always be special, agreed. 👍
You've bought an excellent bike. I paid 2200 for my 2nd ZX11. And I'm still riding it. Almost 60 now and love riding fast. But not much over 160mph. So I've slowed down a bit. Good luck
A wee note which *could* help people - Black Widow Exhausts (formerly Sandy Bike Spares) do (did do) full systems for the 11,
I think they're out of stock now, but if enough people ask, chances are they'll do another
production. Decent price, and very good quality
Had the eccentric chain adjusters on my 84 GPz 750. Chain adjustment a breeze.
I have that exact model and colour. It's mint considering it's now a classic, don't let that big tank fool you, theyre thirsty if you rush them. Slightly overfill the oil, and tip those concentric adjusters upside down seeing you got the legs- enhances turnin but you'll have to modify your stands, NO WHEELIES!!!!! ....well long one's anyway lol
Great stuff. Fond memories of the ZZR1100.
Much appreciated… still a lot of ‘bike and great value these days aren’t they. And they look just great don’t they.👍
@@headrace4863 Agreed matey. I prefer them to the ZZR1200
Like the Bike.. I’ve one same age and colour.. bought it for a grand about8 years ago to do up and work on as it was in a bit of a mess … love the torque, totally addictive lol .. enjoyed your talk through.. cheers ..
Very kind, many thanks. This is nearly back on the road now after a replacement (standard) exhaust, new radiator, chain & sprockets and a major service. Video coming soon. 👍
Legend 🖤
Beautiful Bike mate 👏👏🙂✌️👍🙏🏍🍻
Bought a C1 for £525 and have a fairly decent D1 with 33k miles and 10 months MOT- got her for £700 . Toy money lol.
Can’t go wrong for that money can you… price of an end-can for a more modern ‘bike isn’t it. Enjoy! 👍
THE CHAIN ADJUSTERS CAN BE INVERTED TO GIVE YOU A LITTLE SHARPER STEERING
A lot of bike for the money and an appreciating classic. Got me thinking about getting around to putting my Blackbird back on the road. My mate had the ZZR600 and I went for the Yamaha Thundercat. Thanks Michael.
I had a carb’ blackbird… crossed France in a day on it, 2 up and luggage.If I had to have one bike for the rest of my days, that’s what I’d have. Superb machine. Get it back on the road and marvel at what build quality is really about. 👍
@@headrace4863 Wow, same here - a carb bird and France in a day, Cherbourg to San Sabastian - 1000km and 12 hours later!!!
I walked away from a stunning red Blackbird with one lady owner and very low mileage, at the time I could not justify buying another bike. Regret not getting it to this day. But I do have the ZZR1100 still so not all bad :o)@@headrace4863
@@headrace4863 Have to say the build quality on the Ds was/is a match for any Honda -
put 50,000 + on mine and it still looked mint. 100% reliable, only spent brass
on oil plugs filters tyres chains and bearings. Only had 1 thing fail - the starter button pinged off
one morning (apparently not unheard of) - but replacement switch unit was very
reasonable (especially compared to modern stuff now) and took 5 minutes to swap.
@@kwakkers68 yeah they’re great bikes, not sure if modern machines have the same “hugeness” about them in every sense. The switchgear is common to most Kawasaki’s of the era. I used some nearly new 7R stuff I had in storage on this one. For no reason other than the wiring connectors were in far better condition than the originals.
Gixr breaks fit, and the carbs for restricted models, or there's easy kits available with longer pins n such to get the factory carbs to open right up
Beauty 😍
Hi" looks OK condition age & price I had two of these when they came out got 175 out of them a silver & lovely dark green was my favourite colour, I'm thinking of going back to these older bikes 175isent a bad speed but I'm getting fed up with to much technology having to adjust the way I ride to suit it I find rider aids a hindrance not a help so many settings have to remember what you set to ride accordingly rather than just how you feel! So much so just got a blackbird 06 a bike that starts properly from cold and just gets on with the gobin hand' thinking of selling all my tech ones for the 99-2000 era ?
(Job in hand) plus the depreciation is haunting me.
got the 600 too myself both are brilliant bikes......... you can put them at any corner ,,very forgiving if you get it wrong , as long as you can ride..... and understand counter steering.... she'll get you around...
yes its...not an R1 but the money you paid can anyone suggest a better bike in its class ? doubt it ???
They do handle very well, taking into account that neither are lightweights and they’re firmly aimed at the sports/touring end of the spectrum. The architecture is remarkably close the ZXR750’s and this really shows when you ride them, as you say. Standard shock on the 600 is very poor, the 11 is better from standard with at least a semi decent shock. Both bikes have fairly soft forks even when wound up but they are at least well controlled damping wise. As you say, for the money, hard to do better…. 👍
just ride it .............open throttle
you won't be dissapointed.
youve bought a wholelottof horsepowerand tourqe , its a fantastic bike ive had 3
Im paying twice that for a mint 99 T plate with 16k on it. £3500
The values are on the way up for these older hyper-sports-tourers… enjoy the new ‘bike. 👍👍
Does anyone know if I can run a 190 rear tire on original rim.
You could probably get one on there, but I’m not sure what you’re looking to gain by doing so. Generally the manufacturers take a lot of factors into choosing tyre sizes, so just be sure you’re aiming to achieve a certain improvement if you go for a wider fitment.
Hi , yes you Can fit a 190 without any mods. My 1993 D1 I’ve always use Dunlop 190 tires for years
What's the running temp like on the gage .where does the needle sit
These usually run cool, just about 1/3 up the gauge..
Hi. What did you pay for the bike? Cheers.
Hi there. Bit of a bargain this one, £1750..
you need serious will power not to turn that throttle to hard , its a license looser
Why the 4 piston callipers? Mine has 6?
4 piston was standard across the ZZR/ZXR range, the 6 pots are from the zx6/9/12R series but are a common mod on zzr’s.👍
@headrace4863 Ah I didn't know that! Thanks
Best avoid 6 pots. Always trouble.