Kawasaki ZX-10 1988-1990 - Riding Impressions, History, Specs
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 17 ก.ค. 2024
- Kawasaki's ZX-10 Ninja (Tomcat in Europe). In this 3rd "Blast from the Past" video, I am opening my old photo album and looking at Kawasaki's ZX-10 Ninja-Tomcat. Kawasaki's mighty ZX-10 combined a liquid-cooled, 997cc, 16-valve motor, 6-speed transmission and slippery aerodynamics to post a 167mph top speed during testing. It held the title of "world's fastest production motorcycle" for 1988-1989. Only Kawasaki's own ZX-11, a similar bike with ram-air and more displacement, was able to outrun the ZX-10 in 1990. What was the ZX-10 like to ride? Let's take a look and find out together!
- ยานยนต์และพาหนะ
I rode mine across the country in 1996. Hitting the exit ramps, I had the same experience when slowing down. You enter the exit ramp thinking you're doing 35 nope, you're doing 70mph and the end of the exit ramp comes up quick!! I will never sell it.
It's awesome that you still have it James!That was the hardest "sell" decision I've made and I still miss mine!
I've owned mine for 34 years. Owned since new. Many other bikes have come and gone, but the ZX10 is forever!!!
Still have my ‘90 also. Wish I could post a pic
Paid $6999 off the showroom floor in 90. Love it and will give it to my boy when I can’t ride it anymore.
Thank you for sharing the history of the ZX-10. 94 ZX-11 Owner here. Went on a short ride yesterday. The ZX-11 is an amazing machine. I love the visceral experience every time I ride this beast of a machine. Longing for the weather here in the Midwest to warm up a bit for some longer rides!
Right on Ted! I'm jealous of the ZX-11! It might hit 50 degrees F today... That's a heat wave here this time of year. Maybe I'll get out for a minute or two later on.
can u install a H2 supercharger in them...with few mods
@@ikramchaudry1359 not sure, however this is something I would never pursue because the machine is powerful enough for me. Is one awesome experience to ride this bike!
@@ikramchaudry1359 That would be awesome!
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 greg mace zx11 turbo and the mr.turbo's zx11 topped 231mph. but those were heavy mods n can cost street legallity n reliability. in my opinion H2 supercharger will give a kick of 80hp plus will be still street legal...just an opinion
One of the greatly overlooked horsepower kings of the 80's and 90's. For two years it ruled the roost. Same as the longer production ZX-11, which was another leap beyond even the mighty ZX-10. I would love to own one, but that list is long and there are other 80's-90's high horsepower bikes I want first (83 CB1100F, 84 VF1100C and VF1100S, 85 VMX1200, an 86 FJ1200, an 83 Katana 1100, 92 CBR900, 90 FZR1000, 92 GSXR1100, well, you get the idea....), but I wish I could own them all. I would definitely not refuse a mint ZX11 at a decent price, though. I did own an 83CB1100F once, but I sold it to my best friend. At least he still owns it, mothballed now, but at least I can look at one every now and then.
In a way, I have a link to both ZX's - I have the rear wheel from a ZX-10 bolted into a 1983 GPz1100 swing arm, and a modified 90 ZX-11 swing arm is fitted to one of my 79 CBX's.
Very nice Scott! Sounds like you've got some nice ponies in the garage. I've owned most of those bikes over the years, though obviously not all at the same time - where was TH-cam when I was younger!
Great story about that bike. In 1990 a friend of mine had an overhead cam v8 Porche. We had an impromptu race with a zx10 on Pacific Coast Highway in Redondo Beach. Up to that point I was impressed with the speed of my friend’s Porche, not so much after the short race with the zx10. Very short race. In fact it was no race at all.
Well put! Just thinking about riding my former ZX-10 puts an evil grin on my face.
nice video and explaination of how Kawi is alhead of its time. ZX10 showed the world how a superbike should be...
I miss that bike!
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 was mentioned in cycle magazine 89' issue. ever since then i ve been fallen in luv with it...first luv. second is mighty ZX11
@ikram chaudry I agree. For me, the ZX-10 had better color schemes. I wish there was a color on the ZX-11 that I really liked. But it's still a great bike!
I remember I had just started uni when these came out and I always wanted one. I reckon it’s one of the most beautiful big sports bikes from Japan, certainly one of Kawasaki’s best. I never got one, but I did buy a new 2005 Kawasaki ZX12R which I enjoyed for a few years. I also bought a new Yamaha YZF1000R Thunderace prior to the big Kwaka and loved that too.
Right on! I still miss my 1989 ZX-10. Cheers!
My ‘90 won second place at the custom Kawasaki contest at Laguna Seca in 1991 or 92 (damn I’m getting old). I still have it and hope to pass it down to my son when it’s time .
Tuned, jetted, timing advancer, Muzzy stainless full exhaust, steel braided, 3 to one piece tail section, candy paint.
Sounds amazing! I sure miss mine. Cheers!
i own this amazing 1989 machine. Ride one and you realize what this man tells you in the video is tru,
After all this years and STILL 2023 its one of the fastest outthere...AND its suberstable upp in high speed.
BESTOFTHEBEST
Right on!
Agree 100 %, it is a great bike. I still own one in stock condition with 139 Hp; the only modification is a devil-exhaust with a great sound. Best regards from Germany.
Very cool! That makes me miss my ZX-10! However, I still have some nice bikes in the garage. I will pick up another one if I can find one in nice condition for the right price. Cheers from Pennsylvania!
Hi Jon, my 89 ZX10 is my pride and joy, have now had it for 10 years. UK spec bike, modded with Micron 4-1, K&N Pod filters, jetted to suit. Braided brake lines and has ZX-11C rear suspension.
I run out of talent way before it does, your review of how stable it is at speed is spot on, yes it does need to be muscled about and is definitely not an apex predator. But on long sweepers and open roads it is a blast.
My only gripe is how heavy the clutch is, even though it is hydraulic, its not a bike for running around in heavy traffic using a lot of clutch. Out of town after 2nd I do clutch-less up-shifts with no problems.
Fuel consumption, typically 42 - 44 mpg (imperial), tyres at the moment are Bridgestone BT-023.
The flat-spot you describe can be a pain, with my pipe/filter combo it moves the flat spot up to 4-1/2 to 5K. So on the open road when I want to have fun I keep in the 6k+ rev band.
I will say that the feedback from the tyres is not great, I don't know if that's due to the Bridgestone's or whether it is just a quirk of the ZX-10, would like your view on that.
It may be the front forks, which could be harsh over sharp bumps. Tires also have a major impact on handling and feedback. I forget what size tire is on the front, but I would try a different front tire and see if that helps. I've tried several tires recently that I like. On the cheap end, the Shinko Verge impressed me. On the more expensive side, Michelin's Road 5 is really good as well. Hope that helps.
I wish I had found you channel sooner. I am restoring two ZX11s so I love hearing about the ZX10 and GPZ1100 which are similar. One of them even has the D&D exhaust which I had never heard of but must have been popular on these back in the day. These are the most detailed and in-depth motorcycle reviews I have found anywhere on youtube. Thanks and will look forward to more.
Thank you, I really appreciate the feedback! The ZX11 is another favorite of mine. I plan on doing a review video on one in the future. My friend just picked up a beautiful ZX11 D so maybe...
Owned ZX-10 in 1995 for 3 months. Based in UK we were lucky not to have a juvenile name (Ninja or Tomcat) plastered on the fairing!
Right on! Though I don't mind the Ninja name.
I never saw one with "Tomcat" or "Ninja" on the fairing in EU or the UK or anywhere outside the U.S, here in the antipodes it was/is known as the ZX-10.As far as i know the Tomcat name was only used in North America as they had the monopoly on silly bike names back then, Eg- Hurricane, Sabre, Ninja, Nighthawk, Magna, Interceptor, Superhawk, 🤣🤣 I'm genuinely surprised the U.S didn't name the GSX-R and FZR models something like, the "Blaster" and the "Fang". 😆😆
@uhtred7860 there was in the late 80s also a fantastic 650cc single by Honda which they inexplicably called 'Dominator'. I would have bought it but the idea of riding round the streets on a bike with such a name was way too embarrassing. So instead I bought the Kawasaki KLR650, in fact that was what I had after trading in the Zed-Ex-10 (not 'zee' lol😂)
@@Ken_oh545 Yeah we got the NX650 or "Dominator" here in NZ, but XR's and TT's were road legal here so most guys who wanted a big single dirt bike bought one of those, the KLR and DR were also popular.
Thanks for the memories. Had an 88 ZX10 brand new off the showroom floor and then later a 1990 ZX11. At that time I went 6 Feet 3 and it was just a wonderfully fitting motorcycle. Was capable in the canyons of Malibu and Ventura County and it was wonderful on cross-country trips as well
Right on Tim! I miss mine as well.
Great review. I had the ZX10 and agree with everything you stated. The flat spot at just over 4k was indeed common to them all, however, as I was always operating in the higher rev range as I like dancing on the gear lever I did not notice it much but friends who liked to roll on the throttle in a higher gear always commented on it. I progressed to the ZZR 1100 (ZX11) and still own and ride them today and you are so right about the "Raw edge" to them. The induction noise alone is something that FI bikes riders will never know. I also have a ZX14R, and whilst it is an amazing bike and very fast it does not have the same raw feeling. You mentioned the concentric adjusters, which, as any ZZR rider knows, can be rotated 180 degrees which jack the back up and alters the steering head angle giving the bike much sharper turn in and transforms the handling. I have so many videos posted on the ZZR 1100 and the number of people recognizing how great these bikes were is rising all the time. Thanks again for a great review.
Right on, you're welcome, Michael. I flipped the eccentric adjusters on my ZX-10, and ZRX for that very reason! My friend has a nice 1997 ZX-11 and I'm hoping to review it. Cheers!
Launch at 6k and you won’t see that flat spot but you better be ready 😁
I owned the b1 model, AND 3 ZZRIIOOS but still have fond memories of the 10, that,s how much i rated it.
It was one of my favorites!
Awesome mate thanks heaps.
You're welcome Narelle!
I personally had an 87 1000r that I absolutely loved, but my friend had an 89 ZX10 that I rode quite a few times. It had noticeably more midrange punch than the 87 1000r. I used to drag race My lightly modded 87 A LOT, however I never got to run the ZX 10 down the track though. That would have been fun. I love these old bikes. I just found one on marketplace for 2500 that looks pretty clean. If I had a garage I would probably snag it. I love the late 80s early 90s bikes. I think they just look so bad ass still. But that’s probably because I’m old (52) and sentimental now.
Right on! Thanks for sharing the memories. These bikes are gaining in popularity and value currently. So you're not the only one who likes them. By the way, I would love to pick up another 1989 ZX-10 or even a Ninja 1000. Cheers!
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538
Here’s a poor quality video recorded off a projection tv many years ago of my 1000r at the track. It was mainly stock except for a Vance and Hines Header, an ignition advancer and 6 teeth up on the rear sprocket. Best ET was 10.79 at 126. Yes that’s slow for todays bikes but pretty fast for back then.
th-cam.com/video/UgvY3kOqxp8/w-d-xo.htmlsi=bopsYnLxngONS3KM
@Dyno05 Very cool 😎!
Thankyou very much, you brought back great memories.
I had a very early blue and white one, it was a beast and no car at the time could compete.
I couldnt handle the acceleration in first gear, i just used that to get rolling. Second gear and full throttle was warp speed!
Before speed cameras....180 miles in 1 3/4 hours...mmmm..
Yep! If I leaned forward in 1st, it would smoke the tire. If I leaned back, the front wheel would lift. I loved that bike!
Awesome! Picked up my ‘89 ZX-10 in Germany back in the mid 90’s. Rode that bike all over, even in the Winter at 17f out. That bike did it all. Brought it stateside and outrode all my buddies with there new fancy R6’s etc in the curves (Cloudcroft, NM area). Even scored a Muzzy exhaust for it (4:1) off of ebay around 1999 (early days of evilbay!). Like you said, could roll the rear tire in 1st and even 2nd gear, planted, good feedback. Miss that bike!
Right on! Selling my ZX-10 was the most difficult motorcycling choice I've had to make. I still miss mine.
That's super cool and interesting vidz my friend. Keep it up and more vidz to come.
Thanks!
Just from looking at the bike.I like the way everything is built into the fairing, tail light and turn signals. I aIso like the eccentric chain adjustment. I think it's a shame that new bikes today has no beauty about them. , have more electronic farkles and power. But no beauty. Enjoyed the video Jon and RIDE SAFE!
I share that sentiment! Thanks Henry.
The ZX-10 was a really beautiful looking motorcycle. I'd love to own one. I have an '89 Yamaha FJ1200 that fits this roll.
Very cool! The FJ1200 is a fast, comfortable ride. I hope to do a ride review of one if I get the chance.
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 FJ1200's handle really well too!
@@shinethelight01 I had a modified FJ1100 with magnesium wheels, exhaust, etc. It was a fast, fun bike. It handled well from what I remember, and that motor was a beast.
I had the exact same bike, infact your story sounds very similar, I had my girlfriend then banging on my back when I was going way to quick. A bus eventually took me out I'm ok but I miss that bike heaps. Thanks for the memories.
You're welcome Peter!
I like your story. Thank you. Im looking into purchasing a black 1990 . on marketplace. That runs. Good. Looks good.
Check it over thoroughly, and good luck with the purchase!
Both the Gixxer & FZ were undeniably respectable bikes on the streets, the Hurricanes looked like bloated scooters to me, but the Ninja was the end all/be all of street dominating rides. Sure they were heavy and weren't track bikes, but they stayed planted under throttle. You didn't ride "on" a Ninja, you rode "with" a Ninja. You hopped on, grabbed those bars like Alex would grab The Black's mane in The Black Stallion and you held on. My first bike was a GPz 305. Once I mounted a liter Ninja...damn; I just knew I could never ride a 600. 😂
Amen brother! The ZX-10 was my second liter bike (and first sportbike). I rode it every chance I got, and every ride was a thrill ride. My brother-in-law had a CBR600F2 at the same time. The CBR was gutless below 10k rpm and not what I wanted in a street machine. I'd consider another ZX-10 if I could find a really nice one. Cheers
Had an 88 for many years till a woman pulled in front of me and totaled it, amazing bike, I put 70,000 miles on it.
Wow, I'm glad you are OK! You certainly got some good use out of yours.
I like old Motorcycle, for me ZZR 1100 was masterpiece.
Right on! I loved the big Kawasaki sportbike styling from the Z1-R through the ZZR1100 (ZX-11 here). Beautiful bikes. Cheers!
Turning the eccentric adjustment 180 degrees raises the ride height and sharpens the handling as with later zzr1100 s
You are correct! I did that at some point on my ZX-10 and later ZRX. Cheers!
I owned the previous model RX1000 (steel frame) weird handling with its setup 16” front wheels, flop over in slow corners, and wander a little at 150mph + 😁 great long distance tourer and traffic light blaster though ,
Right on - that was a beautiful bike, too! I miss my ZX-10. Cheers!
They were great looking motorcycles and went like a scolded cat.
Right on!
Nice example. We always regret selling them...
Right on! I've owned and sold a lot of nice ones. But selling has allowed me to experience and enjoy other nice bikes. Always looking forward to the next one. Cheers!
Ah memories. I know all to well the jabs in my ribs from my girl friend, now wife, on my then V65 Sabre, followed by my Blackbird.
Right on Pete!
I own a 1990 ZX10 I would smoke GSXR 1100 I would see to headlights going backwards a 89 fzr1000 give me a good race. going to the beach with a ZX-11 never been passed by a bike before. I own a 2002 zx12r that zx10 prepared for that bike.when I changed to steel breaded lines front wheel stopping night and day.
Right on! I miss my ZX-10!
Great video! I also own the bike in the tomcat version you showed on 1:10. It was my first motorcycle i got being 22 years old and is still drive it today ten years later. Last year it got a restoration done on it which cost me quite a bit but i think it was worth it. Got a video up driving if you guys want to check it out :)
Cool Tomcat video (I just watched it). Where is that road? It looks amazing!
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 Passo di Stalle in Italy. It is alot of fun but you have to get in front of the light when it turns green or you have a hard time overtaking 20 GS drivers :)
@P-Dog Beautiful! The GSs aren't bad in the corners, but they're pokey on uphill straights.
🇯🇵🇯🇵🇯🇵🇯🇵👍👍👍🥷忍者‼️
Right on!
ZX10 SOUND RECORDING
I wish I had a recording of the way mine sounded with the D&D pipe! Cheers
Will the disc break Kawasaki from 1989 Fit a 1988 Kawasaki
Just bought one great condition but brake pads and if the pods say 5 mm what is the true thickness that it needs to be before a can’t pass inspection
You can look up the rotor part numbers for the bikes at: www.partzilla.com
That's a question for your state inspection station. Regardless of new pad thickness, there is a minimum thickness that will pass. I think it's 2mm.
Jon, I appreciate all your content especially this ZX10B video. I'm rescuing my second one and I'll add braided brake lines to my list. The 88 red/black model is an amazing thing to look at.
th-cam.com/video/lbzNfd-k8Fc/w-d-xo.html
Very Nice!
My wife's hair was braided in her shirt. F in Funny.
It is now. Not so much then!
The guy that has the bike for sale . says gx 99.
I often see mislabeled ads.
0 to 60 ?, 2.9 secs, would have me Grinning like an Idiot. '84 Couriered on a nearly new Kawa.750 turbo, thrashed it daily, countless times, a lot of joy. Got 161 mph., Not topped out, couldn't keep going So Hard. March'19, no bike Kawasaki for 27 years, got a 05 very very healthy Bandit GSF 650 inj. SHEET 58, 59 times more biking joy than the turbo. Alas now a HOPEFULLY only, semi retired Crazy Mad Banditateer, fekkin Banditless Banditaholic, ruined for any other bike, and I'm not even lying. Yours truly Scott Loch. Na Professor Bandit B.T.E. Torque Enjoyment only, 20, 21 months of Blessed Bandit Time Times, got a PhD Masters Degree in Bandit Torque Enjoyment only, nothing technical.
Hi Scott! Did you see my Bandit 1250 review? th-cam.com/video/48wiSqA8iKI/w-d-xo.html
I think you might like it. Cheers!
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 Sad news Peeps, Heard on very good authority,... The 1200 Bandit had Better Mid - range Torque, than the 1250 . Read somebody say the 1250 ?, Not Really a Bandit, As Much Fun as the 1250 is in itself, Just not a Magical Bandit engine ??.
@scottlochans4180 I've owned three Bandit 1200s and one 1250. The 1250 motor isn't buzzy, it's not limited by a 5-speed, it puts out WAY more torque than the 1200 (look at the specs), it has great fuel injection, and the rest of the bike isn't bargain basement parts like the 1200 has. Some people don't like change. The original 1200 Bandit wasn't a terrible bike, but it was a cheaply made bike. I'm just being honest here - not trying to sell you either way. Cheers!
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 Outstanding INFORMATION Cheers, Seriously I'll always have a skip in my Heart ?? A very very healthy 1250 Bandit, because My late beloved 05, ran in for 15,000 miles, Quickly over 80 mph, before the red line ?, 2nd gear. What no what? Perfect Storm of Acceleration?, Felt like an industrial catapult fired it off, totally upright, PROPELLED forward arms limp, body slouched, ALL at the back wheel, was in Control of an Angry Crazy Mad Wasp ?, Thought it was a Firefly. Swear the Steeper the hill ?, Bandit Accelerates Faster. Best bike ever, and I ain't even lying.
Tengo una. Si estás interesado, podemos hablar
¡Lindo! ¿Dónde te encuentras?
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 En Valencia, España
@@4rojo618 I have visited Barcelona - it's a beautiful city.