Kawasaki ZXR 400

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The Kawasaki ZXR400 is a super sports - motorcycle of the Japanese manufacturer Kawasaki with 398 cm 3 capacity. It is the little sister of the ZXR750 .

The 400 series was built from 1989 to 1999, but was only sold in Germany from 1991, around 6,500 times. Until 1997 the new price rose continuously from around 12,000 to 15,500 marks. As a used motorcycle it is still very popular and quite expensive compared to the used "younger" 600s. The motorcycle is very easy to recognize by the "ram air (vacuum cleaner) hoses" and the rear spoiler . The ZXR400 weighs 40 kilograms less than the ZXR 750 (185 to 225 kilograms) when ready to drive and with a full tank. The short stroke of 39 millimeters with a 57 millimeter bore is rather rare.

Series

L2 green / white / blue
L3 green / white / blue
original except for the pane
L4 green / white / blue
original except for the pane
L7 green / white
original except for indicators

The different years of construction differ primarily in their paintwork and the various decorations. In other countries there were also other color and decor combinations.

1989 ZX400-H1

The H1 was the first in its range. It was probably initially available in a green / white / blue decor. It had a rectangular headlight, or two small round headlights.

Technical specifications:

  • Dimensions / weights:
    • Length 2035 mm
    • Width 705 mm
    • Height 1125 mm
    • Wheelbase 1395 mm
    • Seat height 765 mm
    • Empty weight 163 kg
    • Tank capacity 16 L (of which 4 L reserve)
  • engine
    • Type 4-stroke, 4-cylinder, two overhead camshafts
    • Cooling system liquid cooling
    • Bore × stroke 57.0 × 39.0 mm
    • Displacement 398 cc
    • Compression 12.1: 1
    • Engine output 45.6 kW (62 hp) at 12,500 rpm
    • Max. Torque 39.2 Nm at 10,000 rpm
    • Spark plugs NGK CR9EK
    • Engine oil SE or SF class, SAE 10W-40, 20W-40, 10W-50, 20W-50
    • Oil volume 3 L
  • Engine:
    • Clutch Multi-plate oil bath clutch
    • 6-speed gearbox, claw shift, gears constantly in mesh
    • Gear ratio chain 3.00 (45/15)
  • Frame and chassis:
    • Caster angle 24 °
    • Trail 85 mm
    • Tires: front 120 / 70-17, rear 160 / 60-17

1991 ZX400-L1

A further development of the H model. New frame, the engine has become more powerful, and the rear has undergone a significant redesign. Otherwise many small changes in detail. In Germany with rear spoiler (to hold on for pillion or pillion passenger). The L1 was available in green / white / blue with a silver frame or in metallic blue with a black frame.

Changes in technical data:

  • Dimensions / weights:
    • Length 2090 mm
    • Width 700 mm
    • Height 1080 mm
    • Wheelbase 1385 mm
    • Seat height 790 mm
    • Empty weight 159 kg
  • engine
    • Engine output 47.8 kW (65 hp) at 13,000 rpm
    • Max. Torque 36.3 Nm at 12,000 rpm
  • Frame and chassis:
    • Caster angle 23.5 °
    • Trail 82 mm
    • Top speed approx. 200 km / h

1992 ZX400-L2

The rectangular headlight was exchanged for a trapezoidal headlight, and Kawasaki changed the damping of the shock absorber, but not the spring rate. The L2 was also available in metallic red with a black frame and otherwise had the same decor as the L1.

1993 ZX400-L3

The L3 was only available in green / white / blue (different division than before) with a silver frame or in black / purple with a black frame. This was the last time there was a black frame as standard.

1994 ZX400-L4

The carburetor heater was introduced, the rear splash guard was shortened and it got two large holes. The L4 was now available in a different green / white / blue with a blue curved zigzag pattern and again in a different black / purple version, but from now on only with a silver frame.

1995 ZX400-L5

From the L5 onwards, the same decorative pattern was available in two color variations, green / white with a purple / pink tail, or black / violet with an orange tail.

1997 ZX400-L7

Now the bonsai athlete received a secondary air system to meet the stricter emission laws. The maneuverability and the fire between 11,000 and 14,000 rpm suffered somewhat.

Breakdown by type, year of manufacture and chassis number
Type Bj. Chassis number
ZX400-H1 1989-1990 ZX400H00 ...
ZX400-L1 1991 ZX400L000001 - ZX400L009000
ZX400-L2 1992 ZX400L009001 - ZX400L020000
ZX400-L3 1993 ZX400L020001 - ZX400L040000
ZX400-L4 1994 ZX400L040001 - ZX400L045000
ZX400-L5 1995-1996 ZX400L045001 - ZX400L052000
ZX400-L7 1997 ZX400L052001 - ZX400L055000
ZX400-L8 1998-1999 ZX400L055001 - ...

Details

  • Upside-down fork
  • Rocker arm : Valves are not activated directly via bucket tappets, but via rocker arms.
  • Ram-Air : No functioning Ram-Air system, more a unique selling point due to the distinctive "vacuum cleaner hoses". As with the Zxr 750 (until 1992), only the top of the engine is ventilated. The hoses have no connection to the airbox and therefore cannot build up any back pressure.