Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
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.~ TEST 1992 Kawasaki ZX·ll Nin'a ~T By Kit Palmer WO hundred miles per hour? Yup. That's what it says on the speedometer, all right_ Of course, the Kawasaki ZX-11 can't go that fast, but the mere fact that "200" is printed on the speedo, instantly tells you something about this motorcycle. Yes, it's "' fast. C\l Okay, so the ZX11 is, in fact, one of .~ the fastest production motorcycles in the Q.) world, but that doesn't automatically ,.0 qualify it as a good motorcycle, although we know many people who will argue Q.) that point, claiming there's no substitute' .-,l for speed. But in our opinion, comfort ~ and rideability, or the lack thereof, can Q.) make pure'horsepower as useful as slick Cf'J tires on ice. S III torque and can be short-shifted, making it acceptable in stop-and-go traffic and a blast for casual back roads riding. The close-ratio six-speed transmission keeps your left foot rather busy, though, but the action is significantly smoother than sQme Kawasaki models we've tested in the past, mainly because there is very lit- Perhaps the best thing about the ZX11 is cruising down the highway at the posted speed limit and knowing that, at a simple twist of the wrist, you can break the speed limit, at least in this coi.mtry, twice over in a matter of seconds. Sometimes just knowing you can, eliminates the need to try. But if you just can't gas-charged shock in the rear are fully adjustable. The ZX-11 has a claimed dry weight of 503 pounds, so it's not a light motorcycle by any means, but the weight does add to the bike's overall stability. It comers well but doesn't have that nimble feeling like some of the more race-oriented sport Not only is the Kawasaki. ZX-ll an extremely quick and fast motorcycle, it's comfortable, easy to maneuver and a joy to ride. At $8299, it better be! 20 What began as a quick riding impression of Kawasaki's 16-valve, in-line four-cylinder, OOHC, water-cooled ZX11 has evolved into a nearly 10,OOO-mile, long-term test and, if we had it our way, we'd just as soon rack up another 10,000. Why? Because not only is the ZX-11 perhaps the quickest and fastest motorcycle we've ever ridden, it is also one of the most user-friendly. It's almost as if the ZX-11 is two motorcycles in one. Below 8000 rpm, the ZX-ll is a calm and relaxing motorcycle to ride, perfect for day-te-day commuting and city driving. Above 8000 rpm, and the ZX-11 turns into an exploding balloon of horsepower. Although the ZX-i1 lives to be revved, it behaves well at low rpm. Mainly because of its just plain big 1052cc engine, it generates plenty of tle drive~train lash. Feel on the clutch lever is typical of that of a hydraulically operated clutch - it varies from shift to shift, but for the most part is light, smooth and progressive, although sometimes mushy. On those mornings when you wake up feeling a little frisky and adventuresome, the ZX-ll is a thrill-a-second on back road switchbacks if you keep the tach needle above eight grand. Simply pyt, when ridden aggressively, the ZX11 is an absolute rush. It can get you from one tum to the next in the blink of the eye and do so in a smooth and controllable manner. Nevertheless, the ZX11 is, in our opinion, not a wise choice for the first-time buyer. Even though the ZX-11 can be ridden at a grandma's pace, it's hard-hitting punch above 8000 rpm can catch the less-experienced rider by surprise. resist the urge to do so, take the ZX-11 to the local drag strip. Thank to its perimeter, dual box-section aluminum frame, the ZX-11 is a comfortable motorcycle. The seat is wide and the overall layout is spacious, making long stints in the saddle possible. Unfortunately, taller riders will bang their knees on the comer of the fairing and frame. The suspension, on the other hand, is set up out of the crate extremely stiff and for that reason alone will have you searching for a place to rest long before your legs cramp up or your knees begin to ache. Instead, your eyes will nearly shake themselves out of their sockets, and your kidneys will complain, especially after drinking a couple glasses of iced tea on a hot 'summer day. Luckily, both the 43mm fork up front and the single bikes on the market. But it stiU cuts a quick line thro~gh the switchbacks. Powerful motorcycles like the ZX-ll require powerful brakes, and the dual twin-piston caliper discs up front, and the single twin-piston disc in the back, fit the bill. The front brake takes a little getting used to because it is so strong and a little oversensitive. It's not wise to grab a handful of front brake and squeeze like there's no tomorrow. You might wind up on your head, especially if there's gravel around. The front brake is very strong, like it should be, and deserves a lot of respect. The rear brake is powerful but not nearly as grabby as the front. While many motorcyclists pack away their street bikes during the winter months, ZX-ll owners might consider doing so during the summer months. Hot air coming off the engine is fun-