「Recommendation」For Those Who Want to Make the ZR-7 Air-Cooled 4-Cylinder a Familiar Companion

「750cc」air-cooled straight-4 DOHC brother

The Zephyr 750, a 750 cc naked model released by Kawasaki in 1990, became very popular with its air-cooled four-cylinder, twin-shock, classic round headlight and cannonball meter styling of the Zephyr (400) released the previous year. It was a leading model in the naked boom that replaced the overheated replica boom, and it remained on the market for a long time until 2006.

However, not many people are aware of a model launched in 1999 that suddenly appeared on the market with the same engine as the Zephyr. It was a naked model sharing the same air-cooled straight-four DOHC engine as the Zephyr 750, but with maximum output increased from the Zephyr's 68 PS to 73 PS, and featuring an aero design that was completely different from that of the Zephyr. The rear shock was changed to a mono suspension, and radial tires were installed on the front and rear. In other words, it was a sports edition of the Zephyr 750. In addition, the fuel tank capacity was increased by 5 liters, from 17 liters to 22 liters. The cruising range was also increased. In contrast to the classic Zephyr, the Zephyr 750 was improved with an emphasis on practicality.

The ZR-7, released in 1999, is a sports naked model with a modernized engine and body design from the Zephyr 750. The old-school vibe of the Zephyr was renewed, but Japanese sales were discontinued in 2003.

The raised tail is sportier than the Zephyr, and the overall silhouette is a streamlined aerodynamic design. The tail lamps are similar to those of the ZX-9R of the same generation.

The Global Specs more than popular in Japan

When you hear that it is an air-cooled four-cylinder with increased power, reinforced suspension with the latest equipment, and a modernized and refined design, you wonder if it has become popular! I would have thought so.
Unfortunately, however, it did not have much of a presence in the Japan market, and domestic sales ended in 2003 after only four years. Compared to the Zephyr lineup that followed, it is now a model that is rarely seen. Considering that the Zephyr 750 continued to be sold until 2006, and was loved for 16 years after that, the character of the Zephyr, a modernized model, was probably not accepted.

However, the ZR-7 was a hit overseas. The ZR-7 was highly regarded as a very practical bike, combining modern equipment with a sturdy air-cooled engine. The disadvantage of the ZR-7 was its lack of a cowl, which made it difficult to ride at high speeds, but this was recovered in later years with the introduction of the ZR-7S equipped with a half cowl. The ZR-7S was well received in Japan (more so than the standard model) and continued to be sold until 2005.
Overseas, especially in Europe, there is a culture of using motorcycles as daily footwear, and practicality rather than classicism. 
(As an aside, as of November 2022, the Japanese ZR-7 article on Wikipedia has 518 characters, while the German version has 5157 characters.)

The ZR-7S with cowl is a variation of the ZR-7 that further enhances the usability of the ZR-7, which is highly regarded for its practicality. Half-cowl tourer models such as Honda's Superbordor and Yamaha's FZ-1 are very useful when touring, but not many Kawasaki models have adopted them. In this sense, it had a unique presence.

A wide range of practical equipment

The ZR-7, with its highly acclaimed equipment in Europe, is naturally very user-friendly in Japan as well. The engine is an air-cooled 4-stroke DOHC 2-valve parallel 4-cylinder 738cc engine that shares the basic design with the Zephyr 750 as mentioned above, with a maximum output of 73 PS at 9500 rpm, up 5 PS from the Zephyr 750 of the same period. This engine originally started with the Z650 introduced in 1976 and continued to be improved and evolved into the Z750FX and GPz750, the so-called zapper engines. The weak points of this engine have been fully improved over its long history, and it stands in a completely opposite position from the newly designed high-mech engines. For this reason, reliability against breakdowns was outstanding.

The frame is a steel double cradle, and the body dimensions are almost the same as those of the Zephyr 750.
The fork is a standard upright telescopic with a fork guard to protect the inner tube. The rear shock is single, for better road-following performance. The covers and tank have an aero design that is completely different from the old-school Zephyr. The pillion grab bar is larger, and the tank capacity is also increased. It boasts a 22-liter capacity and improved knee grip.

The air-cooled 4-cylinder DOHC 2-valve engine is an improved version of the Zephyr 750 engine. Going back to the 1970s, the engine originated from the zapper system and overcame its failures and shortcomings through repeated maturation. It is a reliable engine made with so-called withered technology.

The headlight has a large-diameter glass lens, and the blinkers are square, similar to those on the GPZ900R. The bullet-shaped meter cover is black, giving the Zephyr 750 a sportier look than the Zephyr 750 with round blinkers and a chrome-finished meter case.

The meter layout and design are the same as those on the Zephyr 750, but the back plate is white, giving a very different impression from the black Zephyr. Some people may prefer this one.

The modern design of the tank made it easier to knee-grip, and it had a large capacity of 22 liters. However, this design was not accepted by riders who preferred the old-school Zephyr style.

The exhaust system is a 4-on-1 collective type, with a silencer of a racy shape like a cannonball exhaust system.

The front and rear tires are radial, and a mono-shock has been adopted to modernize the vehicle's performance. Of course, front and rear disc brakes are equipped.

Enjoy an air-cooled 4-cylinder at a great price.

With the recent rise in used car prices, older Kawasaki models in particular have become very popular. Speaking of bikes with air-cooled inline 4-cylinder Zapper-derived engines, including the Zephyr 750, it would be hard not to appreciate them in the used car market these days, but the ZR-7, with its less Kawasaki-like old-school feel, is surprisingly affordable.

While the average price of a used Zephyr 750 is 2,040,000 yen, the average price of a ZR-7 is 500,000 yen (as of November 2022). Of course, the design, the number of custom parts, and the quality of the individual units due to the difference in production volume make it difficult to say that cheap is OK! However, for riders who want to enjoy long tours in comfort with a reliable zapper engine, this may be a very attractive option.　

In addition, the fact that the ZR-750 is equipped with an engine from the same family as the popular Zephyr 750 makes it easy to worry less about various consumables and parts. Many aftermarket parts for the Zephyr 750 are available from various companies, and many of them can be used for the ZR-7. Therefore, maintenance can be carried out properly, and reliability is unwavering.

Used prices for out-of-print vehicles such as the Z and Zephyr are rising to premiums, depending on the extent of the damage. However, the ZR-7's un-Kawasaki-like (?) silhouette makes it an easy price to consider. The silhouette of the ZR-7, however, makes it an easy choice.

In other words, surprisingly good,「ZR-7」.

The ZR-7 was a short-lived model that inherited the heart of a masterpiece and even improved its performance but disappeared in a short period of time. However, its potential is still high, and its middle-class, orthodox style has made it the choice of female riders as well. The reason why the ZR-7 is so inexpensive and so rarely seen maybe because it is not well known to the public.

In other words, the ZR-7 is a

It is a bike that is a "one of a kind" motorcycle. For riders who are looking for a partner who can feel the appeal of an air-cooled 4-cylinder and enjoy everyday life and touring close to home, this model could be the one and only choice.

ZR-7(1999)Major Specifications

Model： ZR750F
Year of release：1999
Length x Width x Height (mm)：2105 x 785 x 1075
Wheelbase (mm)：1450
Dry Weight (kg)：229
Engine Type： Air-cooled 4-stroke, DOHC, in-line 4-cylinder
Displacement (cc)：738
Bore x stroke (mm)：66 x 54
Compression Ratio (1)：9.5
Maximum output (PS)/(rpm)：73/9500
Maximum torque (kgf-m)/(rpm)：6.3/7500
Fuel tank capacity (L)： 22
Transmission Type： Return 5-speed
Brake type (F)： Hydraulic double disc
Brake type(R)：Hydraulic single disc
Tire(F)：120/70ZR17
Tire(R)：160/60ZR17