Tuesday, October 24, 2006

What I'm Riding


Conowingo Dam, Susquehanna River, Maryland, March 2011

2003 Kawasaki ZR-7S, bought new as a "non-current" (i.e. leftover) model in April 2004. Mileage as of May, 2015: 62,000+ miles/100,000+ km.

Mods:
  • Tinted and taller "Sport Tour" windscreen from Zero Gravity
  • Throttlemeister throttle lock with custom thumb-wheel
  • Fenda Extenda extension on trailing edge of front fender
  • Garmin 60CSx GPS
  • BMW Sport Grips (formerly used ProGrip gels)
  • Givi E-21 side cases (sometimes also an E-350 top case)
  • Sheepskin Buttpad from Alaska Leathers or Airhawk inflatable pad (on longer rides)
  • Formotion clock on custom bracket
  • Fuel guage re-calibrated by adding a resistor in the circuit
  • Kisan Tailblazer flashing halogen brake light bulbs
  • Datel voltmeter (formerly used a Kisan Chargeguard)
  • 1" spot mirrors
  • Fiamm 125 db horn
  • Progressive fork springs; pre-loaded via PVC spacers
  • Gafler braided stainless steel front brake lines
Current Tires: Dunlop Roadsmart II (have also used Bridgestone BT-023, BT-021 & BT-020 and Dunlop RoadSmart original version)

Strengths:
  • Fuel range: 250+ miles
  • Long-range comfort & ergonomics
  • Reliable as your basic rock
  • Easy to work on
  • Strong on-line community (though fading as bike gets older)
  • Relatively low purchase price
  • Cheap (again, it's all relative) to insure
  • Pearl Chrome Yellow easy to find in a crowd
  • Easy to get on the centerstand
  • Kawasaki's positive neutral-finder is soooo nice in traffic
Weaknesses:
  • Typical late-model lean factory tuning (carbs)
  • Slight off-idle stumble (see above)
  • Flat spot around 3K (ditto)
  • Stock front brakes could be stronger
  • Stock front forks a bit harsh
  • Rear shock could use a little more rebound dampening
  • Restricted vision from mirrors due to short stalks (hence the 1" spots on mine)
Specs:

  • Engine Type: 4-stroke, In-Line Four
  • Displacement: 738cc
  • Bore & Stroke: 66 x 54mm
  • Compression Ratio: 9.5:1
  • Valve system: DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
  • Cooling system: Air
  • Fuel system: Keihin CVK32 x 4
  • Ignition: TCBI with digital advance and K-TRIC
  • Starting: Electric
  • Transmission: 5-speed with Positive Neutral Finder
  • Frame type: Double-cradle, high-tensile steel
  • Rake/trail: 25.5°/94 mm (3.7 inches)
  • Suspension, front: 41mm conventional fork
  • Suspension, rear: Bottom-Link UNI-TRAK® with 7-way preload and 4-way rebound damping
  • Tires; front/rear: 120/70-ZR17; 160/60-ZR17 tubeless radials
  • Brakes, front: Dual 300mm discs with dual 2-piston calipers
  • Brake, rear: Disc with 2-piston caliper
  • Wheelbase: 1455 mm (57.3 inches)
  • Seat height: 800 mm (31.5 inches)
  • Fuel capacity: 22 litres (5.8 gallons)
  • Dry weight: 210 kg (463 pounds)
  • Color (US 2003 model): Pearl Chrome Yellow Metallic

Adirondak Mountains 2011

6 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

As an owner of a 2002 "Blurple" ZR-7S, I can second Dougs evaluation of the machine. Most owners will claim that it does many things well. But, nothing particularly great. A good, versital machine.

January 8, 2007 at 6:50:00 PM EST  
Blogger Gerry said...

Wow. I recognize that bike...

February 11, 2008 at 8:27:00 PM EST  
Blogger Doug Just Doug said...

Small World Syndrome strikes again! I read your blog entry and yup,that was me at Ephrata in November. I'm up there for most of the First Sunday gatherings. I've bookmarked your blog. Thx for visiting and commenting!

February 12, 2008 at 3:32:00 PM EST  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

It's a small thing to some, but 22 liters equals 5.8 gallons.

August 6, 2009 at 12:35:00 AM EDT  
Blogger Doug Just Doug said...

Thanks Anon; no small thing, a gallon is 45 - 55 more miles! I've corrected the figure.

August 6, 2009 at 7:58:00 AM EDT  
Blogger Unknown said...

hey nice bike i just bought my first bike a blurple 02 and love it only thing that i dont like is the suspention on the bumps other than that its a great bike im just debating if it is good for the long haul from pa/ny to florida but it has a comfortable corbin seat if anybody has any thoughts on that let me know

April 22, 2010 at 4:15:00 AM EDT  

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