Our Gallery continues to plot how it all happened.

1990

The ZZ-R model range is unveiled in 250, 400, 500, 600 and 1100 capacities - although only the 250, 600 and 1100 are officially imported in to the UK. The big ZZ-R1100 (ZX1100C) takes over from the ZX-10 as the 'Worlds Fastest Production Bike'.

The 600 uses a much revised version of the GPX engine, whilst the ZZ-R250 uses the GPX250 twin cylinder engine, in a revised ZZ-R styled chassis.

The GPZ900R (ZX900A7) is updated, with revised brakes, forks and a 17" front wheel.

ZZ-R250

ZZ-R1100

1991

Kawasaki kick-start the Retro bike boom with the launch of their Zephyr models.

Using detuned versions of the original air-cooled GPz engines, in twin shock chassis and with handsome Z650 style bodywork, they are available in 550 and 750cc guises. The 750cc Zephyr proves the biggest success in the UK, outselling the ZXR! …

Which itself (ZXR750) is updated, with changes including a shorter wheelbase, USD forks, a wider rear tyre and a completely revised engine with a larger bore and shorter stroke enabling the bike to rev higher. However big K restrict the power to 100bhp for the J model, whilst the race track orientated K model (ZXR-R) pumps out 121bhp The ZXR250 is revised (ZX250D and C models) as is the ZXR400 (ZX400L model).

Early Zephyr 750 (note the Zephyr legend on the tank rather than Kawasaki!)

1992

Existing Zephyrs are joined by 1100cc version (using detuned and carb fed GPz1100 engine) as well as a Jap market 400cc version, using detuned GPz/Z400C2 mill.

1993

The ZXR750 receives a further update. L and M models (for road and track respectively) come with full power restored (121bhp), a Ram Air system, a slightly longer wheelbase and somewhat surprisingly more weight (205kg).

The ZZ-R600 receives its only (to date) significant update (ZX600E), which included the introduction of a Ram Air system. Plus along similar lines to its smaller sibling the mighty ZZ-R1100 was also revised (ZX1100D) to feature a Twin Ram Air system to boost top end performance. Power output is now 147bhp - although the UK model is restricted to 125bhp (until 1997).

1994

Kawasaki launch their first completely new 900cc model since the GPZ900R, the ZX-9R (ZX900B). It is aimed at riders wanting ZXR style looks and handling combined with ZZ-R performance.

Kawasaki's middleweight twins - the 400 and 500S receive identical updates (larger diameter forks, 17" wheels, digital ignition, revised clocks), to become B and D models respectively.

Plus, as the cost of new bikes in the UK spirals, Kawasaki 're-launch' the GPX 250 and 600 - as 'Budget sports bikes'. For the re-launch the infamous ESCS electronic anti-dive system is removed from the 600R's forks and both bikes receive revised colour schemes.

Late (D) model GPZ500S Late model

GPX600R

1995

The GPZ1100S (ZX1100E) is launched and aimed at riders who want a high quality sports-tourer at an affordable price. Using a detuned ZZ-R engine in a GPZ900R derived sports touring chassis the big GPZ11 is good for a 'relaxed' 150MPH!

Also unveiled by Kawasaki is their latest middleweight supersports machine - the ZX-6R (ZX600F). The middleweight Ninja achieves instant acclaim amongst the motorcycling press by posting quicker standing quarter mile times (and top speeds) than lots of 'flagship' 750cc sports bikes.

1996

Big K launch their successor to the ZXR750, the stunning Ninja ZX-7R. Bore and stroke are altered once more, increasing the cylinder capacity (to 748cc) and the bhp, whilst the bike also featured a Twin Ram Air system.

A version of the GPZ1100S with ABS (ZX1100F) is available and sold alongside the original non-ABS (ZX1100E) model. The Japanese home market receives a modern interpretation of the Eddie Lawson replica - the ZRX400, and amazingly Kawasaki 're-launch' for export markets the original ZX model GPz550.

GPZ1100 with or without ABS?

1997

The 'Lawson Rep' lives again, as a large 1100cc, and importantly lime green version of the ZRX400 is released, using a similar engine to the GPZ11.

GPZ500S engine is detuned and used in naked modern retro (!) styled ER-5. The ER-5 becomes and instant hit and tops the sales charts for the 500cc category.

ZRX1100


ER-5

1998

The Ninja ZX-6R is updated with a new frame and engine revisions (ZX600G and H). Whilst the Ninja ZX-9R (ZX900C and D) received both a new frame and engine - which produced more power, in a package that was noticeably lighter.

1999

Styled along similar lines to the ER-5, but this time using the air-cooled 4 cylinder Zephyr/GPz 750 mill, Kawasaki launch the ZR-7. A Suzuki Bandit beater and an affordable 750cc bike for the style conscious.

ZR-7