Kawasaki Business Cards

Recently I happened upon some of our old Bright Kawasaki business cards. In the early 1990s we had some unique (at the time) cards with color pictures of the JS550 Jet Ski and ZX600 Ninja. This inspired me to check for any other interesting cards I might still have. Here are a few of them.

This card dates to approx the mid 1980s. Up until about 1982 we would have still carried Kawasaki snowmobiles and in 1987 we added Ski-Doo snowmobiles.



The Jet Ski on this card is a 1989 JS550-A8.




The Ninja on this card is likely a 1989 ZX600-C aka 600R. Give or take a year as the graphics were the same.




Here are various cards from Kawasaki people encountered over the years.

How cool is this---an early JS440 catching some air on his card.



The flying 'K' on these cards is slightly raised.



Cards from the UK featuring a blue flying 'K'.



Common(?) card style possibly from the late 1980s or so. Kathy V was our accessory rep.



We met these gentlemen at a Kawasaki dealer meeting where cards were exchanged.





The reverse side of these three feature Japanese characters which I cannot read so if they are oriented wrong I apologize.

Thanks for looking. Gary  /  kawasaki-yama-zuki

1996 Kawasaki Ninja ZX7R & ZX7RR Brochure + Extras

1996 saw Kawasaki release the ZX750-P1 ZX-7R and the ZX750-N1 ZX-7RR superbikes. For 1996 an "R" was added to each model. Now the standard machine is known as the ZX-7R and the special edition is the ZX-7RR. Both had the easily identifiable teardrop headlamps and large dual ram air inlets (assuming you can catch a glimpse of the front end before it's gone). The ZX-7RR "N" model would continue for 1997 and the ZX-7R "P" model was produced through 2003 (ZX750-P8).







Serious Hardware for Serious Enthusiasts.

Only one 750cc machine can claim these impressive race-winning results: 3-time Daytona Superbike winner, 5-time AMA National Champion. A World Superbike title and a bag full of Manufacturer's and Endurance World titles. The Ninja ZX-7R from Kawasaki. Backed by these record-setting race credentials, Kawasaki offers not one, but two all-new Ninja ZX-7s. Serious hardware packed with more of everything: More powerful, more responsive shorter-stroke engines. Bigger, more efficient Twin Ram Air intakes. More suspension adjustability. And new, more powerful 6-piston brakes. For those intent on success at the race track, the special edition RR sits waiting with its close-ratio transmission and 41mm flat-slide carbs.

Ninja ZX-7R and Ninja ZX-7RR Performance in its ultimate form. It's what you'd expect from Kawasaki.



NINJA ZX-7R

• If you start with one good thing, then two must be better. The Ninja ZX-7R features an updated Twin Ram Air system with two huge intakes that cram more cool air into the cylinders for unexcelled high-speed engine response.
• At 73 x 44.7mm, the shorter stroke and bigger bore equates to lower mean piston speeds for the same revs. Wider bore and wider 25-degree included valve angle allows for a broader squish area. Less flywheel weight assists the quicker revving engine in reaching its potential faster.
• Massive 6-piston front brake calipers increase the surface contact patch of the pad-to-discs for breathtaking braking performance.
• In our search for even stronger, quicker engine response, we worked on areas for quicker, more efficient cylinder filling such as direct alignment of each carb-center to intake port for the straightest line possible into each cylinder. A steeper 50-degree carb angle for more downdraft effect. Narrower ports to boost intake velocity. We'll let you be the judge.
• Putting all this new-found performance to the pavement is an immensely wide 190/50 low-profile 17-inch high-performance rear tire.
• Significant CAD improvements to the highly-acclaimed pressed aluminum perimeter frame increase torsional rigidity without adding weight.
• Handling all the extra performance potential are new, fully adjustable suspension components: Bigger 43mm upside-down cartridge fork features 12-way rebound damping, 8-way compression damping plus threaded spring preload adjustment. New rear shock features a large piggy-back remote reservoir to better resist fade, and comes with 4-way rebound and 20-way compression adjustment. Threaded collars take care of the spring preload. There's also ride height adjustment independent of the preload setting.
• Adding to the image is a sleeker fairing that directs the oncoming air around the rider for better protection and improved aerodynamics, while maximizing intake air volume.

NINJA ZX-7RR

• For those who seek the ultimate, look no further than the special edition Ninja ZX-7RR: 41mm FVKD flat-slide Keihin carbs with built-in enricher circuits and external accelertor pump for even greater performance potential. Ultra-slick, close-ratio transmission for smooth, more positive gear changes. Lightweight tail section and solo seat. Lighter 8AH low-maintenance battery.
• Setting the standard for handling in the class is Kawasaki's multi-adjustable frame geometry: Adjustable offset offers a range of settings for rake and trail. Different swingarm pivot mounts allow riders to better set up the machine for maximum traction at the track. Adjustable upper shock mount allows ride height adjustment without affecting spring preload.
• To handle a wide variety of racing applications, the suspension features greater flexibility in adjustment to get that "perfect" set up: 28-way compression damping and 13-way rebound damping for the cartridge fork and 28-way compression and 18-way rebound for the temperature-compensating rear shock.
• Lightweight Nissin 6-piston racing-spec calipers for the 320mm drilled semi-floating front disc brakes feature decreasing piston sizes for even greater pad-to-disc pressure and a higher level of braking performance.

Gratuitous close-up.







These pics are of the UK version of the brochure showing an alternate color.





1996 ZX7R & ZX7RR New Model Introduction Kawasaki Ninja VHS Rip (a VHS tape sent to dealers by Kawasaki at the time).



Thanks for looking. Gary  /  kawasaki-yama-zuki

1995 Kawasaki Ninja ZX7 Brochure + Extras

1995 Kawasaki Ninja ZX750-L3 ZX-7 (final year for the "L" model). The pictures of this brochure had be 'borrowed' from the interwebs. It is another of those multi-model brochures and only the cover and ZX-7 pages are shown. The main brochure is currently being sold by a seller on eBay HERE. The preliminary brochure, also internet sourced, was included because it has excellent side views of both colors.













Once again, the ZX-7 was not 'all-new' so the coverage in the Good Times magazine was pretty limited.









This is the Scott Russell World Assault leather jacket. The signatures of Rob Muzzy and Scott Russell were on the jacket. On the front carbon fiber plate they are etched and on the back they are embroidered.



Other year ZX7 / ZX7R / ZX7RR items have also been posted. Visit this PAGE or click one of the labels.

Thanks for looking. Gary  /  kawasaki-yama-zuki

1994 Kawasaki Ninja ZX7 & ZX7R Brochure + Extra

For 1994 all of the sportbikes were on one brochure (except for the all-new ZX-9R). This is the ZX-7 and ZX-7R portion of that brochure.

This was the second year for the "L" and "M" models. Here are the 1994 ZX750-L2 ZX7 and ZX750-M2 ZX7R Ninja sportbikes. The "L" model went on for one more year while this was the last for the "M" model.





IMPROVING THE BREED

The Ninja ZX-7 proves that "Racing breeds better street bikes."

Go ahead: Swing your leg over the seat and thumb the starter---you've arrived at Sportbike Nirvana.

How do you get there? With a frame/suspension/tire combo that makes the ZX-7 feel like it's on rails when apex-strafing. Powerful, progressive disc brakes. And most importantly, Kawasaki's exclusive Ram Air induction system---technology engineered and perfected in the heat of world-class competition.

Absolute purists will revel in the ZX-7R---Scott Russell's World Superbike challenge is based on this machine. Need we say more?

Ninja ZX-7 znd ZX-7R: Their credentials speak for themselves.



NINJA ZX-7

• Compact, DOHC cylinder head offers track-bred performance thanks to the efficient Ram Air intake system that feeds cool, dense air to the engine for superb throttle response and impressive top-end power.
• Incredibly narrow 20-degree included valve angle, lightweight one-valve-per-rocker valve train, hollow camshafts and right-side cam chain drive help deliver legendary Kawasaki reliability.
• Back-Torque Limiter clutch and floating rear brake caliper help reduce rear wheel hop during rapid downshifting and hard braking.
• Compact, efficient, liquid-cooled oil cooler uses engine coolant to keep the oil at the optimum temperature.
• Modeled on Kawasaki's factory Suzuka 8-Hour winning race bike, the perimeter frame uses lightweight alloy castings and pressed aluminum sheets for incredible strength without a weight penalty.
• Advanced, upside-down cartridge fork with 41mm tubes features rebound and preload adjustment for setting up the front to match your riding style.
• Front semi-floating discs measures a big 320mm.

NINJA ZX-7R

• 39mm flat-slide carbs and a close-ratio six-speed transmission help make this one Ninja experience you wan't to miss.
• Race-ready suspense features a remote-reservoir, nitrogen gas-charged shock, adjustable rear ride height, plus adjustable spring preload compression and rebound damping front and rear.

The full brochure showing all of the models will be posted soon along with the new for 1994 ZX900-B1 ZX-9R Ninja.

Here are some pics from the Kawasaki 1994 Good Times magazine. It was not real extensive coverage since the ZX-7/ZX-7R were not 'all-new' for that model year. Some accessories were also featured.



















Other year ZX7 / ZX7R / ZX7RR items have also been posted. Visit this PAGE or click one of the labels.

Thanks for looking. Gary  /  kawasaki-yama-zuki

1993 Kawasaki Ninja ZX7 & ZX7R Brochure + Extras

The first year for the "L" and "M" models. Here are the 1993 ZX750-L1 ZX7 and ZX750-M1 ZX7R Ninja sportbikes. Check out the USA brochure first and then below I offer some additional items. For this brochure instead of trying to photo the text of the brochure I thought I would transcribe it. Let me know below if you prefer this and I will consider doing it more often.





Dominant Force

Two Australian Superbike championships. Two Canadian Superbike and one Pro 750 championship. One Pan-Pacific Superbike championship. One U.S. Superbike and three Supersport championships. Six countries. Ten championships. All won on Kawasaki. All in just 36 months.

Yeah, you could call it dominant. But with the Ninja ZX-7 series, how could you lose?

Especially when behind every championship-winning victory lies Kawasaki's state-of-the-art, short-stroke, In-Line four, with a DOHC 16-valve head with straight-shot intake ports. A narrow 20° included valve angle. Lightweight one-valve-per-rocker valve train. Digital ignition. And a large-capacity four-into-one exhaust system.

To make sure the championships keep rolling in, there's also new-for-'93 Ram-Air induction, a system that rams cool, fresh air straight from the front of the bike into the airbox, for added punch.

Of course, championships are not won by power alone. Completing the package is a frame constructed of lightweight pressed-alloy sheets welded to carefully engineered steering head and rear engine mount/swingarm pivot castings. Plus a responsive 41mm upside-down fork and Bottom-Link UNI-TRAK® suspension.

That's on both bikes. For the really serious, there's the limited-production ZX-7R. Add special 39mm carbs, a close-ratio trans, fully adjustable suspension, solo seat and weight-saving alloy fuel tank, and you're just a few steps away from the track.

So, pick yourself up a Ninja ZX-7 or Ninja ZX-7R. It's all the force you will ever need.

• Exclusive Kawasaki Ram-Air Intake System force-feeds the engine with cool, dense air, adding performance across the board that your riding partners will learn to hate.
• Lightweight one-valve-per-rocker valve train and right-side cam drive system together allow and incredibly narrow 20° included valve angle.
• The ZX-7 now has the same compression ratio and cams as the ZX-7R for a more than substantial boost in performance.
• ZX-7's revised shock damping rates and recalibrated spring and leverage ratios result in better street performance.
• Remote front brake and clutch hydraulic fluid reservoirs mount on the fork crown.
• Both the ZX-7 and the ZX-7R let you adjust the rear ride height without changing suspension settings -- not even spring preload.
• The ZX-7's ultra-rigid 41mm upside-down fork and gas-charged shock feature rebound damping and preload adjustments.
• Big, 320mm semi-floating front brake discs help haul you down from speed,. Repeatedly, if asked.
• The 17-inch cast aluminum wheels measure 3.5 and 5.5 inches wide to accept the latest, big, fat radial tires.
• Rider-friendly extras include four-way adjustable brake and clutch levers, push-to-cancel turn signals, hidden bungee-cord hooks and a maintenance-free battery.

• Track-oriented ZX-7R gets the full treatment: A solo seat, aluminum fuel tank, both adjustable compression and rebound damping, and a remote-reservoir nitrogen-gas-charged shock.

These are preliminary b&w photos sent from Kawasaki to dealers prior to the actual brochure being available.





Here we have a couple pictures of the 1993 Vance & Hines Racing catalog with their performance exhaust fitted to the ZX-7R.





More images of the 1993 VHR catalog are elsewhere on this blog. Other Ninja ZX-7 & ZX-&R brochures are also featured.

Kawasaki Good Times magazines were put out each year to give an overview of the coming years machines. Here are a few pics from the 1993 GTM (starting with a ZX11 on the cover).























Other year ZX7 / ZX7R / ZX7RR items have also been posted. Visit this PAGE or click one of the labels.

Thanks for looking. Gary  /  kawasaki-yama-zuki