More Kawasaki Models:
Edition:
Kawasaki ZR 1100 RS - [1997]
This edition of the Kawasaki ZR 1100 RS is the 5 speed | Manual version and was first brought out in 1997. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 1997 Suzuki GW 400 Inazuma and the 1997 Suzuki TS 125 Single Cylinder.This particular Kawasaki ZR 1100 has a 1062cc Air cooled, Two stroke, Wankel Petrol powerplant with 4 cylinders and Carburettor.
An alternative Wankel engine, Standard style motorbike includes the Yamaha XSR 700 Twin - [2020]
The 1997 ZR 1100 shares its Wankel engine and Standard style configuration with the likes of the 2020 Yamaha XSR 700 Twin and the 2018 Yamaha XSR 700 Twin. Alternatively, if you're looking for other bikes which share the ZR 1100's Standard style with a similar size of engine then how about the 2020 Yamaha XSR 700 Twin | 2020cc.2018 Yamaha XSR 700 Twin | 2018cc.
Weighing in at 266 kgs (586 lbs) this makes the Kawasaki ZR 1100 RS in the same weight category as the 2025 Honda X-ADV 745 or the 2025 Yamaha Tracer 9 Triple, give or take 50kg.
The 1997 Kawasaki ZR 1100 shares the same bhp with the Suzuki SV 650 ABS - [2025]
In terms of power the 1062cc 8 valve Wankel 4 cylinder engine produces 93 bhp (69 kW) @ 8000 rpm similar to the 2025 Suzuki SV 650 ABS [73 bhp (54 kW) @ 8500 rpm] or the 2025 Yamaha MT-09 Y-AMT [117.4 bhp (87 kW) @ 10000 rpm].
The DOHC Two stroke unit throws out torque of 65.6 lb-ft (88.9 Nm) @ 7000 rpm placing it alongside motorbikes of similar performance figures such as the 2025 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT [68.5 lb-ft (93.0 Nm) @ 7000 rpm] and the 2025 Yamaha MT-07 Twin Cylinder [50.0 lb-ft (67.7 Nm) @ 6500 rpm].
If one combines the weight with power or torque performance for the Kawasaki ZR 1100 you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.
The 1985 Suzuki GSX 750 EF has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the 1997 Kawasaki ZR 1100 RS.
The 1997 Kawasaki ZR 1100 RS has a Power to weight ratio of 349.6 bhp per ton and 246.7 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 1997 ZR 1100 competing with the 1985 Suzuki GSX 750 EF [373.9 bhp\ton] and the 1984 Suzuki GSX 750 ES [373.9 bhp\ton].
If you agree with the late great Carroll Shelby, then arguably an even better indicator of potential performance is Torque. Factor weight into the equation and you end up with - Torque per ton, with the Kawasaki ZR 1100 generating around 246.7 lb-ft per ton. If you're curious as to what other motorbikes have as much torque to weight then look no further than the 2023 Yamaha MT-07 Twin Cylinder [271.7 lb-ft per ton] and the 2021 Yamaha MT-07 Twin Cylinder [271.7 lb-ft per ton].
With a 0-60mph time of 10.6 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 10.8 secs, this makes the Kawasaki ZR 1100 RS similar in acceleration to the 2025 Yamaha Tenere 700 (10.6 secs) and the 2023 Honda CMX 1100 T Rebel DCT (10.6 secs). This Kawasaki ZR 1100 RS also competes in terms of 0-60 mph and 0-100km/h with the 2018 Honda CB 250 R Neo Sports Cafe (0.0 secs) and the 2020 Norton Superlight SS (0.4 secs).
Quarter Mile time is a close race between the 1997 Kawasaki ZR 1100 RS and the 2005 Yamaha YZF-600 R Thundercat
When talking about the performance of the 1997 Kawasaki ZR 1100 RS on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 11.3 secs @ 110 mph. Bikes with a similar performance down the quarter mile can be found in the 2005 Yamaha YZF-600 R Thundercat (11.3 secs) and the 1998 Kawasaki ZZR 600 DOHC (11.3 secs).
The 1997 version of the Kawasaki ZR 1100 RS has a maximum speed of 136mph.
Top Speed of the 1997 ZR 1100 equals the 2024 Kawasaki ZX-10 RR Ninja
If maxing out your bike on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster at the top end than the 1997 Kawasaki ZR 1100 RS then how about a 2024 Kawasaki ZX-10 RR Ninja (147 mph) and the 2024 Kawasaki ZX-10 RR Ninja Limited Edition (147 mph).
