Kawasaki ZX-9 R Ninja - [1997] Review and Comparison including Similar Bikes, Alternative Bikes, Performance Specs and Technical Information.
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Performance Review: Kawasaki ZX-9 R Ninja - [1997]

Kawasaki ZX-9 R Ninja - [1997] image

Kawasaki ZX-9 R Ninja - [1997]

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Kawasaki

Figures & Specs Summary:

  • Edition: Kawasaki ZX-9 R Ninja
  • Year: 1997 | Type: Sport
  • Engine: 899 cc (54.8 ci) 16 Valve
  • Engine Type: Transverse | Cylinders: 4
  • Engine Stroke: Two | Valve Config: DOHC
  • Fuel Delivery: Carburettor
  • Cooling: Liquid | Fuel Type: Petrol
  • Transmission: 6 speed | Manual
  • Drive: Chain
  • Wet Weight: 242 kgs (533 lbs)
  • Dry Weight: 216 kgs (476 lbs)
  • Power: 141 bhp (105 kW) @ 10500 rpm
  • Torque: 69.4 lb-ft (94.0 Nm) @ 9000 rpm
  • BHP Per Ton: 582.6 bhp
  • Torque Per Ton: 286.7 lb-ft
  • 0-60 mph (96.6 kph): 6.3 secs
  • 0-100 kph (0-62 mph): 6.5 secs
  • Top Speed: 167 mph (268.7 kph)
  • 1/4 Mile (Est.): 12.97 secs @ 131 mph
  • Frame: Aluminium
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Kawasaki ZX-9 Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Kawasaki ZX-9 R Ninja is the 6 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 ZX-9 has a 899cc Liquid cooled, Two stroke, Transverse Petrol powerplant with 4 cylinders and Carburettor.

Norton Superlight SS - [2020] image

An alternative Transverse engine, Sport style motorbike includes the Norton Superlight SS - [2020]

The 1997 ZX-9 shares its Transverse engine and Sport style configuration with the likes of the 2020 Norton Superlight SS and the 2019 Norton Superlight Twin. Alternatively, if you're looking for other bikes which share the ZX-9's Sport style with a similar size of engine then how about the 2020 Norton Superlight SS | 2020cc.2019 Norton Superlight Twin | 2019cc.

Power and Torque:

Weighing in at 242 kgs (533 lbs) this makes the Kawasaki ZX-9 R Ninja in the same weight category as the 2025 Yamaha Tenere 700 or the 2025 Yamaha YZF-R9 Triple, give or take 50kg.

Yamaha MT-09 Y-AMT - [2025] image

The 1997 Kawasaki ZX-9 shares the same bhp with the Yamaha MT-09 Y-AMT - [2025]

In terms of power the 899cc 16 valve Transverse 4 cylinder engine produces 141 bhp (105 kW) @ 10500 rpm similar to the 2025 Yamaha MT-09 Y-AMT [117.4 bhp (87 kW) @ 10000 rpm] or the 2025 Kawasaki Z 900 DOHC SE [123 bhp (91 kW) @ 9500 rpm].

The DOHC Two stroke unit throws out torque of 69.4 lb-ft (94.0 Nm) @ 9000 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 Tenere 700 Rally [50.2 lb-ft (68.0 Nm) @ 6500 rpm].

Power to Weight:

If one combines the weight with power or torque performance for the Kawasaki ZX-9 you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.

Yamaha MT-09 Triple Street Rally - [2014] image

The 2014 Yamaha MT-09 Triple Street Rally has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the 1997 Kawasaki ZX-9 R Ninja.

The 1997 Kawasaki ZX-9 R Ninja has a Power to weight ratio of 582.6 bhp per ton and 286.7 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 1997 ZX-9 competing with the 2014 Yamaha MT-09 Triple Street Rally [606.3 bhp\ton] and the 2014 Yamaha MT-09 Triple [606.3 bhp\ton].


Power to Weight(cont.):

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 ZX-9 generating around 286.7 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 2015 Yamaha Tracer 900 Triple [311.7 lb-ft per ton] and the 2017 Yamaha Tracer 900 [311.7 lb-ft per ton].

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 6.3 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 6.5 secs, this makes the Kawasaki ZX-9 R Ninja similar in acceleration to the 2022 Kawasaki Z 900 DOHC (6.3 secs) and the 2021 Kawasaki Z 900 DOHC (6.3 secs). This Kawasaki ZX-9 R Ninja 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).

Kawasaki ZX 900 Ninja - [1986] image

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the 1997 Kawasaki ZX-9 R Ninja and the 1986 Kawasaki ZX 900 Ninja

When talking about the performance of the 1997 Kawasaki ZX-9 R Ninja on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 10.9 secs @ 131 mph. Bikes with a similar performance down the quarter mile can be found in the 1986 Kawasaki ZX 900 Ninja (10.9 secs) and the 2018 Yamaha FJR 1300 A and ES and AS (10.9 secs).

Top Speed:

The 1997 version of the Kawasaki ZX-9 R Ninja has a maximum speed of 167mph.

Honda CBR 1000 RR Fireblade Repsol Replica AB - [2009] image

Top Speed of the 1997 ZX-9 equals the 2009 Honda CBR 1000 RR Fireblade Repsol Replica AB

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 ZX-9 R Ninja then how about a 2009 Honda CBR 1000 RR Fireblade Repsol Replica AB (178 mph) and the 2008 Honda CBR 1000 RR Fireblade Tricolour HRC (178 mph).

Related Links:

1997 Kawasaki ZX-9 Rivals List.

A Brief History of Kawasaki

Bike Comparison


Performance Figures & Specs:

Choose a Bike Make for a List of More Performance Figures and Specs.




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More Kawasaki Models:

Edition:

A1 250

AR 125

AR 50

AR 80

BJ 250

BR 250

EL 125

EL 250

EL 252

Eliminator 400

Eliminator 500

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ER-4

ER-5

ER-6

EX 250

EX 400

EX 500

F9 350

FX 400

G3-SS

GPX 250

GPX 400

GPX 600

GPX 750

Gpz 1000

Gpz 1100

Gpz 250

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GTR 1400

H1 500

H2 750

KDX 125

KDX 175

KDX 200

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KE 125

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KH 125

KH 250

KH 400

KH 500

KL 250

KLE 250

KLE 400

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KLR 250

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KLV 1000

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KLX 230

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KR 1

KR 250

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S1 250

S2 350

S3 400

SL 250

Versys 1000

Versys 650

Versys-X

VN 1500

VN 1600

VN 1700

VN 2000

VN 250

VN 400

VN 500

VN 650

VN 750

VN 800

VN 900

W 250

W 400

W 650

W 800

W1

W2

W3

Xanthus 400

Z 1000

Z 1100

Z 125

Z 1300

Z 200

Z 250

Z 300

Z 305

Z 400

Z 440

Z 450

Z 500

Z 550

Z 650

Z 750

Z 800

Z 900

Z H2

Z1

Z2 750

Z7

Zephyr 1100

Zephyr 400

Zephyr 550

Zephyr 750

ZG 1000

ZG 1200

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ZL 1000

ZL 250

ZL 400

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ZL 750

ZL 900

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Quarter Mile Time
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