Kawasaki Ninja ZX-11 | An Ode To The Former God Of Speed 

You sound like a kid in a candy store riding this beast and I love it! You are absolutely right, the bike is in charge! I am blessed to own a 1994 ZX-11D. I was in 11th grade when it was built. I ended up having to have the original 44k mile motor replaced with an 11K mile used motor and the mechanic that put it in for me did an awesome job! I love it. It is the fastest bike I have ever owned and I do not want to own any faster bike. The power it has is amazing so easy to hit 100+ MPH in a flash! I hope to pass it on to my son one day.

I have a 1991 ZZR1100 with a 2002 ZZR1200 engine and 41mm FCR carbs. The engine change and carbs made a huge difference in acceleration. Funny enough, my Mum asked me to take her for a run on the bike. A very under rated bike for their time.

Had the ZX10 then the unrestricted ZZR100 .. 147 BHP … Loved them both. Got followed by a police helicopter at top speed lol 😅

Never owned a ZZR1100, but I did have it’s dad/grandad(?), the GPZ1000RX… & today I have one of its offspring in my collection, a ZX12R which has a full Ti Akrapovic exhaust and sounds so good, and goes, so well 😉 Old school baby 😎🤙🏽

I purchased my 1994 ZX-11 over the phone, sight unseen, 2000km from the dealer, in February 1994, and picked it up five months later. I still have it thirty years later. Crazy fast. Sport-touring all over western US and Canada. I'll keep it forever.

I bought a C1 one new in 1990 here in Blighty. I changed the carb tops for ZXR750h1’s which allowed me to open the throttle more than 75%, as then Europe had a voluntary 125hp limit on bikes. It didn’t take into account of the ZZR being the first ram air induction bike with a pressurised airbox. On the dyno they didn’t exceed 125hp, but with the ram air at speed they gave about 155hp. With the added ZXR carb tops they gave over 180hp at speed. I had an indicated 185mph out of mine and with the torque it gave I could power wheelie at 3k rpm and hold it as high or low as I wanted just by playing with the throttle. I was a beast and in those days the cops didn’t have cameras, they had to catch you to nick you and there’s no chance of that. I used to cruise the M4 coming back from visiting my girlfriend in London at 150 knowing nothing could catch me and amazingly at normal speeds it was great on fuel too. Another great thing I found with it was the fact as long as I was doing over 80mph, if I kept tucked in it’d keep me dry in the rain too and by a quick nod of my head, the wind off the screen would clear my Arais visor too. Only negatives I had with mine was blowing second gear and three back shocks, fortunately all repaired under warranty. Main downside of using all the power and its weight was consumables. It ate tyres, chain and sprockets and brake pads for breakfast, but by god did it give me a big cheesy grin and gave many a passenger wobbly legs when they got off.😬

the first bike that i actually owned was a 89 cbr600f. first ride was an incredible feeling, the pure unhinged analog 92hp were so much fun. about a year later i got my zx11 and i still ride it to this day. best decision of my life to get that beauty.

Had a ZZR1100 D1 in 1995. At 170 mph she was still accelerating with a vengance. Sold the bike, due to circumstances, in 1999. Nothing every came close to the raw feeling power, the induction sound is incredible. Now have refurbished D2, D4 & D5 models. You never get bored of this bike. Also have a himalayan and meteor. So at 62 I can cross fields, cruise the boulevard or take a ZZR and scare the sh*t out of myself.

I have a 1993 ZX-11 D1 since 2010, and I love the looks, the sound, the power and the stability at any speed. And yes, the original brakes are a little scary, but an upgrade to the six pots Tokiko calipers with steel braided lines makes all the difference.

Great video Vinnie. I'm on my second ZZR1100 and I'm 66 years old. The current one is a D3. I had an early one in 1990 and regretted selling it. I've ridden a lot of bikes but these are my absolute favourite. Nothing beats the sound of them. The acceleration is numbing. The gearbox and brakes are sublime. An exquisite, exhilarating motorcycle that needs respect.

In 1992 I bought a pre owned 1990 C1 and still have whats left of it as I blew the engine 20 years ago. I then bought a 1993 D1 that needed work and soon found there are many subtle differences that meant hardly anything from the C1 fitted the D1 but I fixed it up and still use it now. Way back I remember being up a Porsche 911 turbo's arse at 160 mph waiting for him to pull into the inside lane so I could pass. I am sure the spec was 145bhp. The speedo has 200mph on it and the spec also said 176 mph top speed 0-100-0 in under 10 seconds and a 10 second ish 1/4 mile. The D1 breaks better than my son's 2013 Honda 600. I have never heard it called a widow maker, that was the earlier H2 750 2 stroke triple. The reason it keeps up with or even beats some modern hyperbikes is because there are no electronics holding it back, no traction control, no anti wheelie, back then you just learned the best way to launch it.

Welcome to the ZZR club mate. Love your enthusiasm. It surprises the hell out of modern riders who cant understand how a bike without endless electronics can leave them behind. Makes me smile all the time. The only point I would make is that the Blackbird never beat it for top speed by more than 2 mph. In fact there were 2 tests where the ZZR was 1 mph faster so it was all down to the location and weather. In addition the ZZR always beat the blackbird in in gear roll on tests. The Busa was a different matter all together. The D model has a speedo that indicates 320kph Ha! Ha!

I agree, I was dreaming of having my motorcycle-license and drive a bike like my ZZR 1100-96, a ZX11D-96 passionate alone and together with others on group rides! as a young dude! Now 30 years later it all came through! My first and second bike of the same brand and model with only one year between. My first bike after I got my drivers license was a ZX11D-95, a ZZR 1100-95 in racing red ♥️ and the second bike that I have now, a ZX11D-96, a ZZR 1100-96, is in dark green 💚

Yea I’ve got one of these. So stupid fast it’s scary. Sits on the road like a rock. Love it ❤

Had a 95. I remember the power. Had a 99 Black bird. Better. Had an H2 SX , Better. Have a 21 Hayabusa, absolutely better. But I still remember that zx11. Scary brakes, hinge in the middle, slow steering, but what a thing. Mine was the fabulous purple and orange. Glad you loved it and got the chance to ride it ! Good on your boss for keeping it alive . Thanks for the memories. Chris

Great review. You can feel your excitement riding such a black beauty. The stability and video quality of your filming is extremely good. 🏍️🎥

Thanks Vinnie for the video .Sure brings back memories of my fantastic blue GPZ 1100 that I had for over 11 years. They where such an awesome well respected reliable machine. Hate to think what the new H2 bikes are like in terms of outrageous speed . Only ever seen one of those but they look amazing. Cheers

I had a Zzr 600 d2 and a Zzr 1100 c1 great bikes full stop even by today’s standards nice to see a young guy admit and admire these old classics. Loved my bikes

Back in 1991 I had the accidental privilege of owning a ZX11 due to a friends messy divorce. I purchased the bike from him with the stipulation that I would return it to him when he was ready. It was 16 months of pure bliss, I rode the living hell out of that machine as it was my first real street bike I have ever owned. I spent many hours in the saddle riding in the mountains, valleys and coastline of California's scenic roads. Fast forward to 2023 and I happily re-aquired a 1994 ZX11, all black with 13K on the odometer from a collector/enthusiast that took beautiful care of the machine. Now living in the Black Hills of South Dakota I am looking forward to the spring were I can let this beast out and play. I look forward to yelling out the "WOWS" just like you did!!.

Nice one Vinnie! I’ve had the pleasure (thanks Andy!). What a fantastic bike!

Had a d9 model sold it for the zzr1400 in 2006 tho that is a phenomenal bike I missed the 11 so bought a pristine zx11 d1 5 years ago upgraded the brakes and still love it 😀

Love this guy's enthusiasm. A true zx11 lover. One of my favorites also. And I have owned all of the big Ninja's ❤️

great video ,own a zzr1100 D6 ,love the raw power, and handling, going as good as the the day I brought it

Love the enthusiasm mate... Had a D6 from new in 1998, and a D7 around 2015. Done about 50,000 miles on these bikes, including tours of Europe. Best bike ever. What a thrill. The bike is definitely in charge! :)

Beautiful surroundings with an even more beautiful bike. You did it justice with this video 👍

A perfect joy- and touring-machine! In a perfect package for daily commuting and long voyages!♥️💚🏍️

I owned a '92 ZX-11C for several years. It was so easy to exceed 100mph on it that all you needed to do was relax and let her eat! I think it had the highest natural cruising speed of anything out there!

Great video mate, back when I lived in Australia in the 1980s I had a 1978 Z900 with a yoshimira kit , beast of a bike although a bit scary at times, wish I had kept it , but we all say that now about our old bikes and cars.

Great review i have a 1999 d7 model and its still an absolute beast of a bike...

I bought a ZZR1100 C in 2001 that was spotless. Loved it. Great bike. Was sad when I sold it. Just bought a 2018 Z1000SX and must say technology has come a way! Thanks for the memories.

I remember them first coming out.walking past the kawasaki centre in Bradford looking in the window and sometimes daring to go in and see up close.i have a 1990 d1 zzr 600 which is still very good.awesomly fast for a 600.still want the 11 though.great video young fella

I got one! A KAWASAKI ZZR 1100-96. Dark green with hard plastic bags and a hard plastic top box. I enjoy my wonderful bike all the time during season. Are parked in a garage during the winter! A perfect day is on the bike daytime because of a weak headlight that works, but you need to drive carefully and not so fast during nightriding!😎👍☕🇸🇪🇦🇷🏍️

A perfect day is on the bike, my KABUUMMMSAKI!!!! my wonderful KAWASAKI ZZR 1100-96, dark green 💚

Best opening to a video ever! LOL That was DEFINITELY Kawasaki for you! They never rested on their laurels and while other manufacturers where trying to beat them with gadgets and gimmicks, Kaws just kept laying down "usable" horsepower to the pavement. The leads would change every few years, but Kaws always came back harder and would always leave the competitors scrambling. Hurricanes, Gixxers, all beasts, but the only bikes that gave a Kaw a good run were FZR's. Those were scary fast, but too much power on too light a frame isn't good on the streets. They were just detuned track bikes for all intents and purposes. Kaws were the kings of the streets, of real world bikes. Then they came out with their H-Series bikes and just dropped the mic on the industry once & for all. You capture the ride experience perfectly. You didn't ride "on" a Ninja. You rode "with" a Ninja.

Fantastic bike...incredibly fast for its time and certainly no slouch now ... Had a cracking d5 ... Zx12r ,zzr1200 and zzr1400 after that but a soft spot for the zzr1100

I had a ZZR 1100 C3 92 model, bloody awesome bike in its day, and still holds its own as a sports tourer id reckon.

I still have my 1993 ZX11D1 bought it brand new an getting ready to clean carbs an get back on it I can't wait

Hi, Greetings form Malaysia, I just got mine (a ZZR1100 c) last year. Its a beast, all stock, its a head turner.

I can understand the excitement, I love my zzr1100 c3

Love you're enthusiasm bro. 👍 God bless yer.

Vinnie well done mate on piloting this mega monster from the past and the thing is the likes of these fantastic machines are still out to buy at a fraction of the price of a new bike even todays 600cc bikes would be twice the price and more . In the 90´s I was running the Yamaha FZR 1,000 and she was good and comfortable to ride too you can still buy them and they are so cheap , top bike top ride mate good one .😉👌👍

I hear you Vinnie , I rode and loved a 1989 Kawasaki ZXR750 for 10 years in Darwin , 105 hp and 14k redline ! , 4 x carbies and choke with 4 into 1 exhaust that sounded awesome ! and yes mate I hear you !

I bought the zx11 last year for 1000€... this bike is insane ❤❤❤

I have a 93 ZZR1100 D model, I was every bit as excited as this guy when I rode it for the first time.

On one of my trips to the US to go racing I was given a full drag racing spec Pro Street version of one of those to ride.. The guy told me it will do 100-mph in 1st gear and it bloody did as well.. It had an 8 inch over length swingarm to try and help keep the front down, it didn't really but sure was a ton of fun.. In the trim he had it the thing would cut a high 9.7/9.8 quarter mile.. Great memories..

I had two C models, one with JMC swing arm, rebuilt suspension to my weight, 4-1 Micron, Stage 1 dynojet, K&N filter, WHEEEEE!. I also had a D, the brakes were horrendous especially 2 up with luggage, I tried all sorts to make them better, but got rid in the end, yes I should have tried changing them. I got a ZZR1200 instead and then finally a ZZR1400 (which I kept for 13 years). Numerous other bikes sat along side them.

I had a GPZ1100s in the nineties. Now had a Daytona for 7 years and thinking of going back. It’s more useable and puts a huge smile on your face!🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿👍

It reminds me a lot of my old GTR1000 - similar bike just even more power. I have an FJR1300 now which is again very similar but also very civilized and comfortable. Once you get onto bikes like this you don't really want to go back to anything else anymore, they are bona fide cruise missles and if you master riding these you can ride anything with utter confidence.

I bought a 1993 D1 back in 1998, and for all the reasons you've just found on your C model, I've still got mine 24 years on. I can't see any reason to get rid of it. It still a rocketship.

The only bike I've ever kept...my dream bike. '92 C just like yours, Wingrack and 3pc Givi. With a little over 68k, still running strong!

I don't understand your KMPH and Ninja stuff, but here in the UK, this was a Kawasaki ZZR1100. Great bike in the 90's. You Ozzies and Kiwis love your EEEEEEE's and ZZZEEES's, lol!

the simpsons actually aired as part of the Tracy Ullman Show in the late 80's. i remember watching them on here show followed by the gary shandling show. always loved the zx11d and still want one but i do love my zx14r.

I just bought a Blackbird and it is amazing. I love the 90-00s hyper- sports bikes. It is incredible. I don’t think I’ll ever get rid of this thing. It’s like nothing I’ve ever ridden before. I can see why people buy these older bikes. Just awesome I echo your sentiment- it’s way too fast and I love it.

Nice video Vinny 😃🤙🏻

Absolute monsters 😈

You still aren't as fast as Burt!! Can you imagine being a senior citizen on a dinosaur of a motorcycle with maypop tires probably going twice as fast as you did in this video??? You Kiwis are a special breed!!😅

I always enjoy going out on the roads and on longer journeys with my wonderful KAWASAKI ZZR 1100-96! It just explodes when rewing past 5000 rpm like a rocket ship, like a road legal missile on two wheels and keeps it's nose down because of a good long wheelbase, aerodynamic fearings and a weight around 300+100 kg. with me on! ~ 400 kg.+ No problem at all with balance, comfort and stability! A perfect high speed touring bike for local transports like daily commuting and long voyages during weeks!😎👍🇸🇪🇦🇷♥️💚🏍️

Interesting to see the comments definitely well loved bike has lots of enthusiasts

First always go to the front of the line😁😆😂🤣

Gotta say. I reckon it’s better looking than most busa’s. Always wanted a blackbird in the garage though 😁

This guy sounds like he's going to blow a headgasket on himself lmao! Jesus, this guy is fired up lol! I couldn't imagine how fast this guy would be moving around while yelling and talking if he did cocaine 😂 That's great that you can get this excited without having to do stupid drugs. I prefer a natural high myself. Other than not being able to hear the bike very much because of your yelling, great video man! 👍

I have two 1991 c models identical to yours. One with original pipes and one with single left side pipe and dyno jetkit. I ride every day so I like to have tewo so I have one to ride when doing maintenance on the other.

Still an amazing bike today

My D1 still happy at 170+mph with 35k miles on the clock - where roads and weather permits of course lol 😁😁😁 Have a C1 that's planned for a bit of forced induction in the workshop lol

As an owner of a 96 ZX11, one must redo the brakes and once done they are actually decent. You must replace seals, clean calipers and install steel braided lines w EBC HH pads, you can then explore the upper limits of this bike but you gotta do some upgrades including suspension. Mine is fully sorted and its good. I would give slight edge to my past Blackbird but it was the successor to take the speed crown. I do fully enjoy my ZX11, check it out:) i also was very impressed w my past ZX-9R which was heavily sorted in a restore. That bike was blistering fast, deceptively as was the BB. Also own a new gen H2 SX and its next level but also 25 years newer lol

Nice to see reviews that show how you feel when testing the bike some testers can get a little to technical. (My life changer was rd250lc 1980) can you do speeds in mph cheers

Your boss is The Goat!

I still have my ZX11 1990 Still have not taken it to the top rock solid stable 260 kmh , still pulling but i run out of room Should do 290

I remember the 90s when the Ninja was King.

You could get a Mr turbo kit for the zzr1100 that took it to over 200mph. Absolutely mad .

About 7:10 he pulls. But his commentary is worth listening to! This is a wolf in sheep’s clothing. All bikes now have 100mph graphics when most of them would be very dangerous at those speeds. I think used long time owners have low miles on this beast because is faster than most riders can handle: it’s a bonafide death machine 😅🎉😂.

In Europe this bike had 149 HP. Mine was tuned and would do over 300 km/h on the clock. I've had faster bikes since but I've never equaled the thrill I first felt going that fast on a bike.

I miss my ZX11 (94). I ride a KTM now and I still don't understand all the electronics on it and why they are there. I am never sure what is me and what the electronics are changing about my riding, it is annoying. Those older bikes of the 90s were all you, you made a mistake and you knew it and knew to not do that or change what you were doing. I felt like the machine was part of me. I like my KTM that I have but it is just different, different experience. You can feel the electronics change things, like power delivery due to the traction control or the ABS braking. On the ZX you knew exactly how much rear brake and front brake to give but on the KTM you can stand on the rear brake with ABS on and it won't lock the back wheel. So it is hard to get a feel for it like you got on the old bikes. The KTM's off road mode turns off the ABS to the rear wheel, so you can change some things in different conditions but it is strange that the bike is different from setting to setting and having to remember what you can and can't do from this mode to that. It seamed easier back then because it was just you and the bike no matter what you rode. Not sure what is harder to learn, the bikes from back then or the bikes of today. I just miss the old girl, that is for sure.

ZX11 is the one!

I love the ZZR1100 (what they were badged here in the UK) would love one but I'm to much of a shortarse lol

Something that I didn't noticed until today, which is weird, because as you mentioned at 11:14, this is more of a touring machine. The Tomcat ZX-10 was more practical in every way. What I'm talking about is the luggage rack we can see a couple of minutes into the video. Is it hand made? Is this available? I'm really interested. Strapping luggage on this bike is no fun. Unstrapping luggage is even less fun.

Blackbird a brilliant bike,Zzr 1100 an origional Legend

I'm more than a bit late on a specific topic. For many years K&N produced an air filter for the C model. I thought it was a bit expensive. Now that it looks like it's no longer available, anybody has an idea about how to get one? For a reasonable price.

Great vid mate and great boss.....and then there was gsx 1400.

The one you have is a 1992 the only one with a Black Frame.... All Black with Silver/Purple decals... I had a New One in 1992... My brother Crashed it R.I.P.

i have a 1990 ZX11 ,converted to EFI,with a turbo,megasquirt ecu,water to air intercooler....have it running enough psi to get 350 on 93 pump gas....and 400 hp....race gas...shes a beaut Clark

Good

Good riding position you say, I can hear you have only driven it for a short ride, drive a trip 200-300 km, and your a.. will be sore, and your neck also. I have an upholstered seat i use for longer rides. Since I saw it for the first time I wanted to have one. Even its heavy, you don't feel it when you ride it, it does what you want

I had one just like that it was fast on drag strip zx11 is fast as hell wheelie on 3 gear not even moder bikes are abel to fast beast of 90s was a spike for hyabusa gen 1 and black bird gen 1

And that title was taken by 2mph by d blackbird at over 100 cc more

K1 gsxr 1000 front calipers sort out the brakes fit straight on.

That's the C model. You should try a 1995 ZX-11D.

Correct, not the blackbird or busa. This is the reason for the speed war's basically a top end close as all the modern restricted bikes. I had 2 off these back in the day, a game changer, i currently have a blackbird, busa gen2-3 zzr1400 p.s, h2 2015, this bike is to blame😅.

I got the last of those, a 97 D5, just turned classic, you'd get a black bird with that - always had more roll on. Gsxr 750 brakes bolt straight on, they're plenty srong enough to flip it, but this is a OG Ninja my son, all your ABS and TRC is in your boots and your gloves, while the seat talks to your butt, and the big girl sings to your ears, a more intimate experience so to speak. Btw is that an American import or just decaled zx 10?..

Brother have you seen super meteor 650 launch ?

260 km equals how many miles per hour

i love seein a younger guy respect this beast. i had no idea what i was getting into when i bought mine... i didn't even test ride her on account of a broken wrist on the clutch side. the number crunchers can come up with all the gripes... but it's heavy.. it's not that powerful... it's old... i invite you to get on it. once you twist throttle, the weight's gone, the age is gone, and all you understand is that you are on a ride. by that i mean there are things you control, and things you try to influence. a dog you can command; a reticulated python you try to steer. that's what this bike is like. at any moment she could shrug you off and be done with it.

Widowmaker mach4 Kawasaki 750cc triple then zed then the gpz 11 then the gpz 10 n 11

Mate I have a D6 good old bike, sensible rider makes the difference. Vinnie you're a waffler!

if your boss ever wants to sell it i'll buy it. I'm only up the road.

Y E S 👍, No further comment needed...... 😁

147 hp engine

I have a1993 ZX-11D....175mph plus...stock...lol.

Wow its supposed to have a faster 1/4 mile than the newer 178hp zx12r. 🤷‍♂️

Vinnie won't be with us for long. He has a death wish for riding insane on a bike.