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Sportbikes

2003Kawasaki ZX-9R Ninja

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The 2003 Kawasaki ZX-9R Ninja is a mid-sized sport bike best suited for intermediate to experienced riders seeking strong acceleration and reliable performance. Known for its muscular inline-four engine delivering 150 horsepower, it offers an excellent balance of power and manageable weight, making it ideal for both track days and spirited road riding.

Capacity: 899.0 ccm
Engine: In-line four, four-stroke
Gearbox: 6-speed
Dry weight: 186.0 kg
Seat height: 827 mm
Power: 150.0 HP (110.3 kW)

⇄ Compare with another bike All model years ⚠ Recalls listed (1)

What’s new for the 2003 Kawasaki ZX-9R Ninja

vs the 2002

Spec	2002	2003
Power	144.0 HP (105.9 kW) @ 11000 RPM	150.0 HP (110.3 kW)
Front brakes	Dual disc	not listed

Other years 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail5%

Cornering85%

City riding45%

Daily riding42%

Touring35%

Two-up35%

Track85%

Best for: Built primarily for fast road riding and track days, blending litre-bike power with a slightly more manageable 900cc package.
Built for: A raw, aggressive superbike with a strong mid-range punch and a chassis that rewards confident, assertive inputs.
Not ideal for: This is not the right choice for new riders, commuters seeking comfort, or anyone planning long-distance touring or off-road use.

Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.

Will it fit you?

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Your height

Inseam (optional)

Units

At 827mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with balls of both feet on the 2003 Kawasaki ZX-9R Ninja, with a cramped knee angle of around 70 degrees and a forward-leaning riding position.

Assumes about 30mm of suspension sag once seated. This is an approximation from category-typical geometry, not a measurement of this bike or of you - sit on one before you buy.

More bikes at 821-900 mm — Long Legs →

Find bikes that fit your height →

Full specifications

Engine

Capacity: 899.0 ccm
Power: 150.0 HP (110.3 kW)
Torque: 101.0 Nm (10.3 kgf-m)
Engine type: In-line four, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio: 0.8065 HP/kg
Bore x stroke: 75.0 x 50.9 mm
Compression: 11.5:1
Cooling system: Liquid
Fuel system: Carburettor
Starting: Electric
Valves per cylinder: 4

Transmission

Gearbox: 6-speed
Transmission type: Manual
Final drive: Chain

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1417 mm
Overall length: 2058 mm
Overall width: 747 mm
Overall height: 1152 mm
Seat height: 827 mm
Dry weight: 186.0 kg
Wet weight: 213.0 kg
Fuel capacity: 18.00 litres
Ground clearance: 158 mm

Chassis & suspension

Front wheel travel: 120 mm
Rear wheel travel: 135 mm

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes diameter: 320 mm
Rear brakes: Single disc
Rear brakes diameter: 220 mm
Front brakes: Not on record - add it

Other

Color options: Blue, Silver, Green

Compiled from manufacturer documentation and user contributions, corrected on an ongoing basis. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.

What changed, year to year

Differences highlighted

Specification	1996	1998	2000	2001	2003
Capacity	899.00 ccm (54.86 cubic inches)	899.00 ccm (54.86 cubic inches)	899.00 ccm (54.86 cubic inches)	899.00 ccm (54.86 cubic inches)	899.00 ccm (54.86 cubic inches)
Dry weight	215.0 kg (474.0 pounds)	183.0 kg (403.4 pounds)	—	185.0 kg (407.9 pounds)	186.0 kg (410.1 pounds)
Seat height	800 mm (31.5 inches)	810 mm (31.9 inches)	815 mm (32.1 inches)	825 mm (32.5 inches)	827 mm (32.6 inches)
Fuel capacity	—	—	19.00 litres (5.02 gallons)	19.00 litres (5.02 gallons)	18.00 litres (4.76 gallons)
Color options	—	—	—	—	Blue, Silver, Green

Illustrative - generated automatically by diffing the year records already on file, not a manufacturer-published changelog.

Safety Recalls

⚠ 1 open recall

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATORDec 2002 · 02V324000

ON CERTAIN 2000 ZX1200-A1/A1-L, 2001 ZX1200-A2/A2-L, AND 2002-2003 ZX1200-B1/B1-L MOTORCYCLES, OIL LEAKING FROM THE ALTERNATOR LEAD ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR CAN BE DEPOSITED ONTO THE REAR TIRE.

Risk: THIS CAN CREATE THE POTENTIAL FOR A LOSS OF TRACTION FOR BRAKING OR CORNERING, AND CAN LEAD TO A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL SEAL THE ALTERNATOR LEAD WIRES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN BEGIN DECEMBER 16, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT KAWASAKI AT 1-949-770-0400.

Source: NHTSA. View all Kawasaki recalls →