Sportbikes

1998Kawasaki ZX-7R Ninja

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The 1998 Kawasaki ZX-7R Ninja is a middleweight sport bike that appeals to experienced riders seeking agile handling and nimble performance. Known for its responsive 748cc inline-four engine and lightweight chassis, it excels in aggressive cornering and delivers reliable mid-range power suitable for both road and track use.

Capacity: 748.0 ccm
Engine: In-line four, four-stroke
Gearbox: 6-speed
Dry weight: 203.0 kg
Seat height: 790 mm
Power: 122.0 HP (89.7 kW) @ 11500 RPM

⇄ Compare with another bike ＋ Add to garage All model years

Other years 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail5%

Cornering82%

City riding40%

Daily riding35%

Touring30%

Two-up30%

Track88%

Best for: Built primarily for aggressive sport riding and track days, with its carbureted big-bore four-cylinder favoring top-end power over everyday versatility.
Built for: A raw, old-school superbike character with a heavy dry weight for its class, rewarding smooth inputs and confident, deliberate cornering over flickable agility.
Not ideal for: This is not the right bike for new riders, commuters wanting 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 790mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 1998 Kawasaki ZX-7R 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 751-820 mm — Middle Ground →

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Full specifications

Engine

Capacity: 748.0 ccm
Power: 122.0 HP (89.7 kW) @ 11500 RPM
Torque: 81.0 Nm (8.3 kgf-m)
Engine type: In-line four, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio: 0.6010 HP/kg (dry)
Bore x stroke: 73.0 x 44.7 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

Performance

Top speed: 270.0 km/h (167.8 mph)

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1420 mm
Seat height: 790 mm
Dry weight: 203.0 kg
Wet weight: 234.0 kg
Fuel capacity: 18.00 litres

Chassis & suspension

Front wheel travel: 120 mm
Rear wheel travel: 130 mm

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes: Dual disc
Front brakes diameter: 320 mm
Rear brakes: Single disc
Rear brakes diameter: 230 mm
Front tyre: 120/70-ZR17
Rear tyre: 190/50-ZR17

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	1999	2001	2002
Capacity	748 cc	748 cc	748 cc	748 cc	748 cc
Dry weight	203 kg	203 kg	203 kg	203 kg	203 kg
Seat height	790 mm	790 mm	820 mm	805 mm	805 mm
Fuel capacity	18 L	18 L	18 L	18 L	18 L