Towards the end of the 1980’s, Kawasaki was looking for a new formula for success on the race track. Several ideas were proposed but the concept that won out involved taking a massaged version of Team Green’s existing liquid-cooled, three-quarter-liter, 16-valve, inline-four (from the GPX750) and dropping it into a newly designed twin spar aluminum alloy frame. Just before the dawn of the 90s, Kawa unveiled the ZX7 Ninja — or the ZXR750 as it was known in the States. Homologation versions of the ZX7 were available in limited numbers, and like the base model these race-inspired offerings evolved year after year. One of the rarest and most sought after Ninja Sevens is the mighty M-spec of which only 500 were reportedly produced.
Building on the previous gen model, the (first) M-spec featured a new ram-air system, an adjustable swing-arm pivot, solo seat and lightweight race subframe, aluminum tank, a significantly taller first-gear, a six-speed close-ratio gearbox, 39mm flatslide carbs, new cams, and a few other internals. These changes supposedly afforded the M-spec an additional 20 ponies over the base model while tipping the scales at around 20 lbs less. This translated to 121hp at 10,500rpm (at the crank — close to 112 at the rear wheel), almost 54 ft-lbs of torque, a standing quarter-mile time under 11-seconds, and a respectable top-speed of nearly 160 mph.
Additional running gear on the 750 was pretty standard for the time, but still nothing to scoff at. These pieces included 41mm inverted forks up front and a Uni Track monoshock out back — both of which were fully adjustable. Braking duties were bestowed upon a pair of 320mm discs bit by four-piston calipers in the front and a single 230mm unit in the rear. On top of the bike itself Kawasaki also offered a supplementary race kit for the three-quarter-liter homologation special.
This particular ZXR750R M is said to be in remarkable condition, not just for a two-and-a-half-decade-old race replica, but in general. There are currently 23,713 km’s on the odo (or 14,734 miles). This Kawa specimen has recently received a refresh with new brake pads fore and aft, fresh oil change, new air filter, new chain and sprocket, new fluids throughout, and a new set of Dunlop rubber. The flatslide carbs were also overhauled, and according to the seller this one is “Ready To Go!”.
Looking at this ‘93 example — that’s wearing its factory Kawa green, white, and red livery which was only offered in the European market — it’s abundantly clear that this bike was completely torn down and every inch of every piece was pored over and polished, painted, or refreshed. The frame, the rims, the factory pipe; they all look pristine. The sale of this example also comes with the original owners manual, factory brochure, tool kit, and two original keys.
You can find this 1993 Kawasaki ZXR750R M for sale here on RaceBikeMart in the Netherlands with a price of $15,875 (or €13,990).