Parts and servicing Service schedule
There’s no need to be scared of servicing a ZRX - no diagnostic computers needed, no problems with access - it’s just a big, conventional motorcycle. Services are at 4000-mile intervals (more or less, they vary slightly), alternating interim and main services. Interim consists of just normal external checks and adjustments, plus an oil change and completely unnecessary spark plug check. Main services include oil and filter, carb balancing (very important) and swingarm pivot greasing (again important but often neglected). For pre-2005 models, the valve clearances are due a check at every main service - again unnecessary. From 2005 on, ZRXS sold everywhere except the US and Canada swapped to a check every other main service - still surprisingly frequent. Fortunately, checking is easy and adjustment is simple too - measure the clearance, slide the rocker to one side, remove and measure shim, use the chart in the workshop manual (freely available as a PDF file) to choose a new shim, refit and double check. No need to remove and refit cams.
New and used parts prices
OE parts are mostly pretty pricey. An oil filter element is £5.50 and an air filter about £24, but brake pads are £50 a pair, discs an astonishing £300 - each - and a replacement radiator is well over £500 (Delkevic do a replacement for a fraction of that). Genuine chain and sprocket kits are around £225 as well, so running a REX can be costly. Fortunately the aftermarket takes up the slack. Wemoto has a huge list of parts for the ZRX, including wheel bearings from £9 a pair, EBC discs at half the price of OE, pads from £11 a pair, rebuild kits for the front calipers at £58 a side, valve-adjustment shims for £4.80 each, and complete chain and sprocket kits for under £100. Because the ZRX is so tough, it tends to be good cosmetic parts that are in demand from breakers. We’ve recently seen a set of clocks for £350, later polished stainless downpipes for £250, mint standard shocks for £250, an R model headlight for £75, a pair of front discs for £129 and alternators from £60.