CMM SAYS
First saw light of day almost 30 years ago! Yup, 1989 saw the first ZXR750 H1/H2 styled 400s built for the Japanese market and many found their way to the UK.
When the 750 went to the J-model in 1991 (still with the famous ‘Hoover’ pipes) the 400 went to the L-model and this stayed in the Kawasaki range until around 2003 in the UK… Often considered the fastest of the 400s, the L-model ZXR was clocked at around 140mph back in the day: that was a big deal at the time.
Today you can find those H1/H2 styled ‘boxy’ versions for under a grand, rising to £3000 for a very tidy low (sub 20k) miler from the early 2000s. Do watch for previously raced versions as these have been popular in Supersport 400 racing since way-backwhen right up until today.
Things to watch out for when buying include carbon frame protectors hiding dinged frames, knackered radiators leading to cooling issues with the otherwise bomb-proof motor and issues/weld fractures from where front- end prangs send force through the strong forks through the head-stock and into the frame itself.