1989 kawasaki zx 10

I have an opportunity to pick up a 89 zx-10 with 12,000 miles for $1000 ( oh and the bike runs, it was ridden pretty regularly last year) it is in descent condition from what i understand. One of my buddies is the communication line between me and the owner until i can go check it out. I first though it would be a good bike to have to supplement my aspirations to turn my 81 csr 1000 into a streetfighter. I have done some research on the zx 10 and it sounds like a really fun bike. first i was wondering if any of you guys have one of these beasts? if so what do you think of it? from what i understand this is the first year for the zx 10 and if for any other reason the first year of any bike seems to be worth more in the long run as a collectable bike. I am just trying to find some unbiased reviews for the bike. First is it junk? if not is it worth putting the TLC into to make it respectable and collectable? just looking for some knowledgable input, hope to hear soon guys, thanks!

the early zxs had top end oiling issues,mr turbo has a cure fot that though.

I am a member at www.zx-10r.net and there are a couple of guys over there still running the old zx-10. Most of the site is focused on the newer zx-10r from 2004 on, but you might try asking about it over there. One of the guys goes by Darren here's a link that shows his bike: www.zx-10r.net/forum/showthread.php?t=99462&page=10 another guy goes by zx10burner and here's his bike: www.zx-10r.net/forum/showthread.php?t=99462&page=8

You should try and get in touch with them.

thanks for the info, I don't mean to sound like an idiot but when you say mr. turbo you mean actually installing a turbo on the bike? you never now there could be some member on here with his name being mr. turbo. If it is a member I am def interested in contacting them about the head issues with the bike.

I'm not familiar with the fix, but there is a shop that goes by Mr Turbo here in Houston. Here's their website: www.mrturbo.com/ Maybe that's who he's talking about.

mr turbo had an oil restrictor mod they did to direct more oil to mains ,i remember sending the pan to them as part of the mod they did on my zx11.

wireman wrote: mr turbo had an oil restrictor mod they did to direct more oil to mains ,i remember sending the pan to them as part of the mod they did on my zx11.

What is this? Are you admitting to having owned one of those plastic bikes? :ohmy: I'm shocked!

i have a 87 and iv had three others ,,,including the 89,, the 89 was the best year i think,, lightest bike the only isues iv had is carbs,, will need rebuilt never had a motor issue,, alot of bike for a little money i think,,, great ride . long / heavy though ,,comffy ride for a crotch rocket if thats what ya wanna call it ,, not worth alot 1000 1500 . dont see em being very collectable i kept it for the ride wife dont mind being on the back..steve

here is my 87 stage 3 jet kit ,,, the 89 has the aluminum frame. i think is the last year of this style zx10 mabee 90 nice ridding bikes run decient probally a 110 hp

Here she is! less than 13,000 miles, kerker exhaust, good plastics, on the road and regularly ridden last year. I am not particularly impressed with the plastic bikes and the rockets either but my rationale for possibly buying it is that I make this thing into the streetfighter I've been dreaming about and I just make my 81 csr look a little bit sweeter and some mild performance stuff. I don't know if it's a good idea to take the csr too far from stock. we'll see though.
here's some pics of the zx10 now
whatta ya think, plastic as it is remember I'll get it for under $1000, would you do it?

i think i would jump on it

If u dont get it I would certainly take it for that price.bj