Kawasaki ZR 550 Zephyr. The Zephyr is certainly showing signs of having had a tough paper round, a couple of dings in the tank, less than perfect plastic and a rattle from the cam chain. It has had to have a new Micron 4-1 exhaust, as the one it arrived with had been cut down, and a replacement seat which came via ebay for a tenner.

I like the power delivery of the Kawasaki fours, and would someday like to own another Z1000. This little ZR is a nifty little bike, and I feel it is my duty to make every effort to ensure that it doesn't languish unused for too long.

Front and rear brakes have been serviced, though the braking is a little "light", as they are bedding in, so they are improving.

Having been put through an MOT in 2007, mainly as an excuse to take it for a good ride, it remained virtually dormant, languishing in the BIG shed, with just periodic engine running and battery charging. Whilst it seems relunctant to go beyond 85-90 MPH, it certainly doesn't hang around at speeds below that, which is a good job what with all those speed cameras about.

The Zephyr has recently recieved a fresh MOT, and is now insured in my name, allowing it to get more use. I have decided that it should earn its keep by becoming a winter hack, thus saving the FXR from the dreaded salt, and allowing some much needed cosmetic remedial work to be done.

As resale value of this bike would be fairly low, possible future plans for the ZR are to create a "Sushi" racer, by fitting rearset controls and dropped handlebars, a revised seat and tank would complete the look.

Kawasaki 550 Zephyr