The 90s were just so good, fireblades, srads, tlr's, 916, ninjas, gsxrs, exups, and not to mention the two stroke 250s and imported 400s. Sooooo good

For me the 90's was the peak era for sportsbikes. Us Brits couldn't get enough of them. My ZZR1400 shares the garage with a mint '98 CBR900 RRW I bought 15 years ago - carbs, manual choke, Micron exhaust, petrol tap, big fat tank, fairing stay, analogue clocks, just awesome!

Excellent video mate. No traction control, no ABS, no fuel indicator light or fuel gauge... What you call scary, I call fun. Just you, the bike and the open road. Knowing you can tame the beast inside is the greatest feeling you will ever have. Take it easy and enjoy the ride. 🕊

Someone once described the ZX9R as a VFR from the wrong side of town.

ZX9R is totally under rated. Its a beast of a machine. Just searched to see if my old one is still on the go but it looks like its went to bike heaven, no MOT for the past 2 years 😞

175 mph is really fast for this classic style bike. With no fuel gauge, best to reset the trip meter to 000 each time at full tank, then see how far the tank will take you as a future reference of average riding. Just as good as a fuel gauge IMO.

Ah, yes. Those well known models. The CBR955, the 928 and that GSXR900. Classics. I was always a fan of the Yamaha YZF R5 and the Ducati 776S.

I have a 2003 ZX-9…..abs and traction control are your hands and feet…..I have a muzzy exhaust and she sounds better than modern fuel injected bikes….and I’m in love and scared at the same time with her

This bike was my old girl (2007-2013), 2000 ZX-9R with Flow Commander.... yes this bike was also carbureted. Above 9K RPM the RAM air would kick in like you were being sucked through a vacuum. Bought it with 13K miles and sold it with 35K. I made the trek from Las Vegas to LA in 3.5 hrs. I had 2 strands of clutch cable left when I arrived and barely able to engage.... normally a 5.5 hr commute and I averaged 40 MPG. You are correct in the reserve tank for gas station notifications. Just imagine going 110 and reaching down to switch over to the reserve in the middle of the night. I was able to hit the top speed and let me tell you it's like angels singing..... besides the foot petal vibration and the airflow wanting to suck your helmet off causing a choking effect..... Every day going to work I would hit 120mph on the interstate on ramp in 2nd gear through a sweeper. The bike also had no steering stabilizer and I never had a death shake from the front end. Anyway, thanks for making this video, I didn't realize how old this bike actually is now. Back in the day this bike was so comfortable that most of my friends considered it a sport touring bike. One of the best bikes I have ever owned to this day and I wish I still had it in my garage.

It's important to note with bikes like these that if you flip your reserve tank on, remember to flip it back after you've filled up 😂

I've had approx 30 bikes. My 2003 ZX9R F2P (in green obviously), was my favourite one of all. Awesome, underrated bikes. I've had 6 Blades (still have a 95 SC28), but the 9R was always 'the one'.

Yup...now brand new riders look like Gods on 1000s with their ABS traction control, anti wheelie set to the max. There was a time when you actually had to work your way up to the big bikes and those who tried to climb on them too soon in their riding careers paid the price.

Fantastic clip I’ve just bought a zx9r c1 1998 model with 14,000 miles ,the previous owner had it from new . It is my first sports bike at 60 years old ......and you are totally correct ,it’s a beast 😂 Regards Dave from Scotland

You should keep the 900R. It will keep you honest. When all the other’s riding aids make you feel invincible, it will always be there to give you a reality check.

I put a Wisco big bore kit on mine had 159bhp at the wheel it was super quick and extremely fun it clocked a true 180mph on standard gearing at bent Waters, airbase in 2002 👌

I drag race an E2. Totally under rated bike. A sleeper on the line. It won't take out the bigger bikes head to head but a lot of people are surprised when they see how how much torque it has off the line. Perfect for bracket racing. (9" swingarm extensions, re-geared to a 15-45, lowered and strapped. 1.5 second 60', 1/4 at 10 seconds, 132 mph) Just all around fun!

I've a mixture of old and new bikes and there's something pure and simple about an older bike esp if shaving every last second off your journey isnt your thing.

This is why i love this old 90's sportbikes, or anybike from that era to be honest, they really teach you how to ride a motorcycle. I dont have a sportbike but have a SV650s from 99, oh boy, not a lot of HP for sure but damn this bike is fun, even though not that "beast" of a bike it gave me quite some scary bits while learning 😂 Hope to get a Kawazaki from the 90's at some point.

I own a 2001 R1 & ZX12-R , no fancy rider aids , pure analogue . When bike's were lairy hairy and a little scary.

I have the E1, lots of refinements between the C and E models, you should try and get hold of an E or F model to try out. the F had a few more small changes. Still the C model is still a beast of a bike which was the first production model to do the quarter mile in under 10 seconds, 9.9 secs at 136mph (Don't tell the ZX12r owners, but that is quicker than those, they just had a higher running cost and top speed lol).

I had a blue 98 ZX9R, a great bike with a really strong motor. Though my 954 blade was the one I wish I'd hung on too. That really did feel like a 600 on steroids👍

I have a 2001 zx12r and I completely get what your saying. The old bikes are more visceral. A new s1000rr is mental, and a damn sight lighter than my bike, but still doesn’t feel anywhere near as exciting on the road. I’ve got my eye on a 98 blade at the moment, and also have a j2 ninja. Late 90’s/very early 2000’s Really is my favourite era of bikes

That bike is awesome. I have the same one. Mine is blue. But I was thinking about selling mine, a few years after owner ship. But then I started modifying it, put heated grips, RAM mount, USB battery reader, quick shifter, bradded front brake line, got rid of the ugly turn signals, for nice flush one's. Now I can't live without it. Just 2 more mode's. After market muffler, and frame sliders.

Old bikes are class, still in love with my 2002 fzs 1000 fazer

owning my first motorcycle a Kawasaki ZX9R from 1998 with over 90k km's still love riding it to this day. Als having a zzr1400 from 2014 love it to death. Both great machines.

love the channel man subbed the other day and been binging. 27 y/o with 1 year NCB, tried compare the market quotes on a 1998 zx-9r just out of curiousity and they wouldn't even supply quotes :D

This was my first ever motorcycle. Model year 2000. This guy is hilarious. The bike is so easy to ride. Hands on and off. Standing up hands off. Easiest bike to ride.

Truly one of the most underrated sports bikes of the 90s. I've owned my blue C1 98 since 2002, still going strong today. I will never, ever sell this one shes with me for life!

I had a 2001 zx6r and a 1999 zx7r. Very raw and characterful. Loved them. Always reset the mileage gauge after refueling to keep an eye on how much range i might have left haha. Also insurance wise, for a bike like this that hasn't cost a huge amount, i'd recommend third party fire and theft. Yes if you crash it, you wont get anything back, but its so much cheaper (from what I remember), if you aren't worried about reclaiming money back, which as I say, for a cheap bike to buy, isn't worth the extra cost of insurance imo.

thats hitting a ton in a shade less than 6 seconds. , tops out at around 170 thats mind boggling for 1400 quid .

Honda had the 929 and 954 models in early to mid 2000's. Before that there were some 1100+ rockets (Blackbird, Daytona). The R1 was really the first "liter bike" that we think of today. Buddy had a 1998 ZX-9R and it was a beast.

this is what i love about older bikes and cars stuff from the 90's mostly as its modern but still lacking tech (depending what you choose) it teaches you to actually be able to drive/ride properly and not rely on aids to make up for a lack of understanding and skill like you say if you don't respect the lack of aids especially in iffy weather it can really spit you out if you're not careful.

Respect your tyres, understand the levels of grip they give you and "use not abuse". Same should apply to brakes and engine and the whole bike. ✌️Have a great Summer!

I’ve had my all black C1 9R for 8 years now and I will never sell it. Totally stock apart from Yoshi can. 👍

Have you ridden a 954RR? It’s not only the last of the 900 FireBlades but it’s the LIGHTEST FireBlade to date. It weighs less than 600’s. It has a BONKERS power to weight ratio. It picks the front end up if you dare to THINK about it! I loved mine but someone ran a redlight and she got totaled

The lack of all those Electronic rider aids is what makes this bike so much better. 😊😊😊 A mate had a BMW R1100 with ABS he told me correct me if am wrong, that if the ABS failed on the BMW you lost all your brakes, total failure. 😮😮😮😮😮😮😮 He got shut of it for that reason. Not sure if all ABS equipped bikes would be just like the beemer. Did wonder when looking at adverts for BMW R1100's why some owners had ditched the ABS module and fitted standard brake line system. Gonna probs get a ZX9R next year, after watching videos like this am convinced that this would make a great bike to own and ride. Decent pillion perch and not a postage stamp sized ski slope looking rear seat. Thanks for great review, Vinny. 😊😊😊😊

Absolutely no offence meant by this because I'm sure you're an experienced rider but when you ride such powerful bikes, you really should work on your u-turns and slow speed controls. It will improve your riding overall and will save your bike in certain situations for example having to manoeuvre through slow moving traffic in the rain when drivers are impatient and not paying attention. If you have to suddenly escape harm you really don't want to be reversing or duckwalking. Just my two cents and I do enjoy your channel.

These bikes really make you a good rider. After 14 years of riding modren muscle cruisers and 1000 cc sport bikes . I very confidently bought a 1998 Yamaha R1 in the iconic red and white livery thinking it just has 135ish horse power and I would be easily able to thrash is around as I was used to riding 190 + hp modren feul injected bikes with all the electronic rider aids. When I got off the old R1 after my first short ride I saw my hands shaking , i felt nervous riding and bike after a long long time . My pride and confidence was shattred as the reality sunk in ... I felt as if I had learned noting in 14 years all my skill was dependant on the modren rider aids .... my mind could not absorb the rush I felt when I twisted the R1s throttle and it reved all the way upto 13000 rpm in every one of the 6 gears with no rev limiter cutting off the power. Now after 3 years all 6 of the modren speedsters have either been sold or have been stored in my garage , the 1998 R1 is the only sport bike I ride , the rest of my fleet consists of my dual sport , touring and moderatly powerd street bikes. I do feel the lack of rider aids has made me a better rider a much more confident rider , now i can easily thrash around modren 210+ hp liter bikes with ease including the Kawasaki H2s which used to scare me a bit when I used to ride my feul injected GSXR 1000 and CBR1000RR. I feel the happiest and most comfortable when I am on my 1998 R1 no sport bike impresses me anymore the modren bikes are just machines with no character or soul... they all make almost similar power , weigh almost the same , the rider aids and electronics give the same feel most have the same kind of Brembo breaks and alot if other similarities. Back in the 90 sport bikes from different companies had their individuality , different designs , massive difference in performance and how they delivered that performance . You could hear a bike rev up and could tell from miles away if its a Yamaha a kawi or a honda even if they had the same type of exaust installed . Riding these machines makes you realize how far ahead super sport bike riders were back in the days without rider aids in terms of riding skills and the size of their balls . I have seen videos of riders back in 1999 thrashing like a honda grom the un restricted 1st 1999 model of the Suzuki Hayabusa the fastest hyper sport bike in the world at that time with a top speed of 340 km/h which was restricted to 299 kph or 186 mph in the 2000 model with its front wheel hardly touching the ground the whole day and then drifting the monster in sharp almost U turn like corners on narrow mountain pass twisty roads to avoid applying breaks and losing momentum as they were being closly chased by the Kawasaki ZX 12 R which was the fastest bike in the world the precvious year . Its insane marvelously insane ... the skill level needed to pull it off can only be justified by calling it STUFF of LEGENDS !!

Man I wish I hadn’t sold mine! What a classic! Could literally power slide every large corner! slightly tamer than the fartblood but still up there!!

Best sports tourer of the 90's. Absolutely bullet proof, reliable, comfortable, solid, pulls like a train yet docile as a pussy cat when you want it. I'd say it handles better than my ducati and is a whole lot more reliable. Easy to maintain and that intake roar is so addictive....I love my 99 C2 ninja and will never sell it.

What a beast... I own one , m.y. 1998 black, turned into a streetfighter, and it's so funny to ride.. I own an XR 650sm too, and love both, but since the Ninja arrived my choice almost every morning is her Light, powerful, nimble, comfortable, loudy and arrogant.. Almost perfect to me. Imagine a naked version of this bike in 1998, Kawasaki has lost a big occasion imho ...

I'm 25 now costs me about 450quid a year that's me added onto my dads. That being said had a full license since nov 2020 & also ride a 1290r superduke. Had a MT-07 before that. Even compare to my 1290r this bike scares me more lol it's like starting all over again & I love it!

Absolutely agree with everything you say about the 9 i ride a 1996 zzr600 as a daily rider and the 9 for only the best occasions and when i jump on the 9 from the 600 it shits me up! 😂 it really is an animal of a bike and you really do need to be careful on it and respect it.

I did 172mph (indicated) on the A11 on an old B4 ZX9, 30kg heavier than this model. It was quicker or kept up with newer bikes and even an S1000R ridden by my mate, who was surprised how quick it was. Totally underrated bike that was sidelined by the R1 that everyone wanted.

That should be in a museum and im not joking

The 900 class are perfect for the road, the power is still managable and you can open them up all the way on public roads and actually ride the bike at it's near full potential. On a 1000cc you're constantly manageing and limitim the bikes potential, on public roads atleast. I had CBR 900 RR from 1996 for 7 years 130HP now, i have 2005 CBR 1000 RR with alot of money into the engine and pushing 185HP and it's a huge difference the 900's bike are perfect balance between power and control.

My first sport bike in 2002…still have and love it…

I have got myself Kawasaki zzr1100, it’s also 1999 model and 58k miles on the clock but she looks like a keeper for those long summer tours.

The old two stroke 500 and 750 were horrible and scary in corners you could feel the spindly weak frames and tiny fork tubes flexed.That bike your in is a marvel and could hold its own on a tight road againts modern bikes.

My 07 busa is also without ABS, traction control, etc. Being extremely heavy and powerful. Riding her in the backroads is a blast.

Fabulous bike really enjoyed the green one I had loads of power (10sec 1/4 miles was claimed by Kawasaki)

About the insurance, as you mentioned it. In what country is it OK to treat your history of no claims as a vouchering system where you can only use it on ONE POLICY! It's bloody ridiculous.

Plenty of drama for a bike I commuted, toured and scratched on for a handful of years. It was my favorite road bike ever, a silver 2003 ZX-9R. I never took it to the track as two 600cc Kwakas fulfilled that role. Time marches on. I missed the ABS and traction control era but I somehow survived. In my retirement I might get another bike with the electronic doo-dabs but I'm unlikely to ride fast enough to need them. Yes, get off my lawn vibe. haha

From Denmark Today I have a 1994 Kawasaki ZX9R, the first of these. But would I have known that the 1998 model was completely rebuilt, losing 32kg more easily than the 1994 model and receiving many other improvements? Then I bought one in 1998/99/2000 or later. But I think it's COOL. Mine has done 63,000 km ( ca. 39.000 miles) and runs great

Been looking to buy one cannot belive the prices you can pick them up for so cheap what a bike 😊

Love this review. I still think these 9,s are about all you need as a holligan machine....put some sticky rubber on them, change the front sprocket down a cog....4° ignition advancer and if you are a half decent rider they will be absolutely on the heels of most stuff today you can buy in the real world. The F versions were particularly well polished in terms of putting power down....larger heavier flywheel if i remember to remove some of the snatch throttle feel.....but by all accounts the best to buy and you can find them for £2500..... I love them

I have the Zx9r EFA Version and it's an absolute Beast... I love this Bike so much❤ It will be a Dream if Kawasaki brings a New Version of the ZX9R, I would definitiv buy it Instant New from the Factory.

I bought one new back in 2001. I found it a very stable very benign, torquey, excellent motorcycle, all round. Comfy as well, for a sportbike.

I have a blue B2 like yours. Another reason it goes like the clappers is the fact its NOT ride by wire, this means when you twist it full open there is no computer controlling the throttle plates to reduce power in 1st and 2nd gears like nearly all sports bikes of today. Love cable and carbies.

The generation of superbikes 84-94 before that ZX9 were actually way more sketchy . They had awesome engines with questionable suspensions, brakes and tires . Try finding one that hasn’t been wrecked … rare

I bought a ZZR6 E6 recently for 1k. It's absolutely brilliant and makes me smile so much.

Us old guys have traction control, it is your right wrist. My old 92 ZX 11 and my 2006 ZX 14 had traction control it was feel a slip/slide and ease off the throttle.

I love these bikes and the modern classic when they brought them out in the last few years, retro or cafe racer fairing. .. If I had a garage, I would have one..

Traded my Ducati 900 SS for the first of the C1s when they were launched. If you're getting a 9 then go for a C series and up as they're far better than the previous models as is the one in the vid. Then Yamaha bought out the R1 that aced it everywhere, but...I did three trips to France on the Kwak and ton of UK miles and there's no way I would have got as much use out of the Yam as the ZX could eat pan-European miles, commute or scratch and you'd never feel punished for doing it after you got off. Fifteen hundred quid!!! ?? That is a hell of a lot of bike for that.

BHP Sells bikes Torque wins races

On paper you might fall for the illusion that this is a weak bike compared to a modern one. Until you experience the uncompromising and instant response of a carburetor fireing 900cc. A modern bike calculates how much of its 200hp it gives you, and you feel the delay. These old bikes are just brutal and raw, yet good to handle if you know what you are doing ❤

Proud owner of ..the first R1 98 , the firsr Hayabusa 99 , the first Honda 954 , now looking for a CBR 1100 Black bird and a Kawasaki Zx12 R. The 3 in my possession have been fully restored to factory spec showroom condition . I intend to do the same wih the Black bird and the Zx 12 r when i get them.. these 9Os bikes need to be given the appriciation they deserve specially the newer generation super bike riders need too see and experince these icons in all of their original glory so they know what taming a beast really means... the newer super bikes have only given them the negligible mini thrill of riding a trained horse may it be a race horse a bit tempramental but still trained and ready to be ridden. Riding the 90s super and hyper sport bikes was like breaking in a wild mustang injected with a mix of steroids and Meth 😂😂😂

Bought a C1, 1998 ,6yrs ago.full history 61,000 miles. These old girls do 80k without surgery if looked after.

No abs No traction control No fuel injection Just real bikes that need real riding I have the triumph trophy 1200 and the Daytona 1200 all the bikes ever needed one for lazy touring and one for blasting down the road at stupid speeds both top heavy both stupidly fast both amazing fun

My 9R makes me twitchy and nervous...I'm not sure where the "let go" point is. I rode this bike new in 98..the C1, i did 155mph and it was still pulling, it was a test bike and i was 28. I couldn't afford the plus 9k price tag at the time. I always said I'd buy one...I have. C1 20k on the clock full original exhaust and i love it.

@GoblinRides - My ZX9R? Most fun I had on wheels (two or four). My formal introduction to the Ram-Air Intake technology was on a down-shift on the Cross Bronx when the company of a Honda 600 was not wanted; they're right what they say about 'first impressions': Godzilla ate Tokyo and almost ate me on that fall afternoon on the Cross Bronx.

No traction control and no ABS = scary. Man, this makes me feel old. 😅 I’ve been riding big cc bikes my entire life without any of those.

One reason they are not affordable as a rider that has just passed, is try getting insured on one of these. As you say with no abs or traction control. I've owned 50/125/400cc, had unrestricted license for a little while. Arranged to trade in the drz for an f4i weekend before last, checked every company from comparison sites to specialists and not a single one was even willing to give a quote. Maybe if you live in a nice area, with a garage or something but you can tell their concern is 3rd party claims.

And you can work in them yourself, no diagnostics, all analogue and relatively easy. Loads of spares around too. I have an F2 and a B4.

These bikes were made in an era where riders were riders & anything in a field was scared 😂. The problem with new bikes is too many mother controls & in my eyes are more dangerous than these as people push themselves & the bike to the limit & just pray & hope the bike will get them out of a jam but what happens when the electronic mothering systems fail & you've never ridden a bike like this!! Well you end up embedded into a corner, car, field the choice is endless 😂. There a great bike enjoy 👍🏼

With these older bikes which as you say lack all the modern additional features such as ABS etc.. is a good thing from my point of view. Too many safety features give a false sense of security when riding these bikes and still do not prevent human error! If you crash at high speeds you will likely die. Caution using defensive riding and riding at your skill level with the prevailing conditions is what makes riding much more fun and safer! I do not agree that some 25 year old just passed his test should be riding a 900cc sports bike just because it is cheap to buy. New riders should start small and build up with developing experience and skill level it's just common sense!

So glad you are enjoying her mate

So true ! I had a 2004 Kawasaki ZZR 1200 ,loved it ,but damn it would flat out scare the shit out of me on occasion ! Wish I'd a kept it ..

I had a 1988 cbr400rr then got a 98 gsxr600. I love the late 80s and 90s bikes. They are sooo much betterthan the stiff about today imo. Yeah todays bikes are quicker, but they lack the character of the earlier bikes. Every man and his dog had a gixxer 1000 or a bmw 1000r or a 1000cc this or that. U want something that turns heads. The zx9r is a great bike. Bit it certainly wasn't as light as a 600 by any means

Good luck getting current luxuries on primitive bikes like that. I'm already accustomed to it being i'm too broke to get any of that tcs abs etc... Still, i love riding my 04 R1.

I’ve got one of those, same model and colour. I’ve had it years and it is a very good bike.

These are great bikes in every way. I’ve never owned a bike with electronic aids so it’s normal for me.

I had a 1998 zx9r. I miss it more than anything. I heard so many people killed themselves on them they detuned them for 1999 model.

1992-1995 CBR900RR 1996-1999 CBR919RR 2000-2001 CBR929RR 2002-2003 CBR954RR 2004-present CBR1000RR 1986-2000 GSX-R750 (through present) 2001- present GSX-R1000 1994-2003 ZX-9R 2004-present ZX-10R 1994-1998 YZF750R 1998-present YZF-R1

It is terrifying that after riding these electronicly limited en regilatet bikes you're afraid to ride one where you are in control yourself

Out on my C1 today great 80 mile ride to Snetterton, these bikes really are amazing vslue for money, but agree not for a novice. Cheers Goblin

I like the honda tag on the key 😂😂😂

Same year R1 was greater success more fun more power better on everything

i think the scary thing about the 90s bikes are the carbs and all bikes came with them just look at the first gen hornet ... so explosive power curve u pass 8k rpm and from nowhere ur flying personally i have an gsx600f/gsxr1100k(swapped) bout 150ish hp 125nm and its just explosive like a bomb ... 11.500redline but after 6.8-7krpm u cant remain full throttle with it and not pop-up the front tire ....idk the top speed stock 260km/h speedo but the needle goes to almost 0 around

You served in Nam... CheltNam!😂😂 Dude you didn't mention comfort. 98' Honda CBR900RR and 99' Kawasaki ZX9R are almost identical bikes but you can ride them all day without feeling uncomfortable. Good vid 👍

I had a 9r and I thrashed it where possible, best bit it came back for more and was so reliable. Even the older 6rs are better for reliability.

In the 90's and early 2000's the big four had the following: Honda 900RR, 929RR, 954RR. Suzuki only had the Gsxr 750 and 1100 (they also had the RF900 but more of a touring bike than sportbike), Yamaha the FZR1000 and YZF1000, Kawasaki the ZX7R and ZX9R. None of those bike were "terrifying" unless you only started riding motorcycles that had all the rider safety garbage like TC, WC, ABS etc. You had to be an actual talented rider to ride the big bikes hard.

Had one of these, a 1998 C1 model ((green)) no safety toys on these, need to have your wits about you, great bikes these , took mine down to Le Mans 👍, be safe… and enjoy

I am a big fan of the last hurrah of the 'no aids' era sportsbikes, but there is another generation ahead of this 9R that still have no aids, even more power, and even less weight! 04 ZX10R for example was nothing short of an animal, even in comparison to the very capable 9R

That’s a true Bike. When you get on a Bike you want to ride the bike. ABS and traction control is for novice and Amateur Bikers who are scared.

the older bikes are the best anyday

If you need traction control and ABS, then you shouldn't be riding a motorcycle. Drive a car instead. I cut my teeth on late 80's and 90s bikes and never had an accident due to rider error or for wanting rider aids. Use your head when riding and get to know the bike's limitations before you do crazy stuff.

I own my self a zx7r and i'm very happy wilt it

Loved mine, bit slow though i could never get it past 178mph on Thorney by-pass!🤣🤣🤣ATB👍👍👍

I had a 1997 Yamaha thunderace yzf 1000, amazing bike