By NastyNils·
Motorcycle comparison · Naked Bike
Kawasaki Z750 (MY2004) vs Z750 (ZR 750 L)
2004 Kawasaki Z750 vs 2007 Kawasaki Z750: which one's easier to live with every day.
Hit a sharp bump at speed on the 2004 Kawasaki Z750: the soft fork dives, and the rear shock doesn't give. Over that bump, the 2007 Kawasaki Z750's basic suspension sags and won't hold the bike up. Its steering goes vague once you're pushing.
So which one do you buy?
The 2004 Z750 has the edge if…
Daily commuting & city riding
Narrow edge: 2004 Z750
Through rush hour, the 2004 Z750 is a little easier to live with. Thank lighter steering for that.
Sporty riding on twisty roads
Inches ahead: 2004 Z750
Through a string of corners, the 2004 Z750 feels a little more eager. It's down to more feel through the bars. The gap is small, so ride both.
What makes each one tick
2004 Z750
Up near the redline, the 2004 Z750's inline-four pulls with a thrilling rush, and there's strong muscle below it too. Each crack of the throttle sends the needle racing for the top. Its front calipers feel wooden and don't bite properly until they've built up some heat. Its stiff frame darts into bends.
2007 Z750
Down low the 2007 Z750's four-cylinder doesn't fuss, and it pulls with a real rush when the revs climb high. Corner entry asks for smooth inputs.
Nils rode the 2007 Z750 in Austria in 2007, and in 2009 (NastyNils Testride).
The Voice of Experience
What actually separates them
- The 2004 Z750 has the lower wet weight: 481 lb (218 kg) vs 498 lb (226 kg).
- ABS: option on the 2007 Z750, not offered on the 2004 Z750.
- Front Suspension Adjustable: standard on the 2007 Z750, not offered on the 2004 Z750.
Which one for the way you ride
Comfortable long-distance riding
Not built for this
Long-haul comfort is a weak spot for both. If you tour, shop with that in mind.
A confidence-building first motorcycle
Not their thing
As first bikes, both are a stretch. Starting smaller isn't a step down.
Call it even on running costs. Choose on fit, price and the one that makes you grin.
Who each one is built for
What's good, and what you'll live with
2004 Z750
What owners say
Strengths
- Rev-happy, superbike-derived engine
- Outstanding value for performance
Trade-offs
- Budget suspension lacks composure
- Adequate but wooden front brakes
- Prone to cosmetic corrosion
- Uncomfortable seat for longer trips
2007 Z750
What owners say
Strengths
- Rev-happy inline-four engine
Trade-offs
- Budget suspension limits handling
Known problems to check before you buy
2004 Z750
No confirmed faults on file yet. That's not the same as fault-free.
2007 Z750
- Frame and swingarm corrosion Exposed steel frame components, especially around welds and the swingarm, develop surface rust quickly if not regularly coated with a protectant or kept dry.
What they share
- Seat height
- 32.1 in (815 mm)
- Displacement
- 748 cc
- Engine
- Inline-four
- Cooling
- Liquid-cooled
- Peak power at
- 10,500 rpm
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Final drive
- Chain
- Front brake
- 300 mm
- Front tire
- 120/70-17
- Rear tire
- 180/55-17
Where the spec sheets split
| 2004 Z750 | 2007 Z750 | |
|---|---|---|
| Wet weight | 481 lb (218 kg) | 498 lb (226 kg) |
| 2004 Z750 | 2007 Z750 | |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 110 hp (81 kW) | 106 hp (78 kW) |
| Torque | 55 lb-ft (75 Nm) | 58 lb-ft (78 Nm) |
| Peak torque at | 8,200 rpm | 8,300 rpm |
| Top speed | 138 mph (222 km/h) | 143 mph (230 km/h) |
| 2004 Z750 | 2007 Z750 | |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy | 35 mpg (US) / 6.73 L/100 km | 39 mpg (US) / 6 L/100 km |
| Fuel capacity | 4.8 US gal (18 L) | 4.9 US gal (18.5 L) |
| 2004 Z750 | 2007 Z750 | |
|---|---|---|
| Fork | Telescopic | Upside-down (USD) |
What comes fitted, what costs extra
| 2004 Z750 | 2007 Z750 | |
|---|---|---|
| ABS | Not offered | Option |
| Manually Adjustable Front Suspension | Not offered | Standard |
Head to head, area by area
Both bikes on the same scale, one area at a time.
