Kawasaki Zephyr 1100
The Kawasaki Zephyr 1100 (ZR1100) was introduced in 1992 as part of Kawasaki's retro-styled Zephyr lineup, which aimed to capture the classic naked bike aesthetic of the 1970s air-cooled inline-four era. It was the largest of the Zephyr family, sitting above the Zephyr 550 and 750, and used a refined version of Kawasaki's proven air-cooled 1052cc engine. Production continued until 1997, and it remains notable as one of the most celebrated retro-naked bikes of the early 1990s, beloved for its classic styling combined with strong real-world performance.
89 hp
Power
93 Nm
Torque
228 kg
Weight
210 km/h (estimated; note: factory limited/varies by market)
Top Speed
5.5–6.5 L/100km (approx. 15–18 km/L typical real-world average)
Fuel
Naked
Body
What Buyers Should Know
Proven Engine Reliability
The Zephyr 1100 uses a carbureted inline-four engine derived from the proven ZX-11, known for longevity when properly maintained. Well-kept examples regularly surpass 80,000 miles with minimal issues.
Watch the Carbs
The four Keihin carburetors are prone to gumming and jetting issues if the bike sits unused, so always inspect for smooth, consistent throttle response and clean fuel delivery before buying.
Strong Retro Resale
As a classic naked retro bike from the early 1990s, the Zephyr 1100 holds steady collector appeal and prices have been gradually climbing, making well-maintained examples a solid long-term buy.
Full Specifications
Rivals & Alternatives
Bikes that buyers cross-shop with the Kawasaki Zephyr 1100
