engine changes to the L5 & L9 zxr 400's

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Tadpole
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engine changes to the L5 & L9 zxr 400's

Post by Tadpole » Fri Aug 01, 2008 1:40 am

Been on ZXRworld and it advises that the L9 model from 1999 had some big engine improvements, but doesn't advise on whether these made any power or torque gains. I know the earlier l1 models had 65 hp... Does the L9 or even the the L5 come to that give better performace & if so how? Can't seem to find out

zimm
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Re: engine changes to the L5 & L9 zxr 400's

Post by zimm » Fri Aug 01, 2008 10:07 am

ok, zxr engine changes are a bit of a grey area, but this is how things stack up afaik..


early bikes (pre L3?) have cams with more duration and lift
some L imports have smaller carburettors, they look identical but the throat diameter is ~30.5mm compared to 32mm
inlet stubs (from head to carb) got a few mm longer from L3 onwards.. the later items being necessary if fitting ramair as they space the carbs away from a head a bit more and give more clearance for the box.
L9's have stronger conrods and crank, but this isnt really advantagious, as these were never a weakspot in the first place, and L9 version's are heavier, possibly a better base if you intend to lighten/balance them

and of course, only L's have the KBATL slipper clutch


H and L have different gear ratio's too, the H being more evenly spaced.

basically, if you are going to run the engine "as it comes" and on the road, i'd get an H (because of the gear ratio's), on track, an early L (with 32mm carbs) and if you are going to tune it... then it doesnt really matter what you start with.. as long as you have the 32mm carbs

Tadpole
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Re: engine changes to the L5 & L9 zxr 400's

Post by Tadpole » Fri Aug 01, 2008 4:46 pm

Cheers Zimm.... so basically the later L models are no more powerful or user friendly than say my previous L1 model?

Hardly worthwhile Kawasaki making the changes then eh

zimm
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Re: engine changes to the L5 & L9 zxr 400's

Post by zimm » Sun Aug 03, 2008 11:38 am

they had to change something in 13 years ! lol ..

the engines got smoother ( a bit ) and stronger (imperceptibly)..


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