The 1990 Kawasaki ZX-11 ZZR1100 from Japan was powered by a 1052cc DOHC inline-4 producing 145hp at 10500rpm. Weighing 228.0kg (503 lbs) and with a seat height of 790mm, it was aimed at sportbike riders.
The 1986 Yamaha FJ1200 by contrast offered 1188cc of DOHC inline-4 power, delivering 130hp at 9000rpm. Tipping the scales at 265.0kg (584 lbs) with a top speed of 245km/h (152 mph), it offered a distinct riding experience. 1990s motorcycles represent peak analog engineering before electronics took over. Original, low-mileage examples are beginning to appreciate.
Specifications Comparison
| 1990 Kawasaki ZX-11 ZZR1100 | 1986 Yamaha FJ1200 | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1052 cc | 1188 cc |
| Power | 145 hp | 130 hp |
| Torque | 108.0 Nm | 108.0 Nm |
| Cylinders | 4 | 4 |
| Top Speed | 280 km/h | 245 km/h |
| Quarter Mile | — | — |
| Dry Weight | 228.0 kg | 265.0 kg |
| Wet Weight | 252.0 kg | 288.0 kg |
| Seat Height | 790 mm | 800 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1505 mm | 1520 mm |
| Fuel Capacity | 24.0 L | 24.0 L |
| Gears | 6 -speed | 5 -speed |
The Verdict
These two machines serve fundamentally different purposes. The 1990 Kawasaki ZX-11 ZZR1100 is built for aggressive cornering and track-day performance, while the 1986 Yamaha FJ1200 targets long-distance touring with passenger comfort. On paper, the 1990 Kawasaki ZX-11 ZZR1100's 145hp trumps the 1986 Yamaha FJ1200's 130hp, but raw numbers don't tell the whole story in such different segments. Choose the 1990 Kawasaki ZX-11 ZZR1100 if you value aggressive cornering and track-day performance; pick the 1986 Yamaha FJ1200 for long-distance touring with passenger comfort.
About the 1990 Kawasaki ZX-11 ZZR1100
Introduced in 1990, the 1990 Kawasaki ZX-11 ZZR1100 features a 1052cc DOHC inline-4 engine producing 145hp, establishing itself as a notable sport bike.
Full 1990 Kawasaki ZX-11 ZZR1100 Profile →About the 1986 Yamaha FJ1200
Born in 1986, the 1986 Yamaha FJ1200 is a 1188cc four-cylinder touring motorcycle producing 130hp from Yamaha.
Full 1986 Yamaha FJ1200 Profile →