Kawasaki developed the model in response to Honda's introduction of the CBR900RR Fireblade for the 1992 model year, ten years after the first 900cc Ninja. By 1992 there were no bikes in the 900cc class until Honda introduced the Fireblade, and following Honda, Kawasaki introduced the ZX-9R at the Paris Motor Show in September of 1992. Though based on the ZX-7, when development of the ZX-9R was done, only the swing arm of the original was left. The engine also was developed from that of the ZX-7, but the two engines shared only a few parts.^[6]

The Fireblade packaged a 900 cc engine into a 750 cc sport bike chassis. It combined big-bore power with sport bike handling, but, crucially, it also pioneered meticulous attention to weight-saving design. The Fireblade not only outpowered the 750's, it was also significantly lighter. This was the detail overlooked or underappreciated by Kawasaki when they set out to build their Fireblade-beater. In building the first ZX-9R, Kawasaki combined their class-leading big-bore, the ZZR1100, with their class-leading 750, the ZXR750, rather than commit to an entirely new design.

Like other carbureted motorcycles of that era, the 1994 - 2003 ZX-9R and its Keihin carburetor fuel system settings co-evolved with the gasoline blends of its era. The fuel used is a critical component of any carbureted motorcycle's performance, as oxygen content frequently reduces engine performance relative to that of oxygen-less conventional gasoline. In every North American destined Kawasaki motorcycle owners manual from 1989 - 1995 is the wording "Blends of gasoline and alcohol called “gasohol” can be used on an occasional basis, however continued use is not recommended." In 1996, Kawasaki broadened that language to "Gasoline frequently contains oxygenates (alcohols and ethers) especially in areas of the U.S. and Canada which are required to sell such reformulated fuels as part of a strategy to reduce exhaust emissions...Operating problems that result from the use of poor quality or nonrecommended fuel may not be covered under your warranty...Never use gasohol containing more than 10% ethanol (grain alcohol). Never use gasohol containing more than 5% methanol (wood alcohol)." From 1998 onward, including 2023 Kawasaki motorcycles, it was broadened further to read "Gasoline/Alcohol Blends - Gasoline containing up to 10% ethanol (alcohol produced from agricultural products such as corn), also known as “gasohol” is approved for use: 15% MTBE, 16.7% TAME, 17.2% ETBE, & 5% Methanol."

All ZX-9R models were manufactured using Keihin (Astemo) carburetors in open-loop [1] with the unleaded gasoline put into them. All Keihin carburetor parts are interchangeable and all of them are designed to use "normal pump gasoline" with up to 10% ethanol.

Unlike its competitors, Kawasaki chose to make two variants of many of their 1980, 1990 and 2000 era carbureted motorcycles, including each model ZX-9R. For California (USA) a 50-state or California EVAP energy recovery variant and a 49-state equivalent model destined for the other 49 U.S. states, but equally unchanged for other destinations throughout the world. A 50-state variant is little more than a 49-state variant with a different sealed-loop fuel evaporative emissions system and depending upon model, some exhaust oxidizing catalyst equipment in a stainless steel muffler. 49-state variants cannot be registered in California for on highway use.

The result was a big motorcycle; despite weight-saving measures like magnesium engine covers, its quoted dry weight was 215 kg (474 lb), almost 30 kg (66 lb) heavier than the Fireblade. It made around 125 hp (93 kW), between 10 and 15 hp (11 kW) more than the Fireblade, but this advantage in power could not make up for its size, weight and reduced agility. Rather than be a direct competitor, the ZX-9R was retained as a more stable and more comfortable alternative to the Honda, with more straight-line speed.

ZX900B (1994) and ZX900B2 (1995) edit

The first ZX-9R could be seen as a ZXR750 incorporating a number of ZZ-R1100 design features. The wheels - three-spoke cast aluminium alloy 3.5-inch x 17-inch front and 5.5-inch x 17-inch rear -, the front forks - fully adjustable 43 mm upside-down KYB - and unbraced fabricated aluminium box-section swingarm with fully adjustable remote-reservoir KYB monoshock were direct carry-overs from the ZXR. The twin-piston rear Tokico caliper no longer mounted via a torque arm, and the clip-on handlebars mounted above the top triple clamp, not below. The four-piston Tokico front calipers and 320 mm front discs were common to the ZZ-R and the ZXR.

The frame was a welded aluminium-alloy dual-beam with cast steering head and swingarm endplates, but with steel-tube engine cradles and swingarm-mount endplates extending back to support the rider's seat and attach the bolt-on subframe, like the ZZ-R1100.

Fuel tank capacity was 20 litres for B models and engine displacement was 899 cc. The crankcases, clutch and gearbox were carried over from the ZXR750, with a longer-throw crank and a bigger 73mm bore, 53.7mm stroke and 11.5:1 pistons, taller cylinder block for the larger capacity. It produced a claimed 139 PS for the 49-state variant/137 PS for the 50-state variant. A 49-state KHI, California, prepped B1 model as reviewed in the May 1994 issue of Cycle World magazine (HQ Southern California) in a CMSA sprinted to a 10.65 second 131.38 MPH 1/4 mile, a top speed of 166 MPH. It had a tank range of 248 miles and did so using CaRFG1 gasoline, which under the Federal CAA of 1990 required non-carbon monoxide attainment CMSAs to use gasoline blends with an average annual 2.0% oxygen and per 1979 EPA gasohol waiver could also contain up to 3.7% oxygen in the unleaded gasoline if it contained 10% ethanol. The cylinder head was externally highly similar to the ZXR, as well, but incorporated rocker valve actuation like the ZZ-R1100 instead of the ZXR's direct actuation. Redline was 12,000 rpm against the Fireblades 10,500 rpm. Induction was by 40 mm Keihin CVKD carburettors, and the engine breathed through a 10-litre airbox fed by dual ram-air intakes on the nose of the bike, under the single headlight, via ducts passing back and over the frame beams near the steering head, like on the ZZ-R.

ZX900B3 (1996) and ZX900B4 (1997) edit

For the 1996 ZX-9R B3 model forward, with exceptions to B3/B4 49-state variant equivalents for Austria and France, Keihin carburetor jetting sizes and components within each generation of ZX-9R model would remain set with one configuration, sealed by Kawasaki, Japan. 49-state B3s and B4s had the same fueling as 50-state EVAP variant B3s and B4s destined for California, even though California models were subject to CaRFG2 with up to 10% ethanol enhanced E10 specification oxygenated reformulated aka "cleaner burning gasoline." Labeled "Gasolines Containing Oxygenates (Alcohols and ethers)" in North American destined Kawasaki motorcycle owners manuals, Kawasaki warranted the use of up to 10% ethanol or 5% methanol. In a counter-intuitive twist, those carbureted ZX-9Rs reviewed in California under what should have required a CARB Title V variance permit, since 49-state models could not be registered in California, but were tested exclusively by every well known motorcycle magazine in Southern California, a KHI, California, prepped 49-state variant 1997 ZX-9R B4 was performance reviewed in the October 1997 issue of Sport Rider magazine. It sprinted to a 10.38 second @ 134.7 MPH 1/4 mile and a top speed of 167 MPH. It did so using CaRFG2 gasoline in a consolidated carbon monoxide non-attainment region (CMSA), which meant the gasoline had an average 2.0% oxygen, but was also equivalent in specification to today's E10, up to 3.7% oxygenated unleaded gasoline. The rear suspension linkage and rear spring rate were replaced, improving handling. Pillion grab rails were added, the gearboxes were made stronger, and new six-piston Tokico front calipers replaced the previous model's four-piston units. The weight of the bike increased to 241.7 kg (533 lb).^{[citation needed]}

ZX900C1 (1998) and ZX900C2 (1999) edit

For 1998, the engine was completely new, featuring an engine bore and stroke of 75mm x 50.9mm respectively, but retaining 11.5:1 pistons and 12,000 RPM redline, while fuel capacity was reduced to 19 litres. Kawasaki claimed 143 PS for the 49-state equivalent variant and 141 PS for the 50-state, which by then also included a muffler located oxidizing exhaust catalyst and electronic fuel cut-off valves on the CVKD carburetors (also on D variants) to meet California Air Resources Board's (CARB) evolving cleaner burning gasoline and emissions for fuel evaporation and exhaust. Based on the California variant too, but included on all subsequent 1998+ ZX-9Rs, Kawasaki introduced K-TRIC, a variable ignition timing throttle position sensor, to "provide better throttle response, fuel economy, and more power for California models." Labeled "World's First 9 Second Production Sportbike" on the cover of the June 1998 issue of Sport Rider magazine, the Title V permitted 49-state ZX-9R C1 prepped by KHI, California, recorded the now famous uncorrected 9.99 second @ 136.8 MPH 1/4 mile run, with a top speed of 168.1 MPH and a tank range of 216 miles. Like the 1997 B4 model tested the year before, the ZX-9R C1 was using CaRFG2 "cleaner burning gasoline" with up to 3.7% oxygen and 10% ethanol. The clutch was changed from hydraulic to cable-operated. The generator was moved from behind the cylinder to the more conventional location at the left end of the crank. There was now no balance shaft. The valvetrain switched to direct valve actuation, and the cylinder head was plumbed for then-new plug-top ignition coils, replacing more conventional remote coils and high-tension leads. Notably, the new engine also featured a Hall-type cam position sensor on the exhaust camshaft. Cam position sensors are typically used in conjunction with electronic fuel injection. As the ZX900C featured induction by Keihin 40 mm CVKD carburettors, a cam position sensor wasn't necessary. Its inclusion could indicate that Kawasaki had designs to include fuel injection on the engine in the future. This first happened on the 2000 ZX-12R Kawasaki's first fuel-injected sport bike since the 1981–1985 GPZ1100.^[7] But this did not happen on this engine until the 2003 introduction of the Z1000, which uses a bored-out ex-ZX-9R engine.

The frame lost the steel engine cradles, but also its bolt-on subframe and the rear ride height adjuster. The swingarm was a new unbraced, rectangular-section extruded design. The wheel sizes were the same, but the wheels were a new, lighter design. The brake calipers carried over, but the discs were smaller and lighter without stopping power being affected. The rear shock absorber changed from a remote-reservoir to a lighter, more compact piggyback design. The wheelbase dropped 30 mm to 1,410 mm (56 in).

New 46 mm right-way-up KYB forks replaced the heavier, though stiffer 43 mm upside down forks on the B model. The front forks were criticised by some european testers for fluttering during hard driving, a phenomenon that was only solved with the 2002 model.^[8][9]

Overall, with a factory-quoted dry weight of 183 kg (403 lb), the C-model weighed less fully fuelled than the first B-model weighed dry.

Visually, the new bike retained the rounded look of its predecessor, but became sleeker, with a slimmer tail unit and a smaller fairing. As a consequence of the smaller engine and shorter wheelbase, though, the fuel tank became wider and intruded more on the riding position than before.

ZX900E1 (2000) and ZX900E2 (2001) edit

A new look was introduced for the 2000 model, with distinctive twin headlights and a separate ram-air intake replacing the single headlight and integrated intake of the C-model. Engine power and efficiency were boosted slightly from the 49-state C's 143 PS to 144 PS and 142 PS for the 49 and 50-state E variant respectively, from slightly shorter length CVRD 40 mm carburettors, a compression ratio increase to 12:2:1 from 11.5:1, and larger diameter (35mm vs. 31.8mm) header pipes.^[10] A lower duration intake cam increased cranking compression. Further improvements were aimed primarily at handling. 50-state variants going forward would include two-stage muffler exhaust oxidizing catalysts.

Reviewed in the April 2000 issue of Sport Rider magazine (HQ Southern California), a 49-state KHI, California, prepped ZX-9R E1 sprinted to an uncorrected 10.06 second @ 138.96 MPH 1/4 mile, 173.5 MPH top speed and boasted a tank range of 211 miles. Like the predecessors before it reviewed in California, it did so using CaRFG2 oxygenated gasoline.

The frame was made stiffer through the enlarging of the front engine mounting bolts, though this still left the ZX-9R with just a single front engine mount on either side of the frame. Further, the rubber bushings in the top rear engine mount were changed to alloy. This combined to make the engine's contribution to the stiffness of the frame/engine unit greater.

The swingarm pivot and wheel spindles were made larger in diameter, again for more stiffness. Increased offset on the triple clamps reduced the trail on the front wheel to make the steering more agile. The forks were shortened to save weight, and the rear shock top mount was redesigned to incorporate a ride-height adjuster.

ZX900F1 (2002) and ZX900F2 (2003) edit

Changes to the 2002–2003 ZX-9R included a new tail fairing, a single piece front mudguard, the loss of the passenger grab handles and the B/C/E model H-bar mirror bracket. Mechanical additions included a top braced swingarm (claimed 20% stronger) and rear shock with a side facing fluid reservoir, stiffened frame with relocated solid engine mounts, increased trail and reduced fork offset, and new Nissin four-piston caliper brakes and 320 mm discs at the front wheel. Slight engine modifications included a return to the B/C model style Keihin CVKD carburettor and a 10% heavier crankshaft offset by a reduced diameter flywheel reported to help the engine spin up quicker, boosting low and mid-range torque.

In 2004 the ZX-9R was replaced with the ZX-10R.

The 1998 ZX9r C1 was the first stock production motorcycle to run a quarter mile in under 10 seconds with a 9.99 @ 136.8 mph time.^{[11][12][2][13]} The 1999 C2 ran 10.06 @ 138.96 mph.^[2] A California-only 1998 ZX9r C1, with "1 HP less power", ran a tested 10.28 @ 135.32 mph quarter mile time.^[1][14] Motor Cycle News got a tested 1/4-mile time of 10.6 secs.^[4] Cycle World recorded a 10.19 @ 137.90 mph from a 2002 ZX-9R F1.^[15] California-specific evaporative emissions control (EVAP) models included two-stage exhaust catalytic converters,^[16] two additional fuel tank fuel vapor recovery plumbing tubes fed to an under tank charcoal canister, an evaporative emission purge control valve incorporated into the Y-snorkel RAM air system float bowl equalization plumbing, and carburetors with electronic fuel cut off solenoids. The California EVAP model ZX-9Rs were also sold selectively throughout the U.S., including Illinois, Florida, and New York. They vented less pollution into the atmosphere, thus using what would otherwise be evaporating fuel into better fuel economy.

U.K. models, which were similar to 49-state U.S. models, in that they were not fitted with California EVAP emissions plumbing valves and equipment, included the P sub-variant of ZX-9R and didn’t carry the consequential model year labeling.  For instance, a 2003 U.S. model ZX-9R F2, the last ZX-9R produced by Kawasaki, could be labeled by an owner in the U.K. as a 2004, 2005, 2006, etc, etc, etc,... ZX-9R F2P depending on what year it was registered.  Many U.K. destined ZX-9Rs were also outfitted with carburetor heater plumbing, as part of the engine’s cooling system.  The purpose was reported to prevent carburetor icing, a symptom that has not been reported by ZX-9R owners anywhere outside the U.K.

• Kawasaki Ninja series

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• Smart Money Tips: Buying a Used 1998–2003 Kawasaki ZX-9R Video Review (Men and Motors) Kawasaki ZX9R vs Honda Fireblade Comparison (1998)
• Top 10 sports bikes from the '90s
• 2000 E1 ZX-9R Review Archived 2007-02-26 at the Wayback Machine
• First Ride: Year 2000 Kawasaki ZX-9R Video Review (Men and Motors) ZX-9R v. ZX-9R
• Kawasaki ZX-9R E1/E2 (2000 - 2001) review
• Road Test: ZX-9R vs. VFR vs. 955i
• Background Story: The infamous (2000 ZX-9R E1) Kawasaki launch
• 2001 E2 TotalMotorcycle online review Video Review (Men and Motors)
• 2002 F1 Motorcycle Daily Online Review
• 2002 Kawasaki ZX-9R Motorcycle Test Video Review (Men and Motors) Kawasaki ZX-9R - Road Test & Review
• 2003 F2 Motorcyclist Online Review
• L/100km 2000 ZX-9R E1: 49 state 6.8, 4.9; CA EVAP 4.4, 4.5
• Kawasaki Vehicle information