Budget Bike Battle | First Ride | ZX-7R v SRAD

We've purchased the bikes. Now it's time to ride them round the block to see if the wheels off. Unsurprisingly, it was an eventful few miles...
Get your 'Team Ninja' + 'Team SRAD' stickers here - 44teeth.com/44t...
44T Patreon - / 44teeth

[@tomuxs13]

I'm getting a very plesant Top Gear vibe from this, the banter between each other, the issues, the love for the bikes they chose, it comes off very natural. Many shows try to mimic the Top Gear challenges but always come off wrong in some way, but Baron Von Grumble and Jason Statham got it just right.

[@nickdoudchenko3537]

Same here. Even though it does borrow a lot in format, it doesn't look derivative at all. It's the right format to borrow from if the leads have the "chemistry."

[@ImLeuff]

Bump starting a 90s 750cc sportsbike = keepin' it real!

[@tuitaco]

"I'll just sell it to myself slightly cheaper" *receives blank stare*

[@shelvin24]

Now days people/riders get cought up in the tech stuff, but in the end it is about the feeling when you ride a bike. Nice video

[@GMak81]

Spot on! Bikers have got too sucked into the car-hype tech bollocks.

[@jamesoren7238]

It's always been like that though. When we were 17, my mates and I were drooling over RS125's we couldn't afford riding 10 year old 4 stroke 125's arguing about power and top speed and acceleration and such lol. I see the kids of youtube today having the exact same debates about groms and DRZ's that we were having about GN125's and CB125's and the like 20 years ago (sorry kids, you can't fool me - no way in hell your grom goes 70mph stock anywhere but down the side of a cliff). And then we got our full licenses and bought the fastest bikes we could afford, and it was exactly the same - who's got the most BHP, best top speed, best acceleration, who had the best gimmick, etc. Just the fact we know these gixxers as the "SRAD" speaks to that. At the end of the day bragging rights and quoting spec sheets has always been part of it lol. But yeah.You're not wrong, when that's over with it's all about the riding, preferably with your mates. Only thing the video gets a bit... misleading on is that yes, 90's superbikes were fun, but they are better now. A lot better. Yes they have the irritation computers and annoying displays and all the tech you don't want to have to look at or deal with, but at the end of the day, Holy cow are they better now.

[@parchy6464]

Bikes are only as good as the rider

[@malcolmdonohoe9388]

Baron - one point if you're doing the clutch anyway, the 7R has a slipper as standard, but Kawasaki in the 90s decided to supply to customers locked up and disabled. You can get it working with some spring spacers (or race kit springs) and measuring of clutch pack. Get googling (they called it back torque limiter, back in the day) - free slipper clutch!

[@wobblysauce]

+

[@TheLastQuaxel]

can we all upvote/like this so it gets attention?

[@malcolmdonohoe9388]

www.zx7r.co.uk/distribution/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=575&start=10 - the pain is that the tech pages that links to have been down for a while, so you'd need to get the measurements from someone who knows. Short version - stiffer springs (or spacers and standard springs) and thinner clutch plates and it's already a slipper. From the factory, the stack height was set to lock it up completely.

[@brianroagers6894]

Both bikes look killer! I still appreciate the older bikes from my youth!

[@BluuSkyz]

These are strait up original Sega Road Rash bikes.

[@beyedubya7777]

Kamikaze 1000 😂

[@neoladams8519]

roll with your chains and bats...lol

[@Jack-lr4hv]

Fuck me I forgot that game existed.. Anyone know what the light blue bike was on that game?

[@AAARREUUUGHHHH]

@@Jack-lr4hv The Diablo 1000 mate. Pro tip: download an app called "Retro Arch" on your phone and then find the .rom for the game online. I can play Road Rash on my phone whenever I like, far better to kill time than most games on the app store. Love the nostalgia of it.

[@itzyaboybugz]

One of best games ever!

[@FortyFourTeeth]

Thanks for all the love, one and all. We'll get round to replying to some comments after we've finished EICMA

[@mrgreen9388]

44Teeth it woud be funny to see how may people you two could pass in the fast group somwhere .Al you need to send them forks off to 100% hes the best in the suspension business and a big thank u for making me smile much love keep up the good work

[@SeraphinoII]

Are you going tomorrow?

[@timmo5443]

I agree get out with some mdern day superbikes

[@thepassionofthegoose5472]

Yup, the 90's were the golden era of sportbikes. To bad they couldn't score a MK1 900RR(Blade) with a proper 16-inch front wheel, but such is life.

[@firebladerider7050]

thepassionofthegoose was thinking the same thing!

[@paulwintermute1495]

This!

[@Ericobab]

I also remember the Yamaha YZF 750 :)

[@MTLoveridge]

That 7R sounds like an old rally car. Makes my ears melt with pleasure.

[@lateapex9420]

Hahaha... That exhaust sales bit made me laugh.

[@TheStriker0525]

Al could always sneak into his house and nick it lol

[@ToGGoT]

Sticker purchased... #TeamNinja - Best series on KZbin right now! Can't wait for next episode!

[@the14ball]

The second bike I ever owned was a used '94 ZX-7. I had it for three years. It was a tad heavy compared to other bikes of the time. But I absolutely loved it. It was slow to turn but stable in every situation. I did several 600+ km trips on it. (I was in my 20's, not a chance now, in my 40's would I consider that! LOL!) Pretty reliable but like you said, easy to fix.

[@deanthompson88]

Look at that subtle off green colouring, the tasteful thickness of it.....oh my god, it even has a stubby can.

[@Ben-rq5re]

This is the best series on the internet, TV, anything. A couple of years ago I bought a 2000 CBR600, single owner with 11k on the clock for £1400 - I’ve ragged the thing every day since and it hasn’t missed a beat..

[@ttmadness34]

Ben WoodHead good buy, I've just picked up a 2002 rsv mille for 1800 quid 16k 3 owners all the goodies on it. There are bargains out there.

[@Ben-rq5re]

ttmadness34 haha nice, those Milles are nuts!

[@ttmadness34]

Ben WoodHead I do like a v twin, tbf I've only had chance to ride it a couple of times. It's currently getting a power commander fitted :)

[@Ben-rq5re]

ttmadness34 The hard part is keeping them pointing forwards and not skywards..

[@SeraphinoII]

I bought the same bike 5 year ago, it had 29k kilometers on it, and it now has 80k kilometers. Until now, no problem, i literally just changed the ammo oil and some bearings. Really nice and i spent 1600 euro on it!

[@FIREPHOENIXX234]

I don't get the hate about the SRADs I really like the way they look

[@FIREPHOENIXX234]

Cool as Ice yeah, but I think it has aged way better then the zx-7

[@slabbyrider8665]

It's taken me 21yrs to see the beauty in the srad.

[@jblob5764]

Agreed it's a good looking bike and I'm a Honda guy lol The headlights on the kawi just look ridiculous. Beyond that it's a decent looking bike.

[@jamesoren7238]

Many moons ago my first big bike was a '96 ZX6R, and whilst you might not think it now, I thought that bike was sexy as all hell.. right up until my girlfriend bought a new bike for our upcoming holiday to france... the red and black '98 GSXR-750. It wasn't just that she bought a significantly faster bike that made me jealous, it looked just incredible!

[@salahad-din4114]

I've got a gsxr, I love how fun they are. My current bike is an 8960 mile 2003. I think after that k3 they started playing about to much. I love to ride the bike and not have all the help from the bike. On that note its that arse on the srad, just to much like the wife's gran if you know what I mean. Has that huge arse and you wouldn't ride it 😂😂😂

[@Soulrollsdeep]

There's an absolutely wonderful feeling about having an old hack. You don't worry about it at all....sure you encounter the odd age related niggle but it's all a learning curve and teaches you about bike mechanics.

[@SixthGearMotorcycles]

Funny as fudge. Your right about a budget bike being more fun!

[@GoMicro951]

That bump start was the most majestic thing I’ve seen Fagan do

[@OneSingleBreath]

Thanks for the Trip down Memory lane. Had a ZX-7R, and I prefered it over the bikes my mates were driving, like ZX-9R, YZF-750 R, FZR-1000 and 600. Yes, it is not the strongest, and it's heavy. You had to work, to get it into the corners, but once it was down into the corner, it drove like on rails.

[@blipco5]

Good show. I'm with the Ninja. But the heartache comes when you remove the tie wired on plastics and see how much has been bodged over the years. It starts with the oil drain plug and the brake caliper bleeders that have been tightened with an impact wrench then on to the hacked up wiring harness.

[@motorcyclemicah6309]

Thank you for putting this video together. Somewhat like Top Gear, but significantly more authentic and hilarious! And this kind of video is definitely needed in today's 'review' world of KZbin. Absolutely brilliant. Well done, gentlemen.

[@themightydash1714]

The smell is probably from the battery, the regulator/rectifier will be the cause and be overcharging your battery causing it to give off fumes. Very common on older suzuki's... probably why the bike needed a bump too. Cheap as fuck to fix though, hopefully not boiled the battery yet.

[@themightydash1714]

Watches further... Or maybe the clutch lol. It'll be interesting to see what problems you find, I bought a '98 ZRX1100 with 18,000 miles on it a few years back, not a mark on it, refused to start one day and the fuel had eaten the carb diaphragms and filled a cylinder with fuel, fix that and never had any problem since :D best £1600 I ever spent, also bought a BMW R1100 on ebay while drunk at 3am, £580, no idea what I'm gonna do with the old girl though.

[@SprayIgniteBoom]

The Mighty Dash ummmm make a youtube vlog while touring the South of France ??? ;-)

[@SprayIgniteBoom]

Good advice on the problem though~I'm leaning toward the zook cookin' the battery-clutch would have a more burned smell IMO.

[@VeeFour]

It'll be the clutch. Burnt out friction linings always give off a strange organicy whiff

[@testing123okay5]

The Mighty Dash 7

[@cripking810]

Just sold my zx7 loved that bike Watching this just reminds me how much I miss riding

[@GregHuston]

I just love the ZX7R! These were THE bike to have when I was in College in the late 90s/early00s and only a few had the $$ to buy one. I think they still look great today.

[@timmo3351]

I think it’s how ruddy natural you both are that makes all this as entertaining as it is. Was always the ZX7 R when I was a lad so rooting for you Baron.

[@MadOldBiker]

This is by far the best KZbin chanel ever ! these guys should be on mainstream TV !

[@TechMagnet]

Seriously I fucking loved this video. and I love my SRAD 600

[@Rhidrio3]

If there ever was to be a Top Gear style show for Bikes, this is the begining. I loved the challenges on Top Gear and I'm loving this.

[@guvsgarage]

Moved to Canada about 15 years ago. The last time I was on the A32 was aboard my TL1000R. Great motorcycling road, spent many an entertaining afternoon blasting up and down from Gosport with the gang. Watching this video almost made me want to move back home. Great vids guys!!!!!

[@MrDanOxford]

Absolutely brilliant lads. This is what we all wished Top Gear was like. You've just made an episode of Top Gear for bikes, but with more entertainment, laughs and less casual racism than I've ever seen in any episode of Top Gear. Keep it up.

[@simonthomas5367]

So much sense being talked in this clip guys. I was wary of older bikes when I first started riding but as long as you do the research, check out the forums, spend some time looking at the ads online and then really ask the right questions of the previous owners, you’re going to get a really unique bike that you bond with so much more than anything new. I just picked up a ‘98 Pan European. One careful owner and full Honda service history!! Been out on it today for the first real ride and it’s an absolute cracker! Loving that V4! Yes, there’s a few bits and pieces to change but that’s the fun part. I love all types of bike but living with this Pan is going to be a hoot. I clicked with it so fast. Way faster than my first brand new Yamaha Tracer 700.

[@MickFist]

Love the energy of you guys in this vid. Can't wait for the rest of this series!

[@GMak81]

I love both these bikes, they just need a bit of TLC, general maintenance and servicing. These are the bikes that made my nuts tingle as a teenager, I was genuinely excited to see how they rode, and to hear them before you set off. Have fun gents!

[@rubberneckrides5940]

I’m not sure if it’s the carb that makes these sound so different to today’s bikes but I love it. So raw

[@TheTorkerman]

Passing the Bahnstormer van @15:34 lol

[@freedom9122]

i love your whole series on budget bikes its so great to watch and really informative. I have an idea for the next budget bike series...hyperbikes?? The most famous and iconic motorbike of all time is the one and only Suzuki Hayabusa and the next best thing that beat the top speed of the Busa ..zx14 or the ZZR14. Chris could find a 2006-2008 first series Kawasaki as he likes these bikes and Fagan could find a 2nd generation, Busa. The views would go through the roof with these to bikes and you could settle the score once and for all which overall after a 3-4 day test is the best bike

[@woooster17]

Good proposal.. though as its a BBB, they should consider the Honda Blackbird, Kawasaki ZX12R.. or even the Kawasaki ZZR1100..

[@NurburgringBikerBlog]

I really like what you do together, but this is by far the best thing you or any other Bike channel has done in ages!!! Love it...😊 👌

[@davidroberts8773]

Big G'day from the land down under. Love the time travel episode, it has inspired my mate and I to add some Ol school cool to our sheds! Keep up the good work

[@jerreme9751]

Bought my Yamaha Thundercat for 2000 £ with 1 year warranty, riding it for 3 years now with no significant problems. Still having fun on it. Same feeling as you describe guys! Great movies...

[@jonathanwinn1532]

I ride a zzr1400 now but many moons ago in my 20's I bought a zx7r. It wasn't the quickest on the road and my mate bought an R1 which destroyed it in every way, but it did handle well in the corners for a newish sports bike rider. It felt very planted and sure footed but it really did lose out on the speed when it was put next the old R1 and other 750's. But it was a great bike to own and it does look good. I have fond memories of the old horse.

[@RawTopShot]

Really enjoyed that!

[@amnscottnn5481]

I got a ring in ere' last night!

[@MegaTechpc]

Even today the ZX-7R remains one of the most beautiful bikes ever made IMO. I also quite like the old SRAD Gixxers (and the old Fireblades with the little holes in the fairings) but I remember posting ZX-7R magazine pictures all over my walls as a teenager because I just loved the way the thing looked!

[@Drifty40]

Still have my 750ww. Had many bikes since I bought it in 2002, much lighter and more agile than the ZX7.....its the only bike I've ever kept. We've become attached, love it.

[@googleuser2082]

Looking forward to the next episode. Really interesting stuff. A few hundred spent on these and you have yourselves some pretty decent solid machines there

[@CraigLedden]

I’m late to the party and just catching up on all these awesome videos! Please do some more budget bike battles they are my favourite 😬

[@ayyylmao6922]

enjoyed this vid a couple years after it was released good work fellers

[@flashesbuck]

KZbin showed me the first video of this series... I now am on edge for every episode... you better not stop, this is freaking great!

[@Rubendybs]

The gsxr key wiggle, love it. Probably the only common problem on the old ones

[@itsFiggers]

Best looking bike in the 90s was the ducati 916. I cant have my mind changed on that either, I think they are one of the best looking bikes of all time.

[@BadguyGords]

this is some of the best stuff to come out of 44teeth so far - more videos! we need more!

[@loftybikelife2456]

Love this series! Pure Bikes, no electronics, no abs, only FUN! :)

[@TheTactical6string]

I bought a 2001 K1 Gixxer 4yrs ago for $2800. Its the black and silver. One of the things I alway say is that bike weighs in at about the same weight as modern liter bikes. With the power commander and pipe im sure im getting about 135-140 horses and its controllable. Plus it shedded that freakin SRAD look. Do you guys remember that Suzuki and Kawasaki merged for a couple years back in the early 2000's I believe, nothing revolutionary came of it but I road some of the mid 2000's Ninja ZX-10's and they were just monsters. The torque was amazing. I really love my K1 and for what I got it for it satisfies the itch. Im probably going to get a 7yr old BMW S1000RR in a couple yrs and It'll be like $6000 us. As i got older I just dont need the newest best thing and theres a lot pf nike out there for not a lot of money.

[@Metrobus271]

“We’re gonna have fun together. And that’s the most important thing.” The best attitude toward owning a bike.

[@alistairsole3838]

Team Ninja for me. Baron for the win.

[@kernal85]

Really enjoyed this style of episode. More bike test challenges when you have time would be great. Thanks for posting. Keep up the good work.

[@jhstony]

Can I say just how much I like your channel now you are doing this xxxx

[@dylanwood1451]

Hearing the Baron talk about part of the excitement being the journey and whether or not the bike will make it is a far cry from his earlier days. Him talking about the stress of the first Barcelona trip was way different.

[@cybertrophic]

Team Green for me - when I was a kid I had a model of a zxr750 H1 (with the hoover pipes) that I loved and when I was a teen, the zx7r was always the bike I wanted. I still find myself checking prices on eBay despite owning an RR6 fireblade - the zx7r is still rated as having one of the best front ends ever.

[@mal3762]

"I mean, for less than 1500pounds, you're not gonna look at something beautiful," "Of course, it's an SRAD" *SAVAGE*

[@Juan2Wheels]

"I see a fat ass and it's not the bike" make me laugh so hard... really enjoying the series, I will watch them full, I know it's several years since the release but I was looking for information about the SRAD and found this and I'm really enjoying it

[@Troyz911]

This is hands down my most favorite series keep checking each day for new episodes. Keep up the great vids!

[@topgun8683]

You guys crack me up, I have a 2017 Kawasaki ZX-10R, so of course it's team ninja ! My first bike was a Honda VFR 500, that I paid 1600 for, it was temperamental, but got alot of compliments on it and it was alot of fun to ride, top speed 112 !

[@grant.bloomquist]

I’ve always had kawi’s and love the ninja line and agree they are the overall “icon”. But in the 750 displacement the SRAD was the icon,

[@woooster17]

The best BBB by far… We need more updates on how the modifications are going on this and the SRAD! 🙏🏽💚

[@LasseJOugaard]

I had one of those SpyBall alarms on my very first bike, a GSXR250 (The 18000rpm screamer one!). It was a royal pain in the arse!... The bike would just stop, at random times. Then a bit of faffing, turning it on and off, setting the alarm off etc, and you'd be good for a few 100'd km again. 90's sports bikes are a hoot :D

[@moriwaki1105]

One of the best channels on here....Funny and informative....very enjoyable indeed.....I remember my mate buying one of those ZX7s when first launched.....they are one of the best looking bikes Kawasaki ever made in my view.....but that Suzuki engine is a beaut too.....and Bargains .....amazing value for money..... shows how well engineered those bikes are too.

[@richloves46]

I had the same Kwaka 10yrs ago. It was such a great road bike. It sounded unbelievable especially the intake noise. On track it was an absolute pig. Happily have another for road riding only

[@metalmowytone]

Have to agree with you guys. I run a '96 CBR600F for an every day bike. Once I fixed the bodges and abuses of the previous owners it's been a great bike

[@wilsongoalie1]

Amazing so far! Mix of 44 teeth and a top gear cheap car challenge... perfection

[@1EVILZ06]

I’m loving the comment section. It’s like a having the entire world coming together with knowledge and tips/tricks for these bikes. One comment was about the rectifier on the Suzuki. It’s like wow didn’t know anybody else knew about that. This was the golden age of bikes. I’m glad I️ was a part of it. And to this day in 2017. I️ have a 94 YZF 750R covered and asleep in the garage. Will she ever see active duty again? I️ dunno. I️ hold on to her tho because she’s not just another bike. She represents all that was great in the motorcycling world in a era that was/is unforgettable.

[@paddlepaddlepaddle8147]

So it's just the ZX sitting there, at 01:24 the GSXR magically appears. This is amazing editing!!!.

[@AdamBrinson]

I love the ZX-7R, had one myself. It's a big girl, but so solid in the corners. You're making me want another!

[@bensulu7339]

Right direction. The channel is getting better and better 🏍

[@ClifftonP]

This series is going to be so good. Can’t wait to see some of the fixes and mods and the results afterwards.

[@Gorbyrev]

There are many bargains to be had. My Triumph X reg TT600 was £1250, 9000 miles and garaged from new. Reprogrammed the EFi and its a great bike, the brakes are outstanding. Will never get nicked, no depreciation and if I bin it I'll get another one.

[@captaingoldbeered803]

The blue screen got me a little nostalgic about my first bike. It was a 97 yzf600r that had one when I got it, damn good old bike.

[@nickturnbull4302]

What better way to spend a grey miserable afternoon in Yorkshire. Great fun. Looking forward to the rest

[@salahad-din4114]

I personally love to ride the bike and be the control. No point in having a bike that does it all for you. Exactly why I would never buy any bike over a k3 and stuck to my 2003 gsxr. Seems the gsxr started getting lower after that and I'm 6ft2

[@chillydawgg4354]

I also have 03 gsxr, love it

[@salahad-din4114]

I've a 1957 Excelsior Consort, I love riding that. Let's face it, it's about that freedom and being out on the bikes, we'd have fun on any bike if it's what we had.

[@NewtonInDaHouseYo]

Yes, it‘s the icon of the 90‘s and 2000‘s sports bikes. ... just BEHIND the 916.

[@M3Benn]

dont normally comment on your videos. But this actually had me in tears at certain moments! Awesome!

[@christianluff]

Ive owned my ratty SRAD 750 for 13 years. I get that ‘involvement / excitement’ every time I roll the old girl out of the garage and un-seize the (crap) brakes! :-)

[@Fun1stSafety2nd]

I'm so glad this series is going to exist

[@johnpaulstez]

Yup! The 750’s were the best class back in the day! Had a ‘94 Gixxer, loved it.

[@xXFastFingersXx]

This the episodes I've been waiting for. Back to basics. love it.

[@billymonkey111]

Some of the best motorbike content I've ever watched. Keep it coming

[@BickMitchum]

How have i only just found these guys ? Like the topgear of bikes !! Love it ! #teamninja all the way

[@ronbailey8370]

Of all the cool things you guys do, the budget bike battle stuff is the best. I And I love that you guys are so excited playing on old bikes, I have a 1999 zx9r and I sometimes wish I had a newer bike, but then when I ride it, I have so much fun on that bike. I like to touring on it too. Peace brothers.

[@julianwaller2329]

Zx7r all the way excellent video guys

[@Morrismarina]

Gotta tell ya... I've had a 750 but have also had one of the most underrated bikes of the 90s - an RF900 - and there weren't many things it wouldn't leave behind. You can still get decent ones of them with change from a grand

[@speedjunk1]

IT takes forever to see the next episode of the budget bike series!

[@neilcole4844]

So there is fun to be had on a budget!! You boys have proved it!

[@barbieandbellaadventuresby9134]

Love it! Back to real world of owning older bikes.

[@IsidorosMezopoulos]

By far the most interesting motorcycle video nowadays! Good job lads

[@joehoppard814]

Best series from you guys so far.

[@duncandehulst2016]

The ZX sounds amazing xD

[@KD-jd9jw]

I didn't want this to end! I'm wishing i'd have waited a few months before i started watching so i could watch these one after the other :') Loving these videos

[@jonreeve8183]

Never clicked so fast

[@9millimackerpackerwhacker848]

Jonathan Reeve-Fowkes I was 44th thumb do I win a srad

[@mezalong]

Jonny you is why utube comment is so bad. Also me too.

[@MotoIsland]

I just started riding street last summer and my street bike is a 98 ZX7R. I love it.

[@marksmith7737]

I Love all your videos but this was the best you've done in ages! Can tell you're both having a ball as well. That feeling when you're riding your new old bike for the first time, madly in love with it but terrified it's going to break and/or kill you 😂 what a rush. Luckily my 1989 fzr died due to a faulty reg/rec immediately after purchase, which saved me from certain death as there was no front sprocket nut! Enjoy the 90's legends boys, my fave era of sports bike.