Well the best place to start would be right at the beginning, so lets start with the H1 and H2 Model ZXR400.
H1/H2 (1989 1990)
No difference between the two models at all. As you can see they have a twin headlight arangement, very boxy bodywork and the frame is also different to the L model as you will soon see. You are typically able to see the remote reservior which on a standard model is only adjustable for the rebound damping and preload as are the front forks. Never officially sold in the UK so any that are here are all imports! A picture of a bog standard H1/H2 model shown below (except for the braided lines and race can of course!
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J1
Now, the J model is the SP version of the H1 model, it looks exactly the same as the H1 model but has a few subtle differences as i have highlighted in the picture below:
Difference number 1
The seat unit! One of the biggest give aways that it is an SP model! But dont be fooled as it could be an aftermarket piece of bodywork, heres how to tell viewtopic.php?t=3068
Difference number 2
The rear shock. The J1 model has a bright kawasaki green shock as in this picture if you look carefully. As far as im aware the spring is different to standard but the shock is not any more adjustable.
Difference number 3
There is also no more adjustment on the front forks but as with the rear shock it the internals could possibly be different.
difference number 4
*NEW* cant believe i forgot, the gearbox! It is closer ratio!
J2
The same as the H2 just called the J2 and is the SP model of the H2 model again with some subtle differences. Now this is where Kawasaki looks like they started getting serious with the SP models as highlighted below in both pictures of a J2.
Difference number 1
As with the J1 model it has a single seat unit and has 'sports production' on the number board.
Difference number 2
Fully adjustable rear shock, looks the same? Look again! Comparing the remote reservoir with the J1 there is an extra part of the reservoir, see it? Its just that bit longer! Here is where the adjustment for compression damping comes in makng the rear shock fully adjustable!
Difference number 3
Now im not 100% sure on this but i believe the J2 came with flatslide carburettors where as the J1 didnt, obviously these types of carbs are great for extra power if your racing! A very rare piece of kit and very very expensive if you can find them! There is also a possiblility that the cams were also adjustable with slotted ends so the timing could be altered, again im not 100% sure, if someone knows let me know
Difference number 4
Fully adjustable front forks, look closer again and you will see a small bit sticking out underneath the front caliper, this is where the compression adjuster is located and makes the forks fully adjustable. Compare that with the standard H model and you can see there isnt one.
Difference number 5
*NEW* The gearbox! It is closer ratio!
Ok, the ZXR400 comes into a new era with a fresh look! Kawasaki also officially started selling this model ZXR400 in the UK!
L1 to L9 (1990 - 2004)
the ZXR400 has had a major face lift, apart from the engine everything is new! The headlight has gone from twin lights to two lights combined in one whole unit. The bodywork is a completely different shape being alot lot curvier. the rear shock no longer comes with a remote reservoir so cannot be seen hanging off the underside. There were no major modification between the L1,L2,L3 upto the L9 apart from revisions to the colour schemes and a spoiler/ grab handle from 1995 onwards. A nice example shown below:
M1 upto M? (1990 - ???)
Ok the M model, just an SP version of the L model ZXR400. A lovely example here
Difference number 1
As with the J models they had single seat units but instead of 'sports production' they have '400R' on the number board.
Difference number 2
The rear shock is fully adjustable, as you can see the compression adjustment screw is at one end of the reservoir.
Difference number 3
Now i know for definate that the M model came with adjustable cams and flatslide carbs.
Difference number 4
Fully adjustable forks which can be identified by the compression adjustment screw below the front caliper.
Difference number 5
*NEW* The gearbox! It is closer ratio!
And that just about sums it all up. Ive got some pictures of the parts books for the M model which i will post up later on.
Oh, you didnt think that was the last of it did you?
Theres one more we havent mentioned! - the ZXR400 Itoham replica! Now i dont know where or why this bike came about but it is definately a standard colour from Kawasaki as ive seen a picture of one in a kawasaki parts book! As far as im aware its a completely standard L model with just a special paint job! A lovely example here of one that belonged to a member here yamswheelyr1, he bought the bodywork seperate and fitted it to his bike after he smashed it up, but here are a few pictures of it:
So that really does sum it all up now! Thanks for reading and i hope it proves useful to everyone!
Update
The J2 model, obviously the SP version of the H model
The M model, again the SP version of the L model. Havent been able to find higher than M6.
The Itoham rep
Now while looking for these parts book pictures, there seems to be an L4A, possibly the Itoham rep bike??
Credits
This post as a collation of information that i have gathered over the years of being on this site and through some of my own investigation. So if you feel there are any discrepancies in what i have written or have anything new that should be added, then please PM me and i will amend this post as necessary.
A few thanks to the people who these pictures belong to, no i havent asked but you put pictures up on the internet what do you expect?
And thanks to Bikepics.com for the hosting!
