This is a cleanup and updates pictures of Rob's original post with additional information added if possible.
H1(1989)
The bike has a twin headlight arangement (or an ugly square headlight for certain markets
), 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! The swingarm on the H1 is braced over the top and the radiator is thick flat radiator.
Lime green/Blue 24/Pearl alpine white
Firecracker red/Ebony/Metallic bronze-guns
Ebony/Pearl cosmic grey
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J1 (1989)
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 is a single seater! 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 far as im aware the spring is different to standard but the shock is not any more adjustable (preload and rebound only). The remote reservoir should be present on the RHS of the bike attached to the subframe.
Difference number 3
*NEW* cant believe i forgot, the gearbox! It is closer ratio!
Difference number 4
The engine should have a J punched into the RHS of the engine just below the cylinder head.
Difference number 5
The camshafts are adjustable with slotted ends to allow for individual timing adjustments to be made to the inlet and exhaust cams.
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H2 (1990)
Sort of a cross between a H1 and L1 model, it retains the H1 frame and fairings, but used a non braced swingarm (similar to the L), and a deep thin curved radiator (similar to the L). The bikes now came with a remote reservoir like the J1 model.
Lime green/Blue 24/Pearl alpine white
Firecracker red/Ebony/Galaxy-silver
Ebony/Pearl cosmic grey
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J2 (1990)
The SP model of the H2 model with some subtle differences. Now this is where Kawasaki looks like they started getting serious with the SP models as highlighted below.
Lime green/Blue 24/Pearl alpine white
Difference number 1
As with the J1 model it has a single seat unit.
Difference number 2
Fully adjustable rear shock. Comparing the remote reservoir with the J1 there is an extra part of the reservoir. Here is where the adjustment for compression damping comes in making the rear shock fully adjustable! Its situated facing towards the front of the bike, just where the line attaches to go down to the shock.
Difference number 3
The J2 came with flatslide carburettors where as the J1 (or any of the H models) didnt. A very rare piece of kit and very very expensive if you can find them! Cams were slotted as the J1 (unsure if the cam profile was changed from the J1), and J was stamped into the cylinders on the RHS.
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.
Difference number 5
The gearbox is still a close ratio, its different to the J1 gearbox.
Difference number 6
Back Torque Limiter Clutch , first use of this clutch assembly.
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L1 to L2 (1991-1992)
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 a lot curvier. The rear shock no longer comes with a remote reservoir so cannot be seen hanging off the underside.
Lime green/Pearl alpine white/Blue 36
Candy wine Red (1991 only)
Metallic blue gitane (1991 only)
Ebony/Pearl chateau grey/Pearl gentry grey (1992 only)
Ebony/Firecracker red (1992 only)
Difference 1
The L1 and L2 non-japanese bikes have a different cam profile than the later bikes, producing approximately 4bhp more at the top end.
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L3 (1993)
Only minor changes cosmetically with the bolder L1-L2 geometric design giving way to the distinctive "swish".
Lime green/Pearl alpine white/Blue 36
Ebony/Firecracker red/Pearl gentry grey
Firecracker red/Pearl alpine white/Jet ski violet
Ebony/Metallic eventide
Difference 1
The L3 is the last of the L models to use a "grooved" rear brake pistons and larger dust seals, these were replaced with more traditional fully smooth-sided pistons and small dust seals from the L4 onwards.
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L4 (1994)
Only minor changes cosmetically, the bike now gains blue swishes on the tank and rear fairings.
Lime green/Pearl alpine white
Luminous vintage red
Ebony/Metallic royal violet
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L5-L8 (1995-1998)
Only small differences in the paint used between these bikes and the L4. The L5 bikes onwards use a slightly different fusebox and therefore wiring loom from the other L models. There was no 1996 specific bike, so technically there was no L6 model. The rear spoiler/ grab handle is seen from the L5 onwards.
Lime green/Pearl alpine white
Pearl purplish black mica
Ebony/Metallic eventide
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L9 (1999-2004)
Lime green/Pearl alpine white
Pearl purplish black mica
Lime green
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M1-M4, M6 (1991-1994, 1999) - 1999 Lime green
A SP version of the L model, I am assuming that the 1999 M6 borrows a number of the L9 refinements. A lovely M1 example here courtesy of MoriMan
Lime green/pearl alpine white/Blue 36 (1991-1994)
Lime green (1996)
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 the front end of the reservoir.
Difference number 3
The M model came with M stamped on the engine, adjustable cams, flatslide carbs with a throttle position sensor (TPS) requiring a different rotor and CDi from the L models.
Difference number 4
Fully adjustable forks which can be identified by the compression adjustment screw below the front caliper.
Difference number 5
The gearbox! It is closer ratio! Unsure on how it differs from the J1-J2.
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L1 and L4A (1991 and 1994) - ITOHAM race rep - 1991 Kmi. blue 36/galaxy silver, 1994 Pearl alpine white/Blue 24, Firecracker red
Completely standard L model with just a special paint job, limited edition of 500 models and only sold in Japan.
1994 - the only difference between this and the 1991 is that the 1991 uses a more silver colour for the white.