Kawasaki ZX7R
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Kawasaki introduced the world to the ZX7R in 1996 and then left it alone until production ceases in 2003. Despite being relatively heavy and underpowered compared to modern superbikes, on the road the ZX7R can still deliver enough to not be embarrassed.
Ride
The 7R has one of the best front ends there is and gives great feedback and confidence. This only goes to emphasis the limitation of the standard rear shock that gives a harsh ride even from new. However as the bike had such a long production run, there are plenty of after market shocks available and these make a huge difference. For those on a tight budget you can also fit a ZX12 shock, though you need to drill out the mounting eye.
Performance
The 7R should produce somewhere near 110 bhp at the back wheel, so very similar to a modern 600 but with a fair bit more weight to lug around. However the 7R does have more midrange making it a lot easier to live with as you don't have to spend all your time chasing the red line - unless you want to 
Looks
While beauty is always in the eyes of the beholder, the 7R has a very distinctive look and still looks good compared to more modern bikes.
Build quality
The 7R is made by Kawasaki Heavy Industries and it shows, compared to modern bikes with their emphasis on losing weight at all costs, the 7R seems to have been built to last and tends to weather well. The main weak areas are paint chipping on the wheels and wearing on the tank. The rest of the bike holds up well and unless abused, a 7R should last well.