Kawasaki ZZ-R 600

The Kawasaki ZZR600 (or Ninja 600 or ZX-6E) is a sport touring motorcycle manufactured by Kawasaki. The ZZR600 series motorcycles, as sold in the United States, are 599 cc (36.6 cu in) motorcycles designed from previous generation sportbikes but incorporate more ergonomic seating positions and different graphics.

In Europe, the model designation differed. The motorbike was introduced in 1990 with the ZZR600 D1, with the D2 and D3 following in subsequent years. For 1993 the ZZR600 E1 was introduced with more muted colours, slightly different fairing, different frame construction, lighter pistons, and the model numbers went up E2, E3 etc. until the E13 in 2005. In 2006 the model number was ZZR600 E6F. The 599 cc engine powered all of the D and E series bikes.
780 mm (31 in)

Review

The ZZ-R600 is one of Kawasaki's most successful sports models. First introduced in 1990, along with its 1 l00cc sibling, the ZZ-R1100, the ZZ-R600 offered an extremely fast and powerful roadbike package. A strong inline-four liquid-cooled engine producing nearly 75kW (lOObhp), aerodynamic bodywork and a power-boosting ram-air intake system all conspired to produce a top speed of well over 240km/h (150mph).

But it wasn't only the ZZ-R's top speed which made it so remarkable. Its advanced, stiff, lightweight aluminium twin-spar frame was unknown in the Japanese 600 class at the time, and it immediately marked the ZZ-R out as a high-quality product. Detail styling cues like the faired-in rear indicators and aerodynamic mirrors all suggested speed, although Kawasaki clearly hadn't forgotten about more mundane matters like chain oiling - a centrestand is tucked neatly away under the twin silencers.

The chassis is less sporting than the strong engine, but is capable of handling most road-based sports riding. Its four-piston front brake calipers give strong, progressive stopping power. But the suspension, updated in 1995, is rather soft, and compromises ultimate braking, as well as offering a rather vague feel when pushing hard on the track.

Ground clearance is, again, ample for the road, but is a limit on track. Not that this bothered John Reynolds - the British racer won the 1990 600cc Supercup championship on a lightning-quick Team Green ZZ-R600.

Throughout the 1990s, the ZZ-R was a consistently strong seller, even when Kawasaki's own ZX-6R pushed the ZZ-R back into a sports-touring role. The ZZ-R's excellent road manners, high equipment levels and sound build-quality made it the ideal choice for many high-mileage riders.