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Kawasaki ZZ-R 600

Make Model	Kawasaki ZZ-R 600
Year	2002 - 03
Engine	Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Capacity	599 cc / 42.6 cu-in
Bore x Stroke	64 x 46.6 mm
Cooling System	Liquid cooled
Compression Ratio	12.0:1
Induction	4x Keihin CVKD 36 carburetors
Ignition	Digital
Starting	Electric
Max Power	98 hp / 72.9 kW @ 11.500 rpm
Max Power Rear Tyre	87.0 hp / 64.8 kW @ 11600 rpm
Max Torque	64 Nm / 47.2 lb-ft @ 9500 rpm
Transmission	6 Speed
Final Drive	Chain
Frame	Aluminum perimeter design
Front Suspension	46mm Cartridge front fork
Front Wheel Travel	119.4 mm / 4.7 in
Rear Suspension	UNI-TRAC rear linkage, 20-way compression and rebound damping, ride height adjustment
Rear Wheel Travel	134 mm / 5.2 in
Front Brakes	2x 300mm discs 4 piston calipers
Rear Brakes	Single 220mm disc 1 piston caliper
Front Tyre	120/65 ZR1 7
Rear Tyre	180/55 ZR17
Dimensions	Length 2029 mm / 79.9 in Width 728 mm / 28.7 in Height 1176 mm / 46.3 in
Wheelbase	1399 mm / 55.1 in
Seat Height	780 mm / 31.0 in
Dry Weight	198 kg / 136.5 lbs
Wet Weight	216 kg / 476.1 lbs
Fuel Capacity	18 Litres / 4.7 US gal
Consumption Average	18.5 km/lit
Braking 60 - 0 / 100 - 0	13.8 m / 36.3 m
Standing Â¼ Mile	10.9 sec / 197.7 km/h
Top Speed	246.9 km/h / 153.4 mph

The ZZ-R600 is one of Kawasaki's most successful sports models. First introduced in 1990, along with its 1 lOOcc 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.

Minor modifications over the years have further refined the ZZ-R600 with a fuel gauge, clock, suspension damping adjustment and improved power delivery.