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
¼ Mile |
10.9 sec / 197.7 km/h |
Top Speed |
246.9 km/h / 153.4 mph |

The benchmark for well-designed middleweight performance, the
Kawasaki ZZR600 maintains this status by offering class-leading comfort and
cutting edge style. With an excellent overall balance and dazzling performance,
this modern sportbike has earned a healthy respect from the motorcycling public.
Introduction
While other manufacturers improve their superbikes and aim at
the highest levels of performance, Kawasaki does not only that, but retains the
essential and keeps developing and improving a sporty motorcycle which proved to
be efficient in day by day use to many riders worldwide.
Introducing the 2008 Kawasaki ZZR600, the machine that will get you to and back
from work in rush hour and still manages to provide you with your needed dose of
adrenaline on those weekend trips.
History
As I was saying in my introduction, the Kawasaki ZZR600 is a sport motorcycle
featuring a less aggressive character than its supersport cousin, the ZX-6R.
Kawasaki has always used the “ZZR†prefix to individualize the models in the
series as being more representative to the Sport-Touring category, than pure
sportbikes, although when the ZZR range was initially launched, ZZRs were indeed
sportbikes.
Having clarified the bike’s designation, I would like to say that the ZZR600
motorcycle was as a nearly intact re-use of previous generation 600cc sportbikes
with slightly ergonomic modifications and different graphics.
The first generation ZZR600, marketed from model years 2003-2005, draws its
roots back to a previous generation of sportbikes called the Ninja 600 which
retains the Kawasaki designation ZX600E from the original motorcycle indicating
that, apart from color differences, it is mechanically identical with the early
motorcycle.
What clearly sets the ZZR600 apart from your middleweight supersport bike is its
remarkable 30.7 in (780 mm) seat height, making 2003-2005 ZZR600 one of the
lowest of all-mass manufactured sport bikes. This means that the bike addresses
to a wide range of riders.
In 2005, Kawasaki introduced a new ZZR600 which was a reissue of the ZX600J
(ZX-6R of the 2000-2002) model and remains unchanged except for a new, less
invasive fairing stay. Kawasaki did what it new best, and that meant retaining
the 599cc, liquid-cooled, DOHC, inline four cylinder engine. The styling of the
bike remains fashionable while its larger fairings, higher clip-ons and well
padded seat make it a very comfortable sportbike by today’s standards.
Having completed all the requirements necessary for it to continue its success,
the ZZR600 remains virtually unchanged and still manages to retain its racy
attitude but only when needed.
2008 Kawsaki ZZR600
Kawasaki middleweight ZZR’s have always looked good so the 2008 model year
doesn’t have to make an exception. The ZX-6R features are all over the place and
give it a unique design which combines sporty-looks with comfort and smoothness.
The simple, sleek lines of the ZZR600’s aerodynamic bodywork strike an
elegant-but-athletic balance with the combination of its aluminum frame, angled
front fairing, performance-enhancing air scoop and three-spoke wheels. Superbly
matching this function to form, the ZZR600 makes long-distance rides a pleasure
with a stepped flat seat, bars that are easy to reach and wide mirrors that
provide an exceptional view.
Colors available for 2008 (Ebony or Candy Plasma Blue) are destined to make this
road machine stand out even more.
Technical
A 599cc, liquid-cooled, inline, four-cylinder engine with dual throttle
overhead cams and four valves per cylinder is the core of the ZZR600 its lively
performance. Further enhancing the engine is Kawasaki’s Twin Ram Air Induction
system, which takes in cool air via its leading-edge air scoop on the fairing
front and forces it to the ZZR600’s airbox and then into its four 36mm
carburetors. The carburetors also feature the Kawasaki Throttle Response
Ignition Control (K-TRIC), which monitors the throttle position and adjusts the
ignition timing for the engine’s four spark-plug mounted ignition coils,
maximizing the power at every rpm.
The high-tech engine is mated to a close-ratio six-speed transmission, providing
the ZZR600 rider with the best gear for any riding situation, from freeway
droning to handling some back road twisties.
That excellent handling comes from the ZZR600’s chassis, a lightweight aluminum
perimeter frame combined with a fully adjustable 46mm cartridge-type front fork
and fully adjustable UNI-TRAK rear suspension.
Stopping power is provided by six-piston calipers gripping dual 300mm
semi-floating front disc brakes and 220mm rear disc brake.
The ZZR600 is shod with high-performance radial tires mounted on 17-inch
aluminum wheels. The 120/65ZR17 front and 180/55ZR17 rear provides maximum
traction and help smooth the ride over bumpy surface streets and freeway
expansion joints.
The entire electronic ZZR600 instrument cluster includes a speedometer,
tachometer, coolant temperature gauge, odometer, trip meter and a digital clock.
Test Drive
2008 Kawasaki ZZR600
My latest riding experience took place on a brand new Kawasaki ZZR600, a bike
that surprised me in the best way possible as it proved to be dealing proudly
with any of the current middleweight superbike motorcycles out there. In fact,
some riders will prefer it over anything else that the market has to offer.
I had the opportunity to ride the bike for a few days so I used it for
everything from weekend journeys on sinuous roads to freeway commuting, and it
proved very efficient, permissive and aggressive when needed.
What I first noticed in the first few hours is comfort. The ZZR600 comes with a
well-padded seat, a fairly high handlebar position, and a comfortable distance
between seat and footpegs. This triangle makes it feel more like a sport-tourer
than a pure sportbike so it allows for long trips in complete comfort and with
the performance expected from a Kawasaki ride.
You will consider the relatively upright seating position and anticipate doggy
handling but I would have to contradict you by saying that riding at a sane pace
on the street, the ZZR600 can easily run as well as any other 600cc motorcycles
which feature newer technologies and would seem more capable.
The only difference that you will probably notice would be weight. This Kawasaki
is a bit heavier than modern machines that you probably consider buying but the
difference doesn’t feel at all if you are not riding very fast at the street.
The bike’s most important unit is the carbureted motor. Yes, I wrote carbureted.
Kawasaki uses a Mikuni BDSR 36R carburetor to feed its 599cc inline-four engine.
Although it feels like it would need a bit more power compared to the latest
generation 600s, the ZZR is still very fast and manages to satisfy the riding
needs of a diverse kind of riders. Throttle response is crisp but still reserves
its certain dose of smoothness that makes the bike adequate for starters.
Braking system, as well as virtually everything on this bike, is taken right out
the ZX-6R. Kawasaki considered that if it was good enough for the racing
version, the touring-oriented ZZR would have no problem with braking
performance. Although they don’t offer quite as much initial bite as the latest
generations of radial-mounted braking systems, the ZZR600’s differential-bore
6-piston calipers and 300mm rotors will make sure that the rider will be
confident in its braking actions and still keep that rear wheel on the pavement.
Yes, they are capable of doing that!
The six-speed tranny operates smoothly and values properly the power developed
by the reliable engine. In collaboration with the smooth clutch, changing gears
is an absolute pleasure but I recommend you to go easy on the gears and throttle
because cautious riders get on their destinations with the biggest smiles on
their faces.
I would strongly advise you to buy this motorcycle if you are searching for the
machine that will mark your motorcycling initiation. I bet that you want it to
look awesome and make you feel like a better rider. The 2008 Kawasaki ZZR600
does just that and much more.
The Kawasaki ZZR600 sets the standard for practical middleweight performance
while offering class-leading comfort and cutting-edge style. Well on its way to
legend status, this modern sportbike has earned a healthy respect from
motorcycling public and motojournalists alike, thanks to its excellent overall
balance and scintillating performance.
Features
599cc Four-Cylinder DOHC Engine
Cylinders have liner-lines, electroplated aluminum bores for decreased engine
weight and improved heat transfer.
Pentroof/semi-hemi design of combustion chamber produces a higher compression
ratio for more low-end torque and power throughout the rev range.
Magnesium alternator, sump, cylinder head, clutch, and cam chain covers cut
weight.
Liquid Cooling
The automatic fan is on the left side of the curved aluminum radiator to save
space.
Includes a LCD temperature gauge.
A liquid-cooled oil cooler helps keep the oil cool.
Twin Ram Air Induction
Large ducts for more air pressure, which increases high speed power.
The extended opening increase pressure in the system for excellent volumetric
efficiency.
Kawasaki Throttle Response Ignition Control (K-TRIC)
K-TRIC monitors throttle position and engine rpm, and controls ignition advance
for the best power, fuel economy and detonation resistance.
Transistor Controlled Ignition with Digital Advance
A 16-bit central processing unit responds more quickly to engine needs.
Never needs adjustment.
The rotor has 12 projections to update the processor often.
Spark Plug-Mounted Ignition Coils
Ignition coils in the four spark plug caps weight less, consume less space, and
provide strong, consistent spark.
Catalyzer
To meet emissions requirements and make even more power at the same time, all
models have a pre-catalyzer in the mid-pipe.
California models also have a catalyzer in the muffler.
Fully Adjustable Cartridge Front-Fork
Large, rigid 46mm fork delivers first-rate handling performance on the street.
Bottom-Link UNI-TRAK Rear Suspension
Extruded aluminum swingarm is lightweight and rigid.
Linkage ratios offer smooth and linear suspension response.
Upper shock mount is threaded for ride height adjustment.
Dual Semi-Floating Front Disc Brakes
2008 Kawasaki ZZR600 Front Brakes
Six-piston opposed front brake calipers with differential size piston and
aggressive pad material offer excellent feel and bite.
300mm discs are 5mm thick to stand up to extreme use.
220mm Rear Disc Brake
2008 Kawasaki ZZR600 Rear Brake
Small overall diameter saves weight.
Lightweight, single-piston caliper produces quick, sure stops.
Lightweight Aluminum Perimeter Frame
Short wheelbase and steep head angle produce quick, responsive handling.
Rigid design provides good handling and durability.
Electronic Instrumentation
Speedometer includes a coolant temperature gauge, odometer, trip meter, and a
clock.
Coolant warning light incorporated on tachometer.
Comfortable Ergonomics
Handlebars are easily reached, flat seat supplies long ride comfort and wide
mirrors reveal more than just the rider’s elbows.
Fairing and windscreen cut wind and provide great protection from the elements.
Authentic Kawasaki Accessories
Available accessories include tank bra, locks, alarm and bike cover.

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