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Kawasaki ZZ-R 600

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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 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.