Kawasaki ZZR600 Bike Overview
The Kawasaki ZZR600 is not an obvious contender when looking for fast, powerful bikes, but unless you have ridden one, you won’t know how amazing it truly is. This bike has been named the “bike that gets you nicked in second gear” for its ability to reach high speeds in a blink of an eye.
Another aspect that the ZZR600 is praised for is its comfort levels which, for a speedster, is surprisingly good. However, the suspension has been deemed too soft which isn’t great on the bumpier roads, which the UK is famous for.
The brakes are some of the better ones in the entire range but they pose a problem by diving too easy when applied and even the rear shock comes under fire. Aside from these little blunders, the ZZR600 is a stable ride that gives a smooth performance on even terrain.
Sitting on 599cc, the four stroke, liquid cooled engine may seem a bit slack compared to newer bikes on the market, however, twisting the throttle produces a whoosh of power that catapults the bike up to 14,000rpm and making it hit up to 154mph top speed.
You cannot help but get excited by this bike because the speed aspect is so completely unexpected; it is so quiet and docile at low speed but, once it travels above 4000rpm, you see a completely different side to it.
If this has given you a buzz to get your own ZZR600, you can pick up old and new ones for very reasonable prices.
Kawasaki ZZR600 Bike Spec
- Top speed154mph
- Weight182kg
- Average fuel consumption45mpg
- Capacity599cc
- Seat height780mm
- EngineFour stroke, liquid cooled, DOHC, 4v
Kawasaki ZZR600 Bike Insurance
Kawasaki ZZR600 Bike Gallery
Owner Reviews
Pros
A good ride
Cons
Lights
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Comfortable
Reliable
Good brakes
Smooth ride medium weight
Fast enough for tight spots
Fair consumption
Pros
Fantastic engine for its age. Get on an open road and above 9000 rpm and it will leave a smile on your face. Even against much more modern bikes it can still keep up although the styling is a bit dated. It can be all day comfortable with the right rider. Just stay on top of the maintenance to get the best from it.
Cons
Brakes. If you have 1 then do the nissin brake caliper swap to get the best from the bike.
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For its age, very smooth
For a 600cc bike of this age it has a very strong engine just be careful of 1st to 2nd gear as it can be a weak spot
Brakes. If you have 1 then do the nissin brake caliper swap to get the best from the bike.
It's an old bike that's been mistreated over the years and hasn't faired well but soon responds to better treatment.
The standard brakes are very but work if looked after. I have done the nissin brake caliper swap from a 900 fireblade and they are now outstanding
Pros
Very comfortable and quick. Good commuter bike or tourer
Cons
Cornering
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Smooth but handles like a bus, fast corners take more effort than they should
For a 600 its as fast as you could want can easily keep up with a vfr 800 in a straight line. The bike has a nice power curve and doesn't bog down at low revs
Good on fuel and tyres unless you push it then it drinks fuel and eats tyres
Have owned the bike 8 years and have never had a problem but I do service the bike regularly. Doesn't have any signs of rust or corrosion except for stone chips on the forks
Good enough with double h brakes
Pros
Fastest 600 produced
Cons
Front brakes and rear shock
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Can get bit heavy into corner
Engine is bulletproof as long as its got oil and water
Always running never spend a lot only wear and tear
Well built and all covered for all weathers
Need to upgrade front calipers and stranded don't like rubbish weather so upgrade to nissins fixes thay