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Kawasaki ZZR 600




1995 ZZR 600

Bike #1: a black 1995 ZZR 600


My first bike was a black ZZR 600, bought new on September 26th 1995 and stolen on 28 or 29 March 1997.
During my 38.000 km on it, it has never let me down (except for the one time I crashed it, but I can hardly blame the machine for that, now can I ? And even after that it would still run).
On a more technical note: it has used NO oil, a rear tire every 10.000 km, a front tire every 18.000 km, a chain every 25.000 km, and between 11 km/liter (180 km/h with suitcases and headwind) and 20 km/liter (cruising).
The only accessory I've had installed is a Givi Wingrack II (with two 35 liters suitcases), which works great but unfortunately doesn't look very hot.
A note on the Givi rack: around 35.000 km the paint started to chip off in some places... According to my dealer this is normal (!).
Also: between 32.000 and 35.000 km one of the front brake-disks got warped for some unknown reason - it developed over a few thousand kilometers. Luckily I could convince my dealer to have it replaced under warranty.
So, what more can I say ? I loved it, I miss it, and I can recommend it to anyone... (except to the guy who stole it: I hope he crashes it and spends at least 3 months in hospital).




Specifications (2001)

  ZZR 600 ZZR 1100
Engine type 4-stroke, DOHC, in-line four, 16-valves
Displacement 599 cc 1052 cc
Bore x Stroke 64.0 x 46.6 mm 76.0 x 58.0 mm
Cooling Liquid
Carburetion Keihin CVKD36 x 4 Keihin CVKD40 x 4
Ignition Digital
Transmission 6-speed
Frame Aluminum perimeter design
Rake / trail 24.5 degrees / 97 mm (3.8 in.) 26.5 degrees / 107 mm (4.2 in.)
Front suspension 41mm hydraulic fork with preload and 4-way rebound adjustment 43mm telescopic fork with preload adjustment and 4-way adjustable rebound damping
Rear suspension UNI-TRAK with threaded preload adjustment and 3-way rebound damping UNI-TRAK with remote-reservoir shock, adjustable threaded preload and 4-way adjustable rebound damping
Front wheel travel 119 mm (4.7 in.) 119 mm (4.7 in.)
Rear wheel travel 130 mm (5.1 in.) 119 mm (4.7 in.)
Front tire 120/60 ZR17 tubeless radial 120/70 ZR17 tubeless radial
Rear tire 160/60 ZR17 tubeless radial 180/55 ZR17 tubeless radial
Brakes, front/rear Dual hydraulic discs / single disc
Overall length 2070 mm (81.5 in.) 2160 mm (85.2 in.)
Overall width 695 mm (27.4 in.) 730 mm (28.7 in.)
Overall height 1175 mm (46.3 in.) 1205 mm (47.4 in.)
Ground clearance 120 mm (4.7 in.) 110 mm (4.3 in.)
Seat height 780 mm (30.7 in.) 780 mm (30.7 in.)
Dry weight 195 kg (430 lbs.) 233 kg (514 lbs.)
Fuel capacity 18 l (4.7 gal.) 24 l (6.3 gal.)
Wheelbase 1430 mm (56.3 in.) 1495 mm (58.9 in.)