Kawasaki ZZ

Kawasaki ZZ-R 600

Make Model	Kawasaki ZZ-R 600
Year	1998
Engine	Liquid cooled, four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Capacity	599
Bore x Stroke	64 x 46.6 mm
Compression Ratio	12.0:1
Induction	4x Keihin CVKD 36
Ignition / Starting	Digital / electric
Max Power	64 Nm @ 9500 rpm
Max Torque	6 Speed / chain
Transmission / Drive	6 Speed / chain
Front Suspension	41mm hydraulic fork with preload and 4-way rebound damping adjustment
Rear Suspension	UNI-TRAC with threaded preload adjustment and 3-way rebound damping
Front Brakes	2x 300mm discs 4 piston calipers
Rear Brakes	Single 240mm disc 1 piston caliper
Front Tyre	120/60 ZR1 7
Rear Tyre	160/60 ZR17
Dry Weight / Wet-Weight	198 kg / 216 kg
Fuel Capacity	18 Litres
Manual	diff.ru:8000/ / blackbears.ru

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 Supercupchampionship 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.