KAWASAKI

ZZR 600 · 1991

A splendid sportster

The restriction on power output to 100 hp in many European countries in the late 1980s has merely led to a new generation of bikes taking full advantage of the enormous technological evolution of recent years to offer stunning performance levels within this limitation. Chief beneficiaries of this change of emphasis are the 600cc machines, which now offer the best power-to-weight ratio on the market and a more affordable price than top-of-the-range 750-ll00cc sports bikes.

Fantastic Power Output

Kawasaki proved itself one of the stars in this category with its ZZR 600, unveiled in 1990. It set new standards by becoming the first in this class to offer such power.

Effective and Well-Balanced

This 600 has shown itself to be one of the most effective and well-balanced machines of its day. Flexible and easy to use between 3500 and 7500 rpm, it can accelerate smoothly all the way up to an impressive 14,000 rpm. Its 16-valve twin-cam engine is linked to a six-speed transmission geared to obtain the best from the power output. Above all, the frame is perfectly complementary to the performance level of the engine. As a result of extensive experience, the power unit is suspended below a frame with a double aluminum backbone and effective suspension. With precise, razorsharp handling, impressive stability, excellent braking and a lively engine, the ZZR 600 is formidably efficient, with performance that quickly makes you overlook its rather spartan levels of comfort.

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine: 599cc (64x47mm) water-cooled fourcylinder four-stroke

Power Rating: 95 hp@ 11 ,500 rpm

Valves: twin overhead-camshafts, 16 valves

Fuel System: four 36mm carburetors

Transmission: 6-speeds, chain fin al drive

Suspension: telescopic forks (front); swing arm with monoclamper (rear)

Brakes: twin disc (front); disc (rear)

Wheels: 120/60x17 inch (front); 160/60x17 inch (rear)

Weight: 430 lb

Maximum Speed: 143 mph

Seven years after the launch of the revolutionary GPZ 600, Kawasaki is back at the top of the medium sports category with the new ZZR 600.