Manufacturer Kawasaki Successor Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R | Production 1990-2008 Transmission Chain | |
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Class Sport touring motorcycle Engine 599 cc (36.6 cu in), four stroke, inline four | ||
The Kawasaki ZZR600 (or Ninja 600 or ZX-6E) is a sport touring motorcycle manufactured by Kawasaki. The ZZR600 series motorcycles, as sold in the United States, are 599 cc (36.6 cu in) motorcycles designed from previous generation sportbikes but incorporate more ergonomic seating positions and different graphics.
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In Europe, the model designation differed. The motorbike was introduced in 1990 with the ZZR600 D1, with the D2 and D3 following in subsequent years. For 1993 the ZZR600 E1 was introduced with more muted colours, slightly different fairing, different frame construction, lighter pistons, and the model numbers went up E2, E3 etc. until the E13 in 2005. In 2006 the model number was ZZR600 E6F. The 599 cc engine powered all of the D and E series bikes.
1990–2000 ZX6D–ZX6E
The first generation ZZR600 (also known as a ZX600 & ZX-6 Ninja in different continents/markets) was named a D1. In 1993, small modifications were made and the designation was changed from "D" to "E" which ran until 2000. Analog instrumentation included standard speedometer on the left that rose in single MPH increments up to 170. Unlike the Suzuki competitor, the Katana, signal lights on the Kawasaki's cluster were amber instead of green. Owners could also rely on a fuel gauge on the left (missing on D series) and a temperature gauge on the right which many motorcycles in the same class did not have at the time. Storage was minimal, but better than most sport bikes. There was room beneath the seat for the manual and registration, but not much else. An additional compartment could be found on the left side of the fairing and the ignition key was needed to open it.
2003–2004
ZZR600 in North America, marketed during model years 2003 and 2004, was based upon a previous generation sportbike (sold as a Ninja 600 or Ninja ZX-6E), and retains the Kawasaki designation ZX600E from the original motorcycle. This indicates the motorcycle is mechanically identical to the earlier motorcycle, and differs only in paint schemes.
2005–2008
In North America, the 2005 ZZR600 was a reissue of the 2000-2002 ZX600J (ZX-6R) model and remains unchanged save for a new, less invasive fairing stay. It is powered by the same 599 cc, liquid cooled, DOHC, inline four cylinder engine.
Notably, the ZZR600 uses a carbureted engine, even in its later model years, as it retains its similarity to the 2002 ZX-6R model. As such, the ZZR600's choke control sits near the left handle grip. Most modern Japanese sportbikes employ fuel injection.