Kawasaki ZZR600

[RC]

I've read several posts about the SV650, Katana, and FZ6 but what the Kawi ZZR600.

I think this bike has been around for awhile so anyone have any opinions on it?

I saw it while at the Dallas MC show.

In my mind the likely candidates for that next bike are: SV650, SV650S, FZ6, Honda 599.

I'd consider the Kawasaki but I've never heard anything (good or bad) about it.

R

[JamesG]

Its an ok bike, its in the same class as the Katana and YZF600R,  ie: budget 600 sport bikes.

IMHO its looks are very dated and compared to the YZF its slightly lighter but has only 2 way adjustable suspension.

[70 Cam Guy]

Before 2003 it was called the ZX-6.  I think it had a generation designation like ZX-6d, ZX-6e, etc.  They have a good following I think and it doesn't have the same reputation as looking like a jelly bean like the Katana  :nana:

If you're looking at bikes like the SV, 599, and FZ6, I don't know that you'd like the ZZR600.  Its certainly heavier and outdated.  I think its considered more of a sport-touring bike.  Many guys will say they make good starter bikes because of the comfort and stable handling (heavy).

[RC]

Thanks for the input!

I do think it looks better than the Katana.
At least is doesn't have the big ass fuel
dial on the side. Kinda looks like something
you'd see on a riding lawn mower...
STOP-GO

[john]

The zzr600/zx6 still puts down about 85hp which isn't too shabby and its not that heavy -maybe 430 I would guess.  An excellent bike to cruise and still have wheelie pulling power.   Looks are dated compared to the yzf but to each his own I say.

[JamesG]

You got me curious about this bike so I went down to the local Stealer and they had one.  I will give you my impression in Cycle World fashion.

UPS
Has a very complete and effective looking fairing.
Finish looks excellent.
Has a clock, temp gauge, AND a fuel gauge.
Seat height is an inch shorter than the GS and it feels about as narrow.
Comes with a center stand.
Cool looking dual exhausts.
Has a nifty little lockable "glove box" built into the left upper.
Bike has been around for a long time (as the ZX6E) so parts and aftermarket are good.

DOWNS
Full fairings are expensive to fix and I couldn't see an easy place for frame sliders or case guards to be mounted.
Fairing, lights, and (especally) mirrors look very '80s, and to me fugly.
Bike felt much heavier than it ought to be at 430lbs. Maybe the tires were flat...
Dual exhaust cans on a 600cc bike seem like overkill and add weight it could do without.
Only two way adjustable forks and shock.

Overall I was much more impressed with it than I had been.  "I" still  wouldn't have bought one over my YZF, but 'Lita might be interested in trying one out.

RC - There are probably a few ZX6E/ZZR6 web sites, BBSs or Yahoo Groups.  You might want to start lurking to pick up owners opininons and ideas.

[RC]

Thanks for all the leg work James.

I'm a ways off from being serious about buying, but narrowing down the list is fun process.

Ron

[MattyC]

Here's a good article comparing the ZZR600 (fka ZX-6E) against the YZF600R.
//www.sportrider.com/bikes/146_0202_600s/index.html

Also, if you go to cycleforums.com and search for "ZZR600" you'll find some good discussions.

It and the YZF600 sound like they're underrated mostly because they're not as bleeding edge as the current generation of supersports. Mind you, that's probably a good thing for 95% of street riders, unless you need a lot of hype along with your bike.

[kyzee]

This bike is very hard to work on because of the full fairing and the orientation if its engine. Even the smallest task of changing spark plugs you have to remove the fairing. The ZZR600 is a good overall bike in terms of performance and robustness.

[Cal Price]

Kyzee is spot on about working on the bike. A mate has an unfaired quacker and changing plugs on that is a big job because of the position of the cooling kit, (something GS owners will not be familar with).

The shorter-of-stature might quite like it but anyone over about five-ten might feel cramped.

[JamesG]

That's "normal" of any faired bike. And all inline 4s have there cylinder head shoved up into the pit of the steering head.  Another nature of the beasties....

[RC]

All good points to consider.

I'm leaning towards a V-twin although both the Yamaha FZ6 and Honda 599 warrant a look.

I may even look at the Ducati Monster. The M620 is in the price range I'm looking at, but I don't think it has the power of the SV650.

The ZZR6 looks like a good bike, but not exactly what I want. My ideal bike would have 1/4 fairing for wind protection, decent comfort for  longer trips, light weight, good low to midrange power, good handling, and look cool, of course.

At this point I'm just making a list of several bikes in my price category and going from there.

Can't say I'm too concerned about top end speed, but any bike would have to go at least 110 mph.  When passing a large truck doing 65 in a 70, best to get by quickly, IMO.

[JamesG]

All good points to consider.
I'm leaning towards a V-twin although both the Yamaha FZ6 and Honda 599 warrant a look.

The FZ6 is probably the cream of the "budget midweights" right now. Or at least its "newness" factor makes it seem that way.  I was tempted to get one, but it isn't better enough than my YZF600.

The 599 is a joke. Close to $8K for basically a stripped and dumbed down F4? I don't think so...  It might make for an interesting project cafe bike but...

I may even look at the Ducati Monster. The M620 is in the price range I'm looking at, but I don't think it has the power of the SV650.

Not much more power than a GS actually.  Plus they are as mantinance intesive/expensive as bigger ones. Used 750s can be had pretty cheap though (I think their owners get tired of paying $500 a pop for routine maintance visits  ).  There was also the 620 and 750 SuperSports that came with a 1/2 fairing.

The ZZR6 looks like a good bike, but not exactly what I want. My ideal bike would have 1/4 fairing for wind protection, decent comfort for  longer trips, light weight, good low to midrange power, good handling, and look cool, of course.

You can take the lowers off the ZZR heheh.

You kinda described the SVS there.

Can't say I'm too concerned about top end speed, but any bike would have to go at least 110 mph.  When passing a large truck doing 65 in a 70, best to get by quickly, IMO.

High top speed is a side effect of higher power...

[vtlion]

It and the YZF600 sound like they're underrated

the 600R is definitely an underrated piece of machinery.  Only 50 lbs heavier than the current R6 (maybe less than that even?), it pulls like a MUTHA in the low to mid-range.  Just look at that dyno run on the web comparing the 1999 600R and 1999 R6 that shows the 600R pulls with more HP than the revered R6 up to about 8krpm.  Basically, in the rat-race/commuter world, with weight and HP considered, the 600r is as good as the R6.  Also at 50 lbs lighter and about 10 HP higher, it stomps the Katana 600 to dust.  I'm not sure about the SV650, cause I don't know the HP and weight figures.

the 600R pulls about 90 HP at the rear wheel.  If you want a bike that's not as powerful as the 600 super-sports, look elsewhere... all the research I've done has led me to the conclusion that the 600R HAULS  

and of course... its got those UGLY fairings to think about too  

[RC]

James,

I think your spot on about the Honda---overpriced for what you get.
The British mag 'Rider' did a SV/Hornet comparison and they definitely liked the SV better. The Hornet will kill the SV on top end but doesn't really matter in the real world. They also said you had to rev the bike up to 8k before you get your burst of power. I'd rather spread the powerband out more...something inherent in a twin.

The Ducati would be a maintenance $$ pain and your not getting that
much extra power. But it does look cool...admit it.

The short list will probably the Yamaha or Suzuki. I may consider the Speed 4 but I doubt it can match the value/fun of the FZ6 or SV.

Are mods on the SV easier than the FZ6?  I'd guess replacing the exhaust on the Yamaha would be a pain, but what do I know.

One last note-the next bike needs to fit me a touch better. On longer rides my legs tend to cramp up. I'm a lanky 5'-11". If I did long distance riding regulary I'd have to add some highway pegs.  Laugh all you want, but it would be comfortable. On long rides I try to stretch each leg in turn and then stand up on the pegs lifting my ass of the saddle. Probably not the safest, but better than standing on the seat!