Kawasaki ZZ-R 600
The Kawasaki ZZ-R 600 was born in 1990 with the launch of the D1 model. Although more of a sports-tourer than a race bred sports bike it was for a while the fastest 600 on the road. It was and still is an outstanding all-rounder being both quick and comfortable. The subsequent annual evolutions have continuously tweaked the bike with the most noticeable changes taking place in 1993 with the introduction of the E1. Improved efficiency and top end power through a completely re-engineered powerplant and the addition of the Twin Ram Air system were at the heart of the update. Many of the basic mechanicals were revised too including suspension and steering though the bike's character and looks remained much the same.
Above: My 1999 Kawasaki ZZ-R 600 E7
My brother had one of the early models from new and toured around Europe, 2-UP with his girlfriend, during the early 90's. I on the other hand was trundling around the US on a "sit-up-and-beg" Honda CM400 Custom. Despite my many adventures I would have much preferred to have been riding the ZZ-R and promised myself that I would buy one on my return to the UK. When I touched down at Gatwick it was raining and with winter moving in fast I opted for a car instead. After 10 years of frustrated 4-wheel driving my biker roots began to re-emerge and I finally got my hands on the bike I'd lusted for all those years ago.
I found a 4 year old example with a genuine 3500 miles on the clock looking like it had just arrived from the factory. Top book was around £3700 which is exactly what the dealer wanted for this pristine model. I'd only budgeted for around £2500 and so moved on to a '95 example which looked okay but had only just arrived in and needed to go through the workshop. I put down a deposit and waited. When I got the phone call it was not good news and the bike needed a lot of work doing. The dealer then pointed me in the direction of the later model and after some renegotiation of the price down to £3300 I had myself a bargain.
I've had this bike around 18 months and covered another 2000 miles. No real problems at all although I have had to jack the rear shock up almost to the max to prevent the centre stand from grounding around the bends. I intend to invest in a HAGON upgrade before next summer. I also fitted a double bubble screen in a vain attempt to deflect the air around my enormous frame. Fat chance...!!!
And 2 years on with only an extra 3k on the clock I decided it was time to trade in for the king heavyweight... A ZZ-R 1100...!!!
If you require more information on the general & technical aspects then check out the links below:
ZZR forum at MSN
Northampton based club for ZZR owners
Motad exhausts - stainless steel front ends, cans and full systems
Cheap and easy online insurance - get a quote instantly
You bought your ZZR, you took a chance, now worm your way out of a speeding fine