Naked Motorcycles
1990Kawasaki ZR 550B Zephyr
20 fields on record
The 1990 Kawasaki ZR 550B Zephyr is a lightweight naked bike ideal for new riders and commuters seeking accessible performance. Its 553cc four-cylinder engine delivers smooth, manageable power with excellent fuel efficiency. Known for its nimble handling and retro styling, it remains a popular entry-level sportbike that balances practicality with engaging ride dynamics.
- Capacity
- 553.0 ccm
- Engine
- In-line four
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Wet weight
- 206.0 kg
- Seat height
- Not on record
Know it? Add it → - Power
- 50.0 HP (36.8 kW)
How it rides
Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested- Best for
- A retro-styled naked bike built for enjoyable everyday street riding, commuting, and casual weekend rides rather than outright performance.
- Built for
- Offers a smooth, revvy air-cooled four-cylinder feel with classic UJM styling and dependable, unintimidating manners.
- Not ideal for
- Not suited for riders seeking high top-end power, long-distance touring comfort, or any off-road capability.
Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.
Reliability & safety
Bike Reliability score, safety recalls and owner complaintsBike Reliability
How the score works →36
out of 100Below average
The Kawasaki ZR 550B Zephyr passed its annual roadworthiness test first time 77.4% of the time, 3.2 points below expected for bikes of the same age and mileage. That beats 36% of models.
This covers every year of the model.
77.4%Passed first time
16.5%Failed outright
6.0%Fixed during test
29,000Typical miles
133Tests
Pass rate against all bikes
Share of first tests passed with nothing failed or fixed during the test. All bikes is the average over every bike tested, 2005–2025. Older, higher-mileage bikes pass less often, which the score allows for.
Against its rivals · ranks 5 of 6
| # | Model (all years) | Score | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | BMW K 75 | 71 Good | 17,173 |
| 2 | Ducati 750 Sport | 59 Average | 2,600 |
| 3 | Yamaha FZX 750 Fazer | 50 Average | 640 |
| 4 | Moto Guzzi V 65 | 45 Average | 883 |
| 5 | Kawasaki ZR 550B Zephyr | 36 Below average | 133 |
| 6 | Honda NTV 650 Revere | 27 Below average | 416 |
Rivals are the most-viewed bikes on MotorcycleDB in the same category and engine size, from within three years of this model.
From British annual roadworthiness tests, 2005-2025. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0 (DVSA MOT test data, Great Britain). How Bike Reliability works.
Engine
- Capacity
- 553.0 ccm
- Power
- 50.0 HP (36.8 kW)
- Engine type
- In-line four
- Power/weight ratio
- 0.2427 HP/kg (wet)
- Bore x stroke
- 58.0 x 52.4 mm
- Compression
- 9.5:1
- Cooling system
- Oil & air
- Fuel system
- Carburettor
- Starting
- Electric
- Valves per cylinder
- 2
- Lubrication system
- Wet Sump
- Torque
- Not on record - add it
Transmission
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Transmission type
- Manual
- Final drive
- Chain
- Clutch
- Wet Plate
Performance
- Top speed
- 220.5 km/h (137.0 mph)
Dimensions & weight
Maintenance
- Battery
- Yuasa: YB12A-A (12 V 12 Ah)
Specs last verified against published sources: .
Compiled from manufacturer documentation and user contributions, corrected on an ongoing basis. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.
Rider Reviews
Common questions
Is the Kawasaki ZR 550B Zephyr reliable?
Across all years, the Kawasaki ZR 550B Zephyr has a Bike Reliability score of 36 out of 100 (below average), better than 36% of models. It passed its annual roadworthiness test first time 77.4% of the time against 82.0% for all bikes, 3.2 points below what is expected for bikes of the same age and mileage. Based on 133 tests in Great Britain.
What is the engine size of the Kawasaki ZR 550B Zephyr?
The 1990 Kawasaki ZR 550B Zephyr has a Capacity of 553.0 ccm (33.75 cubic inches).
What engine power does the Kawasaki ZR 550B Zephyr have?
The 1990 Kawasaki ZR 550B Zephyr has a Power of 50.0 HP (36.8 kW).
How many gears does the Kawasaki ZR 550B Zephyr have?
The 1990 Kawasaki ZR 550B Zephyr has a Gearbox of 6-speed.
How much does the Kawasaki ZR 550B Zephyr weigh?
The 1990 Kawasaki ZR 550B Zephyr has a Wet weight of 206.0 kg (454.2 pounds).
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