1998Kawasaki ZX-9R Ninja

20 fields on record

The 1998 Kawasaki ZX-9R Ninja is a middleweight sport bike designed for aggressive riders seeking raw power and performance. Known for its potent 899cc inline-four engine delivering 143 horsepower, this machine excels in acceleration and top-end speed. Its lightweight chassis and responsive handling make it ideal for both track enthusiasts and spirited street riders.

Capacity: 899.0 ccm
Engine: In-line four, four-stroke
Gearbox: 6-speed
Dry weight: 183.0 kg
Seat height: 810 mm
Power: 143.0 HP

⇄ Compare with another bike All model years

What’s new for the 1998 Kawasaki ZX-9R Ninja

vs the 1997

Spec	1997	1998
Engine capacity	899.00 ccm (54.86 cubic inches)	899.0 ccm (54.86 cubic inches)
Power	141.00 HP	143.0 HP
Torque	96.00 Nm (9.8 kgf-m or 70.8 ft.lbs) @ 9000	101.0 Nm (10.3 kgf-m or 74.5 ft.lbs)
Top speed	280.0 km/h (174.0 mph)	290.0 km/h (180.2 mph)
Weight	218.0 kg (480.6 pounds)	183.0 kg (403.4 pounds)
Seat height	800 mm (31.5 inches)	810 mm (31.9 inches)
Compression	—	11.5:1

Other years 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail5%

Cornering85%

City riding45%

Daily riding42%

Touring35%

Two-up35%

Track85%

Best for: Built primarily for fast road riding and track days, blending litre-bike power with a slightly more manageable 900cc package.
Built for: A raw, aggressive superbike with a strong mid-range punch and a chassis that rewards confident, assertive inputs.
Not ideal for: This is not the right choice for new riders, commuters seeking comfort, or anyone planning long-distance touring or off-road use.

Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.

Will it fit you?

Worked out in your browser - nothing is sent to us

Your height

Inseam (optional)

Units

At 810mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 1998 Kawasaki ZX-9R Ninja, with a cramped knee angle of around 70 degrees and a forward-leaning riding position.

Assumes about 30mm of suspension sag once seated. This is an approximation from category-typical geometry, not a measurement of this bike or of you - sit on one before you buy.

More bikes at 751-820 mm — Middle Ground →

Find bikes that fit your height →

Full specifications

Engine

Capacity: 899.0 ccm
Power: 143.0 HP
Torque: 101.0 Nm (10.3 kgf-m)
Engine type: In-line four, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio: 0.7814 HP/kg
Bore x stroke: 75.0 x 50.9 mm
Compression: 11.5:1
Cooling system: Liquid
Fuel system: Carburettor
Starting: Electric
Valves per cylinder: 4

Transmission

Gearbox: 6-speed
Transmission type: Manual
Final drive: Chain

Performance

Top speed: 290.0 km/h (180.2 mph)

Dimensions & weight

Seat height: 810 mm
Dry weight: 183.0 kg

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes: Dual disc
Rear brakes: Single disc

Compiled from manufacturer documentation and user contributions, corrected on an ongoing basis. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.

What changed, year to year

Differences highlighted

Specification	1996	1998	2000	2001	2003
Capacity	899.00 ccm (54.86 cubic inches)	899.00 ccm (54.86 cubic inches)	899.00 ccm (54.86 cubic inches)	899.00 ccm (54.86 cubic inches)	899.00 ccm (54.86 cubic inches)
Dry weight	215.0 kg (474.0 pounds)	183.0 kg (403.4 pounds)	—	185.0 kg (407.9 pounds)	186.0 kg (410.1 pounds)
Seat height	800 mm (31.5 inches)	810 mm (31.9 inches)	815 mm (32.1 inches)	825 mm (32.5 inches)	827 mm (32.6 inches)
Fuel capacity	—	—	19.00 litres (5.02 gallons)	19.00 litres (5.02 gallons)	18.00 litres (4.76 gallons)
Color options	—	—	—	—	Blue, Silver, Green