1997Kawasaki ZZ-R 600

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The 1997 Kawasaki ZZR 600 is a nimble sport-tourer that bridges performance and practicality, ideal for riders seeking lightweight handling without sacrificing speed. Its 599cc liquid-cooled four-cylinder engine delivers 100 horsepower and genuine 240 km/h capability, making it equally comfortable for spirited road riding or weekend adventures.

Capacity: 599.0 ccm
Engine: In-line four, four-stroke
Gearbox: 6-speed
Dry weight: 195.0 kg
Seat height: 780 mm
Power: 100.0 HP (73.5 kW) @ 11500 RPM

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What’s new for the 1997 Kawasaki ZZ-R 600

vs the 1996

Spec	1996	1997
Torque	62.8 Nm (6.4 kgf-m or 46.3 ft.lbs) @ 9500 RPM	66.0 Nm (6.7 kgf-m or 48.7 ft.lbs) @ 9000 RPM
Top speed	—	240.0 km/h (149.1 mph)

Other years 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail10%

Cornering75%

City riding62%

Daily riding65%

Touring68%

Two-up60%

Track60%

Best for: It's a sport-touring machine built for fast road riding, weekend blasts, and occasional longer trips rather than dedicated track days.
Built for: The ZZR 600 blends a punchy carbureted four-cylinder engine with a sport-touring chassis, offering a lively yet stable ride with real-world usability.
Not ideal for: It's not the right choice for off-road adventures, very short or inexperienced riders, or anyone seeking modern fuel-injected refinement and rider aids.

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 780mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 1997 Kawasaki ZZ-R 600, 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 →

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Full specifications

Engine

Capacity: 599.0 ccm
Power: 100.0 HP (73.5 kW) @ 11500 RPM
Torque: 66.0 Nm (6.7 kgf-m) @ 9000 RPM
Engine type: In-line four, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio: 0.5128 HP/kg (dry)
Bore x stroke: 64.0 x 46.6 mm
Compression: 11.5:1
Cooling system: Liquid
Fuel system: Carburettor
Starting: Electric
Ignition: Digital
Valves per cylinder: 4

Transmission

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

Performance

Top speed: 240.0 km/h (149.1 mph)

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1430 mm
Overall length: 2029 mm
Overall width: 729 mm
Overall height: 1176 mm
Seat height: 780 mm
Dry weight: 195.0 kg
Wet weight: 222.0 kg
Fuel capacity: 18.00 litres
Ground clearance: 145 mm

Chassis & suspension

Frame: Aluminum perimeter design
Front suspension: 46mm Cartridge Front Fork, fully adjustable
Rear suspension: UNI-TRAK® rear linkage, 20-way compression and rebound damping, ride height adjustment
Front wheel travel: 120 mm
Rear wheel travel: 130 mm
Rake (fork angle): 23.5°

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes: Dual disc
Front brakes diameter: 300 mm
Rear brakes: Single disc
Rear brakes diameter: 240 mm

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	1990	1995	1997	2000	2004	2009
Capacity	599 cc	599 cc	599 cc	593 cc	599 cc	599 cc
Dry weight	195 kg	195 kg	195 kg	195 kg	195 kg	171 kg
Seat height	780 mm	780 mm	780 mm	780 mm	780 mm	820 mm
Fuel capacity	18 L	18 L	18 L	18 L	18 L	18.2 L