1997Kawasaki Zephyr 550

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The 1997 Kawasaki Zephyr 550 is a lightweight naked bike ideal for beginner and intermediate riders seeking nimble handling and accessible performance. Its 553cc four-cylinder engine delivers smooth power with a low seat height, making it perfect for urban commuting and spirited weekend rides. Known for its reliability and classic styling, this middleweight offers an excellent platform for learning modern motorcycle fundamentals.

Capacity: 553.0 ccm
Engine: In-line four
Gearbox: 6-speed
Dry weight: 179.0 kg
Seat height: 795 mm
Power: 50.0 HP (36.8 kW) @ 10000 RPM

⇄ Compare with another bike All model years

What’s new for the 1997 Kawasaki Zephyr 550

vs the 1996

Spec	1996	1997
Power	50.0 HP (36.8 kW)	50.0 HP (36.8 kW) @ 10000 RPM
Torque	—	35.0 Nm (3.6 kgf-m or 25.8 ft.lbs)
Top speed	173.0 km/h (107.5 mph)	190.0 km/h (118.1 mph)
Wet weight	200.0 kg (440.9 pounds)	203.0 kg (447.5 pounds)

Other years 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail10%

Cornering60%

City riding70%

Daily riding68%

Touring42%

Two-up45%

Track25%

Best for: Best suited to relaxed city riding, weekend backroad cruising, and enjoying a retro air-cooled four-cylinder character rather than chasing outright performance.
Built for: A charming, old-school naked bike that rewards smooth, unhurried riding with a classic inline-four soundtrack and light, nimble low-speed manners.
Not ideal for: Not the right choice for riders wanting strong overtaking power, long-distance touring comfort, or any serious off-road capability.

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

Will it fit you?

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Your height

Inseam (optional)

Units

At 795mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 1997 Kawasaki Zephyr 550, with a relaxed knee angle of around 120 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: 553.0 ccm
Power: 50.0 HP (36.8 kW) @ 10000 RPM
Torque: 35.0 Nm (3.6 kgf-m)
Engine type: In-line four
Power/weight ratio: 0.2793 HP/kg
Bore x stroke: 58.0 x 52.4 mm
Compression: 9.5:1
Cooling system: Air
Starting: Electric
Valves per cylinder: 2

Transmission

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

Performance

Top speed: 190.0 km/h (118.1 mph)

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1435 mm
Seat height: 795 mm
Dry weight: 179.0 kg
Wet weight: 203.0 kg
Fuel capacity: 15.00 litres

Chassis & suspension

Front wheel travel: 140 mm
Rear wheel travel: 115 mm

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes: Dual disc
Front brakes diameter: 300 mm
Rear brakes: Single disc
Rear brakes diameter: 240 mm
Front tyre: 110/80-17
Rear tyre: 140/70-18

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	1991	1993	1995	1997	1999
Capacity	553.00 ccm (33.74 cubic inches)	553.00 ccm (33.74 cubic inches)	553.00 ccm (33.74 cubic inches)	553.00 ccm (33.74 cubic inches)	553.00 ccm (33.74 cubic inches)
Dry weight	—	—	—	179.0 kg (394.6 pounds)	—
Seat height	—	—	—	795 mm (31.3 inches)	770 mm (30.3 inches)
Fuel capacity	15.00 litres (3.96 gallons)	15.00 litres (3.96 gallons)	15.00 litres (3.96 gallons)	—	15.00 litres (3.96 gallons)