Naked Motorcycles
1998Kawasaki Zephyr 550
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The 1998 Kawasaki Zephyr 550 is a lightweight naked bike powered by an air-cooled 553cc inline-four engine, delivering 50 horsepower and nimble handling. Ideal for new riders and commuters, it excels in urban environments with its manageable seat height and responsive mid-range performance. Best known for reliable, affordable motorcycle thrills with classic styling.
- Capacity
- 553.0 ccm
- Engine
- In-line four
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Dry weight
- 177.0 kg
- Seat height
- 795 mm
- Power
- 50.0 HP (36.8 kW) @ 10000 RPM
What’s new for the 1998 Kawasaki Zephyr 550
vs the 1997| Spec | 1997 | 1998 |
|---|---|---|
| Dry weight | 179.0 kg (394.6 pounds) | 177.0 kg (390.2 pounds) |
How it rides
Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested- 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?
Worked out in your browser - nothing is sent to usEngine
- 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
- 0.2825 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
- 177.0 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 | 1998 | 1999 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 553 cc | 553 cc | 553 cc | 553 cc | 553 cc | 553 cc |
| Dry weight | 179 kg | 179 kg | 179 kg | 179 kg | 177 kg | 177 kg |
| Seat height | 795 mm | 795 mm | 795 mm | 795 mm | 795 mm | 770 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 15 L | 15 L | 15 L | 15 L | 15 L | 15 L |
Illustrative - generated automatically by diffing the year records already on file, not a manufacturer-published changelog.
Rider Reviews
Common questions
What is the engine size of the Kawasaki Zephyr 550?
The 1998 Kawasaki Zephyr 550 has a Capacity of 553.0 ccm (33.75 cubic inches).
What engine power does the Kawasaki Zephyr 550 have?
The 1998 Kawasaki Zephyr 550 has a Power of 50.0 HP (36.8 kW) @ 10000 RPM.
How many gears does the Kawasaki Zephyr 550 have?
The 1998 Kawasaki Zephyr 550 has a Gearbox of 6-speed.
What is the torque of the Kawasaki Zephyr 550?
The 1998 Kawasaki Zephyr 550 has a Torque of 35.0 Nm (3.6 kgf-m or 25.8 ft.lbs).
How much does the Kawasaki Zephyr 550 weigh?
The 1998 Kawasaki Zephyr 550 has a Dry weight of 177.0 kg (390.2 pounds).
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