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Naked Motorcycles

1999Kawasaki Zephyr 550

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The 1999 Kawasaki Zephyr 550 is a classic naked bike that appeals to riders seeking approachable, reliable performance. Its air-cooled inline-four engine delivers smooth power with excellent fuel efficiency, making it ideal for commuting and casual riding. Known for its forgiving handling and retro styling, the Zephyr 550 remains a popular choice for beginners and experienced riders alike.

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

What’s new for the 1999 Kawasaki Zephyr 550

vs the 1998
Spec19981999
Torque 35.0 Nm (3.6 kgf-m or 25.8 ft.lbs) 40.0 Nm (4.1 kgf-m or 29.5 ft.lbs)
Top speed 190.0 km/h (118.1 mph) 160.0 km/h (99.4 mph)
Wet weight 203.0 kg (447.5 pounds) 206.0 kg (454.2 pounds)
Seat height 795 mm (31.3 inches) 770 mm (30.3 inches)
Other years 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested
Speed 40Agility 68Comfort 62Off-road 10Touring 45Road manners 70
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?

Worked out in your browser - nothing is sent to us
At 770mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 1999 Kawasaki Zephyr 550, with a moderate knee angle of around 115 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
40.0 Nm (4.1 kgf-m)
Engine type
In-line four
Power/weight ratio
0.2825 HP/kg (dry)
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
160.0 km/h (99.4 mph)
Dimensions & weight
Wheelbase
1435 mm
Seat height
770 mm
Dry weight
177.0 kg
Wet weight
206.0 kg
Fuel capacity
15.00 litres
Front percentage of weight
49.8
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 19911993199519971999
Capacity 553 cc 553 cc 553 cc 553 cc 553 cc
Dry weight 179 kg 179 kg 179 kg 179 kg 177 kg
Seat height 795 mm 795 mm 795 mm 795 mm 770 mm
Fuel capacity 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.

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Common questions

What is the engine size of the Kawasaki Zephyr 550?

The 1999 Kawasaki Zephyr 550 has a Capacity of 553.0 ccm (33.75 cubic inches).

What engine power does the Kawasaki Zephyr 550 have?

The 1999 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 1999 Kawasaki Zephyr 550 has a Gearbox of 6-speed.

What is the torque of the Kawasaki Zephyr 550?

The 1999 Kawasaki Zephyr 550 has a Torque of 40.0 Nm (4.1 kgf-m or 29.5 ft.lbs).

How much does the Kawasaki Zephyr 550 weigh?

The 1999 Kawasaki Zephyr 550 has a Dry weight of 177.0 kg (390.2 pounds).

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