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Sportbikes

1998Kawasaki ZX-9R Ninja

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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 (105.2 kW) @ 11000 RPM

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

vs the 1997
Spec19971998
Power 141.0 HP (103.7 kW) @ 10500 RPM 143.0 HP (105.2 kW) @ 11000 RPM
Torque 96.0 Nm (9.8 kgf-m or 70.8 ft.lbs) @ 9000 RPM 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)
Dry weight 213.0 kg (469.6 pounds) 183.0 kg (403.4 pounds)
Wet weight 218.0 kg (480.6 pounds) 213.0 kg (469.6 pounds)
Seat height 800 mm (31.5 inches) 810 mm (31.9 inches)
Other years 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested
Speed 83Agility 77Comfort 45Off-road 5Touring 35Road manners 80
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
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 →

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Full specifications

Engine
Capacity
899.0 ccm
Power
143.0 HP (105.2 kW) @ 11000 RPM
Torque
101.0 Nm (10.3 kgf-m)
Engine type
In-line four, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio
0.7814 HP/kg (dry)
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
Wheelbase
1415 mm
Overall length
2058 mm
Overall width
747 mm
Overall height
1152 mm
Seat height
810 mm
Dry weight
183.0 kg
Wet weight
213.0 kg
Fuel capacity
19.00 litres
Ground clearance
158 mm
Chassis & suspension
Front wheel travel
120 mm
Rear wheel travel
130 mm
Brakes & wheels
Front brakes
Dual disc
Front brakes diameter
296 mm
Rear brakes
Single disc
Rear brakes diameter
220 mm
Front tyre
120/70-ZR17
Rear tyre
180/55-ZR17

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 19961998200020012003
Capacity 899 cc 899 cc 899 cc 899 cc 899 cc
Dry weight — 183 kg 184 kg 185 kg 186 kg
Seat height 800 mm 810 mm 815 mm 825 mm 827 mm
Fuel capacity 20 L 19 L 19 L 19 L 18 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 ZX-9R Ninja?

The 1998 Kawasaki ZX-9R Ninja has a Capacity of 899.0 ccm (54.86 cubic inches).

What engine power does the Kawasaki ZX-9R Ninja have?

The 1998 Kawasaki ZX-9R Ninja has a Power of 143.0 HP (105.2 kW) @ 11000 RPM.

How many gears does the Kawasaki ZX-9R Ninja have?

The 1998 Kawasaki ZX-9R Ninja has a Gearbox of 6-speed.

What is the torque of the Kawasaki ZX-9R Ninja?

The 1998 Kawasaki ZX-9R Ninja has a Torque of 101.0 Nm (10.3 kgf-m or 74.5 ft.lbs).

How much does the Kawasaki ZX-9R Ninja weigh?

The 1998 Kawasaki ZX-9R Ninja has a Dry weight of 183.0 kg (403.4 pounds).

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