2008Kawasaki ZZ-R 600

Rate this bike

40 fields on record

The 2008 Kawasaki ZZR600 is a lightweight sport bike ideal for novice and intermediate riders seeking affordable thrills. Its 599cc inline-four engine delivers accessible performance while the nimble handling and manageable power make it perfect for track days and spirited road riding. Known for reliability and value, the ZZR600 remains a popular entry-level sportbike.

Capacity: 599.0 ccm
Engine: In-line four, four-stroke
Gearbox: 6-speed
Dry weight: 198.0 kg
Seat height: 780 mm
Power: 98.0 HP (73.1 kW)

⇄ Compare with another bike ＋ Add to garage All model years

What’s new for the 2008 Kawasaki ZZ-R 600

vs the 2007

Spec	2007	2008
Dry weight	171.0 kg (377.0 pounds)	198.0 kg (436.5 pounds)
Seat height	820 mm (32.3 inches)	780 mm (30.7 inches)

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%

Cornering78%

City riding60%

Daily riding62%

Touring52%

Two-up55%

Track65%

Best for: Designed as a sport-touring oriented middleweight, blending inline-four sporty performance with a bit more comfort and practicality than a full-race supersport.
Built for: A responsive, carbureted inline-four sportbike that rewards revs with smooth power delivery and a lively, engaging feel through corners.
Not ideal for: Not a good fit for riders seeking off-road capability or those wanting a relaxed, upright cruiser-style riding position.

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 175cm with a 79cm (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2008 Kawasaki ZZ-R 600, with a cramped knee angle of around 85 degrees and a slightly forward 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 →

Find bikes that fit your height →

Full specifications

Engine

Capacity: 599.0 ccm
Power: 98.0 HP (73.1 kW)
EPA Certificate No.: 8KAXC.599AAD-008
EPA CO Emissions: 8.0 CO g/km
Engine type: In-line four, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio: 0.4949 HP/kg (dry)
Bore x stroke: 66.0 x 43.8 mm
Compression: 12.8:1
Cooling system: Liquid
Fuel system: Carburettor
Starting: Electric
Ignition: Digital
Aspiration: Naturally aspirated
Valves per cylinder: 4
Torque: Not on record - add it

Transmission

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

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1400 mm
Overall length: 2029 mm
Overall width: 729 mm
Overall height: 1176 mm
Seat height: 780 mm
Dry weight: 198.0 kg
Wet weight: 222.0 kg
Fuel capacity: 18.20 litres
Ground clearance: 145 mm

Chassis & suspension

Frame: Aluminum perimeter design
Front suspension: 46mm Cartridge Front Fork, fully adjustable / 4.7 in.
Rear suspension: UNI-TRAK® rear linkage, 20-way compression and rebound damping, ride height adjustment / 5.3 in.
Front wheel travel: 120 mm
Rear wheel travel: 130 mm
Rake (fork angle): 23.5°

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes: Double disc
Front brakes diameter: 300 mm
Rear brakes: Single disc
Rear brakes diameter: 220 mm
Front tyre: 120/65-ZR17
Rear tyre: 180/55-ZR17

Other

Color options: Ebony or Candy Plasma Blue

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	2000	2004	2008	2009
Capacity	599 cc	599 cc	593 cc	599 cc	599 cc	599 cc
Dry weight	195 kg	195 kg	195 kg	195 kg	198 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	18.2 L	18.2 L