Sport Tourers

2009Kawasaki ZZ-R 600

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The 2009 Kawasaki ZZR 600 is a middleweight sport bike designed for riders seeking accessible performance and reliable daily usability. Its fuel-efficient 599cc inline-four engine delivers responsive acceleration suitable for both street and occasional track use. Known for its forgiving handling and practical comfort, it appeals to intermediate riders transitioning from smaller bikes.

Capacity: 599.0 ccm
Engine: In-line four, four-stroke
Gearbox: 6-speed
Dry weight: 171.0 kg
Seat height: 820 mm
Power: 98.0 HP (73.1 kW)

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What’s new for the 2009 Kawasaki ZZ-R 600

vs the 2008

Spec	2008	2009
Dry weight	198.0 kg (436.5 pounds)	171.0 kg (377.0 pounds)
Seat height	780 mm (30.7 inches)	820 mm (32.3 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%

Cornering75%

City riding62%

Daily riding65%

Touring68%

Two-up60%

Track60%

Best for: It's a sport-touring machine built for fast road riding, weekend blasts, and occasional longer trips rather than dedicated track days.
Built for: The ZZR 600 blends a punchy carbureted four-cylinder engine with a sport-touring chassis, offering a lively yet stable ride with real-world usability.
Not ideal for: It's not the right choice for off-road adventures, very short or inexperienced riders, or anyone seeking modern fuel-injected refinement and rider aids.

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 820mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with balls of both feet on the 2009 Kawasaki ZZ-R 600, with a moderate knee angle of around 90 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)
Engine type: In-line four, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio: 0.5731 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
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: 820 mm
Dry weight: 171.0 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, Candy Plasma Blue
Comments: A restricted version (48.5 kW / 66 hp) was also sold.

Specs last verified against published sources: October 2026.

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	2009
Capacity	599 cc	599 cc	593 cc	599 cc	599 cc
Dry weight	195 kg	195 kg	195 kg	195 kg	171 kg
Seat height	780 mm	780 mm	780 mm	780 mm	820 mm
Fuel capacity	18 L	18 L	18 L	18 L	18.2 L