1999 Kawasaki ZZ-R600 Review part 1

[@bartbug1]

I've owned two ZZR 1100 models, great bikes done a lot of miles on both. I now own ZZR600. Again a great bike and done a lot of miles on it. As to why I went smaller capacity? I can't say....but the 600 is a great bike. Mine has 178000kms on it, it's never let me down. Nor did it's bigger brother. My last ZZR1100 had 15000kms on it when I sold it, never an issue with Kawasaki motors. The ZZR600 is a beautiful lil bike, plenty of power. I don't race it nor have I flogged it, but it does love a good "revving" and it's never given me an issue, it will out race any car off the lights and it will keep up with most modern mid range bikes. I consider myself to be an average rider. I have a few spills, due to my own ability. But this bike is hands down the best I've owned, yes it's not an 1100, but it's plenty quick and so very versatile.

[@headrace4863]

@@bartbug1 agreed. They hugely over deliver in every aspect. Hence, the were sold for such a long time. Great machine… 👍

[@enigmaticloremaster1700]

I got one similar color but a 94 model, they go hard especially when you hit 10 K to 14 K . I live in Australia and if you own a vehicle over 30 yrs old you can register it as a classic historic vehicle and the registration is 1/3 the normal cost. Happy riding.🍀

[@atomicforcegaming2867]

Beautiful ! I picked up a 01 J2 ZX6R with 12k original miles on her.

[@stefanbernardknauf467]

Hi! I did eventually buy what looked at first sight like a huge bargain, an E 2004 built, no accident, only 12th Klicks (about 7500 miles I guess) in silver grey (not so nice but visible at least). All that for only 1900€! Didn't start with freezing weather on the day of purchase, according to the owner fully redone in the spring to ride for the season, but then left because of other bikes available. In real terms probably just done bare minimum to pass MOT. Air filter had a hole in it just to give an example of how complete this "complete overhaul" was. Battery also down, voltage too low to start, have to jump-start it and then it's running fat on cyl 4 and super-lean on 3 other cylinders. I hope it's just due to error in carb rebuild, I get at that once I have a new fuel hose. So looking forward to do it up and run it once the winter is passed. Keep you posted! Until then merry Christmas and a happy New year!

[@gnagsaar_]

Very good video! I just got myself one of these, and it's very comforting to hear someone telling me to do all the suff i want to do with it🤣👌👌 Brakes/suspension/air/possible headers ++

[@f.e.1952]

Nice video my friend, very informative. I agree they are still good looking bikes. 👍😊🏍 Stay safe.

[@headrace4863]

Many thanks. Yep, really enjoying this one. I spent a fun 3 hours reconnecting the second ram-air hose, as at higher speeds there was a slight hesitation on partial throttle. This has completely cured that, which is good. I’ve put 1000 miles on it in a month, now the warmer weather is here. Long tour planned of Wales in the next few weeks, so that’ll be great. More videos to follow. 👍 many thanks

[@kevinvandijk4871]

Very nice bike! 🔥🏍️💨 I just got myself a 1991 Ninja GPX 600r and it still rides awesome! 😎👌🏻

[@ujay888cc]

Lovely bike. Does what it says on the tin. "Knock yourself out!" 😉

[@bsandrade77]

Great review. After 20yrs, and kids becoming young adults, I'm itching to get back on 2 wheels. I want to start on budget: zzr 600, cbr f3 or katana. Your review is most sincere and comprehensive. Could you go over the zzr year model changes please? I see a 2005 with 25k for a good price and good to know any improvements Kawa made...

[@headrace4863]

Many thanks. Yeah, there’s a growing love for these at the moment. Which means unfortunately values are going up. The early D models had no fuel gauge, unadjustable front forks and styling changes. The E models remained essentially unchanged throughout their life, apart from the very last models having an immobiliser fitted. 2005 will be the last of the E models, and should have the immobiliser. The basic recipe for the bike was so good, apart from colours and very minor details the E models never changed. 👍

[@bsandrade77]

@@headrace4863 that simple 👌. Thanks

[@iwarren4697]

The E model forks were unadjustable for the first couple of model years. I have an E2 model which is non-adjustable.

[@headrace4863]

@@iwarren4697 ah that’s interesting. Appreciate the update. 👍

[@stefanbernardknauf467]

Hi there! I have my 2005 ZZR 600 registered and did about 500 km on it. I have a question about engine temperature: indicator always just stays at beginning of normal range, except maybe in town. But I haven't got it up to the middle of the gauge. Is that normal or should I check the thermostat? Cheers, Stefan

[@headrace4863]

Quite normal for most Kawasaki, they’re over cooled in road trim. You’ll find the fan kicks in about 1/3 the way up the gauge. When they’re raced they don’t run a cooling fan or thermostats so can get a bit warmer. They’ll boil over around 2/3 up the guage unless you run waterless coolant.

[@stefanbernardknauf467]

@@headrace4863 thought I remembered it as such from my first one, but wanted to make sure. Thanks! Still haven't got the fuelling totally right yet btw. Right now I want to put on some miles to get some flow through those carbs and to check consumption. Then I'll revise it all again I think. Trying to find proper repair kit though, I think the first kit wasn't correct.

[@stefanbernardknauf467]

Hi there! What shock did you put in the rear? Oh and there will never ever be any grease on my chains anymore either, what a mess...as for looks, it's a question of taste. I like it. My favourite French tester called it "the fastest snail ever" because the way it looks seen from the front. Cheers!

[@headrace4863]

The standard shock is very very poor, anything else is a better option. YSS or Hagon are both good options at a good price.

[@helgejohan3604]

Zzr 600 are faster and more comfortable then cbr600

[@ahuman9864]

Video starts at 25:50

[@slider3215]

Great bikes apart from rust in the tanks.Once this happens then game over

[@headrace4863]

Hi there. Sadly it’s the same for a lot of bikes from 25 years ago, worst thing for them is leaving them less than full for a long time.. as you say once the rot sets in they go on the bottom left (that’s where the water gathers..) and shows first by paint bubbling. Kawasaki’s particularly really suffer from this. ZXR’s were by far the worst. Unfortunately I can vouch for this from personal experience.