2005 Kawasaki ZZR Review

When the Kawasaki ZZR sport bike debuted in 2002 as a 2003 model, its manufacturer – Japanese heavy equipment manufacturer Kawasaki – created it as a 600cc ride, meaning that its engine displaces at a little below 600 cubic centimeters. However, two model years later, Kawasaki was producing two versions of the ZZR: the original 600cc version, which is called the ZZR 600; and a newer model with a larger engine displacement called the ZZR 1200. The manufacturer’s suggested retail prices for the 2005 Kawasaki ZZR are $7,299 for the ZZR 600 and $10,899 for the ZZR 1200.

Each 2005 Kawasaki ZZR is powered by a four-stroke, liquid-cooled, horizontal , four-cylinder engine, with 16 intake valves (four on each cylinder) and fueling from four Keihin carburetors. (They measure 36 millimeters on the ZZR 600 and 40-millimeters on the ZZR 1200). The engine displacements are actually 599 cc on the ZZR 600 and 1,164 cc on the ZZR 1200, but both numbers are rounded up to reflect the models’ respective numerical suffixes.

The engine on each 2005 Kawasaki ZZR is paired with a six-speed manual transmission, and the bike uses a chain drive. An electric starter is on each ZZR for convenient ignition. Regarding peak fuel capacity, it’s 4.8 gallons (18.2 liters) and 6.1 gallons (23.1 liters) on the ZZR 600 and ZZR 1200, respectively.

Each 2005 Kawasaki ZZR uses an all-wheel disc brake system for superior stopping power. However, the disc brakes on the ZZR 1200 are larger than those on the ZZR 600. A telescopic fork and a twin-sided UNI-TRAK® aluminum swing arm with rear shock comprise each bike’s suspension. For wheels and tires, the 2005 ZZR gets 17-inch aluminum wheels fitted with tubeless tires.

A full-fairing bike, the 2005 Kawasaki ZZR has a plastic shell covering its lightweight yet sturdy frame, with fenders, fork guards and a spoiler to add to the bike’s aggressive, sporty look. A center stand and kick stand provide the driver with two types of options to park the bike. Each 2005 Kawasaki ZZR gets vinyl seating, with accommodation for the driver and passenger on the ZZR 600 and accommodation for just the former on the ZZR 1200. Also, the seat on the ZZR 1200 is set at a lower height (31.5 inches, or 800.1 mm) than that of the ZZR 600 (32.3 inches, or 820.4 mm).

Digital instrumentation on the 2005 Kawasaki ZZR consists of a clock, tachometer, trip odometer, speedometer, and fuel level and temperature warning gauges. Also included are a windshield for deflecting the rushing wind, and halogen headlight and rearview mirrors for enhanced visibility during driving.

In terms of physical dimensions, the 2005 Kawasaki ZZR 600 has a length of 79.9 inches (2,030 mm), width of 28.7 inches (729 mm), height of 46.3 inches (1,176 mm), and wheelbase of 55.1 inches (1,399.5 mm). Also, it has a dry weight of 377 lbs. (171 kilograms). The ZZR 1200 is larger and heavier, with a length of 85 inches (2,158 mm), width of 29.7 inches (754 mm), height of 49 inches (1,244.6 mm), and dry weight of 520 lbs. (235.9 mm).

The Kawasaki ZZR is a top-notch sport bike with appealing styling, lots of punch, and supreme performance. Go for the ZZR 1200 for longer driving range, better braking and handling, and heightened engine power.