Kawasaki’s ZX-6 (or ZZR600 internationally) origins started in 1984 with the Ninja 600R (or GPz600 internationally) which was released to compete with Yamaha’s XJ600 (FJ600 here in the States). It featured a 592-cc liquid-cooled inline four-cylinder and was continuously updated in the following years. However, with a flood of competition in the feuding Japanese 600 market, the bike was losing ground to other models, including Honda’s CBR600F.
When 1990 came around, Kawasaki stepped up their game tremendously with the release of the ZX-6. Outfitted with an aluminium perimeter frame with steel sub-frame, 17-inch wheels, and sleek bodywork, the bike came in heavier at 489lbs, but this was offset by the new short stroke engine. Whereas the GPz600R measured at 60 x 52.4mm, the new bike measured 64 x 46.6mm. This lead to a claimed 98hp and a redline at 14,000 rpm! It was the fastest 600 upon release, even garnering 750-like comparisons amongst reviewers.
With its comfortable riding position and added weight, the bike leaned more into the sport tourer category than sport bike. A performance update came in 1993 with the frame becoming a shorter full-aluminium piece, new lighter and bigger valves, lighter pistons, better cam timing, and the addition of a ram air intake which helped push the ponies over the century mark. Even when Kawi released the mighty ZX-6R in ’95, it kept the ZX-6 in its lineup virtually unchanged until 2004 and ultimately ceased production in 2008.
Manufactured in January of 2002, this example is VIN: JKAZX4E172A073305. The seller acquired it in July 2022 from the original owner, who rode it for 5,000 kilometers and then put it in storage in his garage for 15 years.
During his ownership, the seller has covered roughly 13,000 kilometers. The odometer shows 18,147 kilometers (11,276 miles).
Maintenance:
“I have kept detailed maintenance logs from the day I bought it:
Bought at 5061 km on the Odo on July 12,2022
Safety inspection at 5091 km
Engine oil and filter change on in Sep 2022 @ 7000km
New fuel and air filter, carb rebuild in Sep 2022 @ 7080 km
Brake fluid change , coolant flush and change in May 2023 @ km
Fork seals and fork oil – 9000km @ July 2023
Engine oil change – 9000km @ Aug 2023
New Tires, Bridgestone Battlax T32, on Oct 2023
Oil and filter change at 9500 km in may 2024
Carb sync, July 2024
Aug 2025: 15968 km – air filter change, fuel filter , engine oil and oil filter change
Dec 2025 – new battery
Runs flawless. Starts every time. Takes a while to warm up if it hasn’t been ridden for weeks but no issues at all.”
Modifications:
“Completely stock, I like to keep my bikes stock. There is a Garmin GPS mount, which I will be taking off before selling.”
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Bridgestone Battlax T32 tires with date codes of 2921 and 1923.
“I have two keys, one key is still in the original package. Also has original factory user manual.”
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album in the “Photos” tab for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
“There are scratches on the left side fairing, which were painted over by previous owner. Also there is a minor crack on the left side cowl by the fuel tank.”
Currently located in Oakville, Ontario, Canada, this Kawasaki is offered on a clean Ontario registration.
Have any ZX-6 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
