Kawasaki ZZ-R600 (1990-2007)

Had a D2 model from new many years ago had it about 4 years and clocked up 78000 miles and just 1 clutch replacement and the normal exhaust replacement for a stainless one then traded it in for a Urban Tiger Blade.

Looking for a replacement for my 17 year old GPX600 I knew it had to be a middleweight and faired Kawasaki multi. Oh, and with a fairing as it commuted all through the year and would include occasional long trips. After looking at some ropey used ZZ-Rs for about 3 - 4 grand I found a shop selling a pre--registered H13 for just over four grand!! I nearly bit their arm off. The bike is just so efficient, especially after my clanky and worn-out old GPX. The engine is such a peach - the clinical proficiency you expect from a multi but with an atomic right hander when you're prepared to wind it on. It's also excellent around town, although a little more urge below 4,000 revs wouldn't go amiss. Finish is pretty good, although some of the fittings and exposed metal has suffered after only half a winter! Scottoil FS365 has helped to prevent it being even worse. One of the best things is its full stainless system (partly because it has a catalytic converter). Strengths: Engine - superb. Brakes - also superb, but need to be kept in tip top shape. Comfort - excellent. Looks - in silver it turns heads and has been mistaken for a ZZ-R1100. Handling - surprisingly good. Weaknesses: Low-down power below 3,000rpm Resistance to corrosion in winter (Relatively) cheap suspension.

Only problems are the front brake pads stick in winter if not kept clean and gearchange is notchy when chain is to slack can get between 8 and 10 thousand miles to a set of tyres if ridden sensibly and its been 100% reliable Ive toured two up with all luggage over spain with no trouble at all. Strengths: All of it. Weaknesses: Rear shock a bit soft as standard.

Bought a 92 D model on a limited budget a couple of years ago, only problems I've had are down to the age of the bike. When I first bought it, I was commuting 100 miles to work on Monday morning, and same home on Friday night easily, very comfortable. It's quick, fairly cheap to maintain, not the top spec but can hold it's own, damn good allround machine. Only gripe is an annoying flatspot between 6-7000rpm - cruising speed in top, can turn sweeping overtakes into a gearshift tap dance. Strengths: Versatility, comfort, performance. Weaknesses: Gearbox notchy if chain isn't kept perfectly adjusted, suspension is basic, no underseat storage.

After recently returning to two wheels from a twenty year gap, I have found this bike to be perfect for getting back to riding. A very forgiving bike, dosen`t complain, it`ll do all you ask and more. Strengths: Comfort, build quality, Engine is Bomb-proof, very quick just when you want it. Weaknesses: Notchy G/Box (1-3), Soft rear-end.

I used to ride this all over the country. Commuting from London to Manchester, commuting to Reading it handled all types of road fantastically. One of the most endearing features is the bikes low speed manoverability, it pulls at 1500 rpm and is quite agile through traffic, which means that it performs well as a commuter bike as well as the long haul down the motorway. Fuel efficiency is not bad, ridden sensibly you can expect 200+ miles to the tank, yet the rider can throw the bike down the twisties with the best. Strengths: Versatility. It is as good on the long haul as the in town commute. Reliability. I put 15000 on one of these with only a small problem with the injectors having lived outside through a particularly cold winter. Comfort. Pillions used to have trouble staying awake on long journeys. Weaknesses: Factory Set Up. Crank that back suspension down, otherwise you will whale around all over the place.

If you want a practical day to day bike that has adrenalin pumping acceleration & top speed & can double (or treble) as a tourer this is the bike for you. 0 to 156 with heart stopping acceleration in comfort is where this bike is at. Oh, and by the way, weather protection is pretty good too. Strengths: Comfort, passenger comfort, weather protection, speed, acceleration, economy (35 to 60 mph depending on you), low seat (for short a___s). Weaknesses: Weight (198kg), soggy shock absorbers, rotten exhaust.

Purchased in 2002 as a sports tourer, it has met that demand very well. Good examples are not difficult to find, these are not racing and scratching bikes so the owners tend to be a little more practical in their use. Smooth, very reliable, good weather protection. That said it is still reasonably quick but a little soft. Recommend an aftermarket rear shock, the orginal is not great. Something that can be adjusted easily. I replaced the exhaust with stainless down pipes and collector box for £350. Kawaski wanted £450 for the orginal parts...! Strengths: As above plus after market spares are more available than first seems. These do not tend to be listed so ask the advertisers in the MCN classifieds. The brakes are very good. Weaknesses: Steel parts can corrode easily. Without much cost / effort I have replaced various fitting with stainless and removed some brackets and repainted them. (Get to know your bike better). Look after the front brake seals, keep them calipers clean and the results are good.

Comfort is excellent. Bike is as fast as you'll ever need in the real world!