Segment:
Sportbike, Supersport
Key Rivals:
Honda CBR600F Hurricane, Yamaha FZ600, Suzuki GSX-R600 (later models)
Distinctive Attributes:
Aerodynamic full fairing, DOHC inline-four engine, liquid cooling, advanced (for its time) suspension and braking systems.
Intended Users:
DIY enthusiasts and professional mechanics seeking detailed repair and maintenance information.
Major Systems:
Engine, Transmission, Chassis, Electrical System, Fuel System, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Suspension, Brakes, Steering, Bodywork, Pre-delivery Inspection, General Maintenance, Troubleshooting
Repair Procedures:
Removal, Installation, Disassembly, Assembly, Adjustment, Cleaning, Inspection, Troubleshooting, Diagnostics
Level Of Detail:
Comprehensive, step-by-step, with detailed illustrations, exploded diagrams, drawings, and photos for all procedures.
Included Notes:
Special notes, important points, service data, precautions, wear limits, torque specifications, factory specifications, allowable limits.
Special Tools:
Reference to special service tool numbers and their usage illustrated.
Engine Type:
Inline 4-cylinder, 4-stroke, DOHC, 16-valve
Displacement:
599 cc (36.6 cu in)
Bore X Stroke:
60.0 mm x 52.4 mm
Horsepower:
Approximately 80-83 HP @ 10,500 RPM (approximate, depending on market and specific model year)
Torque:
Approximately 38-40 lb-ft @ 9,500 RPM (approximate)
Carburetion:
Four Keihin CVKD30 carburetors
Oil Capacity:
Approximately 3.4 L (3.6 US qt) with filter change. (Specific value to be confirmed in manual)
Type:
Electronic ignition (CDI)
Length:
Approximately 2,130 mm (83.9 in) (Specific to market/year)
Width:
Approximately 750 mm (29.5 in) (Specific to market/year)
Height:
Approximately 1,170 mm (46.1 in) (Specific to market/year)
Dry Weight:
Approximately 185 kg (408 lbs) (Specific to market/year)
Wet Weight:
Approximately 203 kg (447.5 lbs) (Specific to market/year)
Tank Capacity:
17 Liters (4.5 US gal)
Crash Test Data:
N/A (Motorcycle safety ratings are not standardized like automobiles. Focus is on rider protection and vehicle handling.)
Braking System:
Front: Dual hydraulic disc, Rear: Hydraulic disc. (Specific caliper and disc sizes detailed in manual)
Suspension Front:
Telescopic fork, adjustable preload and rebound damping (market dependent). (Specific travel and damping rates in manual)
Suspension Rear:
Uni-Trak single shock absorber, adjustable preload and damping. (Specific travel and damping rates in manual)
Lighting:
Halogen headlamp, LED taillight (typical for the era).
Instrument Panel:
Analog speedometer, tachometer, coolant temperature gauge, fuel gauge, warning lights (oil pressure, neutral, turn signals, high beam).
Advanced Features:
N/A (This era of sportbike focused on mechanical performance rather than electronic rider aids.)
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 4,000-6,000 km (2,500-3,700 miles) or 6 months. (Refer to manual for precise intervals based on usage.)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically every 12,000-16,000 km (7,500-10,000 miles). (Specific recommendations in manual.)
Valve Clearance Check:
Typically every 16,000-24,000 km (10,000-15,000 miles). (Critical maintenance item detailed in manual.)
Engine Oil:
API SG or higher, SAE 10W-40 or 20W-50 motorcycle specific oil. (Verify specific viscosity by ambient temperature in manual.)
Coolant:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze mixed with distilled water (50/50 ratio). (Specific coolant type and capacity in manual.)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid. (Manual will specify exact type and replacement interval.)
Fork Oil:
Specific viscosity and quantity provided in manual (e.g., Showa SS-8 or equivalent).
Common Wear Items:
Cam chain wear, carburetor synchronization issues, electrical connector corrosion, regulator/rectifier failure (common on many bikes of this era), fork seal leaks.
Preventative Maintenance Focus:
Regular cleaning and lubrication of chain, proper tire pressure, diligent carburetor maintenance, and checking electrical connections are key to longevity.
Torque Values:
Extensive list of torque specifications for critical fasteners across all systems.
Diagnostic Charts:
Troubleshooting charts for various symptoms and electrical system diagnostics.
Kawasaki Legacy:
Kawasaki has a long history of producing high-performance motorcycles, particularly in the sportbike segment, dating back to the 1960s with models like the Mach III.
Gpz Lineage:
The GPZ line represented Kawasaki's move towards fully faired sportbikes with advanced technology. The 600R was a significant step in the evolution of the 600cc supersport class.
Manufacturing Location:
Primarily Japan
Key Competitors Era:
The mid-1980s was a golden age for Japanese sportbikes, with intense competition pushing innovation in performance and technology.
