KAWASAKI ZX-6R (1998 - 1999) Review

Year: 1999

Annual servicing cost: £100

I bought one for a track bike, it cost less than dropping my Ducati.After doing track days on it I am more than impressed, although tracks with long straits are frustrating if you hit the limiter in top half way along the main straight.

Version: G1

Year: 1998

The best thing about this bike is the how it is all old skool, the looks with it's 90's paint job, carbs, analouge clocks, comfy semi sporty riding position with lots of room and a decent enough seat for a pillion and no electronic fancy riding gadgets so it's all down to you and your bike control. I sit on it and just wish they would make modern bikes with these looks and ergonomics.Still quite quick for an old 600 and will put a smile on your face when you open the throttle far enough and as others have said the induction noice and roar from the standard exhaust when on full chat sounds great. What attracted me to the 6R was that to me it had a bit more edge to it than a CBR or thundercat of the same age, even if overall the cbr might be a better bike the 6R seemed to have more soul.Worst thing is trying to get genuine Kawasaki parts, most service stuff not an issue but alot of items dicountinued now or expensive so you have to go pattern, eBay or refurbed.

Buying experience: Bought privately for £1600 probably a few hundred too much in retrospect. Next time I would spend longer looking as there are plenty still out there and get one that's already well fettled and looked after as you can easily add a good few hundred for new discs and pads onto the price and they are often in bad shape, basically pay as much as you can afford and be picky if you want a nice one.

Version: G2

Year: 1999

Annual servicing cost: £100

Cracking bike that does it all. Commute, tour and trackdays. Awesome value for money. No computers, modes or any other modern gadgets. The most tech advanced bit is probably the digital clock / odometer! And it has carbs and a fuel tap. (No fuel lights on the dash). I just love the 20th century innocence of this bike.

Buying experience: Bought new from Motorcycle City in 1999. (They went bust ages ago and to be honest I wouldn't recommend them if they were still about.) I paid £6495 OTR with 4 years 0% finance. (Which is why I used Motorcycle City). Once you have signed on the dotted line, they don't want to know you. (And the PDI was rubbish)

Version: G2

Year: 1999

Second one I've owned. I love these bikes

Year: 1998

Best overall bike I think Great engine good handling and reliable And the colour green is the best

Buying experience: Dealer wanted a price but came down as I had cash and no trade in

Version: G1/G2

Year: 1998

There are no bad points on the 98 zx6r in my opinion, its sturdy, fast, easy to handle and looks really beautiful better than newer models.

Buying experience: Privately, easy and quick buy. I paid less than you would normally expect £830 ish with minor scratches from previous owner fall- fixed easily

Version: G1

Year: 1998

Anyone who needs a cheap, easy handling bike. A bit old now but anyway still good.

Buying experience: Perfect. Cheap to buy..but not to insure.

Version: G2 ninja

Year: 1999

Annual servicing cost: £100

Engine characteristics are great. Strange tyre size 120/60/17 170/60/17.

Buying experience: Bought private for £1225, bargain. All original except exhaust can and data tool alarm and immobiliser

This is my first 600 (moved up from a geared 50 :P) and it really is a brilliant machine, the only downsides are that I'm 6ft so it can get abit wristy and the fact that it doesn't have a fuel light. Other than that this is a truley awsome bike!

Had my 6r for a year and love it it's quick, reliable and cost effective.

i bought this bike a few years ago,as it was comfortable and roomy,brakes were a bit spongy but discs and pads/hose upgrade sorted that!also ohlins steering damper,who needs a new 600 these are just as good,and can easily keep up the pace

I am very proud to be riding this bike, yeah its the biggest i've ridden, but what a bike i love it. the sound from my scorpion can through the k&n is awesome, very addictive. I covered 800 miles when i bought it few weeks ago in a week and enjoyed it all, i've never felt so confident in the wet and the power in all gears is soo useable, it goes faster than the figures say too, the 3 pot brakes are awesome too and the bike is soo comfy compared to any other sports bike i've rode, go by one i got mine from dealer with extras and a warranty with 11k on the clock and 2 new tyres for ....wait for it 2 grand. the best 2 grand i ever spent, and no the green ones not faster lol

Sorry to all of you that think Kwaks are only green, the Black/Gunmetal G1 is the best! Went like stink, the engine is unbelievable after bandits and the like, and the airbox howl makes it seem 20mph faster, especially with a micron can. Build quality seems good, after 7 years my G1 is mint, not even a hint of corrosion. Riding position is ace for tall riders, had to ride an SV650 for a month after being knocked off it and hated every minute in comparison. Screen is great, mirrors steady and clear, the whole bike screams quality. Will never buy anything except Kawasaki again! Strengths: Engine, looks (NOT green!) Ride quality, Build, Sound (oh yes!). Weaknesses: You will be devastated if you crash it! Seat wobbles(!) Crappy stiff fuel tap, hard to find an un-bodged original one.

This was my 1st big bike,i t is a cracking bike for a 1st timer. It is comfy enough for short or longer distance riding, not to painful on the wrists. Riding position is user friendly not over stretched & this is from a 5ft 9inch bloke. Get it to 9000rpm & it is instant grin factor. Strengths: Changed from Bridgestone 010's what it came with over to the 020's. These are a little more hard wearing, but still gives loads of feel. Weaknesses: None for the bike, only me because I can't get the best from it.

This bike has taken everything in its stride. Almost 40000 miles in five years with no major problems. Everything from daily commutes to European tours. Its still great to look at, still puts a huge grin on my face, and still comfy for 400 miles in a day. What more could you ask for? Just the noise it makes at high revs is enough to make anyone laugh and grin like an idiot. Strengths: Engine, noise, comfort, easy handling, brakes, 180 miles from a tank, reliability...... Weaknesses: Expensive when you drop it. Could do with a bit more power now I'm used to it. (An extra 36cc might sort it...).

I have a 99 G2 model and only planned to keep it for 2 years. I'm on my 4th year and still plan on keeping it for at least another 2. I just love it's mix of raw power, easy handling and still good looks and comfort. It is used every single day for commuting and 3-4 trackdays in the fast group too. It takes it all in it's stride superbly. Reliable and economical too! Just love it. Strengths: Performance. Steering. Brakes ( after hoses and pad change ). Economy. Comfort. Weaknesses: On 3rd set of fork seals and 2nd set of brake discs.

When I was looking for a sports 600, it was between the GSXR and the ZXR, The ZXR won on looks, and I'm glad I went for it, I like the riding position and power delivery, the induction niose on this bike is something else, the engine appears to be unbustable, finish isn't Honda quality, but its stood up well to all year round riding. Strengths: Looks, Engine. Weaknesses: Carb icing, Dunlops.