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ROUNDUP

KAWASAKI NINJA 600R The Ninja nobody knows

WHEN YOU THINK Kawasaki Ninja, what comes to mind? Probably the ultra-fast ZX-11 or Kawasaki's latest addition to its sportbike line, the ZX-9R. Perhaps the ZX-7 or ZX-6 grabs your imagination, and you remember what a great bargain the EX500 Ninja represents. Well, in case you didn't think of it, there's another Ninja lurking in the shadow of its peers. It's the Ninja 600R and at $5299, it's a screaming good deal.

With a host of high-performance specs such as 11.7:1

compression ratio, dual overhead cams, four valves per cylinder and a bank of four 32mm Keihin CV carburetors, the Ninja’s 592cc, liquid-cooled, inline-Four engine has some kick. Engine vibration is minimal through the lower revs, increasing slightly as the motor spins up to its 11,000-rpm redline. Power output is quite respectable right off the bottom, with enough on tap throughout the midrange that turning high revs is not neccessary. Spin ’er up, though, and there’s a noticeable surge as the tach sweeps past 7000 rpm, producing enough juice up top to squirt out of comers with surprising authority. The sixspeed gearbox is one of Kawasaki’s slickest shifters and features the company’s unique positive neutral finder.

Cold starts are a breeze with the bar-mounted choke lever. Even with the engine fully warm, though, carburetion is a little lean at cracked throttle, causing a bothersome hesitation as the throttle is first rolled open.

New handlebar switchgear taken from the ZX-11 has been added for ’94, along with a much simpler non-adjustable fork-sans the previous antidive system. The 600R’s single rear shock has air-adjustable spring preload and a four-position rebound damping plunger knob, both of which are located behind the right side panel. Even at its softest settings, the rear suspension is a bit harsh.

In contrast, the front end is very compliant. The 600R has very light, neutral steering with suspension, brakes and tires competent enough to take on the twisties.

While the Ninja’s thinly padded saddle does little to absorb sharp road bumps, its 29.7inch seat height is the lowest in the middleweight sportbike class, a plus for riders short on inseam or confidence. For convenience, there’s a passenger grabrail and fold-out bungee hooks.

The instrument panel is legible and complete, including fuel and engine-temperature gauges and the usual indicator lights. A large petcock knob is easy to reach with your left hand when turning to Reserve while under way. Fit and finish is good, right down to the hinged, locking gas cap, another ZX-11 touch.

When you stop to think about it, the 600R has a lot to offer: style, handling, good power and a strong bloodline. And it might be the best value in the Ninja family. -Don Canet