Is the zzr600 as we know it dead?

just saw the picks for the '05 zzr600 (sounds like US release only), a rehashed version of the '00 zx6r. Does anyone know if it is coming to Oz?
I've never riden the 00 zx6 but from what i've been told it's not a confidence inspiring or easy bike to ride for a beginner which was the E models strength (correct if I'm wrong here people). Also the bars look pretty low more a soft sports bike than a sports tourer?
I would have thought the next logical step for the zzr600 was the injected 636 motor with a softer tune.

Long Live the zzr600-E 1993-2004

Dunno about all o' that, but I like the pic!

I'd be interested to know what the weight is, considering they make such a big deal about things being done to reduce the weight in the write up about it.

I'd also like to know the seat height

Just had a scan around the web, and doesn't look like that info is available yet, damnit.

Seat height is in the links I sent to the yahoo group, most info also on the KSRC website,
Seat height is 32.3 inches => 820cm

Found this - exact link hasn't been posted yet and actually includes
info on the 2005 ZZR600, as well as the half-faired z750
<http://www.motorcycle.com/mo/mckaw/04_05_Line-up/index.motml>

But the following link suggests it's based on an older ZX6R.
<http://www.motorcyclenews.com/nav?page=motorcyclenews.articles.articleCategory.article&resourceId=1198793&articleCategory=NEWS_NEW-BIKES>

If it's more comfortable that the older ZX6R, but based on it, then fair
enough. Seems like a good offer to me. But if it's just a rebadged
ZX6R.....

820??? Guess I can forget all about that one then

I'd be interested to know what the weight is, considering they make such a big deal about things being done to reduce the weight in the write up about it.
I'd also like to know the seat height

Both in Imperial measures on this site (scroll down, it's close to the bottom): http://www.motorcycle.com/mo/mckaw/04_05_Line-up/index.motml

Seat height is approx 820mm, which is 40mm higher than your current bike in stock form, and I dare say too tall for you, me and Colette.

Weight is good, it's down to 170-odd kg dry which is shitloads less than the E-Series.

IMHO, I think Kawasaki are making a huge mistake by making the ZZR too big for smaller riders. I don't know what the hell they're playing at, as the 1993-2004 E-Series ZZR-600 is the ONLY current sportsbike by any of the big Japanese manufacturers that I can come anywhere near getting my leg over, and I'm not really THAT short, unlike some of the ladies on this forum.

And a ZX-6R J1 remake - what, did they have some unsold stock they want to shift from the warehouse? Can't be bothered updating a design, we'll sell you the old one and hope you don't notice??? Puhlease...

By going this way they are going to alienate a significant percentage of their user base. Is anyone going to buy a '05 ZZR-600, if they can get a '05 ZX-6R with a 636cc motor which is just as comfortable, and has a more useful mid-range.

So maybe that Peter Stevens dealer was right after all, the ZZR-600 IS dead

Bah humbug!

I think it would be the last of line looks like the '02 zx6r to me, surely that would be the easiset to tool back up for and i think it would be a great idea if thats the case, I hope it gets released here Janelle wanted an '02 6 before an if its detuned surely it would be adjustable for ride height ... well lets hope.
Cheers Brett

...Janelle wanted an '02 6 before an if its detuned surely it would be adjustable for ride height ... well lets hope.

Yes, but you don't want to have to wind the preload in so far you're sitting on the back wheel. 40mm is a LOT of preload.

In my mind it's not a ZZR, it's a rebadged ZX.

Not happy Jan...

I'm glad I'm not a short arse ....until I try to by bike gear and find they don't have anything in my size

Like i posted in the questions re squat mick some bikes have Ride height adjustments thats not suspension adjustment like my zx9r had a spacer above the shock which could be reduced/removed. Real ride height adjustment isnt a suspension setting.
Cheers Brett
Ps My Ar$e isnt short its Small, my damn legs now they on the other hand

I love my '00 ZX6R, and I think it's the best of the ZX6's so far as looks, comfort, and usability goes... So you girls should be proud to have such a nice bike join your ranks...

I do believe however it is a weird move, and should have been done 2 years ago, so that it jumped from the ZX model straight to the ZZR, rather
than waiting 2 years, then seemingly re-releasing it..

Perhaps it will have EFI no carb's? But either way I think it's an ACE bike.

if i do ever replace the zzr600 i might go for the half faired z750, luckily for me i'm 182cm and the 810 seat height wont be much of a problem. I dont know why the bikes have got so tall, i suppose it helps with lean angle and ground clearence.

Perhaps it will have EFI no carb's?

Specs are listing it as having carbs... I think it'll be the 02 bike with a new paint job. Nothing wrong with that tho!

The '02 came out as a 636 too didn't it???

yup, quite a good bike til I had to sell it!!

the only prob I ever had with it was the fuel tank liked to make a "sucking" noise after a ride.

I took it to my Kwaka dealer and it seemed that was a feature on the 02 636's!!

I am still a big fan of the shape, in the zx6's and zx9's hence my current ride!!!

the only prob I ever had with it was the fuel tank liked to make a "sucking" noise after a ride.

In the hot weather, my ZZR250 used to do the same... I've heard it from quite a few other bikes too... It's certainly not specific to the 02 636
but talking about that - that'd be thread hijacking...

It'd be sad to see the ZZR turn into a ZX6R... they didn't do that with the ZZR1200... It looks nothing like any 12R I've seen.
I would've rather they mimicked the ZZR 1200 style... keep the family together and all