It takes something special to stand out in the middleweight sportbike segment, especially in the used market when a goodly number join the fray each year. The seller spotted this back-of-the-garage find a few years ago and returned it to the road with several major service items. As delivered in period black and turquoise livery, this 600R is a great survivor and affordable classic.
1994 Kawasaki 600R ( GPX600 ) with just 6,900 miles !
Though there isn’t much radical engineering in this profitable corner of the showroom, the Ninja 600R does boast more than 100 hp per liter at 84, thanks to 11.71-to-1 compression on the twin-cam four. Kawasaki’s Electronic Suspension Control ( ESCS ) compensated for front end dive under braking, and their Uni-Track with adjustable monoshock tamed the rear end. The frame-mounted fairing cut a hole in the wind for rider, and vinyl tank panels offered good grip.
Likely purchased new by a fledgling rider, this 600R was parked soon afterward, and re-commissioned by the new owner after almost 20 years on the lam. Since the drivetrain is pretty much bulletproof, the rehab involved all liquids, new rubber, carb rebuild and a thorough cleaning of the fuel system. The seller has these comments about the bike and its return to service:
I acquired this bike back in 2016 with approximately 2,500 original miles and it was completely original down to the tires. It still has the original owner’s manual, tool kit, factory key, and is completely stock right down to the exhaust.
I replaced all the fluids, installed new spark plugs, a new UNI air filter, a new battery, and had new Bridgestone Battleax BT tires fitted. The tank has been removed and professionally cleaned, given a new petcock valve, and I had all four carburetors professionally rebuilt at the same shop that the tank was cleaned.
The bike has since been ridden 4,500 trouble-free miles over the past three years, and at the time of writing has about 7,000 miles, however, this number will go up every weekend as I like to ride it to keep the carbs in shape. Minor cosmetic blemishes include light scratches on the tank, two small scratches on the left rear cowl, mild corrosion on the coolant drain plug, and small bits of rust starting to surface on the exhaust.
You never see these anywhere anymore and this all original example is the best I’ve seen for sale in years. Even if you’re not a collector, this Ninja 600R is a fun, reliable survivor that gets attention from onlookers that know, and is a terrific and inexpensive way to enjoy a classic sportbike.
Asking price is $3,500 and offers are requested by text message at (757) 806-9296
Having served a generation of daily riders, The seller is right that they are rarely seen in this condition these days, and the best way to maintain a fuel system is to use it occasionally. Maybe this all original model was your brother’s favorite bike, or a friend needs a down payment-sized entrée into the sporty side, either way this 600R looks ready to please a new owner.
-donn
