Here we hope to give a comphrensive list of all the model years and color schemes of the E. As well as any pertinent changes in parts for a given year where applicable. Keep in mind this focuses on the US market as that's where most of us are from, and that's what we have the info for. If you have information regarding other markets especially pictures of color schemes for given model years, please post on the forums and let us know! Anyways, let's have a look.

Let's start at the beginning with a little history. In 1990, Kawasaki introduced an all new supersport class motorcycle, the zx-6 (VIN code D). The zx-6(D) replaced the Kawasaki 600R as the top 600cc sportbike in the Kawasaki lineup. This bike also made the most horsepower of all the 600cc class sportbikes in 1990. The D was made from 1990-1993 (D1-D4), and in stock form featured air adjustable front suspension damping, a low fuel warning light (in leu of a fuel gauge and/or reserve fuel setting), dual exhaust, a centerstand, and simple ram-air induction.

In 1993, the last model year of the D, Kawasaki introduced a much revised version of the zx-6 with the VIN code now rolled to 'E'. In 1993, the zx-6 (E1) again was the most powerful sportbike in the 600cc class, as well as the top 600 in the Kawasaki lineup. The E retained the dual exhaust setup, but gone for 1993 were the fuel warning light and air adjustable front forks. New additions were a fuel gauge, tank reserve & shutoff switch, key removable seat, bodywork-integrated turn signals, and more sophisticated ram-air inductions system. Also notable, the design of the engine clutch cover changed slightly mid year.

In 1995, the zx-6 (E3) front suspension was revised to include damping adjustment. Part way through the 1995 model year, the transmission was revised slightly. The gear engagement tab configuration (referred to as 'gear dogs') changed from a 6 dog configuration to a 5 dog setup. The rest of the transmission remained the same. Also, the zx-6r (VIN code F) was added to the Kawasaki lineup and replaced the E as the top 600cc offering.

In 1996, the zx-6 (E4) gauge cluster was revised slightly to include a digital clock.

In 2000 we saw the introduction of the 'black' frame. (I guess it's really more of a really dark grey...)

The next notable revision was in 2003. In the USA, the zx-6 name was changed to the zzr600 name that the rest of the world uses. Also, the dual exhaust system was changed to all silver/chrome with double wall cooling jackets added to the mufflers.

In 2005, the USA zzr600 dropped the zx-6 (VIN code E) platform and the "all new for 2005" zzr600 adopted the 2000-2002 zx-6r (VIN code J) platform. However, the Canadian market retained the zx-6 platform for the 2005 zzr600 (zx-6 E13). It's likely other markets kept the E platform as well but is not known for sure, anyone abroad care to let us know?

We've attempted to show each model year with an image of a stock bike showing the available color scheme for that year. It is not always easy to come by a picture of a bone stock bike, so some alterations may exist in the images included below. Rest assured each model came stock with a clear windshield and black seat, and full plastic rear fender. All variations for a model year have been noted. Enjoy.

For a key of what country a model is from, please refer to the internet TLD identification code as listed: HERE

P.S. we have added a new section of unknowns at the bottom. Please have a look and help up identify them.

Ebony Black/Pearl Teal Green (US)

Metallic Blue-Violet/Luminous Rose Opera(US)

Blue/Rose (DE)

Lime Green/Pearl Alpine White (US)

Ebony Black (US)

Red (AU)

White/blue/red (DE)

Lime Green/Pearl Alpine White (US)

Firecracker Red (US)

Red/black (DE)

Lime Green/Ebony Black (US)

Candy Wine Red/Ebony Black (US)

Luminous Windsor Green (US)

Candy Wine Red (US)

Luminous Windsor Green (US)

Amaranth Red Mica (US)

Candy Persimmon Red (US) Only red model with Blue Kawasaki tank logo

Dark Claret/grey (official?) (DE)

Candy Persimmon Red/Ebony Black (US) Note new black frame

Pearl Purplish Black Mica (US)

Candy Persimmon Red (US)

Two Tone Grey (not official name) (CA)

Pearl Mystic Black (US) Note new chrome mufflers

Metallic Ruby Red (US) Note black mirrors and grab bar
Candy Thunder Blue Metallic(CA)	Galaxy Silver Metallic (CA)

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