Supersports part I

One of the most popular types of motorcycles in the United States are supersports. Supersports are mid-level sport bikes that usually use 600cc four cylinder engines. These bikes are capable of incredible performance at a reasonable price. They are especially popular with younger riders who want the high performance image. The supersport category traces its roots back to the mid 1980's. Kawasaki arguably introduced the first supersport in 1985 with the Ninja 600 (ZX600R). The Ninja 600 used an aluminum frame with a relatively small engine. This created a machine that handled better and was easier to ride. Yamaha followed the Ninja with the FZ600 in 1986. Honda introduced the CB600 Hurricane in 1987. Suzuki dragged their feet and didn't come out with a 600 version of the Gixxer until 1992.

Kawasaki ZX 600R Ninja 85-92
Honda CBR600F Hurricane 87-89
Yamaha FZ600 86-88

Over the following years the big four would go blow by blow, investing a good deal of time and money into this growing class. Kawasaki answered the Hurricane with the ZX6 Ninja. Yamaha updated the FZ600 with the FZR600. Honda dropped the Hurricane name and continued on with the CB600F series, a model that would be one of Honda's best sellers for years to come. Suzuki participated the least in this category. After the first generation GSX-R600 Suzuki left the supersport category for a few years. Suzuki's 600 would always be smaller versions of the company's GSX-R750.

Kawasaki ZX6 Ninja 93-94
Honda CBR600F/F2 90-94
Yamaha FZR600 89-99?
Suzuki GSX-R600 92-93
As the years went on the motorcycles go faster. The 600's began to transform in to miniature versions of their faster liter bike brothers. The Ninja got serious with its performance. Honda introduced the fourth generation of the CBR600, which was a huge success. Yamaha followed along, and Suzuki got back into the game.

Kawasaki ZX-6R Ninja 95-
Honda CBR600F3/F4/F4i 95-06?
Yamaha YZF600/YZF600R 95-03?
Suzuki GSX-R600 97-


To be continued...