REVIEW - KAWASAKI Ninja ZX-6R '2019 - when a miracle is available to everyone!

Kawasaki ZX-6R sports motorcycle model

appeared in 1995.
The motorcycle was based on the developments and technologies of the older version of the Kawasaki ZX-9R, including the proprietary inertial charging system (Ram-Air), which gives an increase in power at high speeds. This generation was designated ZX600F
and had a maximum power of 105 hp.

In 1998, the model undergoes a slight restyling and receives minor technical changes. In particular, the design of the filter box has changed, due to which the maximum power has increased to 108 hp. The model also received 6-piston front calipers, increased rear tire width (up to 170 mm), new front suspension (fork leg diameter increased from 41 to 46 mm) and new Mikuni carburetors (instead of Keihin). Factory model designation - ZX600G

.

In 2000, the Kawasaki ZX-6R again received updates regarding the engine (the compression ratio was increased, power increased to 111 hp), wheel size (the front tire slightly increased in profile, the rear tire became wider - 180 mm) and electrics (new generator, new ignition coils). Factory designation - ZX600J

.

In 2002, Kawasaki released a new modification with a larger engine - Kawasaki ZX-6R 636

.
Factory designation - ZX636A
.
This model was built on the ZX600J body with the addition of "636" decals on the fairing. For competition enthusiasts, a 599 cc version was also available and was now called Kawasaki ZX-6RR
.

In 2003, the model series received another restyling. Factory designations - ZX600K

,
ZX600M
;
ZX636B
. The model gets a new look, inverted forks, 4-piston radial calipers at the front and fuel injector. Engine speed increased by 500 rpm.

2005 - another restyling of the model. Factory designation - ZX600N

,
ZX636C
,
ZX636D
. Maximum engine speed was increased by another 1000 rpm, and the compression ratio was increased to 12.9, which increased the ZX636's power to 130 hp. The diameter of the front brake discs was increased to 300 mm (instead of 280 mm), and the fuel tank capacity was reduced to 17 liters.

In 2007, Kawasaki no longer offers the 636 version, leaving only the 600 cc version, changing its name to the usual one - Kawasaki ZX-6R

.
Factory designation - ZX600P
. The model received significant changes to the engine, affecting the crankshaft, increasing the compression ratio and raising the maximum power to 125 hp. The front tire size has changed to the standard size - 120/70.

In 2009, the model changes again, receiving an updated appearance and a new Showa Big Piston Fork front fork. In 2010, the model receives a new clutch with a slip function. Factory designation - ZX600R

.

For 2013, Kawasaki is once again offering the ZX-6R 636 as the main version of the motorcycle, while simultaneously selling the ZX-6R at a reduced price. The model also receives a traction control system (KTRC - Kawasaki Traction Control) with 3 presets "sport", "city" and "rain", an intelligent anti-lock braking system (KIBS - Kawasaki Intelligent anti-lock Brake System), Power Mode with the ability choice of 2 fuel maps, a new frame and a new generation of Showa BPF-SFF suspension. The maximum power of the 636 version increases to 131 hp.

For 2022, Kawasaki updates the ZX6R model, leaving only one version on the market with a 636 cc engine. The main differences of the new version include a slightly updated appearance, LED optics, the presence of a KQS (Kawasaki Quick Shifter) quickshift system, a retuned rear suspension and optimization of the engine and gearbox (gear ratios). Factory generation designation - ZX636G

(with ABS) and
ZX636H
(without ABS).

Kawasaki ZX6R: electronic options:

• KIBS (Kawasaki Intelligent anti-lock Brake System) ABS - since 2013
• KQS (Kawasaki Quick Shifter) - from 2022
• KTRC (Kawasaki TRaction Control) - since 2013

The main competitors of the Kawasaki ZX-6R in the class:

• Honda CBR600RR
• Suzuki GSX-R600
• Yamaha YZF-R6

Brief history of the model

• 1995 - start of production and sales. First generation.

Model

: Kawasaki ZX-6R (Europe, North America).
Factory designation
: ZX600-F1.

• 1996 - no significant changes.

Model

: Kawasaki ZX-6R (Europe, North America).
Factory designation
: ZX600-F2.

• 1997 - no significant changes.

Model

: Kawasaki ZX-6R (Europe, North America).
Factory designation
: ZX600-F3.

• 1998 - restyling of the model. Second generation
  .

Model

: Kawasaki ZX-6R (Europe, North America).
Factory designation
: ZX600-G1, ZX600-H1.

• 1999 - no significant changes.

Model

: Kawasaki ZX-6R (Europe, North America).
Factory designation
: ZX600-G2, ZX600-H2.

• 2000 - restyling of the model. Third generation
  .

Model

: Kawasaki ZX-6R (all markets).
Factory designation
: ZX600-J1.

• 2001 - no significant changes.

Model

: Kawasaki ZX-6R (all markets).
Factory designation
: ZX600-J2.

• 2002 - no significant changes. Appearance of modification ZX-6r 636.

Model

: Kawasaki ZX-6R;
Kawasaki ZX-6R (636) (all markets). Factory designation
: ZX600-J3; ZX636-A1.

• 2003 - restyling of the model. Fourth generation
  .

Model

: Kawasaki ZX-6R;
Kawasaki ZX-6R (636) (Europe, North America). Factory designation
: ZX600-K1; ZX636-B1.

• 2004 - no significant changes.

Model

: Kawasaki ZX-6R;
Kawasaki ZX-6R (636) (Europe, North America). Factory designation
: ZX600-M1; ZX636-B2.

• 2005 - restyling of the model. Fifth generation
  .

Model

: Kawasaki ZX-6R;
Kawasaki ZX-6R (636) (Europe, North America, Asia). Factory designation
: ZX600-N1; ZX636-C1.

• 2006 - no significant changes.

Model

: Kawasaki ZX-6R;
Kawasaki ZX-6R (636) (Europe, North America, Asia). Factory designation
: ZX600-N6F; ZX636C6F, ZX636D6F.

• 2007 - restyling of the model. Sixth generation
  .

Model

: Kawasaki ZX-6R (Europe, North America, Asia).
Factory designation
: ZX600P7F.

• 2008 - no significant changes.

Model

: Kawasaki ZX-6R (Europe, North America, Asia).
Factory designation
: ZX600P8F.

• 2009 - restyling of the model. Seventh generation
  .

Model

: Kawasaki ZX-6R (Europe, North America, Asia).
Factory designation
: ZX600R9F.

• 2010 - no significant changes.

Model

: Kawasaki ZX-6R (Europe, North America, Asia).
Factory designation
: ZX600RAF.

• 2011 - no significant changes.

Model

: Kawasaki ZX-6R (Europe, North America, Asia).
Factory designation
: ZX600RBF.

• 2012 - no significant changes.

Model

: Kawasaki ZX-6R (Europe, North America, Asia).
Factory designation
: ZX600RCF.

• 2013 - restyling of the model. Eighth generation
  .

Model

: Kawasaki ZX-6R;
Kawasaki ZX-6R 636 + ABS (Europe, North America, Asia). Factory designation
: ZX600RDF; ZX636EDF + ZX636FDF.

• 2014 - no significant changes.

Model

: Kawasaki ZX-6R;
Kawasaki ZX-6R 636 + ABS (Europe, North America, Asia). Factory designation
: ZX600REF; ZX636EEF + ZX636FEF.

• 2015 - no significant changes.

Model

: Kawasaki ZX-6R;
Kawasaki ZX-6R 636 + ABS (Europe, North America, Asia). Factory designation
: ZX600RFF; ZX636EFF + ZX636FFF.

• 2016 - no significant changes.

Model

: Kawasaki ZX-6R;
Kawasaki ZX-6R 636 + ABS (Europe, North America, Asia). Factory designation
: ZX600RGF; ZX636EGF + ZX636FGF.

• 2017 - no significant changes.

Model

: Kawasaki ZX-6R;
Kawasaki ZX-6R 636 + ABS (North America, Japan). Factory designation
: ZX600RHF; ZX636EHF + ZX636FHF.

• 2018 - no significant changes.

Model

: Kawasaki ZX-6R;
Kawasaki ZX-6R 636 + ABS (North America, Japan). Factory designation
: ZX600RJF; ZX636EJF + ZX636FJF.

• 2019 - restyling of the model. "Ninth Generation"

Model

: Kawasaki ZX-6R + ABS (All markets).
Factory designation
: ZX636GKF (with ABS) + ZX636HKF (without ABS).

• 2020 - no significant changes.

Model

: Kawasaki ZX-6R + ABS (All markets).
Factory designation
: ZX636GLF (with ABS) + ZX636HLF (without ABS).

• 2021 - no significant changes.

Model

: Kawasaki ZX-6R + ABS (All markets).
Factory designation
: ZX636GMFNN, ZX636GMFAN (ABS) + ZX636HMFNN, ZX636HMFAN (without ABS).

• 2022 - Model no longer offered on the European market.

Model

: Kawasaki ZX-6R + ABS (All markets).
Factory designation
: ZX636GNFNN, ZX636GNFAN (ABS) + ZX636HNFNN, ZX636HNFAN (without ABS).

Comfort

When it comes to sporty riding, the Kawasaki ZX-6R (636) is certainly comfortable. But for a beginner who has just passed his license, such a bike will become extremely dangerous. In the city the car is comfortable with its nimbleness, but it falls over quite easily at slow speeds. The motorcycle is absolutely not designed to be ridden with a passenger.

The windshield does not obstruct your view. It is classic for this type of technology. It is convenient to lie on the tank if necessary. This will be required not only at speeds above 130 km/h, but also during acceleration.

This bike is fast, and therefore the flow of air towards the rider will be rapid. Or rather, there will be strong air resistance to the driver, and he will have to bend down.

The motorcycle itself is also comfortable because of the cost of it and its spare parts. In the Russian Federation, such a bike can be bought for 150 thousand rubles. This is not a lot of money for such a powerful car, considering that it is still capable of competing with the best representatives of the sports class in various aspects.

Reviews

Reviews of Kawasaki ZX6R (636):

Expand Collapse

The warm days have arrived and I started to roll out! It was still April, just the beginning, cold and wet, and the tires didn’t hold up at all yet, well, I didn’t twist it much) and I already really liked it)))! In general, everyone told me that the 600s don’t work, and after a liter I’d be upset. What kind of does not pull from the bottom, and it needs to be constantly turned. Apparently they didn’t just drive 636)) well, more on that a little later.

It became warmer, the snow melted, the asphalt became drier, and more and more rolled out and rolled onto the bike. There were no problems with landing, there were no particular inconveniences and nothing hurt, as happens. Maybe they don't fit correctly, I don't know.

The appearance of this motorcycle, for me, is very, very cool! the pipe under the ass looks very cool, and there are few places where it is made like this. By the way, I had a Scorpion exhaust, I was very pleased with the sound, very pleasant. I really liked this motorcycle!

Now about the driving performance) After all the stories that it won’t go after a liter and I won’t like it, I came to the conclusion that people are mistaken and don’t know what 636 is))) It’s a rush, mom don’t worry)! There may be less delight in the text, as I’m used to it) but in general there were a lot of emotions! Its acceleration is amazing, compared to the street, it’s more enjoyable to drive a sports car at high speeds. There, after 180-200 it’s no longer very comfortable, it blows and shakes a little, here everything is different. You can ride the Ninza 250 without any problems. I accelerated 274 with enough wind, and also without problems! In terms of high speeds, sports are easier, more convenient and more enjoyable!) Steering a ninja is also a pleasure! Taking turns while leaning is a very pleasant feeling!

Let's get back to how the ninja races. VERY GOOD!))) My friend, who took the Zetka, once raced with a Yamaha FZ1 and R6, he beat them. Kava are good powerful fast motorcycles! And then, my friend and I were racing on Zetka, my ninja breaks away from him, not much at first, but after 150 it goes away. In principle, I’ve never started driving it before, it’s crazy from a standstill, but you can start at high speeds and it will be faster. Overall, the 636 is a little faster than the Z1000. I’ll tell you about the advantages: Ninya is lighter, its weight is 161 kg (with direct flow it’s even lighter), while Zetka weighs 198 (with Akrapovici lighter, about 190). Ninya consumes less gasoline, about 5-6 liters, and Zetka hawala consumes 2 times more! Nothing bothered me about the landing, but it’s more convenient to drive at high speeds! Aerodynamics are better and wind protection too! By the way, Zetka has a power commander! I didn’t disassemble the bike and didn’t even see it (And even with it and forward flow, the ninja is a little faster. In fact, the ninja gave only positive emotions and I really like it to this day! As for whether the rear wheel gets up from the gas of the ninja? Yes, it does ! Some people told me that the 600k doesn’t get up off the gas. I’ll tell you the opposite. This often happened even by accident, but if you want to pick it up, it’s easy, just apply more gas and the face lifts up, in 1st gear. When I was racing on the track, sometimes when opening it even rose a little in 2nd gear. Ninya is actually a hurricane! I didn’t see the need for a liter sport. A speed of 270 is enough for me, and you can’t drive like that all the time. I recommend it to everyone!

The 636 was my first motorcycle. Awesome device... it’s not for nothing that stunters love it so much - one of the most powerful six hundred of its time, with a strong frame. I rode it for 2 seasons, drove it on a long trip - I’m happy as hell! :-) I sold it to my friend, and now when I see it, tears come to my eyes, from the warm memories of the time spent on this moto!

It’s a normal motorcycle, I’m really excited about it, the only downside is that after 12,000 km the fork seals leak (replace), the timing chain hydraulic tensioner can also come loose, for me there’s still a small problem with the high height of the saddle (sitting on it I can only reach the ground with my toes :-) ))) Many people say that the landing on it is too extreme, I once drove 600 km in a day, I don’t think I’m too tired, the main thing is to adjust the suspension to suit you!

03-04 year for the city does not fit well, the landing is tolerable for short distances, but the overall impression is spoiled by the combination: very good and sharp brakes + optimal track landing + a very slippery iron tank with each braking makes you slide forward, which is inconvenient and very scary during unexpected braking , it’s quite easy to go into stoppie by over-braking, the pipe on the right is too hot for the couple, all the heat goes to the right leg, it can be solved by installing a direct-flow can. Although everything is individual, some owners like it, apparently it also depends on height and build. In general, what bothered me was that, compared to my Honda, the Kava doesn’t drive at all, it starts only at the very top, although according to the passport there are more horses there, although I have a full exhaust and a rebuilt injector with a zero, perhaps the stock Honda drives less briskly. Since 2005, kava has become a little more urban, and the design is much nicer

Specifications

In terms of parameters, this is a high-spirited sportbike. The machine copes well with medium and high speeds, thanks to the motor and frame bends. Of course, the brakes are selected to cope with the load that occurs at high speeds.

By the way, the calipers on the front brakes are radial. The technical characteristics here satisfy the class requirements. No, they are not top-end, but they make the motorcycle competitive with them. Not everyone needs extreme speed; some will be happy with a sports bike like this.

Of course, the car is only suitable for roads. Off-road requires a motocross motorcycle. If you need a bike for an urban environment, the sports option is a bad choice. It is better to pay attention to road motorcycles, which are much better adapted to such conditions.

It is also worth considering that this model is not suitable for beginners. It’s worth getting on it only after you’ve already mastered a weaker sportbike well. Otherwise, there is a high risk of getting into an accident, not even at high speed, but simply during acceleration, which is impressive here.

REVIEW - KAWASAKI Ninja ZX-6R '2019 - when a miracle is available to everyone!

Buy Ninja ZX6R here

Best offer guaranteed!

At the AIMExpo 2022 exhibition, held in Las Vegas, several updated versions of motorcycles from the Japanese giant KAWASAKI were presented. And, perhaps, no one expected that the KAWASAKI Ninja ZX-6R 2022 would become the main newsmaker of that day. Bill Jenkins, vice president of sales for the company in the USA, presented the new product in the most favorable light: updated technical parameters, stylish restyling and, most importantly, an “appetizing” price tag. Praise reviews from journalists and buyers were guaranteed! We decided to look at the new product from a different angle, without focusing only on the tempting offers of dealers. Looking ahead, we’ll announce our verdict: if you’ve been saving up for a supersport motorcycle, then it’s time to break out your piggy bank and run to the store!

The starting price for the basic KAWASAKI Ninja ZX-6R 2019 is set at $10,999. The Japanese were able to create not only a technological, but also a small financial miracle! You ask: “What’s the catch?” The fact is that the engineers left the existing engine and chassis of the motorcycle practically unchanged. After some fiddling with the calculator, we get a potential cost reduction of $1,700. The topic of finance has been covered, let's move on to a detailed review!

What's new?

The restyling of the body of the KAWASAKI Ninja ZX-6R 2019 immediately catches your eye, which has become more similar to its older brother - the ZX-10R. The motorcycle has received full LED lighting, and several notable innovations have replaced last year's ergonomics.

First of all, we note that the driver's seat has been moved slightly forward, and the fuel tank has become more curved. Visually, it seems that the biker’s seat position has become lower, but in fact the saddle height remains the same - 830 mm. And in general, KAWASAKI designers were able to preserve the style loved by many, harmoniously complementing it with modern trends.

This is what the updated KAWASAKI Ninja ZX-6R 2019 saddle looks like

Japanese engineers decided to simplify the life of bikers and add the ability to quickly adjust the brake and clutch levers. In addition, the position of the windshield has been modified - now it is lower.

Today's realities force us to make our own adjustments, so the concern had to have a hand in the motorcycle’s fuel system. Now it meets all the requirements of the Euro 4 standard. It is also worth noting that the intermediate shaft has lost one tooth, but has acquired a quick shift option for the box with the highest gear.

Fifty Shades of Gray in Japanese interpretation. Yes, the 2022 KAWASAKI Ninja ZX-6R is available not only in the signature green livery, but also in the market's usual black and gray color

Another notable innovation was the tires from Bridgestone - Battlax Hypersport S22. According to the manufacturer, they are able to provide excellent traction even in rainy weather. However, they also differ from last year’s version of the tires in their tread pattern, and they contain silica particles, which are responsible for stability on wet roads. Overall, a good replacement for the old S21 model.

The tires are designed primarily for track driving, but they also perform well on city roads.

As soon as you get comfortable in the saddle of the 2019 KAWASAKI Ninja ZX-6R, the updated LCD display with larger fuel and gear indicators is immediately noticeable. Overall, the panel is quite simple: it won’t overwhelm you with millions of lights and appliances, providing you with all the necessary information in the most intuitive interface.

Informative and simple dashboard

Engine KAWASAKI Ninja ZX-6R

KAWASAKI Ninja ZX-6R 2022 is equipped with the same 636 cc 4-stroke liquid-cooled engine, which fell in love with its reliability and stability, producing an enviable 70.8 Nm at 11,000 rpm. No matter how you ride, the bike can deliver amazing power for its class at any time.

Fuel supply is controlled by an electronic injection system with two oval injectors and Keihin 38 mm throttle valves.

Smooth gear changes in tandem with excellent handling only emphasize the advantages of the engine. Even with a torque of 7000 rpm, the motorcycle is suitable for any type of riding in city conditions or on the highway.

Please note that the engine operation is complemented by the Assist & Slipper Clutch system, and is also compatible with two modes: Full and Low

Suspension and frame

The bike features 41mm inverted Showa 'Big Piston' forks at the front, along with horizontal lower-link suspension and gas-charged shock absorber at the rear. All this works well when driving on uneven surfaces. And if you also take into account the fact that both suspensions are adjustable through simple manipulations, then this bike is worth its weight in gold.

An updated muffler with a redesigned exhaust cover adds aggression to the motorcycle.

The frame of the motorcycle is made of die-cast aluminum and conforms to the Diamond type. Of course, this decision by the engineers allows us to reduce the weight of the ZX-6R to 196 kg already in equipped form and create excellent feedback between the driver and the bike when cornering!

One cannot ignore the fact that the updated model also outperforms its predecessor due to the proprietary KAWASAKI Quick Shifter (KQS) technology. Maybe someone will say that this is not so significant, but in fact, if you like to drive fast and often maneuver in winding areas, this innovation will come in very handy.

The new KAWASAKI Ninja ZX-6R 2022 is waiting for its finest hour

Transmission and braking system

To our general joy, the KAWASAKI Ninja ZX-6R 2022 has acquired an ABS system as standard. Its work is especially noticeable on difficult sections of the road. The traction control, like many other parts of the motorcycle, can be adjusted through three modes: the first offers unobtrusive control, the third shows itself as often as possible, and the second tries to find a balance between 1st and 3rd.

Thanks to the introduction of a cassette type transmission and a reduction in the final drive ratio to 43/15, engine operation has become smoother at low speeds.

The wheelbase of the motorcycle has been increased to 1400 mm, and the maximum fork angle is 27 degrees.

The braking system, as it should be in motorcycles of this class, justifies the trust of its owner due to tenacious and responsive discs. At the front, there are two 310mm floating discs with a pair of Nissin radial calipers and four opposed pistons, while the rear wheel gets the job done by a single 220mm disc with a single-piston aluminum floating caliper.

Summarize

Concluding our review, I would like to say that the line of 600 cc class motorcycles has found a serious competitor in the KAWASAKI Ninja ZX-6R 2022. Even if the engine remained the same, Japanese engineers were able to get the most out of it. Design solutions with a double headlight, restyling of the tail section, streamlined elements and the body as a whole also fit well. And if you remember that the motorcycle is available at a tempting price, then you completely stop thinking about alternative options. Perhaps the final chord should be left to one of the best riders in the history of motorsports, Miguel Duhamel, included in the AMA Hall of Fame: “Give me back my 20 years and give me this motorcycle - in a year I will win all the championships with it!”

Miguel Duhamel appreciated the new KAWASAKI Ninja ZX-6R 2019

Official video of KAWASAKI Ninja ZX-6R

KAWASAKI Ninja ZX-6R in action