Some sport bikes shine when you put them on the track. Other sport bikes thrive when you ride them on the street. Take them out of their comfort zone, and you will find yourself disappointed.
That doesn’t happen with the Kawasaki ZX-6R. This thrilling middleweight sport bike is perfect because it is an all-around fun bike to ride. It has everything you could want for adrenaline-pumping track performance, yet, also has rider assist features that make the bike fun to ride on the street too. These 10 reasons will show you why the Kawasaki ZX-6R is the best Ninja in the Kawasaki lineup.
10 The ZX-6R Has Functional Power Delivery
When riding on the track or on twisty country roads, you face the dilemma of slowing down when deep into the corner and then having to regain speed when coming out. The Kawasaki ZX-6R addresses this with an assist and slipper clutch system. In addition, it reduces back-torque when there is excessive engine braking. This makes it easier to maintain speed in the turns so that the bike powers out in the straight-aways smoother and faster. Combine this with the contactless quick shifter, and you have a smooth accelerating bike that seamlessly moves through the gears for maximum acceleration. To accomplish this the ECU sends signals to momentarily cut the ignition to eliminate the jolt and jerk under hard acceleration.
9 It Comes With Rider Assist Electronics
Thanks to their race derived technology, the Kawasaki ZX-6R comes outfitted with several rider assist features. The KTRC (Kawasaki Traction Control) helps to maintain tire contact with the road for increased stability and handling. The full and low power modes allow the rider to choose the level of power coming from the engine to create a customized experience. The KIBS (Kawasaki Intelligent Anti-Lock Brake System) ensures you have smooth and effective braking with no lockups. Then, there is the economical riding indicator that helps you ride better for the best fuel efficiency. The indicator comes in handy when riding on the street, when you are looking for efficiency instead of track performance.
8 High-Quality Suspension Comes Standard
Riding the Kawasaki ZX-6R is a smooth experience thanks to the fully adjustable Uni-Trak rear suspension. It has progressive dampening that helps to keep the rear tire securely on the road. When you have better traction, you have greater rider confidence. In addition, the bike’s handling becomes more predictable. On the track, this lets the rider push themselves and the bike harder. When on the road, it creates a smoother ride and more precise handling as you move between lanes and around twisty roads. The predictability allows less experienced riders to gain confidence and more experienced riders to refine their skills.
7 The ZX-6R Sounds Amazing
There is a classic sound that sport bikes make. You can hear it from far away as someone twists the throttle, and the engine screams to life. To the untrained ear, all sport bikes sound the same. However, to the enthusiast, there are distinct differences. You don’t want to ride a bike that has a high-pitched squeal or unsatisfying sputter. Thankfully, the Kawasaki ZX-6R is neither of these things. Twist that throttle and hear the bike come to life with a satisfactory growl and scream that builds in intensity as you go through the gears.
6 You Get What You Pay For
With so many features and technology packed into the Kawasaki ZX-6R, it is well worth the price. With new bikes priced at $10,699 you get a lot of features that typically only come on larger bikes. You don’t have to worry about budgeting for aftermarket upgrades because the features are already included on the bike. You also don’t have to dig deep in your pockets for a second track bike. The Kawasaki ZX-6R is a top performer on and off the track, making it perfect for the casual track day rider looking to hone their riding skills.
5 The ZX-6R Has Powerful Brakes
When you have a powerful engine geared for performance, you need to have powerful brakes to stop it. Thankfully, the Kawasaki ZX-6R has powerful brakes and plenty of stopping power. In addition, it comes with the Kawasaki Intelligent anti-lock Brake System (KIBS). Thanks to the dual four-piston monobloc front brake calipers and petal discs, you'll enjoy smooth braking. This precise braking makes it possible to navigate the turns and hit the apex perfectly every time. Then when in the city, those brakes will come in handy when navigating narrow streets and traffic.
4 The ZX-6R Is Comfortable For A Sport Bike
Swing a leg over the Kawasaki ZX-6R and settle into the saddle. You’ll find it surprisingly comfortable for a sport bike. The seat has a smooth design throughout to reduce irritation from seams or stitching. The back of the seat arches up slightly to help cradle you into the seat while you tuck up against the tank. Looking at the seat from above, you’ll see a nice tapering through the middle. The reduced bulk makes it easier to plant your feet on the ground when stopped. If you ride with a passenger, they will appreciate the cushioning and shaping of the rear seat.
3 Kawasaki Has Attractive Styling
The Kawasaki ZX-6R has modern styling that looks aggressive. The styling mirrors the larger Ninjas in the lineup, giving this middleweight bike more presence. Throughout the bike’s design, there are sharp lines and crisp edges. The flush-mounted turn signals built into the side fairings are a nice modern touch. Moving to the front of the bike, there are two LED headlights that are a high/low beam combo. The headlight shaping gives the bike a “face” that looks aggressive when viewed head-on. Completing the bike’s design is a single-side muffler with an end cap design for a sporty look.
2 It Has A Good Resale Value
Kawasaki is one of the four big Japanese motorcycle manufacturers. Because of this, it has a significant presence in the U.S. with broad brand recognition. With a 25-year history, the Kawasaki ZX-6R bikes have a reputation for being reliable and durable. As a result, they hold their resale value well. You can buy a new Kawasaki ZX-6R, ride it for a few years, and then sell it for a decent amount of money. Another option is to trade it in. Of course, resale value is also dependent on how many miles you rack up and how well you take care of your bike.
1 The ZX-6R Is A Track Weapon
Thanks to the 636cc engine, the Kawasaki ZX-6R performs well on the street and the track. This middleweight sport bike comes with advanced performance technology that lets you open up the throttle and feel the adrenaline pump through your veins. The inline-four-cylinder engine has a short final drive. This gives the engine more low-end power for improved performance through the turns. You’ll really feel the power as the bike accelerates quickly when coming out of the turn. Pair this with precision handling, and you have a bike that is a force to be reckoned with on a track day. Make some aftermarket adjustments, and you can easily turn your ZX-6R into a track weapon.