In the past decade or so, most leading manufacturers have neglected the once-dominant supersport segment, with the Suzuki GSX-R600, Honda CBR600RR, and Yamaha YZF-R6 all being prime examples. But there’s an exception - the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R. Team Green has given the inline-four screamer regular updates–the latest one came in 2019–and it’s about to do the same once again for the upcoming 2024 model year. Plus, this won’t be another color update (like the MY2023 announcement), instead a heavily revised 600cc Kwacker.
Kawasaki Registers 2024 Ninja ZX-6R In America
The news comes via Kawasaki’s EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) filings sourced by Motorcycle.com. According to the documents, the 2024 Ninja ZX-6R has a certificate number RKAXC.636AAF and model codes ZX636JR/KR. The interesting bit here is the ‘636AAF’, which when compared with the 636AAE (for the 2019 model) and 636AAD (for the 2013 model), suggests this will be the next generation of the supersport motorcycle. Meanwhile, the JR/KR at the end of the model code marks the ABS and non-ABS variants–the same as the 2023 Ninja.
The Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R Will Make Less Power Next Year
So what’s going to change? Well, the most notable giveaway in the filings is the refreshed engine. Although it displaces the same 636cc (with four cylinders), the mill now produces 91kW (120 horsepower) of maximum power, unlike the 2023 model’s 95kW (127-HP). This is likely because of reworked internals, a shorter redline (13,000RPM), and new exhaust–all aimed at meeting the stricter emission norms.
Yes, we know a seven-pony deficit is a big deal, but even after that, the ZX-6R will be unbeaten in the mid-capacity sports bike (power-wise). After all, its arch-rivals will be the 94-HP Honda CBR650R, 72-HP Yamaha R7, and 105-HP Aprilia RS 660. This makes even more sense if the new 6R enters the European and British markets where it’s been absent since 2019.
Besides this, we expect Kawasaki to update the ZX-6R’s features too. Team Green’s TFT instrument cluster - already present on the majority of Ninjas - seems like a no-brainer, in addition to an IMU-based improved electronics. Currently, the ZX-6R has a basic feature list, comprising an up-shift-only quickshifter, semi-digital readout, adjustable levers, two ride modes, and basic traction control. Take this with a pinch of salt, however, as the filings don’t confirm these.
2024 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R - When Will It Launch?
With the official filings done, Kawasaki could debut the 2024 Ninja ZX-6R in the next couple of months for the American market, followed by an EICMA 2023 debut for the European market. As you’d expect, the pricing will go up by a few hundred dollars to around $11,000 for the non-ABS variant. Even at this price, however, it’ll still undercut the Aprilia RS660 by a sizable $500.