Kawasaki ZX-6R
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Kawasaki's entry to the 600cc supersports class first appeared in 1995, relegating the elderly ZZ-R600 to a sport-touring role. The first Fl model set a reputation for strong engine performance, fine handling and usable road manners which following models have maintained.
There is nothing remarkable about the ZX-6R's design, although its high-spec aluminium frame was ahead of its competitors when launched - Yamaha's FZR600 and Honda's CBR600 both had steel frames in 1995.
A liquid-cooled 16-valve inline-four engine is unremarkable, but the Kawasaki engine was very strong, a ram-air system helping it produce an impressive 75kW (100bhp).
By 2001, the ZX-6R had been comprehensively updated, and was more than competitive in this intensely fought class. The basic design was the same, but numerous refinements had turned the ZX-6R into an accomplished, user-friendly sportsbike. The carburettor-equipped engine is still among the most powerful available, and cunning combustion chamber design has given it a strong, torquey bottom end.
The front and rear suspension units are of unassuming appearance, but are fully adjustable and perform well on road and track. Six-piston calipers are again unique in the class, but the ZX-6R's Tokico brakes are outclassed by the competition, particularly the Sumitomo calipers on Yamaha's R6. |
The ZX-6R's dry weight of 171kg (3771b) isn't the best in its class, but makes little difference to its performance except on track. However, a ZX-6R ridden by Australian Andrew Pitt won the 2001 World Supersport title, suggesting its track potential is more than sufficient.
On the road, the strong engine makes easy work of any traffic or road conditions, and the broad fairing gives impressive weather- and windblast protection. Four-Cylinder, 16-Valve Engine Aluminum cylinders are electroplated for quick heat transfer which allows closer tolerances for more power. Compact combustion chamber for increased compression ratio without detonation on today’s gasolines 16-valve design boosts low-end torque and provides maximum valve area for optimum flow Gear-Driven Engine Balancer ·Smoothes engine vibration for comfort on the road Liquid Cooling 36mm Carburetors with Kawasaki Throttle Responsive Ignition Control (K-TRIC) A throttle-position sensor tells the ignition-control unit how hard the engine is working so that its micro-computer can determine the best Straight-Shot Intake Ports Ultra-short for free-flowing, less turbulent intake More horsepower and instant throttle response Digital Ignition ·Microprocessor controlled timing, never needs adjustment Large-Capacity Fuel Tank ·5.3-gallon capacity for extended rides without refueling Bridged Aluminum Swingarm Rectangular design is large and stiff 43mm Cartridge-Type Front Fork Exceptional rigidity for precise cornering Large Rear Wheel Rear wheel width allows use of wide rear tire (180/55ZR17) 310mm Dual-Disc Front Brakes Feature opposed, six-piston calipers for well-modulated, confidence-inspiring stopping power 250mm Disc Rear Brake With opposed-piston caliper, produces quick, sure stops Adjustable Clutch and Front Brake Levers Enhanced rider comfort 2002 KAWASAKI NINJA? SPORTBIKES For more than a decade, the term “Ninja” has been synonymous with Kawasaki sportbikes. In fact, the association is so widespread that even non-motorcyclists are familiar with the Kawasaki NINJA? motorcycle line-up. Such familiarity should come as no surprise to anyone, considering Kawasaki’s formidable history with sportbikes. New for 2002 is the ultimate open-class sportbike, the new ZX-12R which features more than 130 updates, enhancements and improvements to the engine, chassis, suspension and more. With a more planted feel, lighter steering and more low- to mid-range power, the new ZX-12R is the bike of choice for serious enthusiasts. Also, new for 2002 is the NINJA ZX-9R which bristles with a host of performance and styling changes sure to blast it to the pinnacle of the liter class. For the sporting adventurer, the new-for-2002 Kawasaki NINJA? ZZ-R1200 sport-touring motorcycle is the ideal vehicle. Designed specifically for motorcyclists interested in a performance-oriented ride, but who also seek the comfort and style of a bona fide grand-touring bike, the ZZ-R1200 can’t help but please. And for all those sportbike riders who seek a more adventurous and winding route, Kawasaki features the ALL-NEW ZZ-R1200. A sportbike with a touring heart. Check out the features and styling of this new model. On the professional racing level, Kawasaki has won an impressive nine AMA Superbike Road Racing Championships–more than any other manufacturer. Currently, modified NINJA motorcycles are raced by the Kawasaki Road Race team in its quest for championships. This includes the much lauded ZX-7R, upon which Kawasaki Road Racing’s Eric Bostrom and Doug Chandler battled for AMA Superbike victory in the 2001 season. Likewise, the ZX-6R provided the base for Bostrom’s 600 SuperSport mount in ’01 where he won multiple races. Furthermore, Kawasaki has dominated the AMA/Prostar Motorcycle Drag Racing Series over the last several years. Team rider Rickey Gadson won three consecutive AMA/Prostar 750 Superbike National Championships, and teammate Chip Ellis was named Rookie of the Year in 2000. Review Kawasaki's ZX-6R Ninja has always been one of the most popular bikes in this 600cc middleweight class and has always been rated a great all-rounder. With the introduction of the 2001 model not too much has changed in that regard. The SuperSport Ninja handles quite well but the bike does get better with a little fettling to your tastes. My first move would be to raise the rear ride height a little which the Kawasaki easily accommodates as it comes with adjustable ride height. The next spanner would add a little more compression damping at the rear. I do prefer the Ninja's confident handling over Yamaha's R6 but feel that it does fall a bit behind Suzuki's GSX-R 600 and Honda's new perfectly balanced (but needing a little more clearance) CBR 600 F4i. Some of you will be surprised at my rating the Ninja ahead of the R6 in the handling department but I honestly feel that 95% of riders would be a lot more comfortable with the balance of the Ninja over the Yamaha. Racers of course completely modify suspension so race results should not be the measuring stick to rate these road bikes. The 600cc engine could be a little more refined and the unit we tested did need a little sorting in the carburation department. Performance is good though and the bike can crack 11-second quarter miles with ease. The ZX-6R still uses carbs and a reserve switch rather than the warning light and automatic reserve that most new bikes are equipped with. A drawback of the carb' system is that the Kawasaki is a bit hard to get up to operating temperature on those cold mornings. However I must say that as the ZX-6R got more miles under its belt this did improve somewhat. Kawasaki recommends the use of premium unleaded only. |