2024 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R First Look Preview
4 min read
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/octane/2R3W5LGAOZCQ5IDM3YXG37KPPQ.jpg)
The final of its type? Kawasaki’s Ninja ZX supersports have at all times been famend for his or her racing exploits in addition to their means to serve up real-world thrills to adrenaline junkies, however the 600cc supersport subject ain’t what it was once, with more and more strict European emissions controls, rising insurance coverage charges, and an getting old inhabitants all contributing to the decline of performance-oriented inline-four sportbikes. Actually, Yamaha’s YZF-R6 isn’t any extra (learn the 2022 Yamaha YZF-R6 Race and R6 GYTR Preview article), and Honda introduced it could discontinue the CBR600RR final 12 months in Europe (although it’s nonetheless accessible within the US), so all that’s left is Suzuki’s sturdy GSX-R600 and, now, Kawasaki’s just-announced, freshly up to date 2024 ZX-6R.
Editor’s observe: We check rode the final model of the Ninja ZX-6R throughout the 2020 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R MC Commute Assessment and 2019 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R First Journey Assessment articles and movies.
The 2024 ZX-6R’s chassis stays basically unchanged, with the identical body and suspension and a strong liquid-cooled inline-four at its coronary heart. The engine retains its 636cc displacement, however there are notable updates right here, together with revised cam profiles that profit low-rpm efficiency to assist meet stricter emission rules. The big-volume 5.09-liter airbox additionally sees adjustments, with the consumption funnel design getting a revised form to extend low-to-mid rpm efficiency. There are revisions to the exhaust design as nicely, with the ZX-6R’s header pipes that includes a brand new format that improves suggestions from the O2 sensor, and an exhaust pre-chamber helps decrease silencer quantity and enhance mass centralization.
These mechanical updates aren’t earthshaking however nonetheless notable for the truth that they permit the 2024 ZX-6R to fulfill Euro 5 rules, making it the one Japanese supersport-class bike at present as much as the duty. That additionally means we’ll see the up to date mannequin reenter the European markets, the place it was dropped again in 2021.
Just a few digital tweaks seem on the up to date middleweight Ninja, with riders now ready to select from 4 modes—Sport, Rain, Highway, and guide (set by the rider)—that will also be manipulated together with the traction management (which has three settings) to match a given using state of affairs. Riders can set energy supply to go well with their preferences, selecting from Full and Low, and within the guide “rider” mode, every of the methods will be set independently.
These methods will be accessed through a brand new 4.3-inch coloration TFT show, giving the beforehand analog cockpit a extra refined look with improved performance and selectable background coloration and display brightness. Show capabilities embody the same old suspects, like a speedometer, digital bar-style tachometer, gear place indicator, shift lamp, gas gauge, odometer, twin tripmeters, and so forth, in addition to entry to telephone connectivity through Kawasaki’s Rideology app.
On the European spec sheet, these mechanical and digital revisions translate right into a small drop within the peak energy, now a quoted 122 hp (beforehand 127), although the US launch doesn’t point out energy figures in any respect. For US bikes, torque stays at 52.1 lb.-ft. at 11,500 rpm, and for the reason that adjustments are so slight and have an effect on solely the low- and midrange efficiency, it’s uncertain the 2024 mannequin will really feel too completely different from its predecessor.
Whereas its body often is the similar, the ZX-6R’s binders get a welcome improve, with a pair of highly effective radial-mount opposed four-piston Monoblock calipers gripping a brand new pair of semi-floating 310mm stainless-steel discs. Within the rear, the radial-pump grasp cylinder has been paired with a 220mm spherical disc and a light-weight rear brake caliper, and an up to date ABS unit seems on the 2024 bike as nicely. Though the 17-inch wheels are unchanged, they’re now shod in new Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV tires.
There’s a minor styling replace as nicely, with the 2024 Ninja ZX-6R channeling just a few traces from its larger ZX-10R cousin, with a brand new, extra fashionable layered nostril that includes consumption ducting and up to date facet fairings. We’re additionally seeing new compact LED headlights and a sporty windshield, all of which mix to provide the newest 6R a extra up to date vibe.
Associated: 2019 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R First Journey Assessment
2024 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R Technical Specs and Value
| MSRP: | $12,299 (ABS) / $11,299 (base) |
|---|---|
| Engine: | DOHC, liquid-cooled inline-four; 16 valves |
| Displacement: | 636cc |
| Bore x Stroke: | 67.0 x 45.1mm |
| Compression Ratio: | 12.9:1 |
| Transmission/Remaining Drive: | 6-speed/chain |
| Claimed Horsepower: | N/A |
| Claimed Torque: | 52.1 lb.-ft. @ 11,500 rpm |
| Gas System: | DFI w/ 38mm Keihin throttle our bodies (4) |
| Clutch: | Slipper/help |
| Engine Administration: | TCBI w/ digital advance |
| Body: | Twin-spar aluminum |
| Entrance Suspension: | 41mm inverted Showa SFF-BP fork, rebound, compression damping, spring preload adjustable; 4.7 in. journey |
| Rear Suspension: | Uni-Trak, gas-charged shock, compression, rebound damping, spring preload adjustable; 5.9 in. journey |
| Entrance Brake: | Radial-mount 4-piston calipers, 310mm semi-floating discs; accessible ABS |
| Rear Brake: | 1-piston caliper, 220mm petal disc; accessible ABS |
| Wheels, Entrance/Rear: | Solid aluminum; 17 in. |
| Tires, Entrance/Rear: | 120/70-17 / 180/55-17 |
| Rake/Path: | 24.5°/4.0 in. |
| Wheelbase: | 55.1 in. |
| Floor Clearance: | 5.1 in. |
| Seat Top: | 32.7 in. |
| Gas Capability: | 4.5 gal. |
| Claimed Moist Weight: | 425.6 lb. (non-ABS) / 430 lb. (ABS) |
| Contact: | kawasaki.com |
.jpg)
