In developing the Ninja ZX-6R's chassis, the Kawasaki engineers concentrated on designing a machine that allows high corner entry speed and high mid-corner speed.
As a result the new Ninja ZX-6R offers the power of a high-performance 600 mated with the nimble handling characteristics of a small-displacement racer - a combination that will put this bike at the head of the pack in 2007.
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- Model: kawasaki-ninja-zx-6r
2007 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R
- Engine/Motor: Four-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, four valves per cylinder, inline-four
- Torque: 49 lbs/ft@ 11,500 RPM
- Transmission: 6-speed
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Designed to place its rider on the top step of the podium, the new Ninja ZX-6R sportbike elevates 600-class power and handling to the next level. Considering the stellar capabilities of last year’s ZX-6R, Kawasaki’s designers knew it would take a special combination of middleweight power and nimble handling characteristics if they were to make the next leap in middleweight performance.
To hone the incredible new machine into an exciting racetrack weapon, Kawasaki appointed a former 125cc Grand Prix racer as the ZX-6R’s chief development rider. The result is an all-new 600 capable of cornering speeds previously unknown to the middleweight class while retaining the wide spread of power that is pure Ninja.
To be quickest around the racetrack a motorcycle requires a wide powerband and plenty of over-rev. The ZX-6R’s all-new engine was redesigned from the crankcase up for the first time in ten years, leading to an ultra-high-rpm powerplant that produces more mid-range torque than any of its predecessors. The result is a fat powerband with a linear torque curve for hard-hitting acceleration across the entire rev range. The Ninja ZX-6R’s impressive over-rev capability mimics a true race bike, allowing riders to stay on the gas where lower-revving machines are forced to shift.
The Ninja ZX-6R’s all-new engine was also specially designed to reduce internal friction. That’s because low-friction engines tend to be more responsive, making it easier for the rider to modify cornering lines with minor throttle adjustments. The new engine components were also made stronger, stiffer and more compact, resulting in an engine which is about 40mm smaller in both width and length than its predecessors. This compact engine allowed the chassis designers to create a slim and compact chassis. Other racing technology includes a close-ratio cassette transmission that makes it easy to keep the Ninja ZX-6R screaming at its horsepower peak and a slipper clutch which allows quicker downshifts without upsetting the rest of the chassis.
In designing the Ninja ZX-6R’s chassis, the development team concentrated on creating a motorcycle that would make fast entry and mid-corner speeds feel easy. A compact, lightweight design allows it to maintain more cornering speed throughout the turn while entry speeds are enhanced by the slipper clutch and powerful radial-mounted front brake calipers.
Complementing this track-biased package are fully-adjustable front and rear suspension units. The entire package of frame, suspension, engine and bodywork was designed to enhance the ZX-6R’s fun-to-ride factor by offering a more exciting ride. The results are faster cornering speeds, quicker lap times and even more worried looks on the competition’s faces.
The frame and swingarm were developed with an optimized balance of rigidity, so the Ninja ZX-6R responds instantly and precisely to the rider’s every command. Mass centralization, engine mount locations and a variety of other factors were optimized to help ensure instant turn-in characteristics. Once in the turn, the Ninja ZX-6R holds a line with precision and tracks through the apex as if it were on rails.
All these features mean chassis feedback is very precise, with the ZX-6R communicating every move directly to the rider. The machine responds more precisely and predictably to control inputs and shifts in body weight. The result is a motorcycle that makes the rider feel like a part of the machine.
The new Ninja ZX-6R offers the power of a high-performance 600 Supersport racer mated with the nimble handling characteristics of a small-displacement GP machine. Let the competition compromise performance for rider-friendliness; the new ZX-6R was designed to take home trophies and set the quickest lap times, while being more exciting to ride than anything else in the middleweight sportbike category.
The Ninja ZX-6R is a pure expression of Kawasaki’s racing philosophy.
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Features
Key Features
Incredible power-to-weight ratio
Race-oriented performance
Track-tuned handling
Aggressive new aerodynamic styling
High-Revving 599cc Four-Cylinder, DOHC Engine
New compact, narrow and lightweight design features a tri-axis crankshaft and transmission shaft layout to optimize the engine’s center of gravity. This helps reduce pitch changes during heavy braking and gives the rider more-accurate feedback from the chassis
Narrow engine design allows excellent ground clearance
Four-Valve Cylinder Head
Compact valve train reduces cylinder head height
Intake ports and coolant passages were developed using flow analysis for efficient cylinder filling, more power, and maximum cooling efficiency
Forged sintered aluminum spring retainers are half the weight of steel retainers and allow higher rpm
Forged Pistons
Forged pistons are lighter, stronger and more heat resistant than cast versions.
Ram Air Induction
Central ram air duct produces a straighter path to the airbox for maximum intake efficiency and provides the mounting surface for the instrument panel, eliminating brackets and weight
Flow analysis used to design efficient ducts to the airbox that also prevent water from reaching the air filter
Compact airbox and air cleaner are highly efficient and contribute to the compact riding position
Digital Fuel Injection
Shorter throttle bodies deliver improved over-rev characteristics
Smaller throttle bore diameter helps produce more torque in the mid-range
Ultra-fine atomizing injectors improve combustion efficiency, for better power output and lower fuel consumption
TCBI Ignition with Digital Advance
High-speed 32-bit ECU processor provides precise engine management
Spark plug-mounted ignition coils are compact and help reduce weight
Pre-chamber Equipped Under-seat Muffler
New exhaust pre-chamber is located below the engine and contributes to better mass centralization
Revised under-seat silencer is significantly smaller and lighter to help mass centralization and allow for a more aerodynamic tailsection
New exhaust header design contributes to improved exhaust efficiency
Six-Speed Transmission
New cassette-type transmission features a racing-style gear stack to allow easier trackside ratio changes
Close ratio transmission increases circuit performance
Racing-Style Slipper Clutch
Racing-type slipper clutch reduces chassis disturbance when making rapid downshifts. This allows the rider dedicate more attention to braking and setting up for the corner
Optional springs, spring retainers and shims are available to fine-tune the clutch for specific track conditions
Gear Position Sensor
The convenient gear position sensor gives instant information to the rider, this is especially useful for improving consistency when testing new settings on the racetrack
The system compatible with the semi-automatic shifters (legal in AMA Supersport racing) which temporarily cut ignition to facilitate clutchless shifts at full-throttle
Lightweight Twin Spar Aluminum Perimeter Frame
Combination of pressed and cast aluminum components are welded to form the twin-spar perimeter-type frame. By combining cast and pressed pieces frame weight is kept to a minimum while still providing high strength and stability for responsive handling
Chassis features optimum center of gravity for easy roll response, this is particularly important when riding through a series of esses or returning to vertical as the rider exits a corner
Uni-Trak Rear Suspension
New Uni-Trak rear suspension system features pillow ball upper mount in place of the earlier bushings for a more direct feel and improved feedback
Compact frame and engine allow a longer swingarm, which makes it easier to control rear wheel powerslides
Rear shock is fully adjustable for preload, compression and rebound damping. Ride height can be adjusted by adding/removing optional 1mm shims at the upper shock mount
Equipped with a top-out spring which improves the rear wheel’s ability to follow the road surface when the rear end is light due to hard braking
Small piggyback shock reservoir is designed to save weight
41mm Inverted Cartridge Front Fork
New fully-adjustable 41mm inverted cartridge fork provides exceptional rigidity
Equipped with top-out springs which allow the front wheel to better follow the road surface when the front end is light due to hard acceleration
The main fork spring is located at the bottom of the fork. Because the spring is completely submerged in oil, cavitation is minimized, resulting in stable suspension performance even under demanding racetrack conditions
Stiff settings are suitable for track use
Radial Mounted Front Disc Brakes
Radial mounted four-piston, four-pad front brake calipers improve brake feel over a wider range of operation
A separate brake pad is used for each piston. One large pad tends to deform with the heat generated by hard track style riding, resulting in a loss of brake feel at the lever. Individual pads provide increased cooling efficiency and can absorb more heat without deforming so they maintain consistent brake feel lap after lap
Petal design brake discs offer excellent cooling and warp resistance
Aerodynamic Bodywork
New design is the most aerodynamically efficient of any Ninja sportbike available today
Light and compact projector beam headlights allow a more aerodynamic fairing
The new Ram Air duct is small but highly efficient
The exhaust system includes an under-engine resonator which allows the use of a smaller under-seat muffler. This helps to minimize drag by allowing a cleaner tail section design
Integrated front and rear turn signals reduce wind resistance
Three-piece front fender designed for aero efficiency
Different color panels create a sporty, aggressive image
Riding Position
New ultra-compact chassis places the rider in a ideal position to take advantage of the ZX-6R’s improved handling capabilities, by improving the man-machine interface
Slimmer fuel tank design makes it easier for the rider to grip the tank and seat when hanging off in a turn
Advanced Electronic Instrumentation
Multifunction odometer, tripmeter, clock and lap timer/stopwatch
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SPECS
Engine: Four-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, four valves per cylinder, inline-four
Displacement: 599cc
Bore x stroke: 67.0 x 42.5mm
Maximum torque: 49 Lb ft @ 11,500 rpm
Compression ratio: 13.3:1
Fuel injection: DFI with four 38mm Keihin throttle bodies, oval sub-throttles, two injectors per throttle body
Ignition: TCBI with digital advance
Transmission: Six speed
Final drive: X-ring chain
Rake / trail: 25° / 4.3 in.
Frame type: Aluminum perimeter
Front tire: 120/70 ZR17
Rear tire: 180/55 ZR17
Wheelbase: 55.3 in
Front suspension : 41 mm inverted cartridge fork with top-out springs, stepless rebound damping, stepless compression damping, fully-adjustable spring preload
Front wheel travel: 4.7 in.
Rear suspension / wheel travel: Bottom-Link Uni-Trak with gas-charged shock, top-out spring and pillow ball upper mount, dual-range (high/low-speed) stepless compression damping, 25-way adjustable rebound damping, fully-adjustable spring preload
Rear wheel travel: 5.2 in.
Front brakes: Dual 300mm petal-type rotors with four-piston, four-pad calipers
Rear brake: Single 210mm petal-type rotor with single-piston caliper
Fuel capacity: 4.5 gal.
Seat height: 32.3 in.
Dry weight: 368 lbs.
Color choices: Lime Green, Atomic Silver, Ebony, Passion Red
MSRP: $8,999
Warranty: 12 Months