Power. Speed. Handling. Dominance. Sometimes, bikes just come with all the elements that make for a perfect sports bike. In a nutshell, that’s what you get with the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R. It’s got the kind of potent strength that will satisfy even the most discriminating enthusiasts. For the 2012 model of the ZX-6R, you can expect the same tradition of middleweight performance that harkens back to the day of the ZX600-A1.
The ZX-6R is powered by Kawasaki’s famous 599cc 16-valve, DOHC inline-four engine that provides top-shelf middleweight power, a trademark value of the Japanese bike builder. Squeezing big power from small displacement has always been a hallmark for the manufacturer and that tradition continues with the Ninja ZX-6R. The midrange power the bike has provides arm-stretching drive out of corners with the sort of precise throttle control that allows riders to enjoy the full, breath-taking experience of the Ninja ZX-6R. The bike’s engine is likewise mated to a cassette-type transmission that greatly simplifies gearing changes at the track, reducing set-up time and allowing more time for riding.
In terms of handling, the Ninja ZX-6R comes with its class-exclusive Big Piston front fork, a fully adjustable shock, ideal engine placement, optimum frame rigidity, and the very latest in mass centralization. Looking at the svelte profile of the bike, it’s easy to point out that the ZX-6R was designed with superior handling in mind. The bike’s twin spar aluminum frame is both lightweight and rigid, and places the engine in the optimum position for superb handling and rider feedback. Meanwhile, the bike’s sub-frame constitutes a two-piece aluminum die-casting consisting of a front and rear section while the lightweight sub-frame is very narrow, providing a compact and slim rear end that completes the overwhelmingly positive characteristics of the ZX-6R.
Find out more about the Kawasaki ZX-6R after the jump.
Engine
Camshafts are made of chrome-moly steel
Lightweight magnesium engine covers are standard
Lightweight top injector mounting plate
Lightweight transmission gears and gear dogs
Lightweight oil pump and starter gears
Inlet pressure pulse monitor does away with cam angle sensor, further contributing to lightness
Cassette-type transmission makes it easy to quickly swap gear ratios, reducing set-up time at the track
Chassis and Suspension
Twin spar aluminum frame is both lightweight and rigid, and places the engine in the optimum position for superb handling and rider feedback
The sub-frame is a two-piece aluminum die-casting consisting of a front and rear section
The lightweight sub-frame is very narrow for a compact and slim rear end
Intake resonator box and supports for the instrument panel and mirrors are unitized with the ram air duct, contributing to weight savings and increased rigidity
ZX-6R features Showa’s Big Piston Front fork (BPF) design for fantastic wheel and chassis control
The BPF eliminates many of the internal components used in a cartridge-type fork, simplifying construction and resulting in lighter overall fork weight
The large diameter of the BPF’s internal piston allows a reduction in damping pressure for better feedback and smoother action
Additional Features
Highly evolved fairing offers great wind protection and minimizes cross-wind effects
Position lamps are integral to the projector beam headlights
One-piece fender offers excellent aerodynamics
Inner fender above the swingarm helps to reduce turbulence and keeps the undertail clean
Front brake hose routing with a three-way joint at the lower triple clamp facilitates bleeding air from the brake lines
Instrument panel gives the rider plenty of information at a glance
Specifications
Engine
Four-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, four valves per cylinder, inline-four
Displacement
599 cc
Bore x Stroke
67.0 x 42.5mm
Compression Ratio
13.3:1
Fuel System
DFI® with four 38mm Keihin throttle bodies, oval sub-throttles, two injectors per throttle body
Ignition
TCBI with digital advance
Transmission
6-Speed
Final Drive
X-Ring Chain
Rake/Trail
24 deg / 4.1 in.
Frame type
Aluminum perimeter
Front Tire Size
120/70-ZR17
Rear Tire Size
180/55-ZR17
Wheelbase
55.1 in.
Front Suspension / wheel travel
41 mm inverted Showa Big Piston fork with top-out springs, stepless compression and rebound damping, fully adjustable spring preload / 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 / 5.3 in.
Front Brakes
Dual 300mm petal rotors with dual radial-mounted, four-piston, four-pad calipers
Rear Brakes
Single 220mm petal rotor with single-piston caliper
Ultimate Motorcycling----"Kawasaki says: "Cylindrical guides in the top of the airbox guide the fuel charge into the intake funnels directly to reduce buffeting and improve cylinder filling. Advanced cylinder head porting slams the air/fuel charge into and out of the combustion chamber post-haste, while high-current secondaries in the ignition coils provide hot, consistent spark at all rpm for maximum combustion impact."
I don’t know i prefer my blue 04 over these new ones it’s a nicer style still has the same great speed topping out at 180 mph and from the looks of it, It needs less special tools to work on it !
Posted on
04.2.2012 @ 18:21