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->ke3279. 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->ke299 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.

2012 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2012 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R
  • Engine/Motor: 16-valve, DOHC inline-four engine
  • Transmission: cassette-type transmission
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

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

Fuel Capacity

4.5 gal.

Seat Height

32.1 in.

Curb Weight

421.2 lbs.

Overall Length

82.3 in.

Overall Width

28.0 in.

Overall Height

43.9 in.

Color Choices

Lime Green/ Metallic Spark Black, Passion Red/ Metallic Spark Black, Metallic Spark Black/Flat Ebony


Quotes

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."