Kawasaki ZX-6R Review
From the Webike Community's My Bike, the "Owner Review Summary" introduces various motorcycles based on the voices of owners who actually ride or have ridden them.
In this issue, we bring you the real owner's voice about the Kawasaki ZX-6R!
To be honest, this is what ZX-6R motorcycle is!
Among models that can be ridden on public roads, the closest to racing machines such as MotoGP are motorcycles in a genre called supersport.
Although they are models for public roads that can obtain license plates, they incorporate many innovations to make them faster on track and are characterized by the early adoption of the latest technology fed back from racing.
In general, there are many high-performance motorcycles, and some users actually participate in races, or even if they don't race, they enjoy sport riding on a track.
The 1000cc and 600cc classes are the core zone for supersport models, and the Ninja ZX-6R introduced here is a bit special among them.
This is because the displacement is not set at exactly 600cc but at a slightly larger 636cc.
Looking at the lineup, it is interesting to note that there are several different Ninja ZX-6R motorcycles.
It's hard to tell, but both are named NinjaZX-6R, but there is a NinjaZX-6R for public roads and a NinjaZX-6R dedicated to racing. The race-only model NinjaZX-6R has a displacement of 599cc, and the displacement itself is different.
In fact, this is due to the differentiation from the Ninja ZX-6R, which evolved to improve times on the race track, to the numbered Ninja ZX-6R with a different displacement for riding on public roads.
The displacement was increased to 636cc for ease of riding on public roads, where there are many go-and-stops, and to increase torque in the mid-to-low-speed range.
If you look at Kawasaki's official website a little further, you will notice that there is a model called Ninja 650, which is a full cowl similar to the Ninja ZX-6R.
In terms of ride quality, we can say that these two motorcycles are completely different.
The Ninja 650 has a larger displacement of 649cc but has a more user-friendly character and position for touring and daily use. The Ninja ZX-6R, on the other hand, is more oriented toward sports riding.
The Ninja ZX-6R has a tighter forward leaning position and a seat height of 830 mm, 40 mm higher than the Ninja 650.
Also with regard to engine characteristics, the Ninja ZX-6R has a very high-revving character, with maximum output at 13,500 rpm.
To summarize the above, Kawasaki's 600cc class full-cowl models include the Ninja ZX-6R, which is designed for racing only, and the Ninja ZX-6R, which has a displacement of 636cc for public road riding.
In addition, this means that there are three types of Ninja 650s that are easy to use from touring to city riding.
In other words, the Ninja ZX-6R public road-use version is the model for those who want a sporty model that is closer to a racing image, even if it is not as easy to use on a daily basis or has poor suspension. The Ninja ZX-6R is the model of choice for those who want a sportier model with a more racing image.
How do Webike users feel about the ZX-6R?
ZX-6R
Average price of new model: 10575 USD (approx.)
Average used model price: 8700 USD (approx.)
131 reviews
*Data as of July 20, 2022
The average owner satisfaction score is 3.54 out of 5 (1,014 persons evaluated)
It should be noted that two items, driving and looks, scored over 4.7.
Now let's see what Webike users have to say.
First of all, some say it has good touring performance despite being supersport. The riding position setting also seems to be exquisite. Also, the quick shifter and ETC 2.0 are standard equipment, which is also appreciated.
Also, although this is also a voice from the previous model, it is said to be easy to ride around town due to its fat low-speed torque.
On the other hand, the disadvantages cited are neck pain during long rides because it is still supersport. Also cited as disadvantages are poor footing and heat from the engine exhaust. These are the problems associated with supersports. If you really want comfort, I would say choose the Ninja 650. It is a supersport, so you still need to be able to ride fast on the track. However, there are always people who buy a Ninja 650 because they fall in love with the style, putting their own skills aside. The Ninja 650 is a supersport that is kind enough to accept such people.
A Quick Summary of the ZX-6R
Advantages
- Easy to ride like a tourer, but turns well like an SS
- Quick shifter and ETC2.0 are standard equipment, and the pricing is good.
- The torque is fun enough even if you don't turn the wheel.
Disadvantages
- Exhaust System is too big
- Long rides cause neck pain
- Exhaust heat goes directly to the knees
ZX-6R Owner's Voice
Hijiki bo ̄ i
| Motive for purchase, intended use, and comparative models | I bought a NINJA250 for my first motorcycle about 5 years ago. It was enough for me since I mainly rode it around town. We started touring as we got used to the motorcycles. At that time, many of my friends were riding ~400cc motorcycles, which was fine, but in recent years, they all acquired larger motorcycles and switched to motorcycles over 1000cc one after another. When you go touring in such a situation, you will be left behind if you are riding a 250cc. (Especially on highways.) I was limited in terms of speed, and I want to experience the power of the big one. I also wanted to hear the sound of a 4-cylinder. I thought at the time that it was time to switch to a larger machine, and that was my first step. I still like the look of the sport the best, so the S1000RR was my first choice, but I bought the cozier ZX-6R because of my budget and the fact that I decided I didn't need a liter SS. I still mainly ride around town, but I enjoy night tours and other activities that I did not use to do so much before I switched to this motorcycle. |
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| Advantages/Satisfactory points | - Looks cool. - The 4-cylinder sound at high RPM is really good. - The color changes at once, especially around 6,000 rpm (very good) - The motorcycle turns very well when cornering (compared to the NINJA250). The tires feel like they're sticking to the motorcycle (compared to the NINJA250). - Quick shifter (up only) is super convenient. - ETC 2.0 standard is nice too |
| Disadvantages/Dissatisfactions | - As a former rider of NINJA, I felt the posture was too tight at first. - The forward-leaning posture makes driving for a long time quite tiring (mainly because of the pain in the buttocks). - The vibration on the highway is so direct that my arms go numb (take frequent breaks!). - I wish it had a down quick shifter. - The load capacity is a waste, of course! - The exhaust heat is super direct to your legs, so you get hot when summer (on the other hand, it looks good in the winter). |
| Advice for prospective buyers | There are some complaints, but to be honest, I am used to it. I am gradually getting used to it, and once you get the hang of the riding position, it is possible to maintain it without getting tired or fatigued. And it is really fun to ride. 636cc 6R is totally sufficient, although it is not as good as SS of 1000cc or more. It is most enjoyable in the speed range of Japanese public roads (60~100km/h), and the sound is comfortable and it turns well. The sound is an important point in my opinion, so I have changed to a Scorpion Exhaust System, although the OEM exhaust system was fine. It also has a very good sound. It's to the level that sometimes I ride just to hear this sound. Definitely, you should replace the "grips" right away. The OEM grips vibrate so directly that I got so tired on the highway after taking delivery that I seriously wondered whether or not I should take the motorcycle off the road. (This is partly because it is the first time for me to ride a big motorcycle.) But it can be changed by installing anti-vibration grips. The rest is bar ends and so on. |
Asapanman
| Motive for purchase, intended use, and comparative models | When I saw the news of the YZF-R7's North American debut, I wanted a motorcycle with sporty handling without power. I was going to buy one of these when it came out, but when is it coming out? Next year? Can I wait that long? Then I remembered that the 6R is also easy to ride and sporty, so I went to a certain Kawasaki plaza to check it out. As always, you should never step on an actual motorcycle at such a time. It's a high probability that you will end up making an impulse purchase. I've had enough of motorcycles that are just too tight for me. My thoughts continue below. |
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| Advantages/Satisfactory points | - The sound of the high-revving four-cylinder engine is very macho. I was thinking of getting a new ZX-25R, but the price is close, so why not just replace the big one with this one? - Easy to ride for middle SS quirks. Personally, it is at the level of a touring machine. It is not hard at all because it is quite close to the narrowed-down clip-on handlebar that motivates me to ride. - I was watching YouTube and there was a lot of feedback that it turned in the corners pretty well and the tires seemed to suck. That's just what I wanted! - It has a fuel gauge and a clock, even though it's an SS, and it's very obvious. It even comes with a quick shifter and ETC2.0. No need to buy anything else later. This is a must-buy! |
| Disadvantages/Dissatisfactions | It's not really cool in SS. I don't have that much of an attachment to Kawasaki, so this green is too assertive. I was passing it off as a joke, but this green seems to be favored by insects, and there are a lot of insects walking on the tank. Is there white too? What's with this sense of color or balance and what's with the big exhaust system nowadays? All the other exhaust systems from third parties are huge too! Also, I could only buy it at Kawasaki Plaza due to the number of bulbs. At the very least, I would like to have more options for purchase. Well, I guess that's the modern Kawasaki way, but I'm a little or a lot dissatisfied. |
| Advice for prospective buyers | I just bought it, so I'm breaking it in. The drive side of the sprocket has been changed from 16 to 15 for better acceleration. It is suitable for those who are not interested in the maximum speed and for the middle-class track. However, the gear ratio is too low. If you buy a new motorcycle, be prepared to break it in. It is tied to 4000 rpm until 350Km driving, which means it can only go a little over 60Km in 6th gear. Someone do the break-in for me~! I don't care if I have to pay for it. |
RICO
| Motive for purchase, intended use, and comparative models | I wanted a motorcycle that was easy and fast, but 1000cc was over-specified, and I thought a motorcycle that specialized in riding and had a ton of fun would be more interesting, if possible, so it became a 600cc SS. I ruled out used motorcycles that I didn't know how they had been used. If they were the same price, I would have decided on the R6 immediately, but the price difference and the fact that it was not suitable for my purposes led me to the 6R. |
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| Advantages/Satisfactory points | Versatile. It has so much low RPM torque that I can usually ride behind a motorcycle in town in 6th gear. Acceleration is normal and never falters. It is easy to handle up to 8,000 rpm and is just fast enough to enjoy winding roads if you don't set your eyes at 3 angles. However, the real power of this motorcycle comes from 8,000 rpm. The power explodes at once, and the needle of the tachometer starts to respond quickly. On the other hand, it is not easy to handle, but it is twice as convenient. The chassis is rigid enough, and the fully adjustable front and rear suspension can be adjusted if you don't like it. |
| Disadvantages/Dissatisfactions | Compared to the R6 and the liter SS, it doesn't cost as much, and it doesn't have the same advanced technology. This is because the 6R is not costly to develop, but the less expensive Z900 and Ninja 650 use more new technology. |
| Advice for prospective buyers | The 6R is the fastest middle-class SS on public roads. Those who don't need to go fast will be happier with the CBR650R or Ninja 650. The YZF-R6's build quality shows the difference in price. However, if you ask whether this translates directly into ease of handling and speed on public roads, it does not. I feel that the build quality is designed to meet the needs of those who are serious about aggressive driving. That's why the R6 is so unique. That is what attracts me so much. These are my personal reviews. |
Check out ZX-6R's Competitors
Supersport models in the 600cc class tier.
If one were to choose a rival for the Ninja ZX-6R, it would be the 600cc class supersport models from various manufacturers. However, as of July 2022, Honda is the only company selling a 600cc-class supersport model for the domestic market. Both Yamaha's YZF-R6 and Suzuki's GSX-R600 are only sold overseas.
Of course, both the YZF-R6 and GSX-R600 can be purchased in the form of used motorcycles from the period when they were sold in Japan, but Honda's CBR600RR is the biggest competitor when it comes to choosing from the latest current models.
Now, if you are interested in the reviews of our competitors, check here!
*Owner average satisfaction and number of reviews are as of July 21, 2022.
HONDA CBR600RR
Average owner satisfaction 3.47 (1,063 persons evaluated)
Average price of new model: -
Average used model price: 7240 USD (approx.)
219 reviews
