2013 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R unveiled
The wraps have come off the new ZX-6R, sporting a bigger 636cc engine, electronic traction control and an all-new Showa forkThe new product onslaught from team green continues, as the 2013 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R breaks cover, bringing with a larger engine SFF-BP front forks and traction control - a first for a mainstream 600cc-class sports bike.
Hot on the heels of the new $6199 Kawasaki Ninja 300, the new-look 2013 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R arrives in Australian motorcycle dealerships in November, with its price to be announced close to that date.
Taking a few visual cues from the ZX-10R, the new 636cc Ninja is based on the same frame as its forebear, but brings ample new components to the table, such as Showa's new SFF-BP front forks.
SFF-BP, or Seperate Function Fork + Big Piston, blends the anti-dive track-tuned properties of the latter with the "great usability in everyday street-riding situations" of the former, says Kawasaki.
The engine will be a torquey unit thanks to an increased stroke, which raises capacity by 37cc to 636cc, though Kawasaki has not released tech specs yet so exact torque and power figures will be revealed closer to its launch.
"With displacement increased to 636cc, the new bike offers more performance at all rpm as well as great usability in everyday street-riding situations," is all Kawasaki would reveal.
Perhaps the most important addition to the 2013 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R is KTRC, or Kawasaki TRaction Control. This three-mode, button-operated system marks a first for a mass produced 600cc-class motorcycle, though the MV Agusta F3 was the first middleweight (675cc) bike to offer it.
Along with a traction control electronics package, the 2013 Ninja ZX-6R features a power mode selection and ABS will be optional to Australian buyers too. The ABS system is called KIBS, or Kawasaki Intelligent anti-lock Braking System, which is claimed to benefit sports riding by taking into account back-torque from downshifts while suppressing rear-wheel lift during hard braking and not intruding during hard riding, such as on the racetrack.
Kawasaki is calling its new Ninja ZX-6R "The most advanced mid-size supersport model Kawasaki has ever produced," and with things a torque-limiting slipper clutch it's shaping up to be a strong contender in the 600cc-class.
As an aside, supersport racing regulations require motorcycles to have a 599cc (or smaller) engine, which means the new 636cc 2013 ZX-6R will be ineligible for official racing duties. Kawasaki Australia spokesman, Rudi Baker, told the Bikesales Network that it will offer the 599cc 2012 model ZX-6R alongside the newer, brawnier 636 Ninja.
"Those who wish to race a Ninja can get the 599cc model," said Mr Baker, adding that a "limitied number" of 599cc models will be offered. However because they are 2012 models they don’t get traction control and other upgrades of the larger engine ZX-6R.
Kawasaki previously offered a 636cc Ninja in Australia between 2005 and 2008.
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