2016 KAWASAKI NINJA® ZX™-6R ABS
A New Kawasaki Racing Team Edition celebrates the dominance of the Ninja ZX-6R motorcycle on the racetrack
The current dominance of the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R motorcycle in both the FIM World Championship Supersport series and the European World Superstock 600 series is a clear indication that the Ninja ZX-6R motorcycle remains a major force to be reckoned with.
The race bikes are limited to a 599cc version of the famous Kawasaki inline four-cylinder engine, whereas the streetbikes sold in North America benefit from a long-stroke 636cc engine, giving the ZX-6R the ultimate advantage over its 600cc-class competition. The 2016 Ninja ZX-6R motorcycle, will be available in a special Kawasaki Racing Team (KRT) paint finish of Lime Green and Ebony.
ENGINE
The additional 37cc engine size results in much stronger low- and mid-range power, which is a significant asset for street riding, canyon carving and on-track authority. This performance advantage has been proven in the demanding arena of AMA Pro Road Racing, where the first revolutionary 636 blew away the competition’s 600s and won races against factory 750s on the track.
The latest 16-valve, long-stroke DOHC 636cc four-cylinder engine provides the riding experience demanded by the most discerning middleweight sportbike riders. Torque-rich and rev-happy, the supremely powerful engine easily makes the transition from city street commuting to the wide-open racetrack, making its broad performance available to every rider.
The increased performance developed by this larger capacity engine can be felt throughout the rev range, which is always appreciated for racing, but also provides a significant boost for everyday use. The larger engine means that low- to mid-range torque is significantly stronger compared to traditional 600cc bikes.
The intake and exhaust port shapes are also optimized to suit the engine displacement, helping to provide increased performance as well as improved throttle response. The DFI® (digital fuel injection) engine is another asset the rider can exploit. The system employs ultra-fine atomizing injectors to deliver a sub-60 micron fuel droplet size for optimum air-fuel mixing and maximum combustion efficiency, while precise mapping enhances throttle response and reduces emissions.
The result is a 636cc engine that delivers incredible drive out of corners, offers superior flexibility and precise throttle control. These virtues pay big dividends when making mid-corner power adjustments, stringing a set of curves together on a racetrack or simply clearing traffic on city streets.
TRANSMISSION
In keeping with its racing DNA, the Ninja ZX-6R motorcycle employs a cassette-type six-speed transmission to simplify gear ratio changes at the track. It also utilizes strong alloys and to provide excellent durability, making it the perfect match for the torquey 636cc engine.
The Ninja ZX-6R motorcycle has a high-tech FCC clutch with assist and slipper functions. The advanced slipper function allows quick, effortless downshifts when scrubbing-off speed for a corner, while also helping to minimize rear-wheel hop caused by excess back-torque.
The “assist” function acts like a servo mechanism to pull the clutch hub and operating plate together, compressing the clutch plates under load. This allows the total clutch spring count and tension to be reduced, resulting in less effort at the clutch lever, in turn producing less fatigue on a long ride or in city traffic.
Track-Ready Electronics
The Ninja ZX-6R motorcycle features the latest sportbike and racetrack technology. For example, it has a three-mode Kawasaki Traction Control system (KTRC). Three modes are available via a switch on the left handlebar: Mode 1 offers maximum racetrack performance, Mode 2 is ideal for sporty street performance, and Mode 3 helps to eliminate wheelspin in certain conditions. Riders can also turn the system off if they wish.
As a further riding aid, riders can select either “Full” or “Low” engine power modes via a switch on the left handlebar. The power modes allow quick adjustment to the power delivery to suit road or track conditions.
Full mode permits the engine’s full performance potential to be realized, while Low mode offers the same power output at low RPM, but begins to limit power as the revs rise into the mid-range. It restricts power to about 80 percent of the engine’s full potential at high RPM. Low mode also delivers a gentler throttle response.
High-Performance ABS Braking (optional)
Riders who purchase the 2016 Ninja ZX-6R ABS motorcycle will have the Kawasaki Intelligent anti-lock Brake System (KIBS). This “Intelligent” system employs a multi-sensing system that monitors a wide range of data from wheel speed sensors and the engine ECU. Monitored parameters include wheel speed, brake caliper pressure, engine RPM, throttle position, clutch actuation and gear selection. When the KIBS ABS ECU detects a potential brake lock-up situation, it is able to temporarily reduce brake-line pressure, helping the wheel to regain traction. Aside from ultra-quick response times, additional sport-riding benefits include rear-end lift suppression during hard braking, reduced brake-lever kickback during ABS activation, and enhanced rear brake control during downshifts.
The system uses the same Nissin “monobloc” radial-mount brake calipers and 310mm petal-type front rotors as the non-ABS version of the Ninja ZX-6R motorcycle. It also shares the same rear brake caliper and 220mm petal-type rotor.
SUSPENSION & CHASSIS
The Ninja ZX-6R motorcycle is equipped with the Showa Separate Function Fork – Big Piston (SFF-BP) to deliver next-generation suspension performance and refinement. The fork utilizes springs in both tubes, with adjustable spring preload in the left tube and adjustable compression and rebound damping in the right tube. All adjusters are located on the upper fork caps for convenient access. With smooth initial stroke action and excellent composure under braking, the fork has greater composure as it begins to compress, with reduced dive during hard braking. The SFF-BP is primarily tuned for canyon road use, but with simple tuning it will allow a high level of performance at the racetrack, and comfortable response in the city.
At the rear, the patented Kawasaki bottom-link Uni-Trak® suspension offers 5.3” of travel. There is a gas-charged shock with adjustable spring preload, 25-position rebound damping and stepless compression damping.
The lightweight twin-spar aluminum frame places the engine in the optimum position for superb handling and rider feedback. It features a 23.5-degree rake angle to quicken steering response, enhance maneuverability and help to provide clear communication to the rider from the front tire.
BODYWORK
The 2016 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R motorcycle features aggressive design elements for a characteristic appearance. The large openings in the fairing provide high airflow and heat dissipation, while the lower section and rear cowl contribute to the bike’s lightweight appearance.
A critical feature for sportbikes is the relationship among the seat, footpeg and handlebar. With the Ninja ZX-6R motorcycle, the handlebars are placed close to the rider and at an angle that promotes a comfortable riding position. The fuel tank is flared around its top edge to provide a large leg and knee contact area, further contributing to excellent chassis feedback. Together with a narrow lightweight aluminum rear sub-frame, the seat’s leading edge provides a slender sportbike riding position, as well as shorter reach to the pavement.
Multi-Function Display
The crisp LCD instrument panel includes an analog-style tachometer and a multi-function screen to enable the rider to select the information needed. Primary functions on the LCD panel include KTRC and Power Mode as well as an Economical Riding (ECO) indicator. Additional functions include a digital speedometer, odometer, dual trip meters, clock, instant and average fuel consumption, coolant temperature, as well as a gear indicator, traction control activity level, ABS indicator and low-fuel warning lights. A large gear-position indicator gives instant numerical gear confirmation.
MODELS
New for 2016, the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R and the Ninja ZX-6R ABS motorcycles are available in Lime Green / Ebony for the KRT Edition as well as Metallic Matte Carbon Gray / Ebony.
ACCESSORIES
There is a comprehensive range of Genuine Kawasaki Accessories available for the Ninja ZX-6R motorcycle. These include an adjustable Öhlins twin-tube steering damper as well as a color-matched cowl that replaces the rear seat to enhance the appearance of the motorcycle. There is a soft-top case for storage, tank and kneepads, as well as frame and axle slider.
ABOUT KAWASAKI
Kawasaki started full-scale production of motorcycles over a half century ago. The first Kawasaki motorcycle engine was designed based on technical know-how garnered from the development and production of aircraft engines, and our entry into the motorcycle industry was driven by Kawasaki’s constant effort to develop new technologies. Numerous new Kawasaki models introduced over the years have helped shape the market, and in the process have created enduring legends based on their unique engineering, speed, power, design and riding pleasure. In the future, Kawasaki’s commitment to maintaining and furthering these strengths will surely give birth to new legends.
Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. (KMC) markets and distributes Kawasaki motorcycles, ATVs, Side x Sides, and Jet Ski® watercraft through a network of almost 1,200 independent retailers, with close to an additional 7,400 retailers specializing in general purpose engines. KMC and its affiliates employ nearly 3,100 people in the United States, with approximately 300 of them located at KMC’s Irvine, California headquarters.
Kawasaki’s tagline, “Let the good times roll.™”, is recognized worldwide. The Kawasaki brand is synonymous with powerful, stylish and category-leading vehicles. Information about Kawasaki’s complete line of powersports products and Kawasaki affiliates can be found on the Internet at www.kawasaki.com.