The Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R is again for 2024 – however is shopping for used a greater thought?
Phrases: Jon Urry
In 2013 there was a particular really feel within the air that the supersport class’s finest days have been behind it. After exploding again into life when Yamaha launched the all-new R6 in 2008, the category had stagnated barely (not helped by the monetary disaster) and shortly the recognition of litre bikes surged (fuelled by the growing availability of PCP finance, making them extra reasonably priced to a larger variety of riders), whereas supersport gross sales dipped. Regardless of this background, in 2013 Kawasaki launched an all-new Ninja ZX-6R, and to assist it compete within the showrooms with the brand new breed of tech-heavy litre bikes, the Ninja arrived, packing some digital gizmos…
Advert
Get pleasure from all the things Extra Bikes by studying the month-to-month newspaper, Learn FREE On-line.
Whereas the non-obligatory ABS was nothing new (Honda was already operating a system on its CBR600RR), the 2013 Ninja ZX-6R introduced traction management (KTRC) to the social gathering, alongside two energy modes and an up to date slipper clutch. However as headline-grabbing as these flashy new devices have been, what made the largest distinction to the brand new Ninja was really all the way down to good, old style engineering.
Again to 636cc as Kawasaki took the choice to focus its improvement extra on street using than monitor, the 2013 Ninja advantages massively from this increase in capability. The place the earlier era had impressed as a result of truth its 599cc engine pulled more durable than you anticipated it to do, the 2013 bike is approach higher, delivering a surging midrange which means you aren’t having to constantly tap-dance on the gear lever. What this equates to is a motor that, whereas nonetheless very happy to unleash the rev-happy nature that makes supersport bikes so partaking and enjoyable to trip, can dial its aggression again and be ridden in a much more relaxed method. And this variation of angle is mirrored within the ZX-6R’s chassis.
That includes up to date Showa separate operate suspension (SFF-BP), the Ninja’s improvement workforce took the already extremely spectacular ZX-6R’s chassis (which had gained a WSS title in 2012) and, with out diluting its monitor potential, injected an additional component of refinement. And that’s what you actually spot on the street.
Advert
Noticeably extra settled over bumps than any earlier supersport Ninja mannequin, the 2013 ZX-6R is an absolute pleasure to trip due to its splendidly compliant new suspension and up to date shock linkage. You possibly can actually assault a B street on the Ninja, and the place older variations can be battering your wrists and again with their overly agency damping, the 2013 era soaks all of it up and means that you can exploit the razor-sharp agility that has at all times been on the coronary heart of a ZX-6R mannequin. Thrilling, enjoyable, and a motorbike that means that you can push your talents, blasting down a twisty street on this era of the ZX-6R is likely one of the finest emotions two wheels can ship… and it’s a sensation that isn’t harmed by the added tech.
Arguably, there is no such thing as a requirement for energy modes on a supersport bike and the overwhelming majority of ZX-6R house owners will merely stick it in full-fat mode and ignore the swap, however the KTRC is a special matter. True, 110bhp is unlikely to overwhelm the grip ranges of sticky fashionable rubber on a heat day, however come the colder months, sports activities tyres do take some time to stand up to temperature and that’s the place the system can develop into a beneficial asset. Nearly undetectable when grip ranges are excessive (it even permits a cheeky little wheelie), the KTRC works away within the background and solely reveals itself when the necessity is genuinely required. Observe or street using, it’s a onerous system to seek out fault with, and the place the non-obligatory ABS can begin to get in the way in which when on monitor, KTRC doesn’t. If you would like a bit extra tech, the up to date 2019 model provides a quickshifter to the social gathering. So, the place does this all go away the 2013-2020 Ninja ZX-6R?
With each Kawasaki and Honda now re-entering the supersport marketplace for 2024, there may be definitely going to be further pleasure surrounding the category. Will this pleasure translate into gross sales? Of latest bikes, you must say most likely not, as about £11k is a heck of lots to pay for a 600cc bike, so brand-new they are going to stay considerably restricted of their enchantment.
Advert
Within the used market, the place supersport gross sales are already red-hot, it’s simple to foretell a fair greater surge in curiosity. Is that any shock?
Not likely when you think about you may get an excellent 2013 ZX-6R for lower than half the price of a brand new 2024 mannequin, and whereas it could lack the newest Ninja look, it has mainly the identical engine and chassis – and that’s what actually issues.
Get in there now earlier than the costs rise even additional…
Advert
Gearing
If you wish to add a little bit of zing to a 2013-2018 Ninja, it’s price replicating the gearing of the 2019-2020 mannequin. This bike runs 15/43 gearing, which is one tooth smaller on the entrance sprocket than the older model.
Servicing
There’s a probability a used Ninja might be getting near requiring its valve clearances being checked, which occurs at 15,000 miles. A horribly difficult job as a result of compact nature of the bike, it’s going to set you again greater than £650 – and that’s assuming nothing wants altering. In that case, that’s one other £100-£200 added to the invoice. Issue this into any provide on a motorbike with greater mileage.
Brakes
For as soon as, the Ninja’s calipers are literally as much as the job, and tales of seized pistons are pretty uncommon. Simply be cautious concerning the thickness of the discs as they’ve a minimal put on restrict (stamped on the disc) and a brand new set will price you about £500 from Kawasaki. Aftermarket gadgets are cheaper at about £300.
Colors and variations
The Ninja got here in customary colors (inexperienced, white, or black) in addition to the KRT Version paint scheme (2019 onwards). It was additionally offered in Efficiency spec, which added a road-legal Akrapovic can.
Jack it up
Curiously, in the course of the monitor launch of the ZX-6R, Kawasaki techs added a 4mm shim to the shock to jack up the again of the bike and sharpen its dealing with. In case you take yours on monitor, this could possibly be price experimenting with.
Crash injury
The Ninja has at all times been fairly track-focused, so that you should be cautious about crash injury or any indicators of monitor abuse. At all times deal with any protecting engine covers and so forth with warning and take a look at its MoT historical past on-line. If there are gaps however the mileage retains going up, be cautious.
ABS
Kawasaki launched ABS for the primary time to the ZX-6R in 2013. Out there as an non-obligatory further, it added £1000 to the worth tag because it’s an excellent street system that can be okay on monitor, if not excellent. Count on to pay about £300 further for a used ABS mannequin, however at all times examine the bike’s spec earlier than shopping for.
Up to date mannequin
The Ninja obtained its final (nicely, till 2024) replace in 2019, when a quickshifter was added (up shifts solely), new gearing, LED lights, barely altered bodywork, and a tweaked sprint. Successfully, it’s the identical bike as earlier than, and to trip (gearing apart) feels just about equivalent. It was discontinued on the finish of 2020.
Guess who’s again…
Considerably surprisingly, Kawasaki has reintroduced the ZX-6R for 2024. Closely based mostly across the 2019 model, the brand new Ninja will get sharper styling, a TFT sprint, and revised engine internals to permit it to satisfy the newest emissions rules. Costs begin at £10,599.
Tech Information
2013-2020 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R
Engine:
Sort: 636cc, liquid-cooled, 16v, inline-fourBore x stroke: 67mm x 45.1mmCompression: 12.9:1Fuelling: Digital gas injectionTested energy: 110bhp @ 13,250rpmTested torque: 63Nm @ 11,000rpm
Chassis
Body: Aluminium twin sparF suspension: 41mm inverted SFF-BP forks, totally adjustableR suspension: Monoshock, totally adjustableFront brakes: 4-piston radial calipers, 310mm discsRear brake: Single-piston caliper, 220mm disc
Dimensions:
Wheelbase: 1395mmSeat top: 830mmWet weight: 192kgFuel capability: 17 litres
Velocity:
0-60: 3.14 sec0-100: 6.39s0-120: 9.12 secStg ¼ mile: 10.55sec @ 133.78mphStanding mile: 26.8s @ 163.31Top pace: 168mph
Verdict: 
7/10
The Ninja is a full-on supersport bike, however its further capability and compliant chassis makes it far simpler on the street than some rivals. And it’s significantly better worth than the brand new mannequin!
+ Robust engine, nice chassis, wild angle
– It’s fairly compact
