Motorcycle specifications KawasakiZX-6R 600 1999 Track or road, she loves it

the evolution of sports machines is moving towards ever-greater efficiency, sometimes to the detriment of on-road applications. Just look at the GSX-R 600: an exhilarating, bluff track bike, but not really suited to road use. More specialization means more exclusivity. The new-generation ZX-6R thumbs its nose at such self-pity. The Ninja evolves to win championships without sacrificing its on-road skills. Hats off to you, Mr Kawa.

first step: the silhouette. This second version of the 600 Ninja seems to have matured without denying its origins. The family spirit is preserved, with a trend inspired by the new ZX-9R. Slimmer, muscular and sprinting at the same time, it evolves without upheaval, as if to better hide the profound changes that have taken place within it.
From the outside, the engine appears unchanged. And with good reason: the valve train, crankcases and gearbox are virtually unchanged. Let's put ourselves in the place of the fresh air to better understand what has been done -> Sucked in by an optimized Ram Air then circulated more efficiently in the ducts, the fuel arrives at a bank of 36 mm Mikuni carburetors (replacing the Keihin) equipped with a K-tric system. This communicates information on throttle opening to the ignition box. The box then selects a pre-stored curve to optimize spark advance. Rather than focusing on power, the engine designers then concentrated on making the mill more reliable. A variety of modifications made the engine more efficient, lighter and stronger.
The moulbif is the expression of joie de vivre. Fiery, expressive and powerful, its thrust is strong yet progressive and immediately responsive. Wherever the needle on the rev counter points, there's always a response at the throttle.

to exploit this boiler, Kawa has also focused on the chassis. In fact, this is where the machine has evolved the most, since virtually no parts are the same between the 95 and 98 versions. The most obvious change is the fork, which has been extended from 41 to 46 mm in diameter, and is 1/2° straighter, with 5 mm less offset between the triple clamps. This results in a 15 mm reduction in wheelbase. The frame rails, steering column and other components have been strengthened, as evidenced by the wheel axles, which have been increased to 25 mm. In addition to the differently-structured swingarm, the braking system has been changed: the discs are 0.5 mm thinner, and the axles are Tokico 6-piston units (previously 4). Many components have been lightened, including the fork, wheels, swingarm, instrumentation (slightly different, with small digital meters), fairing, etc...

Whether on the track or the road, the ZX-6R has gained in efficiency. A lighter, stiffer front end enables quicker corner changes and better control under heavy braking, and the suspension has been revised for greater rigor. Diving into corners with greater ease, the little Ninja has the luxury of being serene and highly efficient on the track, while being one of the best (if not the best) 600 sportbikes on the market. Competing with a CBR or GSX-R, it's a winner on all fronts. As we said at the outset, most of the time, optimizing a machine for the track makes it more exclusive, to the detriment of comfort and enjoyment on the road. The new ZX-6R doesn't have to make this choice: it's better everywhere.

M.B - Internet photos