Motorcycle specifications KawasakiZX-6 R 636 2020 Back in the game!

The return of the 6R was a pleasant surprise. Disappeared from our shores for some time, but still active outside Europe, Akashi's pistarde returns stronger, redesigned and eager to give its eternal rival, the R6, a rough ride.
When the floodgates closed on Supersport development, the category began to decline in Europe, with the consequent farewell of the CBR 600 RR, 600 GSX-R and ZX-6R. Triumph had long since thrown in the towel, MV-Agusta only reworked its F3 675 when it had to, and Ducati had long since abandoned the sector by the time the 848 arrived. So the days seemed numbered for this category full of high revs and hysterical engines. So it's a breath of fresh air to see the 636 again.

Its two-year break has given it a facelift. A new personality emerges from its face, borrowing much from that of the Ninja 400 and a little from the ZZR. The completely redesigned stern is influenced by the ZX-10R, especially the rear light.
With this new look, the Kawa is announcing a new livery, but not a new generation. Let's make no mistake, we're in the presence of a slight evolution. You'll see.

the ZX-6R plays with doubt, but doesn't lie. Take a look at the front end, the exhaust design, the fuel tank and side covers, the crankcases... Yes, they're the same as before. So the manufacturer has changed the look, taking care to preserve the technology virtually as it is. There's no all-new ZX-6R 636, but we don't blame it for that - it's got a lot going for it.

Starting with the engine, which has written many fine pages for her on the road and on the racetrack. She wants to come back stronger, but finds herself restricted by Euro4. The distiller has had to accept a castration that is good for the environment, to the detriment of its breath. However, the final punishment is not too painful. The 4-cylinder engine lost just one horsepower, delivering 130 hp at 13,500 rpm. The same goes for torque, which is down 0.1 to 7.2 mkg. But anti-pollution standards mean a big hit on the scales. And the 2019 ZX-636R will be 2 kilos heavier. As with the R6, you'll have to let the mill breathe to get the most out of it.

Plastic aside, let's take a look at what's new with this vintage. First of all, the shifter, a must for this type of bike, but only active when upshifting. A new dashboard, discreetly borrowed from the Ninja 650 then adapted to the temperament of the 636 R. LED lights front and rear, a 12V socket close to the dashboard, a shorter final drive ratio (43/16 >> 43/15), a revised seat, a new bubble, a 5-position adjustable clutch lever, a new end cap and a new finish for the silencer, and to conclude a pair of updated gumshoes, the new Bridgestone S22.

The chassis is identical. The aluminum perimeter frame is already a fine, effective blade, aided by a number of highly appropriate components. The 41 mm Showa inverted fork is the SFF-BP version, with separate functions and a large internal piston. The swingarm is so imposing that it wouldn't look out of place on a 1000. The monoshock, like the fork, is fully adjustable. As for braking, Nissin's 4-piston monobloc calipers are radially mounted behind 310 mm tracks. Still no aviation hoses as standard... Patience, Japanese sports cars are gradually coming to terms with this.

well-equipped with electronic assistance in its previous edition, the ZX-6R 636 announces intelligent KIBS ABS that also acts as an anti-stoppie, 3-mode KTRC traction control, two power modes (65% or 100%)... in other words, the same equipment yesterday and today, only upgraded by the addition of a shifter.

The 636 is making a comeback in a sluggish market, where the competition is virtually non-existent. So how do you attract the crowds or the curious? If its technology, looks or electronics aren't enough, there's one argument left: price. It's surprising, to say the least, for this category - this ZX-6R is not only the cheapest in its sector, but also much cheaper than the Yam and less expensive than the ex-6R. We've never seen a SuperSport with a lower price tag.

M.B - Manufacturer's photos