After a long gap of six years, Kawasaki will be re-launching the Ninja ZX-6R 636cc supersport bike. The last 636cc version of the ZX-6R was launched in the year 2006 and the long gap in between was occupied by the 599cc version. The 2013 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R was unveiled earlier in September and will start sales by next year. The middle-weight superbike will possess a completely revamped engine, two step engine power mode, three mode traction control, ABS as optional, all new F.C.C clutch with dual cams for assist and slipper functions and a lot more of intelligent electronics.
The new design of the ZX-6R features an aggressive front fairing with larger openings for improved airflow. A new projector beam headlights, rear LED tail lights and the front turn indicators fitted as part of the bodywork. The Ninja ZX-6R also features a new instrument panel with analog tachometer and a multi-function LCD screen. All this placed over a strong yet lightweight aluminum chassis.
The 2013 ZX-6R has a 636cc inline four-cylinder engine with dual overhead cam. The revisions in the engine include a longer stroke of 45.1 mm from the previous 43.8 mm. The inlet and outlet ports get an improved shape design which get wider at the entry and exit respectively thus giving improved throttle performance. A new lightweight camshaft with the intake cam lobe allowing a longer open duration. The passages connecting the cylinders were modified so the longer stroke would not cause the pistons to obstruct them. A new shorter connecting rod, new piston crowns, a more precise digital fuel injection (DFI) unit are a few more to add.
This mighty powerful engine produces a maximum power of 130 BHP at 13,500 RPM and a peak torque of 70.5 Nm at 11,500 RPM. The compression ratio is 12.9:1 coping up with the longer stroke and the increased 37cc displacement. There are two selectable engine modes namely – Low and High mode. The Low mode restricts the engine output to 80 percent whereas the High mode allows extreme performance of the engine to be suitably used on race tracks. The low RPM response in both the modes is the same.
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The Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R 636 also has a three mode Kawasaki Traction control (KTRC) system covering a range of different drive conditions. Mode 1 is programmed for maximum acceleration. Mode 2 is best suited for a balanced performance with minimum slip and Mode 3 offers slip elimination. These KTRC mode settings can be set at a click of a button and can also be turned off completely at the rider’s will. This system has its speed sensors at the front and rear wheels. The same speed sensors are also used by the ABS system of the bike. Known as the Kawasaki Intelligent anti-lock brake system (KIBS), it is a multi-sensing system gathering information regarding wheel speed, brake caliper pressure, engine RPM, throttle position and the current speed gear. Apart from helping gain traction, the KIBS system also helps in rear-end lift suppression during hard braking, rear brake control during downshifts and reduced lever kickbacks during ABS intervention.
Built over a new lightweight aluminum chassis is a new aggressive aerodynamic design featuring a sharp front fairing and large openings for appropriate air flow. Housed in a sharp black panel are the projector beam headlights and the turn lights are integrated as part of the body itself. The rear profile of the bike narrows a bit offering a slim look at the back and features bright compact LED taillights. The modern instrument panel has an analog tachometer and a multi-display LCD screen showing almost all features the bike is equipped with along with trip meter, clock, fuel consumption and gear shift indicator. The fuel tank capacity is 17-litres and an average fuel consumption of 18.7 km/l.
Due for launch in 2013, the new Ninja ZX-6R 636cc will be available in three dual colour tones with optional ABS. The price tag will see the numbers $11,699 (Rs. 6.18 lakh) for the non ABS version and $12,699 (Rs. 6.71 lakh) for the variant equipped with ABS. Kawasaki has no plans to bring the ZX-6R to India.
