Motorcycle specifications KawasakiZX-6R 636 2006 Reaching maturity

the greens are the first to present their new Supersport racer for 2005. The ZX-6R has been extensively reworked both aesthetically and mechanically. Just as its big sister - the 10-R - won the 2004 Masterbike, the little one had to defend its new-found family honor even more.
The distinctive design of the previous 6-R has evolved into a smoother, more elegant machine. Profiled for greater aerodynamic efficiency, the fairing visually refines the bike, with the hoof extending below the footpegs, closely hugging the rear tire - just like on a Ducati 999. The headlamps are more tapered, giving it a more sympathetic look, the forced-air intake is also slightly redesigned, the turn signals are integrated, the tank is revised and the rear end copied from the 1000. As a result, we find the 10-R 's very pleasant rear end, with the added bonus of an under-seat exhaust. kawasaki has taken the same approach as everyone else, and this allows the eye to delight in the new swingarm, worthy of a MotoGP machine. the 636 is distinguished from the RR by its black-painted hoof, larger rear brake disc, and no doubt by other small details that Kawa will be announcing shortly.
On the engine side, things have also changed quite a bit. A new fuel system with 2 injectors per cylinder feeds a mill that benefits from new pistons, cylinders, cylinder head and camshafts. The engine also boasts larger exhaust valves, a reinforced and rebalanced crankshaft, a revised oil pump, an improved gearbox and, last but not least, much more power.
To cope with all this, the chassis doesn't just sport the black paint so typical of competition machines. In addition to the particularly strong new swingarm, the aluminum frame structure has been modified and the chassis features a shorter wheelbase. The rider's position has been significantly revised to bring the rider closer to the steering. And for added liveliness, new rims (certainly lighter) and petal brake discs.
Certainly more beautiful than its predecessor, and certainly more efficient, the 2005 version of the ZX-6R intends to continue on the path traced by the astonishing ZX-10R: to restore Kawasaki's credentials on the altar of sport.

on this Wednesday, October 20, we've just learned the official figures released by Kawasaki. Let's start with the most impressive: the 636 Ninja produces 130 horsepower at 14,000 rpm. A truly impressive figure for a 600 Sport. In dynamic mode, fuelled by forced air intake, the block develops no less than 136 hp. Torque rises to 7.2 mkg at 500 rpm (11,500 rpm). The RR version, with its more modest but, above all, more regulation cubic capacity, delivers 123 hp, and 6 more in dynamic terms. Surprisingly, the little green one hasn't gained in weight; rather the opposite, as it now weighs 164 kg. that's 3 more than the old model, but still very light.

Remember the first 636, the one that arrived in 2002? One of the best 600 sports cars, and one of the very few that didn't fall into the trap of exclusivity. High-performance, but also pleasant and comfortable, far from the radicalism that is the basis of today's sports cars.
Well, the new ZX-6R 636 tries to recapture some of this spirit, this notion of user-friendliness. If this is evident from its softer, more fluid but still muscular lines, a handhold confirms this friendliness. The seat is high but accessible, and cosier than usual; the riding position is sporty but less exclusive; and the suspension is firm and rigorous, but does its utmost to take it easy on you - the Ninja is even more thirsty for time, but now it's busy pleasing its rider both on and off the track. A fine effort that the engine has also been able to develop.

This block, the only one in the category to exceed 600 cc (there's the RR for competition), remains faithful to Kawa traditions. Supple and pleasant, it responds right from low revs, thanks in part to the valve housed in the exhaust. Of course, it doesn't have the monstrous boot of a ZX-10R, but it's very appreciable when you're cruising along without looking for a thrill, or when you're negotiating a tight bend with the rev counter tucked away at the bottom. The dashboard is still the same. It's high-tech, stylish, complete... you name it, but when it comes to reading engine revs, hang on. And even more so when you push the boiler past the 10,000 rpm mark. The ZX-6R takes a deep breath up to 12,000rpm, then unleashes the hostilities. The 4-cylinder yowls angrily as the engine revs up. No longer a laughing matter, the mill gets nasty and unleashes its 130 hp for better or worse. It's now up to the driver to demonstrate his know-how, and that's all he has to worry about. The smoothness of the controls and gearbox have already put a smile on his face; the ease of handling and efficiency of the front axle have given him confidence; the clutch anti-dribble, remarkable braking and overall stability allow him to let loose between the vibrators. Perhaps the brakes could be a little more progressive, but for the time being, the mill takes to the road at 16,000 rpm. A very good extension and performance to match.

not far off the mark for the new ZX-6R. For road use, it may be criticized for its low bubble and lack of under-seat storage. In all other respects, this evolution can be summed up in a single word: improvement. High-performance, remarkably well-balanced, more welcoming, more elegant, the 600 Ninja could well become the scarecrow of the category.

M.B- manufacturer's photos