Motorcycle specifications KawasakiZX-6 R 636 2019 Back in the game!

The return of the 6R is a pleasant surprise. Disappeared from our shores for some time, but still active outside Europe, Akashi's tracker returns stronger, redesigned and eager to give its eternal rival, the R6, a rough ride.
When the floodgates were 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, 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 new ZX-6R plays with doubt, but doesn't lie. Take a look at the hood, the design of the exhaust, the tank and its side covers, the crankcases... Yes, they're the same as before. The manufacturer has therefore 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 penalty is not too painful. Its 4-cylinder engine has 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 and adapted to the temperament of the 636 R. LED lights front and rear, a 12V socket near the dashboard, a shorter final drive ratio (43/16 >> 43/15), a revised seat, a new bubble, a clutch lever re5-position clutch lever, a new muffler tip and finish, and last but not least, a pair of updated gumshoes, the new Bridgestone S22.

the chassis is identical. The aluminum perimeter frame is already a very effective, slender blade, aided and abetted 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 adjustable from anywhere. 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 editionedition, the ZX-6R 636 boasts intelligent KIBS ABS that also acts as an anti-stoppie, 3-mode KTRC traction control and two power modes (65% or 100%).... the same equipment then as now, only upgraded with a shifter.

the 636 is back 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