6R - Akashi's knife has been getting sharper and sharper.

As the successor to the 600 ZZR, the ZX-6R is Kawasaki’s weapon in the SuperSport class. While becoming increasingly radical and holding its own against the R6 with each new iteration, the 6R has managed to retain a certain user-friendliness.

1995: Launch Introduction of the ZX-6R, a 599 cm³ supersport bike featuring an aluminum frame and a forced-air intake (Ram Air).

1998–2001: G and J Series Gradual increase in power (from 100 to 112 ch) through a redesign of the airbox and a higher compression ratio.

2002–2006: Introduction of the 636 cm³ engine and under-seat exhaust To stand out on the road, Kawasaki increased the displacement to 636 cm³ to deliver more torque. A 599 cm³ version (ZX-6RR) was produced in parallel to comply with racing regulations. In 2003, the bike switched to electronic fuel injection. In 2005, the design was modernized with an exhaust system integrated under the seat.

2007–2012: Exclusive Return to the 599 cm³ Kawasaki temporarily discontinued the 636 cm³ version to focus on a single 599 cm³ model. The 2009 model underwent a major redesign: it shed approximately 10 kg, brought back the side exhaust, and adopted a Showa BPF fork.

2013–2018: Return of the 636 cm³ and an electronic revolution The 636 cm³ displacement makes its return. The ZX-6R incorporates extensive electronics with the introduction of traction control (KTRC), riding modes, and intelligent ABS (KIBS).

2019–Present: Modernization and Emissions Standards Successive updates to meet Euro 4, 5, and 5+ standards. The tech package is enhanced with a Quickshifter (KQS) in 2019, full LED lighting, and the addition of a connected color TFT display starting with the 2024 model.