2020 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R And ZX-6R First Look Preview

Kawasaki’s Ninja ZX-10R and ZX-6R are bred for the track.

2020 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R Preview

Left: The 2020 Ninja ZX-10R is available in a Metallic Spark Black/Metallic Flat Spark Black color scheme or in a KRT edition Lime Green/Ebony. Right: The 2020 Ninja ZX-10R utilizes finger follower valve train that was designed by Kawasaki's World Superbike Championship-winning race team allows for aggressive cam profiles. This allows the valves to open and close rapidly for increased performance.Kawasaki

Kawasaki has enjoyed a record-setting run in the World Superbike championship with Jonathan Rea winning five consecutive SBK titles aboard the Ninja ZX-10R, and the technology that has fueled its success is trickling down to the sportbikes that are in the showrooms right now.

The 2020 Ninja ZX-10R engine is mounted in the frame so that it raises the center of gravity and places extra weight on the front end. This weight distribution combined with the precise rake angle improves the bike’s ability to be flicked from side to side.Kawasaki

The 2020 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R is now available in the new KRT Edition livery with ABS as well as the Metallic Spark Black version for those who prefer a more subtle look. The big ZX is powered by a ram-air-inducted, 998cc, inline four-cylinder engine that features finger follower valve actuation, titanium alloy exhaust, forged chromoly billet cams, lightened crank, lightened pistons, and a cylinder head that now allows the use of optional KRT high-lift cams which was previously only offered on the ZX-10RR.

Left: The 2020 Ninja ZX-10R features an upper cowl that resembles the factory World Superbike machine. It reduces drag and provides excellent wind deflection. Right: Developed with Showa for the World Superbike Championship, the Balance Free Fork (BFF) is complemented by Showa's latest rear shock, the Balance Free Rear Cushion (BFRC), to provide track riders the best-handling ZX-10R ever.Kawasaki

A full suite of rider-assist technology is at the rider's disposal as well. A dual direction quickshifter (KQS) helps provide precise up- and downshifts when you are shredding laps while the five-axis IMU works with the Sport Kawasaki Traction Control (S-KTRC) and ABS to make sure you have the perfect balance of acceleration and speed to help you run at the front of the pack. Kawasaki Launch Control Mode (KLCM) gives you three levels of LC to help you get perfect starts. Kawasaki Engine Brake Control (KEBC) lets you select how much engine-braking suits your riding style, and Power Mode offers another three levels of power including Full, Mid, and Low power.

The Bosch IMU combined with the latest version of Kawasaki’s dynamic modeling software, and electronic management technology helps riders tap into the full potential of the ZX-10R on the track.Kawasaki

Kawasaki Corner Management Function (KCMF) and ABS work together to optimize the braking power from the massive 330mm Brembo brakes and M50 calipers in an effort to help keep the bike from standing up on the brakes while maintaining traction and scrubbing off speed. This motorcycle was created at the track for riders who insist on riding the most technologically advanced superbike they can get their hands on.

Whether you are competing in the track, a trackday junkie, or a street rider looking for the ultimate literbike, the 2020 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R combines the latest technology with its winning pedigree and wraps it in a nice, tidy package that is designed to help you ride faster and safer than ever before.

2020 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R Preview

The 2020 Ninja ZX-6R is built around a race-proven chassis that has been optimized for the street but is still formidable on the racetrack.Kawasaki

For those sportbike riders looking for the ultimate middleweight, the 2020 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R was designed with you in mind. Kawasaki developed the ZX-6R to be the perfect supersport motorcycle starting with its big-bore 636cc engine that is tucked inside an aluminum perimeter frame that was developed to work perfectly with the Showa Big Piston Fork and Uni-Trak rear suspension. Together this combination provides sharp, responsive handling, excellent feedback, and the power to keep even the most seasoned rider's adrenaline pumping.

The 2020 Ninja ZX-6R engine performance and power delivery is spread evenly across the rpm range which, combined with perfectly tuned suspension components and advanced rider support technology, makes it easy to ride.Kawasaki

It should come as no surprise that the ZX-6R features a full complement of rider-assist technology including a quickshifter (up only), slipper clutch, three-mode Kawasaki Traction Control (KTRC), two-way selectable power mode, and the ABS models are also equipped with Kawasaki Intelligent antilock Braking System (KIBS) as well. Large 310mm rotors and Nissin four-piston calipers provide the braking power and feel riders have come to expect from these modern bikes.

The 2020 models are available with and without ABS. Non-ABS models are available in Candy Steel Furnace Orange/Metallic Flat Spark Black and Metallic Spark Black/Metallic Flat Spark Black.Kawasaki

All of this performance is wrapped in the distinctive, aerodynamic bodywork that features bright, dual LED headlights, and excellent wind protection from its wide windscreen. The ZX-6R is at home on the street or track, which makes it a perfect motorcycle for riders who want a bike that doesn’t cut corners—it carves them.

Left: The ABS model is available in Candy Steel Furnace Orange/Metallic Flat Spark Black and the KRT Edition is available in a Lime Green/Ebony color scheme. MSRP for the non-ABS models starts at $9,999 and $10,999 for ABS; $11,299 for the KRT Edition. Right: The 2020 Ninja ZX-6R features a long-stroke engine that offers a level of performance beyond most of the other 600-class engines, particularly in the low to midrange.Kawasaki
The 2020 Ninja ZX-6R frame and swingarm were developed to respond instantly and precisely to the rider’s input and provides excellent rider feedback.Kawasaki

2020 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R ABS Price And Specifications

PRICE $15,399; $16,399 KRT Edition w/ ABS
ENGINE 998cc, DOHC, liquid-cooled 4-stroke 4-cylinder; 4-valve
BORE x STROKE 76.0 x 55.0mm
COMPRESSION RATIO 13.0:1
FUEL DELIVERY DFI w/ Mikuni 47mm throttle bodies
HORSEPOWER/TORQUE 84.6 lb.-ft @ 11,500 rpm
CLUTCH Wet multi-plate slipper clutch; cable actuation
TRANSMISSION/FINAL DRIVE 6-speed/chain
FRAME Twin-spar aluminum
FRONT SUSPENSION Showa 43mm inverted cartridge fork adjustable for spring preload, stepless rebound and compression damping; 4.7-in. travel
REAR SUSPENSION Showa horizontal back-link shock adjustable for spring preload, stepless rebound and dual-stage compression damping; 4.5-in. travel
FRONT BRAKE 4-piston radial-mount calipers, dual floating 330mm discs, available KIBS
REAR BRAKE Single 220mm disc, available KIBS
WHEELS, FRONT/REAR Die-cast aluminum; 17 x 3.5-in. / 17 x 6.0-in.
TIRES, FRONT/REAR TBD; 120/70-17 / 190/55-17
RAKE/TRAIL 25.0°/4.2 in.
WHEELBASE 56.7 in.
SEAT HEIGHT 32.9 in.
FUEL CAPACITY 4.5 gal.
CLAIMED CURB WEIGHT 450 lb. (non-ABS) 454 lb. w/ ABS/RR
WARRANTY 12 months
AVAILABLE Fall 2019

2020 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R Price And Specifications

PRICE $9,999; $10,999 w/ ABS; $11,299 KRT Edition
ENGINE 636cc, DOHC, liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, transverse inline 4-cylinder; 4-valve
BORE x STROKE 67.0 x 45.1mm
COMPRESSION RATIO 12.9:1
FUEL DELIVERY DFI w/ 38mm Keihin throttle bodies
CLUTCH Wet multi-plate slipper clutch; cable actuation
TRANSMISSION/FINAL DRIVE 6-speed w/ positive neutral finder, Kawasaki quickshifter (upshift only)/chain
FRAME Twin-spar aluminum
FRONT SUSPENSION Showa SFF Big Piston 41mm inverted cartridge fork adjustable for spring preload, stepless compression and rebound damping; 4.7-in. travel
REAR SUSPENSION Uni-Trak shock adjustable for spring preload, 25-way rebound, stepless high- and low-speed compression damping, ride height; 5.9-in. travel
FRONT BRAKE Dual radial-mounted Nissin 4-piston Monoblock calipers, dual 310mm petal discs, available KIBS
REAR BRAKE 1-piston caliper, 210mm petal disc, available KIBS
TIRES, FRONT/REAR Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S22; 120/70-17 / 180/55-17
RAKE/TRAIL 23.5°/4.0 in.
WHEELBASE 55.1 in.
SEAT HEIGHT 32.7 in.
FUEL CAPACITY 4.5 gal.
CLAIMED CURB WEIGHT 426 lb.; 430 lb. w/ ABS
WARRANTY 12 months
AVAILABLE Fall 2019
CONTACT kawasaki.com
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