For more than a quarter century starting in the mid-’80s, the 600 supersport class was the most competitive and cutthroat category in motorcycling. More units were sold in this class than all the other sportbike classes combined, and the race to see who could build the best performing 600 became so heated that OEMs were updating their model every two years (and at one point, every year). Kawasaki’s Ninja ZX-6R ABS is one of the last survivors of this era, a time when outright racetrack performance ruled and nearly everything else took a back seat.
Ironically, the ZX-6R’s 636cc engine was created as a protest of sorts by Kawasaki against the 600cc displacement limit that had been in place since the mid-’80s because of Supersport racing regulations. In 2002, the engine size was increased to 636cc by enlarging the cylinder bore 2mm, which gave the bike midrange power for street use that the 600cc bikes lacked (Kawasaki still offered a limited-production 599cc version ZX-6RR that was legal for Supersport racing classes). Numerous updates over the years brought more power and better handling, including the addition of the Showa SFF-BP (Separate Function Fork Big Piston) and KTRC (Kawasaki Traction Control) in 2013. Claimed horsepower reached its peak with the 2013–2017 model, at 131 hp at 13,500 rpm; subsequent models after 2017 saw peak horsepower levels drop very slightly as Kawasaki engineers struggled to meet increasingly stringent Euro 4 and Euro 5 emissions standards. The 2024 ZX-6R’s peak horsepower is listed as 122 hp at 13,000 rpm—but it’s the only 600 left that’s able to pass the Euro 5 standard and be street legal in Europe.
The 2024 ZX-6R also received new front fairing styling, with new LED headlights, a reshaped air intake, and a more pronounced spoiler below the lights combining to give the 2024 ZX-6R a much more contemporary look than its predecessor. A 4.3-inch TFT color display replaces the old analog tachometer and LCD panel. And finally, the old petal-style 310mm front brake discs have been replaced by standard round units.
Suffice it to say that if you’re interested in sampling what the giant-killing performance of the 600 supersports from that era was like, the Kawasaki ZX-6R can provide that experience in spades.
The 2024 Kawasaki ZX-6R is available in Metallic Flat Spark Black or Pearl Robotic White/Metallic Graphite Gray for $11,399 and $12,399 ABS model. Also available is the KRT Edition livery for $11,399 and $12,399 ABS model; and the 40th Anniversary Edition colors for $12,649.
