2019 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R Review | First Street Ride
Автокөліктер мен көлік құралдары
Cycle World rides the 2019 Kawasaki ZX-6R for the first time in the mountains above Las Vegas. How does Kawasaki's smartly priced supersport perform? Watch this first ride video to find out.
Just like smartphones, the price of middleweight sportbikes has steadily increased over the years. Finally, Kawasaki says enough is enough, slashing the price of its Ninja ZX-6R supersport ($9,999 without ABS), while giving it a face-lift and adding a batch of small updates for riders who want to leave a rubber mark, whether on the road or the track.
Kawasaki's clearly not reinventing the wheel, sticking with the more street-oriented and still plus-sized 636cc formula that it unveiled six years ago for the 2013 model year. Unlike some of its competition, the ZX-6R is a civilized sportbike that's as at home on the street as it is on track.
It's powered by Green Team’s stroked 636cc inline four-engineered to offer a broader and more robust spread of torque than a typical supersport. Yes, the engine still performs best with revs, but is less gear-position sensitive. The engine doesn’t have to be screaming to flex its muscle, adding a degree of flexibility when squirting off corners. Rev ’er up toward redline or short-shift it and ride its plump (for a middleweight inline-four) torque wave. The choice is yours.
The last time we dyno tested the ZX-6R (2013 MY), it belted out just over 112 hp at 13,500 rpm and 46.37 pound-feet torque at 11,375 rpm.
An electronic quickshifter adds to the fun, allowing for full-throttle upshifts through the six-speed gearbox. A one-tooth-smaller countershaft sprocket (15 teeth) reduces the final drive ratio and further increases acceleration. Yet, in top gear at 65 mph, the engine isn’t spinning excessively, registering right around 6,000 rpm on the tach needle. Shorter gearing certainly helps acceleration, especially in the first three gears, but the speed of the e-shifter could be faster, as there’s a noticeable pause between gearshifts. It’s certainly better than a manual configuration, but most aftermarket setups we’ve tested recently function better.
Although we didn’t miss it during our street ride, the addition of an auto-blip downshift functionality would be welcome coming off the fast back straightaway at Las Vegas Motor Speedway’s Classic Course-where a rapid succession (three) downshifts are made before pouring into the infield and finishing a lap. To be fair, the transmission rows through each of its six gears smoothly, with responsive and light clutch action. The position of the clutch lever is also now adjustable, just like the brake lever, though we never had an issue with the nonadjustable setup.
Instrumentation is updated adding a fuel meter and economy functions inside the LCD letting you keep tabs on the capacity of the 4.5-gallon fuel tank. The tach needle also integrates a nifty shift light into it. It can be set in 250-rpm increments to let you know when it’s time to grab another gear.
Kawasaki’s three-way-adjustable traction control (KTRC) carries over as does its two-way-adjustable engine power modes. We rode the bike in “full” power mode, but we’d recommend the low power setting for a new rider, or perhaps a new owner who wants to get a hang of their new bike in a more manageable way. During our street ride, we never rode the bike hard enough to necessitate TC, still it’s nice to know that it’s there.
Aesthetically the ZX-6R uses a new upper and tailsection that resembles its smaller Ninja 400 brother. We appreciate the addition of twin LED headlamps and other subtle touches like the muffler’s new finish, however we don’t want a 10 grand motorcycle to look like one half its price (Ninja 400). Hence, while we appreciate its family lines, it would have been nice if KHI designers went with a unique and more aggressive appearance.
Weighing in at 428 pounds (without ABS), the 6R is a light-feeling motorcycle with pleasing weight distribution and balance. It’s a nimble bike that goes exactly where you point it. The newly developed Bridgestone Battlax S22 tires work well on the street with noticeably more feel than we recall with the S21-an already exemplary do-it-all sport tire with few faults.
The suspension is more cushy than most other sportbikes, yet its ride quality, especially on the road, is one of its best features. Both fork and shock offer damping adjustment, but at an elevated track pace, tweaking the settings didn’t net big gains in terms of lap times. Right away in the morning we recorded 1:22 lap times around the 1.8-mile circuit. For reference, a race-winning lap time in the WERA Superstock class is a 1:17.9.
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Пікірлер: 109
It would be nice to get a walk around first.
love how they fixed the bird beak the 2018 model had. this bike is sexy af. the 636 has always been the obvious choice as far as features and comfort on the street go, but now that it looks good too, i'll be buying one of these in the spring as my first brand new bike ever.
This bike, along with the other middleweight sport bikes make me happy. Just a couple months ago, everywhere I looked was talking about how everyone is discontinuing them. Most people can’t max out their liter bike on a track, but winding out a middleweight is a ton of fun and very rewarding.
Kevin, I've been reading your articles for years, thank you for so many interesting explainations. The knowledge you have shared has been most helpful.
Thanks for the post as always, very informative.
WOW Adam Waheed! been watching your reviews on Dirt bikes back in the day! glad to see your still alive. lol...Dam man your still living the dream reviewing the toys! Sweet :)
Beautiful bike! Hope to test ride it too! Enjoy the bike life and ride safe🤙
Bring back the ZX-7!
@neorabado8990
5 жыл бұрын
Ghost P I think as long as there is a 636, they won't ever bring back the zx7
@darthvader1926
5 жыл бұрын
Ghost P bring back the ZX-7RR thats what i raced in the early 90's. It devoured Daytona . Road Atlanta , and Roebling .
@AdamWaheed
5 жыл бұрын
YES!
@Jmeez69
4 жыл бұрын
The zx6 rips
You didn't show the bike throughout the clip...what were you thinking...!!!
Love how the ride starts out at Mt. Charleston 👌
great video adam :):):)
Awesome scenery. Looks like a great place to ride
@kalbongkulot9493
5 жыл бұрын
Until you hit a deer or something bigger hahaha
good to hear you voice Adam. peace bro
Beautiful place
The is near Mt. Charleston in Nevada. About an hour from Las Vegas.
The sound Great. I ride CB 1100
Video overall is good but are those power wheelies or clutch wheelies? Seems hard to believe it'll power itself up even with the extra 36cc
For those wanting upgraded electronics, remember the price point of this bike.
Review yg bagus bro. sambil jalan cerita apa yg ente alami..
Thanks
Nice road trip
which camera you used to record this video ?
I have a problem with my KQS. The display shows that it's on but still it wont change gear without clutch. Do I have too low rpm or what?
What a place! I want to live there.
@TheMotoMadman702
5 жыл бұрын
Vegas ?
I think this bike is beautiful, dont see how some people saying it's ugly. For only 10k and standard quick shifter (even tho its just for up shift), not bad deal. Exhuast sounds good stock.
Beautiful background like GTA 5 😍😍😍
@TheMotoMadman702
5 жыл бұрын
It’s actually Mt. Charleston just outside of vegas
Cue World? Is this another publication I haven't heard of yet? Pool and Motorcycles?
I hope they make a zx10r will zero tech just abs. So that it's more affordable for street riders. Because lets face it guys how often do you switch out of full power mode. My power mode is my wrist.
Big Kawasaki fan but I’m a little disappointed in the new Zx6r thought there might have been a little more tech on the bike but still sounds like a decent super sports
@HemiBurns
5 жыл бұрын
$9999.00 was the goal
@gummybear41283
4 жыл бұрын
buy something else and pay$15000 dumbass
I'm getting this bike, I love the Kawasaki engine roar!!!!!!!!
สุดยอดมากๆ
Still waiting for that big fat wheelie
Bro show the bike 🏍 my dude what was that !! Comeeeee on u gotta do a walk around
Has anyone ever told you that you just like Shia LaBeouf? It's crazy just how similar your voice is
The problem with your reviews is the one camera angle and no walk around and front fallow camera. A lil effort would go a long way.
can't put auto blip on - cable throttle!
is that mt charelston ???
@TheMotoMadman702
5 жыл бұрын
It is
I BOUGHT A 2017 R3 AS A BEGINNER THIS YEAR. I'VE PUT 7K MILES ON MY R3 THIS SUMMER. I LOVE MY BIKE BUT NEXT YEAR I WANT TO SIZE UP. WAS THINKING BETWEEN THE 2018CBR650F OR 2018 NINJA650. I RIDE BOTH HIGHWAY AND LOCAL. HOWEVER, I WILL BE RIDING LOCAL A LITTLE MORE BUT DO WANT NICE HIGHWAY MOVEMENT. WHAT'S YOUR OPINION ON BOTH BIKES? DREAM BIKE IS GSXR750 OR THE 636 YOU'RE RIDING.
@Sboom20
5 жыл бұрын
William Spiller get the 636 or 750. Don’t waste your time with the 650s.
@williamspiller5032
5 жыл бұрын
@@Sboom20 YOU DON'T THINK I NEED THE MIDDLE STEP BEFORE THE 636/750? WHY NOT?
@paulst6862
5 жыл бұрын
William Spiller hey man. Go with a 636 man. I would not buy a 650 cause you already have experience with Ninja 300. They are similar bikes, 650 is more torquey and a bit quicker, but not by a lot. I bought a 650 as my first bike in 2012 and after six months, I wanted something bigger. Bought a 10R, but still have my 650 and use it to commute and to run errands around NYC. Great bike for local city riding, although does well on the highway too.
@williamspiller5032
5 жыл бұрын
@@paulst6862 THANKS PAUL!
@MJT-DA
5 жыл бұрын
@@williamspiller5032 the cbr650f is a great second bike idk why people are saying this yeah its not a super sport but it's cheaper on gas and will cost less on insurance.
Should I get this as a first bike. I have rode motorcycles before on unmarked roads so it’s legal and I feel like I could handle the power and be smart with it
@HuangHangLo
5 жыл бұрын
That question is a little played-out don't yoh think? It seems to me you already know the answer is "no," but it's like you want someone to say "yes."
@ronin2981
5 жыл бұрын
Nah, if you only feel like you could handle the power then don't risk it.
Some people do ride in the rain you know
Can you take the quickshifter off?
@null2470
5 жыл бұрын
Yes, you can be a homosexual but some people may take issue with it.
@agentmartagentmart9122
5 жыл бұрын
Mark you haven’t come out yet ?
cant decide? a new Honda CBR 1000 or this Kaw 2019 636? Has anyone rode both bikes? I will be street ride mostly.
@floridajames04
5 жыл бұрын
Cathy Atchison you don’t need a 1000 for the street... period
@tysoncott7402
5 жыл бұрын
bullshit!
@KajHermans96
5 жыл бұрын
@@floridajames04 people don't buy bikes because they need them, they buy them because they want them.
@floridajames04
5 жыл бұрын
Kaj Hermans right, and a 1000 will kill and inexperienced rider as much as a Dodge Demon would. So there is that.
@KajHermans96
5 жыл бұрын
@@floridajames04 who was talking about beginners
where is this road?
@TheMotoMadman702
5 жыл бұрын
Mt. Charleston outside vegas . It’s just the road up to the mountain
It's a thousand extra for ABS. Not a few hundred.
If "there's nothing wrong with the TC", why would you like to see a new one? Just because? A little more objectivity wouldn't go amiss, man...
A lot of Ninja 400 in that Bike.....and I am not complaining at $9999
I do wonder if reviewers watch other reviews and then repeat everything that’s been said. Same thing happens with cars.
Personally, I don't like how they made it look like the 400, that front is hideous! At least make it look like the 10R, I'd definitely but it then.
@SWISHERTV
5 жыл бұрын
NutNbutSpeed no you wouldn’t, just looking for excuses
@mjohn8217
5 жыл бұрын
Why? Cause you prefer your bike to look like the faster model? What if they make the 10R look like the 636 next time?
@jens3945
5 жыл бұрын
@@mjohn8217 I don't think it has anything to do with that. The zx10r just looks more aggressive. I'm getting a touringbike vibe from the new front-end of this bike. The previous zx6r model was perfection in terms of looks, in my opinion.
@vali69
5 жыл бұрын
But then the 650 400 and zx10r would all look the same...
Lol i was hoping Kawasaki would put a supercharger on this as well in 2019 🤤 sing little birdie - Sssssiiiiinnnnngggggggg!
@rajeshmb6745
5 жыл бұрын
On the Horizon maybe
ZX-6R
Better than R6?
@MJT-DA
5 жыл бұрын
It's about $1,100 cheaper than the r6 in Canada so kinda yeah.
@vasanttes287
5 жыл бұрын
@@MJT-DA Isn't about price. Is about perfomance.
@MJT-DA
5 жыл бұрын
@@vasanttes287 get the r6 if you to to the track alot the 636 has nore torque which is better for the streets since you don't have to rev high to get going. Even my fz6r a detuned r6 motor has more torque down low than the r6. Also the r6 is the most uncomfortable bike to be on long rides which is why people like the cbr600rr and gsxr600 because they are very comfy for a supersport
If you have any level of traction control on, the bike will kill your wheelie
@ReezLah.
5 жыл бұрын
Dman117 zx damn now i know what ive been doing wrong. Thanks bro
It’s not Batt-Lax, man. Battle Axe
$1000 difference for abs and non abs...that sucks :(
@dman117zx6
5 жыл бұрын
True but the base price dropped like $2k from the 2018 model
Not as good on the track as the other? It BEATS the others!? What are you on about? ZX6R is faster than the r6 and the CBR600RR!
Nice review thanks for posting...Yeshua (Jesus Christ) is the way!
he rambles on and no action on the throttle, is squassy a real term for throttle control, what a dork.
Crapaudio world... Come on guys. He's maxing out every other word.
I'll keep my 08 599cc zx6r Thanks.
@bmwmike3534
Жыл бұрын
Ok? Keep your slow, ugly "599cc" zx6r, the least desirable bike in the entire lineup 🤣
It’s too ugly