KAWASAKI

ZX-6R 2024: the famous Supersport returns

At a time when the classic motorcycles in the supersport category have practically disappeared, Kawasaki returns to the fray with its ZX-6R renewed and updated in terms of approvals, the only survivor of that segment of 600 cc supersports. which constituted a good part of the market.

It's been a few years since the last Japanese supersport appeared. There was a time when the Honda CBR600RR, Kawasaki ZX-6R, Suzuki GSX-R600 and Yamaha YZF-R6 battled it out in the shops and on the tracks, but their sales gradually declined until they became an ever smaller niche. The consecutive arrival of new approval standards meant that it was no longer profitable for brands to maintain them.

In fact, in this 2023 none of the four is for sale to be used on the street, because none passes the Euro5. In fact, due to the lack of renewed equipment, supersport races had to change their regulations to include new two- and three-cylinder motorcycles with larger displacements than before. However, next year things are going to change because, as part of his commitment to sports bikes, he has decided to return his ZX-6R to the market.

ADAPTED...The engine has not undergone major changes, it remains the previous traditional 636 cc inline four with dimensions of 67.0 x 45.1 mm that offers 124 HP (91 kW) at 13,000 rpm and reaches 14,500 rpm. There are two significant changes, the integration of an updated electronic system and the fact that the pertinent modifications have obviously been made so that Euro5 passes. The electronic accelerator feeds 38mm nozzles with oval ducts and allows to incorporate four driving modes, traction control adjustable in three levels and also brake assistant in both directions. The clutch maintains its torque control system to assist downshifts.

The most obvious changes have occurred in some components and in the bodywork. The suspensions have a 41 mm Showa SFF-BP fork with all kinds of adjustment, the same as the rear shock with separate gas tank. The brakes also change, with new 310 mm front discs that are no longer lobed to have a regular track. The calipers are radially mounted four-piston monobloc. The pump is now radial and the ABS system has also been updated to improve behavior in sporty driving by minimizing its intrusion.

NEW LOOK...The new bodywork now adopts single-focus hybrid LED headlights that integrate the projector and reflectors positioned far back so that the unilluminated portions of the headlight appear dark. These new optics are combined with a fairing that has a more tapered shape with lower fins and multiple layers on the sides to direct air. The dome has been reduced in size and has side openings.

The tail and the lateral area of the bodywork also vary. The new color TFT box is 4.3” in size and allows connectivity with the mobile phone to be able to record data or use it as a GPS. The new Kawasaki ZX-6R will be a 2024 model that will be priced at €13,150.

TECHNICAL SHEET...Price: €13,150; Engine: 4 cyl. online. Ref. liquid; Timing: DOHC 16V; Bore x Stroke: 67.0 x 45.1mm; Displacement: 636cc; Compression: 12.9:1; max power dec.: 91 kW (124 hp) at 13,000 rpm; max torque Dec.: 69 Nm at 10,800rpm; Feeding: 4 injectors. 38mm nozzles; Driving modes: 4; Electronic aids: TC; Acc.Clutch: Cable; Change: 6 relations; transmission sec. :  Chain; Chassis: Double aluminum beam; Swingarm: Double aluminum arm; Geometry: 23.5°/ 101mm; Front Suspension: Inverted wishbone; Bar Diam / Stroke: 41mm / 120mm; Settings: Three ways; Rear Suspension/Travel: Progressive monoshock / 151 mm; Settings: Three ways; Front brake: 2 discs of 310 mm; Calipers: 4 pistons; Rear brake: A 220 mm disc; Caliper: Single piston; ABS type/ Off: Standard / No; Front wheel: 120/70-17". Rim 3.50"; Rear wheel: 180/55-17". Rim 5.50"; Measures. Chap. tank: 17 l; Full weight: 198 kg; Distance between axes: 1,400 mm; Seat height: 830 mm.

by: Pepe Burgaleta