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Day 2 - The Track
As luck would have it, we arrived back at Almeria with the snow-covered peaks of distant mountains clearly visible beneath sunny skies.
be a great day. For the morning's sessions, we would be riding on the stock Bridgestone BT-014 OEM street tires, followed by a post-lunch switch to Bridgestone DOT race tires. I liked the 014s on the street, due to their good wet grip and neutral steering.
They continued to impress on the racetrack, with impressive dry grip and good consistency. However, it was the race compound tires that really got me excited about the ZX-6R's new engine. You see, the street tires caused me to be a bit restrained with the loud handle and once we switched to race rubber, I was more inclined to probe the new bike's limits.

Those limits are lofty indeed. The new engine's power is very much like a GSX-R 750 and with the ZX-6R's light weight and nimble handling, the acceleration off of corners is highly entertaining. When hard on the gas on race tires, the bike wants to wheelie through the rapid right-left transition between turns one and two.
Those wheelies are caused not just by abundance of power, but also by the fact that I'm able to dial-in exactly the amount of power that the tire can handle through those transitions. It seems that when an engine is this manageable, you find yourself using more of what it has to offer.

Unfortunately, though the brakes offer excellent power and feel, the new radial master cylinder is mounted so that it comes into contact with the fork leg and prevents the brake lever from being rotated-down far enough to reach a natural/comfortable hand position. According to an un-named Kawasaki tech, this problem made it to production because most of the Japanese development riders are fairly short, so their wrists approach the grips & levers at a flatter angle.
However, like most American riders, my wrists approach from above and rotating my hand up to reach the brake lever is both uncomfortable and time consuming. My only other nit-pick is with hard (racing) up-shifts near redline on the straights.
These shifts are often met with the slightest of wiggles from the bars (see videos) and I get the distinct impression that you wouldn't want to try them one-handed. Don't get me wrong, the bike is much less likely to shake its head than the '03-'04 ZX-6Rs were, but it still lets you know that there isn't a steering damper working under that fairing. There you have it, you've just read my only complaints with the 2005 Kawasaki ZX-6R.

Get the picture? This thing rocks! The powerful brakes and excellent slipper clutch allow smooth corner entries, with deep trail braking and drama-free downshifts, lap-after-lap.
Mid corner stability is better than the previous ZX-6R, but not quite as rock-solid as a CBR 600RR. However, mid-corner line changes and clumsy shifting of my considerable body weight didn't phase the 6R.
Another thing that impresses me, is that the ZX-6R's suspension and tire feedback is nice and clear.
This comes in handy not only for changing surface conditions on the street, but also for aspiring racers who are trying to select tires and sort suspension settings.
Even though the Kawasaki's feedback is a useful diagnostic tool, aside from rotating the levers as far-down as they would allow, the only things I needed to change throughout the entire day were gas and tires.
600 Class "Trackbike" Score: A+
Conclusion:
What we have here is a weapon. It's light, nimble and silly fast, while being refined, consistent and fairly comfortable. If you ride a lot of twisties and/or terrorize track days, this bike needs to be at or near the very top of your shopping list. I have no idea how they do this year-after-year, but the Japanese have redefined what it means to have open-class power in a middleweight package.
It used to be just marketing hype, it's now reality.
2005 KAWASAKI NINJA ZX636-C1 ** SPECS PROVIDED BY KAWASAKI ** |
ENGINE
|
Type
|
Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke In-Line Four |
Displacement
|
636 cm3 |
Bore and Stroke
|
68 x 43.8 mm |
Compression ratio
|
12.9:1 |
Valve system
|
DOHC, 16 valves |
Fuel system
|
Fuel injection: ø 38 mm x 4 (Keihin) with oval sub-throttles, dual injection |
Ignition
|
Digital |
Starting
|
Electric |
Lubrication
|
Forced lubrication, wet sump |
 |
DRIVETRAIN
|
Transmission
|
6-speed, return |
Final drive
|
Sealed Chain |
Primary reduction ratio
|
1.891 (87/46) |
Gear ratios: |
1st
|
2.923 (38/13) |
2nd
|
2.055 (37/18) |
3rd
|
1.666 (35/21) |
4th
|
1.450 (29/20) |
5th
|
1.272 (28/22) |
6th
|
1.153 (30/26) |
Final reduction ratio
|
2.866 (43/15) |
Clutch
|
Wet multi-disc, manual |
 |
FRAME
|
Type
|
Perimeter, pressed-aluminium |
Wheel travel:
|
front
|
120 mm |
rear
|
135 mm |
Tyre: |
front
|
120/65ZR17M/C (56W) |
rear
|
180/55ZR17M/C (73W) |
Caster (rake)
|
25° |
Trail
|
106 mm |
Steering angle (left / right)
|
27° / 27° |
 |
SUSPENSION
|
Front: |
Type
|
41 mm inverted cartridge fork with rebound and compression damping, spring preload adjustability and top-out springs |
Rear: |
Type
|
Bottom-Link Uni-Trak with gas-charged shock, spring preload adjustability and top-out spring |
Compression damping |
Stepless |
Rebound damping |
Stepless |
BRAKES
|
Front:
|
Type |
Dual semi-floating 300 mm petal discs |
Caliper |
Dual radial-mount, opposed 4-piston, 4-pad |
Rear:
|
Type |
Single 220 mm petal disc |
Caliper |
Single-bore pin-slide |
 |
DIMENSIONS
|
Overall length |
2,065 mm |
Overall width |
715 mm |
Overall height |
1,110 mm |
Wheelbase |
1,390 mm |
Ground clearance |
120 mm |
Seat height |
820 mm |
Dry weight |
164 kg |
Fuel capacity
|
17 litres |
PERFORMANCE
|
Maximum power
|
95.5 kW {130 PS} / 14,000 rpm (EUR/AUS) 92.5 kW {125 PS} / 12,500 rpm (USA/CAN) 90.8 kW {123 PS} / 12,500 rpm (MYS) 78.2 kW {106 PS} / 13,000 rpm (FRA)
|
Maximum power with Ram Air |
100 kW {136 PS} / 14,000 rpm (EUR/AUS) 97 kW {132 PS} / 12,500 rpm (USA/CAN)
|
Maximum torque |
70.5 N·m {7.2 kgf·m} / 11,500 rpm (EUR/USA/CAN/AUS/MYS) 63 N·m {6.4 kgf·m} / 11,500 rpm (FRA)
|
 |
 |
 |
The specifications mentioned here apply to and have been achieved by production models under standard operating conditions. We intend only to give a fair description of the vehicle and its performance capabilities but these specifications may not apply to every machine supplied for sale. Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. reserves the right to alter specifications without prior notice. Equipment illustrated and specifications may vary to meet individual markets. Available colours may vary by market. |
DESIGNED FOR NO.1 PERFORMANCE ON THE CIRCUIT AND WINDING ROADS
Engine
- Uprated, liquid-cooled, DOHC, 16-valve 636 cm3 In-Line Four engine delivers increased performance, especially in the higher rpm ranges.
- New cylinder head design locates each pair of intake/exhaust valves farther apart for improved breathing and higher combustion efficiency.
- Complementing the new head are new pistons with reshaped crowns and improved, low-friction skirt profiles.
- Larger diameter intake and exhaust valves, together with new cam profiles, contribute to the new engine's enhanced performance. The new 6R gets the 03MY racing kit intake and exhaust cams.
- Large-bore 38 mm throttle bodies feature oval-shaped sub-throttles (measuring 56.1 x 46 mm) that allow airflow to be increased without the need to increase the throttle body pitch (hence the engine width does not need to increase and a slim riding position can be maintained). The additional intake area improves intake efficiency by 20%, contributing to the new engine's increased performance. The use of oval-shaped sub-throttles is the first adoption of this technology in the motorcycle industry.
- Dual-injector digital fuel injection system features extra-fine atomisers in the throttle bodies and a set of secondary injectors located in the airbox. The result is improved cylinder filling, crisper throttle response and higher power output.
- The new fuel tank design improves mass centralisation and allows the use of a larger-capacity airbox, which further improves intake efficiency.
- Another important new feature is the addition of an exhaust valve. Integral with the new under-seat muffler, this device controls the pressure waves inside the exhaust system, contributing to improved low- and mid-range power characteristics.
- Larger capacity radiator improves cooling efficiency. The new radiator is 40 mm taller and features more tightly packed cores.
- Controlling the new engine is a new ECU, with added memory for the exhaust valve and for the second set of fuel injectors.
Transmission
- Like the 6RR, the new 6R clutch is fitted with a back-torque limiter. This reduces rear-wheel hop that may occur when downshifting at high rpm.
- Shifting quality is also better, thanks to a bearing fitted to the shift-drum locator arm.
- 3rd gear ratio is taller, for better spacing between the gears.
- Strong needle bearings used at the ends of the transmission shafts contribute to transmission durability.
Suspension
- Fully adjustable Showa fork delivers improved ride quality and outstanding cornering performance.
- Race-developed Bottom-Link type Uni-Trak rear suspension delivers a smooth ride and excellent cornering performance. New linkage ratios give more linear action, and improved settings for the rear shock improve both ride quality and track performance.
Frame
- New all-aluminium perimeter frame offers exceptional strength and torsional rigidity while delivering responsive and stable handling performance.
- The new frame reduces the distance between the swingarm pivot and steering head by 13 mm, contributing to the shorter wheelbase and allowing use of a longer swingarm. Wheelbase: 1,397 > 1,390; Rake: 24.5° > 25°; Fork offset: 26 mm.
- Forward-located swingarm pivot and long swingarm reduce the leverage of the rear sprocket on the rear suspension, resulting in superb rear suspension action.
- New braced aluminium swingarm is significantly more rigid and resembles that used on the Ninja ZX-10R. The new swingarm uses a cast section at the pivot, with bracing on the right side. The left arm is a reinforced extrusion. The exhaust pipe for the under-seat exhaust passes through the swingarm.
- Improved, centrally mounted Ram Air duct is integral with the steering head. By reducing air resistance inside the Ram Air ducts, Ram Air efficiency has been improved, contributing to the increase in power output. (Illustration H)
- Steering head uses ball bearings for light, responsive steering.
Brakes
- Radial-mounted, 4-piston front brake calipers deliver exceptional feel and performance - widely used in racing, the 03MY 6R and 6RR were the first production bikes in their class to feature this style of brake caliper. Four independent brake pads are used - one for each piston - for more even wear and improved heat resistance.
- Large-diameter, semi-floating, drilled, 300 mm stainless steel petal front disc rotors are 5.5 mm thick for high heat capacity and mount on disc carriers without offset to reduce weight.
- Radial piston front brake master cylinder uses direct action for improved control and better feel at the lever.
- Brake lever is 5-way adjustable.
- Small diameter petal rear brake disc measures 220 mm in diameter for low unsprung weight.
- Compact, lightweight rear brake caliper mounts directly to the swingarm, negating the need for an independent brake tie-rod.
Wheels / Tyres
- New, ZX-10R-type wheels are light and increase the family resemblance of the Ninja series. The front is the same as the ZX-10R's, but with a smaller 25 mm axle. The rear wheel features the same design as the 10R's, but with a smaller rim size.
- Rear wheel features a wide 5.5-inch rim. Front rim measures 3.5 inches.
- High-spec front and rear tyres deliver exceptional cornering performance.
- Tyre sizes: Front: 120/65ZR17M/C (56W)
Rear: 180/55ZR17M/C (73W) Bodywork
- New cowling design dramatically improves the bike's aerodynamic performance, while enhancing the "Ninja family" look. The new ZX-6R has the lowest CdA of any Ninja released to date.
- The new bodywork moves the point where the boundary layer separates from the upper cowling rearward, while moving the point of separation from the lower fairings forward. This significantly shortens the point of convergence at the rear of the machine, greatly improving the bike's aerodynamic efficiency. It also reduces turbulence around the rider, but more importantly, this design allows a greater possible top speed and quicker acceleration.
THE RACY NINJA LOOK Engine
- Under-seat muffler contributes to improved aerodynamics and gives the new 6R a slim, racy look.
Bodywork
- All-new bodywork with MotoGP styling elements gives the machine a distinctively racy look.
- 10R-style cowling with "hungry" central Ram Air duct and very bright dual multi-reflector headlight gives the front of the bike a very aggressive look.
- European models feature front turn signals stylishly integrated in the bodywork for improved aerodynamics. Rear turn signals are extremely compact and feature a conical design. (North American models feature compact new front and rear turn signals like those on the Z750S.)
- Flush-surface LED tail light like that of the 10R curves up slightly over the top of the seat cowl, making the 6R very visible to the drivers of high vehicles.
- Aerodynamic front fender is the same as on the Ninja ZX-10R.
- Optional single seat cover can replace the tandem seat for an even more aggressive image.
Instruments
- Racing-style instrument panel features a bar-type LCD tachometer, digital LCD speedometer, an adjustable shift indicator lamp, and a stopwatch-style lap timer - this in addition to digital temp gauge, clock, tripmeter and a comprehensive range of indicator lamps. The shift indicator lamp has three settings: Off, Low and Bright.
Other Touches
- Matt-black frame and swingarm enhance the 6R's racy look.
- Upper triple clamp has holes for a stylish appearance and lighter weight.
- Newly designed passenger peg brackets are very stylish.
- All-stainless exhaust system.
RIDER AND MACHINE ARE ONE = FUN TO RIDE Ergonomics
- Revised riding position is based on that of the Ninja ZX-10R. The pulled back steering head reduces the distance between the handlebars and the footpegs. The new frame, seat and fuel tank locate the rider "in" the bike, giving the rider a very confident feel. Handlebar, seat and footpeg locations give an ideal position for high performance riding with a good level of comfort.
- The redesigned fuel tank features a depression in the top surface of the tank cover so the rider is able to tuck in better, for improved aerodynamics.
- The new cases mount the cylinder at a more vertical angle (25° to 20°), allowing the engine to be mounted further forward in the frame.
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