2019 KAWASAKI NINJA ZX-6R
FIRST IMPRESSION
P90
A trip down
memory lane.
Let's check out just how we got to the 2019 ZX-6R.
Kawasaki is one of the original supersport pioneers,
having started with an inline four way back in 1985.
1985—Kawasaki ZX 600-A1
The OG. The ZX 600A-1 bought the
supersport market into focus, right at
the time Suzuki bought the modern
superbike to market with the GSX-R750.
1990—Ninja 600-C3
The first Kawasaki 600 to come with
ram air. The 1990 600-C3 also got
a new chassis and different styling,
bringing it closer to line with the ZX-10.
1995—Ninja ZX-6R
The first Kawasaki 600 to be
christened the Ninja ZX-6R. The name
change bought with it a completely
redesigned motorcycle, one that
weighed 27 lb less than the current
model. It arrived at the beginning of
the golden years for supersport racing
and dominated the world over.
1998—Ninja ZX-6R
The G-series Ninja hits the stands
with new bodywork and more
power from the 599cc inline four.
2003—Ninja ZX-6R
One of the biggest changes in ZX-
6R history. Kawasaki punches the
displacement out to 636cc with a
new long-stroke motor. It also brings
out the first ZX-6RR designed for
racing, so now Kawasaki has the
best of both worlds.
2005—Ninja ZX-6R
More power, a revised frame,
swingarm, fairing and the first
under-seat exhaust we've seen on
a Ninja (the ZX-10R followed the
next year in 2006).
2007—Ninja ZX-6R
Reverts back to 599cc and just a
single model (no RR edition). As
such, we get a totally revamped
machine, with a new motor and
chassis as well as slimmer bodywork.
Roger Hayden uses it to clinch his
only national title in AMA Supersport.