c~)Uld
run the ZX-ll in any gear at any
tIme, the ZX-7R requires its user to
keep the revs up, or it simply falls flat
on its face.
While those two bikes are clear cut
in the manner in which they perform,
the others fall into that gray area that
makes them better matched for both
applications. While the sheer competitiveness of the new ZX-6 won't be
known until Rob Muzzy, his crew and
racer Miguel DuHamel show up in
force at the AMA/CCS 600cc
Supersport Series opener in Phoenix,
(Above) The ZX-6
comes fitted with
Michelin tires;
note the tidy
looking tum
indicators which
are integrated
into the bike's
bodywork. (Left)
The ZX-ll also
gets new
bodywork for
1993. The biggest
Ninja gets
Bridges£one tires,
but the rest of the
lineup is
equipped with
Michelins.
Arizona, in February, it would be a
-safe bet to say that it
won't
embarrass
Muzzy or Kawasaki.
The bike seems to be powerful and
nimble enough out of the box to make
it competitive with Honda's CBR600,
Suzuki's GSXR600 and Yamaha's
FZR600. For the non-racing customers,
the 600 should also fit the bill as a
good sportbike enthusiast's street
bike. It needs to be stiffened up some
from its stock suspension settings
(especially if you weigh over 160
pounds) to stop it from dragging
things through corners on the race
track, but again the settings seemed
adequate for the street.
The standard ZX-7 seems to have
The ZX-7R uses a combination of
34mm/27mm pistons in an opposed
two-piston brake design.
been improved tenfold over last year's
when it comes to both street and race
track applications. Gaining considerably
~om the parts it gets from last year's ZX7R, the ZX-7 is a force to be reckoned
with. Although, we'd still opt for the ZX7R at the race track, the ZX-7 is the better
ride for the street. It's a bit more comfortable, and it's a lot more-forgiving
throughout the rev range. While the 7R
keeps you on the edge of your seat and
in the right gear, the "standard" 7 allows
you to run a gear or two higher and still
maintain the necessary engine momentum for a smooth ride.
~
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