2006 Kawasaki Ninja® ZX-6R

NINJA® ZX™-6R OFFERS RIDERS THAT SPECIAL KAWASAKI FLAVOR SO APPEALING TO HARDCORE SPORTBIKE ENTHUSIASTS There’s rarely a magazine comparison test completed among middle-weight sportbikes that doesn’t sing the praises of Kawasaki’s Ninja® ZX™-6R, a model so well attuned to its ultimate purchaser – the serious sport rider who sometimes finds themself on a local track – that one can only assume what the company’s engineers and designers do with their weekends. This popular unit features ultra-aerodynamic bodywork with Ram Air, GP-style swingarm, underseat exhaust system, six-spoke wheels, petal-style disc brakes, inverted forks, and a powerful engine that accomplishes what it sets out to do. This year, Kawasaki has also added a ZX-6R “Special Edition” model to this mid-size family. To differentiate its look the “Special Edition” features Titanium Silver paint highlighted by Tribal pattern graphics and an attractive high-tech wheel finish. The streamlined look of the ZX-6R is shared with its racing-homologated sibling, the ZX-6RR. Its fairing helps to divide the air stream farther ahead of the motorcycle; by moving the “bubble” of still air farther forward in the cockpit, so the rider experiences less buffeting around the head and shoulders. The point of convergence – where the divided air streams comes together behind the rider – is critical to aerodynamic efficiency, so Kawasaki engineers designed the tail section to smoothly blend the air together while minimizing turbulence. The result is quicker roll-on acceleration and higher top speeds at the race track, as well as enhanced rider comfort and control. The body work includes a ZX-10R-style central Ram Air duct and a flush-surface LED tail light, which makes the ZX-6R more visible to drivers of other vehicles. It also features an aerodynamic ZX-10R-style front fender for a strong Ninja family resemblance. From the cockpit, the Ninja ZX-6R rider will notice several leading-edge features that put this bike at the forefront of design and performance. Foremost is the split-seam fuel tank/airbox cover. The rear half is the actual fuel tank, designed to fit neatly between the frame spars and down behind the engine’s fuel injection system, while the front half covers a quick-access air box. By centralizing the fuel mass near the center of the bike, chassis responsiveness is enhanced – weight transfers from turn to turn are lighter, and the chassis is exceptionally stable under acceleration and braking. The advanced split-seam design also enabled engineers to make the airbox larger, thus enhancing engine performance. It also makes filter access quick and easy. Plus, a depression in the top of the fuel tank enables the rider to tuck in for improved aerodynamics. The final tribut