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Kawasaki announces a larger ZX-6R for 2013

3K views 3 replies 3 participants last post by  markk53 
#1 ·
The 2013 Ninja ZX-6R has a larger engine than the current year model. The new 636 cc power plant provides a boost in torque, but disqualifies the ZX-6R from racing in the 600 cc class.

Like the 2013 Ninja 300, which replaces the Ninja 250R, a change in stroke accounts for the larger displacement in the ZX-6R. Larger intake and exhaust ports as wells as new 38 mm Keihin throttle bodies are used in the 2013 model. The fuel injection system has been updated to provide a finer atomization of the air-fuel mixture.



A new slipper clutch has around 20 percent less pressure needed at the lever. A cam is used near the clutch plates to maximize the leverage and reduce the need for as many clutch springs on the clutch itself. This allows the clutch to handle the additional torque without adding weight.

An optional traction control system and power mode selection have also been added to the 2013 model. Four different traction settings and two power modes allow for 8 different settings in the system.

The new-generation Showa front forks are fully adjustable. New four-piston Nissin brakes are available with an optional Bosch ABS system, which will add 4.4 pounds to the motorcycle bringing the weight to about 428 pounds.

The Ninja ZX-6R will be available in Pearl Flat Stardust White, Metallic Spark Black, and of course Lime Green.

Kawasaki has not officially announced if they are producing a race-legal 600 cc version of the ZX-6R at this time.

[Motorcycle.com]
 
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#2 ·
What benefits does a manufacturer see from a race win or a season championship win? How many people wait until that moment to make their purchase and base that purchase on where the trophy ends up? Bragging right are cool but the majority of people that I have seen coming through a shop bought because they had a particular brand loyalty over the fact that their preferred brand didn't fare too well in a given racing series.
 
#4 ·
Kawasaki did this before. They did the 636 from 2003-2006. The actual 600 was limited production and intended for racing use for the most part. The 636 was almost identical with a few differences that only had value to racers. The street riders that bought the 636 had the hottest of the 600 type supersports, just because of the extra 36cc - and on the street it didn't matter that it was oversize. If a rider didn't want to get their lunch they had to leave the 636 alone.

Obviously Kawasaki now sees it as a viable alternative again. To me it makes sense. Just like the 675 Triumph. A bit of extra displacement makes a difference. I'm sure they still make a 600 in limited production to be able to race the supersport class, but the majority of the bikes sold for the street will be the 636. The rider would just have to be a tad foolish not to go with the slightly bigger engine for either the same or less money. If I remember right the 2003 600 had a higher cost than the 636 and not enough difference to make it worth it to the street rider.
 
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