Kawasaki Doesn’t Let Go of the Ninja ZX-6R, Has a New Machine for 2019

Kawasaki doesn’t let go of the Ninja ZX-6R, has a new machine for 2019 1

Kawasaki revealed the details of a new model year Ninja ZX-6R, putting an end to the rumors that saw this belowed supersport bike reaching the end of its life quite soon.

It’s been years since the boom of the supersport class has gone, and the segment – once the pride of the industry – fell into decline. Making things even worse, the manufacturing prices for 600cc-class machines and those of the liter-class beasts drew closer to the point where making a supersport bike became almost as expensive as delivering a 1000cc motorcycle. Even so, it looks like supersports are still going to hang around for several years, and we’re glad to hear about this.

Kawasaki is said to revamp the ZX-6R, but the info on the new machine is rather scarce. In fact, the beans were spilled by the NHTSA, who apparently ignored a non-disclosure agreement. House Akashi filed the usual documentation for their new bikes, and the info was supposed to remain secret until mid-October. Somehow, some info leaked and we can share it with you.

There is no telling to what extent the modifications or the middleweight Ninja go, but we do know that the engine displacement will be the same, 636cc. The new mill will be Euro 4 compliant, and most likely, this is the reason behind the small power reduction. The 2019 ZX-6R will come with a peak power of 127.4 HP, instead of the 129.3 HP the tech sheets mentioned until last year (pictured bike). The three-way catalytic converter that replaced the oxidizing unit is probably the cause for this change.

As for other technical details, we’re all waiting for more leaks, albeit some of the generic directions can be guessed. Most likely, Kawasaki will add a hefty aesthetic upgrade to the ZX-6R, bringing in design cues from the acclaimed Ninja H2 zone. We could expect an overall edgier design, with bolder lines and a more aggressive look, maybe coupled with some carbon accents on a potential special edition model.

Likewise, electronics are expected to play an important role in the economy of the new middleweight Ninja generation, with riding modes (including a race one) and multiple mappings on the list, as well. Color TFT dash instrumentation would also be a boon, just like electronic suspensions on the top version.

We keep mentioning a potential “elite” version for the Ninja ZX-6R simply because such a model would help Kawasaki with their revenue. There are a lot of guys who are willing to pay a premium over the base model to benefit from a high-performance exhaust, carbon fiber add-ons, a special paint job like that of the 2019 Ninja H2, and so on. And the multiple liter-class Ninja versions already selling are the best proof that such a strategy can yield nice profits. Remembering the rather difficult times the supersport market is passing, expecting Akashi to make a bold move with the ZX-6R is only natural. And so would be A-license compliance, too.

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