Kawasaki - NINJA® ZX-6R
In the super-competitive realm of mid-sized sportbikes, the Kawasaki NINJA® ZX-6R motorcycle is a stand-out with numerous accolades and magazine comparison victories to attest to its strengths. The NNJA ZX-6R also leads the pack going into the final rounds of the 2001 season`s AMA 600 SuperSport Series (with Kawasaki Road Racing`s Eric Bostrom at the helm), with two first-place finishes and an amazing six spots on the podium racked up during the first eight races of the season. Furthermore, the ZX-6R has been undefeated in every final of every 600 Supersport race at AMA/Prostar Drag Race events since 1996.

Keeping the ZX-6R in the hunt is a potent yet compact 599cc powerplant with an all-aluminum cylinder block. Electroplated bores decrease weight, resist wear and offer improved heat dissipation. A pentroof combustion chamber, a la World Superbike racing technology, allows for an ultra-high compression ratio of 12.8:1, and requires the use of 90-octane (U.S. standard) gasoline.

The fuel is delivered to the cylinders via a highly efficient intake tract with narrow valve angles for a more direct path to the combustion chamber. A short intake manifold increases top-end power and holds a quartet of 36mm downdraft carburetors equipped with the Kawasaki Throttle Responsive Ignition Control (K-TRIC) throttle position sensor. Linked to the ignition system, K-TRIC adjusts ignition timing for all throttle settings to deliver smooth power and superb throttle response throughout the rev range. A 16-bit microprocessor accurately adjusts timing by reading several sensors at the crankshaft. Ignition is delivered by Formula 1-style stick-type coils that are lighter and more compact than conventional ignition coils.

A four-into-two-into-one exhaust system exits under the curved aluminum radiator and expels the burnt gasses through a lightweight stainless-steel muffler with aluminum cover.

The entire engine acts as a stressed member of the short-wheelbase, all-aluminum perimeter frame, eliminating the need for front frame downtubes and saving more weight. The main frame rails are constructed of pressed sheet aluminum, and are welded to a cast-aluminum steering head and swingarm pivot section.

The hexagonal, extruded-aluminum swingarm has ribbing for reduced weight and a racier appearance. Kawasaki`s UNI-TRAK® rear suspension system has linkage ratios designed to provide a linear curve that increases stiffness as the progressive damping and spring rates are applied to the fully adjustable single shock. Damping settings in the adjustable 46mm cartridge front fork match the rear suspension settings.

The ZX-6R features a sleek fairing featuring lightweight, bright dual "cat eye" multi-reflector headlights. The cockpit includes an electronic speedometer and tachometer that are thinner and lighter than their mechanical counterparts, and includes a water temperature gauge, odometer, tripmeter and clock - all digitally displayed.

The NINJA ZX-6R is the recipient of various awards, from being named "Best Middleweight Streetbike" by Cycle World to winning comparisons in Cycle News, motorcycle.com, Motor Cycle News and Rider. No doubt, the Kawasaki NINJA ZX-6R sets performance standards on the street and at the racetrack.