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2019 ZX-6R

  • The 2019 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R has been unveiled.

  • It features a new look with revised components.

  • The engine is still the 636cc unit but tuned for Euro4.

The new 2019 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R has been launched at the AIMExpo in Las Vegas after rumours had been circulating for a couple of years.

The new model features a changed styling to look sharper and aggressive (in Kawasaki’s words), besides new additions to its spec sheet such as LED lighting and more.

The highlights are:

  • Kawasaki Quick Shifter (KQS) as standard although only for upshifts.
  • New styling with twin LED headlights and taillight.
  • “High-grade” instrumentation although the design is similar to all new Kawasaki motorcycles, including the Versys-X.
  • Euro4 emissions-compliant engine tuning.
  • Optimized gear ratios to improve low-end power.
Engine

The 2019 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R’s engine still looks the same: 636cc, liquid-cooled, DOHC, inline-Four. However, it is now tuned to comply with Euro4 emissions standards “without compromising the engine’s performance.” No power and torque numbers were released, though.

The fuel injectors have been revised for low to midrange performance. The number one and four intake funnels are shorter while two and three are longer.

Piston skirts are molybdenum-coated to reduce friction. There are connecting passages between cylinders to reduce pumping losses.

Lastly, spent gasses exit through a redesigned exhaust system, which is again tuned for low and mid-range torque.

Transmission

Features a cassette-style gearbox for easy gearing changes. The KQS is standard although available for upshifts only.

Assist and Slipper Clutch

The assist function compresses the clutch plates together on acceleration, producing a lighter pull at the lever. The slipper function reduces back-torque and prevents rear wheel hop during deceleration.

Chassis

The 2019 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R uses a pressed-aluminium perimeter frame. The manufacturer claims that it is narrow and compact.

The bike will now utilize the Showa SFF-BP (Separate Function Forks – Big Piston) forks that combine the features of the SFF and BPF forks.

The Showa rear shock is fully adjustable.

Traction Control and Power Modes

KTRC traction control has 2 modes, ABS is standard and the power modes are “FULL” or “LOW”.

  • The NHTSA had mistakenly uploaded the list of 2019 Kawasaki motorcycles on their website.

  • The list includes a new Ninja ZX-6R.

  • We expect the 2019 bike to feature a host of changes to go toe-to-toe with the Yamaha YZF-R6.

Kawasaki had issued a letter including a list of 2019 models which included the new Ninja ZX-6R to the United States’ NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) this week. Kawasaki had also stated, “AS the embargo lift date for these models is October 11, 2018, we request that this document not be posted on the NHTSA website until after the embargo lift date.”

Funnily, the NHTSA posted the list on their website anyway.

The 600cc supersport market is pretty much stagnant these days, but Kawasaki has decided to go ahead with the ZX-6R in the hopes of breathing some new life into that segment.

The 11th October date is when the AIM Expo show is held in Las Vegas, Nevada, US when it’s supposed to make its American debut, although the Intermot event in Cologne will be held a week earlier from 3rd to 7th October.

Although there was little technical detail in the list, it did show that the 2019 ZX-6R will be powered by the 636cc inline-Four which is found in the current bike and produces 127.4 bhp., a 2 bhp reduction compared to the current model being sold in Europe.

The reduction would have pretty much to do with the tough emissions regulations in the States. In fact, a document filed with the California Air Resources Board (CARB) showed that the new bike has a 3-way catalytic convertor instead of the existing oxidising catalyst. This new addition nearly halves the 2019 bike’s hydrocarbon, NOX and carbon monoxide emissions. That could also very mean that the bike may meet the new Euro 5 standard in 2020.

The full details may be sketchy, but we do expect the 2019 Ninja ZX-6R to go through an extensive makeover for it to beat the new Yamaha YZF-R6. Therefore, there will likely be a new styling, suspension and electronics package.

Stay tuned!

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