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Ninja ZX-6R

Two icons of two-wheeled exhilaration are poised to ignite the Malaysian motorcycle scene as Edaran Modenas Sdn Bhd (EMOS), the official distributor of Kawasaki motorcycles in the country, unveils an electrifying announcement: the all-new Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R and the eagerly-awaited Ninja ZX-4R are set to make their thunderous debut on Malaysian roads in 2024.

  • The Ninja ZX-6R and Ninja ZX-4R will arrive in Malaysia sometime in 2024. 
  • The Ninja ZX-6R producing just shy of 130bhp despite meeting the latest emissions standard while the ZX-4R pumps out 79.1hp (with Ram-Air). 

Roslan Roskan, Chief Executive Officer of Modenas, disclosed that the 2024 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R is charging its way to Malaysian shores during the recently concluded Kawasaki X Modenas Green Mania held at Gamuda Cove, Dengkil. 

The Ninja ZX-6R flaunts its remarkable prowess after a comprehensive update to meet the stringent Euro5 homologation standards. Riding in tandem with the ZX-6R is the enigmatic Ninja ZX-4R, an exciting newcomer poised to carve its own niche in the world of high-performance motorcycles.

The spotlight shines brightest on the 2024 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R, a testament to Kawasaki’s relentless pursuit of perfection. The centerpiece of this superbike is its reinvigorated 636cc liquid-cooled engine, meticulously tuned and tested to meet Euro5 standards—a remarkable achievement that sets it apart from its rivals, the Yamaha R6 and Honda CBR600RR. Not content with just compliance, Kawasaki engineers have pushed the boundaries, subjecting the engine to rigorous testing to ensure it surpasses expectations.

The Ninja ZX-6R’s update isn’t just under the hood; it boasts an array of advanced features that elevate its performance and rider experience. Showa’s Separate Function Big Piston Forks enhance handling, while a quickshifter and three-mode traction control system provide riders with unparalleled control. Multiple power modes and riding modes allow for personalised experiences, and a 4.3″ TFT dash with smartphone connectivity keeps riders informed and engaged, even while on the move.

Meanwhile, the spotlight also falls on the daring Ninja ZX-4R, a pocket rocket powered by an all-new 399cc inline-four, water-cooled 4-stroke DOHC engine. Capable of a heart-pounding 79.1hp with Ram-Air, this compact powerhouse delivers excitement in abundance. Boasting a rev limit exceeding 15,000rpm, the ZX-4R inherits the DNA of its sibling, the ZX-25R, and shares the same trellis frame, showcasing Kawasaki’s commitment to innovation.

The suspension prowess of the Ninja ZX-4R is equally notable, thanks to Showa’s SFF-BP forks at the front and a horizontal back-link at the rear. Distinguishing the variants is the suspension package: the base model features SFF-BP forks, while the SE and RR boast front forks with preload adjustment. The RR, in particular, enjoys the Showa BFRC-lite rear shock, a nod to its high-performance lineage.

Technological wizardry is in full force with the Ninja ZX-4R, featuring all-LED lighting, Kawasaki Traction Control (KTRC), and an array of four power modes catering to varying riding conditions. The SE and RR versions elevate the experience with a two-way quickshifter and a 4.3-inch LCD color display replete with an integrated ‘Track Mode.’

As the countdown begins for the arrival of the new-gen Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R and the thrilling Ninja ZX-4R, the Malaysian motorcycle landscape is poised for an adrenaline-infused transformation. These two masterpieces, representing the epitome of engineering and innovation, are set to captivate riders and enthusiasts alike.

Kawasaki has defied skeptics by reintroducing the beloved Ninja ZX-6R to their sportsbike lineup, proving that the traditional supersport class is far from dead. 

  • The 2024 version of this middleweight marvel boasts an aggressive design inspired by its ZX-10R superbike sibling, complete with integrated aero features in the front fairing.
  • The 2024 ZX-6R produces 128hp.

To meet Euro5 homologation standards, Kawasaki has subjected the Ninja’s 636cc liquid-cooled engine to rigorous testing, a feat unmatched by its competitors, the Yamaha R6 and Honda CBR600RR. 

Even with the stricter emissions regulations, the ZX-6R still packs a punch, producing just shy of 130bhp. This impressive power output is a result of meticulous enhancements, including revised cam profiles, intake funnels, and an upgraded exhaust system that promises optimal low to mid-rpm performance.

 

Despite its revival, the ZX-6R remains a cutting-edge machine. The 2024 model comes equipped with Showa’s Separate Function Big Piston Forks, a quickshifter, and a three-mode traction control system, offering riders superior handling and control. 

Riders can also personalise their experience with various power modes and riding modes. Adding to its modernity, the ZX-6R features a 4.3″ TFT dash with smartphone connectivity, enabling riders to stay connected on the road.

Excitement is building as the 2024 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R is set to hit the global market in October. 

Prospective buyers can choose between the iconic Kawasaki green or a more understated black scheme. With prices starting at GBP10,599 (RM60k), the ZX-6R offers an affordable option for those seeking high-performance thrills, positioning itself just slightly above the price range of an Aprilia RS660.

Kawasaki is preparing to launch an updated version of its Ninja ZX-6R in 2024, according to a recent listing on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency approved road-going motorcycles list. 

  • the updated model will offer less power than the previous generation to meet the strict emission standard. 
  • expected to feature a longer final-drive gearing to accommodate the lower-revving engine.

While the new model will be less powerful than its predecessor, it will feature more advanced technology and improved emissions performance, making it more attractive to riders in Europe and other parts of the world that have seen the existing ZX-6R removed from the market due to emissions regulations.

The EPA document reveals that the new model, internally coded as “ZX636J” and “ZX636K,” will have a peak power output of 122 hp and a rev peak of 13,000 rpm, which is down from the 127 hp and 13,500 rpm of the previous model. 

The change in power is likely due to Kawasaki’s efforts to meet the latest Euro 5 emissions standards, which require a specific limit on “non-methane hydrocarbons” that is difficult for high-revving bikes to achieve.

To meet these standards, Kawasaki has likely reduced the engine’s outright revs and peak power, without compromising on its performance. 

The new model is expected to feature a longer final-drive gearing to accommodate the lower-revving engine, but will weigh around the same as the current model. This suggests that there won’t be wholesale alterations to the chassis, but rather more up-to-date styling and electronics upgrades, such as a color TFT instrument panel, IMU-assisted cornering ABS, wheelie control, launch control, and stability control.

The updated Ninja ZX-6R will face tough competition in a market that has shrunk considerably since its peak in the 1990s, but Kawasaki is hoping to leapfrog its aging Japanese rivals in terms of technology. 

While the drop in power may disappoint some riders, the new model’s improved emissions performance and advanced technology could make it a more attractive option for those looking for a high-performance supersport bike that meets the latest environmental standards.

Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R 2018
  • NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) tanpa sengaja telah memuatnaik satu senarai motosikal Kawasaki bagi tahun 2019 di laman sesawang mereka.
  • Di antara motosikal yang muncul dalam senarai ini adalah Ninja ZX-6R yang baharu.
  • Kami jangkakan yang motosikal untuk tahun 2019 tersebut tampil dengan pelbagai pengemaskinian bagi mengatasi pesaingnya, Yamaha YZF-R6.

(more…)

  • 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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