Updated Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R announced for 2024
The supersport category gets a shot in the arm thanks to a significantly updated 2024 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R
FANS of an inline four-cylinder screamer rejoice an updated Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R has been announced for 2024, boasting new tech, styling, aerodynamics, LED lighting and a Euro5 engine.
The 2024 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R will, when launched, inhabit an interesting little niche in the motorcycle world, as it sits alone as the only proper (old-school) inline four-cylinder screamer in the supersport category. Since Honda chopped the CBR600RR from sale, and Yamaha sent the R6 down the track-only route, if you’re looking for pint-sized thrills powered by a four-pot engine, in 2024 your only option is to go green!
What’s new with the 2024 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R?
The most noticeable change for this model is in the styling of the bike, which is both different in its look and style, but apparently serves a functional purpose too. Kawasaki is claiming that the new ‘face’ of the ZX-6R is an aero front end which features cut-outs in specific areas designed to reduce buffeting. Behind the newly designed fairing sits a new TFT dash. It looks to be the same item as found on some other Kawasaki models (see Kawaskai Z900 and Kawasaki Z650) and in our eyes that’s no bad thing as it’s clear, wonderfully easy to read and simple to navigate. The new TFT also allows the rider to connect their smartphone via Bluetooth and use the Kawasaki Rideology app. This can provide the rider with a service reminder, oil change reminder, and Riding Mode indicator, while Smartphone calls and e-mail notices are also available.
The heart of the bike is an updated version of the well-known and well-loved 636cc inline four of old. Peak power is a claimed 129PS (127.2bhp) with ram air induction which is a slight drop in power compared with some of the previous models (without the benefit of ram air assistance) although Kawasaki is battling against emissions regulations, and to make the engine cleaner it seems that the engineers have had to clip the bike’s wings just slightly. Internally the new engine features revised cam profiles to clean up its act, plus tweaked intake funnels and revised header and collector pipes, all of which are designed to boost low and mid-range performance.
The chassis of the 2023 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R uses updated brake discs (round as opposed to the ‘petal’ discs of the previous model) although the calipers and master cylinders remain the same. The suspension at both ends is provided by Showa, with Separate Function Forks - Big Piston and a Uni-Trak linkage and a gas shock at the rear.
The bike will be arriving in UK dealerships from October 2023 and will be available in two colourways, traditional green and a stealthy Metallic Graphite Gray and Metallic Diablo Black option. Kawasaki has confirmed the price to be £10,599.
More information can be found on the official Kawasaki UK website.
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Simon (AKA Toad) has been working within the motorcycle industry for more than twelve years, and a member of the motorcyclist family since birth. Growing up around British-built single and twins, it was inevitable that a life on two wheels was on the cards, from a very early age!
