Kawasaki ZX6R Worth Your Money
The Kawasaki ZX6R is back, but there is a question. Will it still spark the same kind of excitement that it did a few years back? Because, you see, this segment is cat thrice by stagnation. So what does the new model bring to the table, and is it worth your hardened money?
In an era dominated by the allure of street naked and adventure motorcycles, the middleweight SuperSport segment finds itself at crossroads, battling with declining interest from both returning as well as new generation riders,
the landscape of motorcycling has shifted, with many enthusiasts opting for the comfort and versatility offered by alternative machine types.
Intro
Does the ZX6R still make sense? Then you see, the appeal of these once revered 600 cc SuperSport machines has started to die down, partly overshadowed by the more feature rich nitre class SuperSport machines.
With their advanced electronics, they aren’t a daunting challenge anymore. They aren’t the maneaters that they used to be.
Which is why it’s become far easy for those machines to lure new riders, riders who are coming in from smaller capacity motorcycles, into their fold. In that, does a 600 still make sense?
Yet Kawasaki stands as a beacon of the middleweight Supersport tradition. Since the groundbreaking introduction of the 636 cc ZX6R in 2002, the brand has remained steadfast in its commitment to the SuperSport class.
Now, in an automotive space where such models are becoming increasingly rare, Kawasaki’s dedication to the genre is a testament to its enduring legacy, and one that deserves applause.
Design and Features
Visually, the 2024 ZX6R bears a resemblance to its predecessors, but receives subtle yet noticeable updates inspired by its siblings like the ZX4RR and the ZX10R.
But there is no denying that the colour scheme does little to differentiate it from its much more docile sport touring sibling, the Ninja 650 R.
Lights & TFT Display
The ZX6R redesign incorporates new front and side cows, LED lights all around and a new 4.3 inch full colour TFT display, replacing the previous LCD gauge.
These enhancements not only lend the bike a more modern appearance, but also elevate the rider’s interface experience.
Kawasaki Rideology App
There is a connectivity option with the Kawasaki rideology app, which will let you sync calls track rides, but for your track rides, you will not be able to time your laps because there is no lap timer, neither on the app nor on the instrumentation.
Engine
Under the hood, or rather, piggy, the fairings lies the familiar 636 TC inline four engine from a decade ago.
it’s an old motor, which has been upgraded over time to meet the new emissions. In its current state, it uses revised cam profiles and exhaust layout to meet the stricter eurofile emission standards.
The new engine makes it feel quicker off the mark, but it’s lost some of its top end shenanigans.
In fact, the power seems to taper off a little earlier than the red line, and it struggles to get to that 250 kilometre an hour mark.
The introduction of the new camshaft, with lower lift profiles and shorter duration, aims to optimise exhaust emissions while maintaining performance standards within the limit offered by the current displacement.
Further enhancing the engine’s efficiency is the integration of a larger exhaust prechamber and a repositioned two sensor.
Riding Modes
The new instrumentation also allows for a better human and machine interface. And then there are the four riding modes to choose from. You get three presets, which is the Sport, road and rain.
Now, sport and road are going to give you full power, but with either reduced or medium traction control as you like.
Then there is going to be the rain mode, which is going to drop the power a little bit and make the traction control more sensitive.
And the fourth mode is the rider configurable mode. But the only two things you can configure in it are the power, which you can either have it reduced or full, and you can completely turn off the traction control, which you cannot do with the other three presets.
So, honestly, the latter part, the traction control turning off parts, is the only use case scenario for that mode. Otherwise, I don’t know why you would select that.
Brakes
Utilising a new Porsche ABS unit, the ZX6R braking system has been fine tuned for smoother operation, providing more confidence inspiring stopping power in various riding conditions.
Where the ZX6R truly shines is in its ability to offer an excellent riding experience akin to a classic middleweight supersport.
The slightly better low and midrange grunt coupled with a wellbalanced chassis allows riders to push the bike with confidence through corners and out of tight bends.
Suspension
Equipped with Showa’s separate function, big piston forks and a rear motorshock, the ZX6 delivers responsive handling and precise feedback out of the box.
But you can also fine tune it to your riding style, ensuring maximum control and stability, even in the dynamic riding scenarios.
Comfortability
That said, it is a bit on the heavier side. It can feel like a bit of work, especially around twisties where you have to transition from one side to another.
It can feel a bit cumbersome. And, you know, this is where the problem arises. For example, something like the Triumph Street triple 765 RS.
It’s light, it’s nice and comfortable on the straight roads and around winding roads or even around the track.
In the hands of a capable rider, that machine can actually keep up with something like this, if not pose better lap times.
So you know that is a bigger allrounder, and it’s always going to pose a threat to Supersport machines like this. No wonder the Daytona died as well.
Price
With a competitive price point and a healthy rooted in performance, the 2024 ZX6R presents itself as a compelling option for riders looking to transition from small displacement machines to a middleweight sports bike.
While it may not boast the cutting edge or latest in technology, its simplicity and reliability are virtues that will help it resonate with seasoned as well as new riders alike.
Final Word
In conclusion, the 2024 Kawasaki ZX6R may not revolutionise the Supersport segment, but it doesn’t need to.
By refining its design, enhancing rider amenities and maintaining a potent powertrain, Kawasaki has reaffirmed its commitment to delivering a formidable middleweight contender.
Whether you are carving canyons on the weekend or honing your skills at the track, the ZX6R offers a compelling blend of performance, agility and affordability that’s hard to ignore.
So back to the question we started with. Is it worth the money? For someone who is looking at that exhilarating Supersport performance in an affordable price tag, I think the ZX6R makes a lot of sense.
It is a testament to Kawasaki’s enduring legacy in the supersport segment, and anyone who decides to own one is going to smile for a long time.