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58-465: Kawasaki introduced the ZX-6R in 1995 with very similar looks and features like the 1994 introduced ZX-9R , including the ram-air intake that had been developed by Kawasaki since the 1990 ZX-11 (ZZ-R1100) . The first ZX-6R had a dry weight of 401.2 lb (182.0 kg), wet weight of 454 lb (206 kg), and was capable of accelerating 0 to 60 mph (0 to 97 km/h) in 3.6 seconds. There

116-572: A 10.19 @ 137.90 mph from a 2002 ZX-9R F1. California-specific evaporative emissions control (EVAP) models included two-stage exhaust catalytic converters, two additional fuel tank fuel vapor recovery plumbing tubes fed to an under tank charcoal canister, an evaporative emission purge control valve incorporated into the Y-snorkel RAM air system float bowl equalization plumbing, and carburetors with electronic fuel cut off solenoids. The California EVAP model ZX-9Rs were also sold selectively throughout

174-425: A 10.38 second @ 134.7 MPH 1/4 mile and a top speed of 167 MPH. It did so using CaRFG2 gasoline in a consolidated carbon monoxide non-attainment region (CMSA), which meant the gasoline had an average 2.0% oxygen, but was also equivalent in specification to today's E10, up to 3.7% oxygenated unleaded gasoline. The rear suspension linkage and rear spring rate were replaced, improving handling. Pillion grab rails were added,

232-443: A 2003 U.S. model ZX-9R F2, the last ZX-9R produced by Kawasaki, could be labeled by an owner in the U.K. as a 2004, 2005, 2006, etc, etc, etc,... ZX-9R F2P depending on what year it was registered. Many U.K. destined ZX-9Rs were also outfitted with carburetor heater plumbing, as part of the engine’s cooling system. The purpose was reported to prevent carburetor icing, a symptom that has not been reported by ZX-9R owners anywhere outside

290-549: A 50-state or California EVAP energy recovery variant and a 49-state equivalent model destined for the other 49 U.S. states, but equally unchanged for other destinations throughout the world. A 50-state variant is little more than a 49-state variant with a different sealed-loop fuel evaporative emissions system and depending upon model, some exhaust oxidizing catalyst equipment in a stainless steel muffler. 49-state variants cannot be registered in California for on highway use. The result

348-555: A counter-intuitive twist, those carbureted ZX-9Rs reviewed in California under what should have required a CARB Title V variance permit , since 49-state models could not be registered in California, but were tested exclusively by every well known motorcycle magazine in Southern California, a KHI, California, prepped 49-state variant 1997 ZX-9R B4 was performance reviewed in the October 1997 issue of Sport Rider magazine . It sprinted to

406-633: A direct competitor, the ZX-9R was retained as a more stable and more comfortable alternative to the Honda, with more straight-line speed. The first ZX-9R could be seen as a ZXR750 incorporating a number of ZZ-R1100 design features. The wheels - three-spoke cast aluminium alloy 3.5-inch x 17-inch front and 5.5-inch x 17-inch rear -, the front forks - fully adjustable 43 mm upside-down KYB - and unbraced fabricated aluminium box-section swingarm with fully adjustable remote-reservoir KYB monoshock were direct carry-overs from

464-691: A separate throttle controlled by the on-board electronics, to allow faster reaction for wheel over-spin on slippery surfaces. Traction control and power modes can be adjusted or turned off whenever the throttle is closed, even while riding the bike. The bike is sold without a steering damper , as customer complaints about the OEM steering damper on previous models prompted Kawasaki to discontinue this feature on subsequent models. The ZX-6R 636 for 2019 has some updates consisting of: Euro 4 compliance, KQS quickshifter (up only), updated bodywork and seat, LED headlights and updated dashboard. The claimed horsepower also sees

522-550: A side facing fluid reservoir, stiffened frame with relocated solid engine mounts, increased trail and reduced fork offset, and new Nissin four-piston caliper brakes and 320 mm discs at the front wheel. Slight engine modifications included a return to the B/C model style Keihin CVKD carburettor and a 10% heavier crankshaft offset by a reduced diameter flywheel reported to help the engine spin up quicker, boosting low and mid-range torque. In 2004

580-447: A slight drop from the 2018 model's 96.4 kW (129.3 hp) to 94.9 kW (127.3 hp). Through the 2020 model year, Kawasaki sold only the 636 cc (38.8 cu in) displacement Ninja ZX-6R in most markets, while in Japan the 599 cc (36.6 cu in) version continues to be sold alongside the 636 since the model year 2003 onwards. In July 2023, Kawasaki announced

638-478: A slimmer tail unit and a smaller fairing. As a consequence of the smaller engine and shorter wheelbase, though, the fuel tank became wider and intruded more on the riding position than before. A new look was introduced for the 2000 model, with distinctive twin headlights and a separate ram-air intake replacing the single headlight and integrated intake of the C-model. Engine power and efficiency were boosted slightly from

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696-507: A top speed of 168.1 MPH and a tank range of 216 miles. Like the 1997 B4 model tested the year before, the ZX-9R C1 was using CaRFG2 "cleaner burning gasoline" with up to 3.7% oxygen and 10% ethanol. The clutch was changed from hydraulic to cable-operated. The generator was moved from behind the cylinder to the more conventional location at the left end of the crank. There was now no balance shaft. The valvetrain switched to direct valve actuation, and

754-508: A variable ignition timing throttle position sensor, to " provide better throttle response, fuel economy, and more power for California models ." Labeled " World's First 9 Second Production Sportbike " on the cover of the June 1998 issue of Sport Rider magazine, the Title V permitted 49-state ZX-9R C1 prepped by KHI, California, recorded the now famous uncorrected 9.99 second @ 136.8 MPH 1/4 mile run, with

812-533: Is approved for use: 15% MTBE, 16.7% TAME, 17.2% ETBE, & 5% Methanol." All ZX-9R models were manufactured using Keihin (Astemo) carburetors in open-loop Open-loop controller with the unleaded gasoline put into them. All Keihin carburetor parts are interchangeable and all of them are designed to use "normal pump gasoline" with up to 10% ethanol . Unlike its competitors, Kawasaki chose to make two variants of many of their 1980, 1990 and 2000 era carbureted motorcycles, including each model ZX-9R. For California (USA)

870-410: Is changing once more with an improved engine and slipper clutch . The exhaust pre-chamber has more space and also limits exhaust noise giving the rider a smoother ride. New double bore intake funnels features two available heights which gives performance upgrades in both high and low engine speeds. The front seat is now lower. For 2013, Kawasaki reintroduced the ZX-6R 636, while still continuing to sell

928-461: Is said to yield greater cornering clearance. By using a former 125 cc Grand Prix racer as the ZX-6R's chief development rider, Tomomi Manako , Kawasaki claims a focus has been put on track usage. Frame, swingarm, suspension, brakes, and body were completely redesigned and the bike shares very few parts from the previous model. The ZX-6R was carried over to the 2008 model year with just color scheme changes. For 2009, Kawasaki dramatically changed

986-434: Is the wording "Blends of gasoline and alcohol called “gasohol” can be used on an occasional basis, however continued use is not recommended." In 1996 , Kawasaki broadened that language to "Gasoline frequently contains oxygenates (alcohols and ethers) especially in areas of the U.S. and Canada which are required to sell such reformulated fuels as part of a strategy to reduce exhaust emissions...Operating problems that result from

1044-497: The April 2000 issue of Sport Rider magazine (HQ Southern California), a 49-state KHI, California, prepped ZX-9R E1 sprinted to an uncorrected 10.06 second @ 138.96 MPH 1/4 mile, 173.5 MPH top speed and boasted a tank range of 211 miles. Like the predecessors before it reviewed in California, it did so using CaRFG2 oxygenated gasoline. The frame was made stiffer through the enlarging of the front engine mounting bolts, though this still left

1102-692: The CBR900RR Fireblade for the 1992 model year, ten years after the first 900cc Ninja. By 1992 there were no bikes in the 900cc class until Honda introduced the Fireblade, and following Honda, Kawasaki introduced the ZX-9R at the Paris Motor Show in September 1992. Though based on the ZX-7, when development of the ZX-9R was done, only the swing arm of the original was left. The engine also was developed from that of

1160-416: The compression ratio from 11.8:1 to 12.8:1. The J series sported a couple of modernisations including a 180 section rear tire, second headlight, uprated generator and stick coils (coil on plug) replacing the traditional coil with HT lead. With strong competition from Honda's CBR600F4i , Suzuki's GSX-R600 , and Yamaha's YZF-R6 , Kawasaki decided on an unusual move for the late 2002 models. They increased

1218-865: The 1930s and 1940s. Rikuo brand lasted until 1962. Showa has since become OEM supplier to Harley Davidson. Showa has overseas facilities in Brazil, Canada, China, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Spain, Taiwan, Thailand, United Kingdom, United States and Vietnam. Showa was an official IndyCar Series dampers, springs and shock absorber supplier from 2007 to 2011 alongside Penske Racing Shocks which only supplying shocks for Team Penske . Showa remained IndyCar Series shock absorber supplier since 2012 but only for Honda -powered teams. In October 2019, Showa began to be merged into Hitachi Automotive Systems as their supplier of steering and suspension components, along with Keihin and Nissin Kogyo, also partners of both Honda and Hitachi. The merger

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1276-589: The 2024 model year for ZX-6R. The bike meets the Euro 5 emission standards, with yet another slight reduction of horsepower compared to the previous model. The ABS has been updated and a redesigned stock exhaust system along with a new front twin headlamp, and for the first time it features a color TFT LCD dashboard. Andrew Pitt won the Supersport World Championship in 2001 with a ZX-6R, and Kenan Sofuoğlu won it in 2012, 2015 and 2016. Also, Kawasaki won

1334-478: The 49-state C's 143 PS to 144 PS and 142 PS for the 49 and 50-state E variant respectively, from slightly shorter length CVRD 40 mm carburettors, a compression ratio increase to 12:2:1 from 11.5:1, and larger diameter (35mm vs. 31.8mm) header pipes. A lower duration intake cam increased cranking compression. Further improvements were aimed primarily at handling. 50-state variants going forward would include two-stage muffler exhaust oxidizing catalysts. Reviewed in

1392-453: The 49-state equivalent variant and 141 PS for the 50-state, which by then also included a muffler located oxidizing exhaust catalyst and electronic fuel cut-off valves on the CVKD carburetors (also on D variants) to meet California Air Resources Board's (CARB) evolving cleaner burning gasoline and emissions for fuel evaporation and exhaust. Based on the California variant too, but included on all subsequent 1998+ ZX-9Rs, Kawasaki introduced K-TRIC,

1450-616: The 50-state variant. A 49-state KHI, California, prepped B1 model as reviewed in the May 1994 issue of Cycle World magazine (HQ Southern California) in a CMSA sprinted to a 10.65 second 131.38 MPH 1/4 mile, a top speed of 166 MPH. It had a tank range of 248 miles and did so using CaRFG1 gasoline, which under the Federal CAA of 1990 required non-carbon monoxide attainment CMSAs to use gasoline blends with an average annual 2.0% oxygen and per 1979 EPA gasohol waiver could also contain up to 3.7% oxygen in

1508-600: The 599 cc ZX-6RR. For the second year in a row, the ZX-6RR again won the Supersport category award for Masterbike 2005 and placed third overall. The bike carried over to the 2006 model year with minor suspension changes and new color schemes. After four years of offering their 636 cc ZX-6R for street use and an entirely separate 599 cc ZX-6RR for displacement-restricted racing classes, Kawasaki offered only one ZX-6R for 2007, and it displaced 599 cc. Previous years of

1566-501: The 9Rs connect to the ZX900 (Ninja, which in many markets was sold as GPZ900R) as the type number corresponding to frame numbers was ZX900A, ZX900B and ZX900C. This definition is practical to note as the last version of the B-model is disguised as a C-model (caused by a change in outer design which the oncoming C-model inherited). Kawasaki developed the model in response to Honda's introduction of

1624-407: The B model. The front forks were criticised by some european testers for fluttering during hard driving, a phenomenon that was only solved with the 2002 model. Overall, with a factory-quoted dry weight of 183 kg (403 lb), the C-model weighed less fully fuelled than the first B-model weighed dry. Visually, the new bike retained the rounded look of its predecessor, but became sleeker, with

1682-471: The Ninja ZX-6RR, but the 636 cc (38.8 cu in) ZX-6R would be their main mass production middleweight sport bike. In 2003, there were a number of changes to the ZX-6R, or ZX636 as it is often referred. The engine was fuel injected and engine speed was raised around 500 RPM which resulted in a slight gain in power. Radial-mounted four-piston brakes replaced the previous six-piston brakes and

1740-649: The Supersport World Championship manufacturers title in 2013, 2015 and 2016. 91.5 kW (122.7 hp) @ 13,000 RPM with ram air 100 kW (130 hp) @ 14,000 RPM with ram air 101 kW (135 hp) @ 13,500 RPM with ram air Kawasaki Ninja ZX-9R The Kawasaki Ninja ZX-9R is a motorcycle in the Ninja sport bike series from Japanese manufacturer Kawasaki , produced from 1994 until 2003. There were five model incarnations across two basic designs. In Kawasaki's chronology

1798-559: The U.K. | Showa Corporation Showa is a brand of high-performance automotive , motorcycle and outboard suspension systems of Hitachi Astemo, based in Gyoda, Saitama in Japan. The company was founded in 1938 as Showa Aircraft Precision Works. In Japan's drive to develop its military capability in preparation for World War II , Showa supplied aircraft suspension and landing systems to various aircraft manufacturers. Banned from developing or manufacturing aircraft systems after

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1856-435: The U.S., including Illinois, Florida, and New York. They vented less pollution into the atmosphere, thus using what would otherwise be evaporating fuel into better fuel economy. U.K. models, which were similar to 49-state U.S. models, in that they were not fitted with California EVAP emissions plumbing valves and equipment, included the P sub-variant of ZX-9R and didn’t carry the consequential model year labeling. For instance,

1914-450: The ZX-6R's engines were all built from the same basic design, but the all-new engine for 2007 was redesigned from the crankcase up. In following with what their competitors had already been doing, Kawasaki's new engine featured a stacked gear arrangement in which the crankshaft, primary drive and countershaft are placed in a triangular format for a shorter, more compact powerplant. Now about 40 mm smaller in both length and width and it

1972-494: The ZX-6R. Engine speed increased again by 1,000 RPM resulting in 131 hp (98 kW) at 12,250 RPM. The frame and swingarm were updated, but the main changes from its predecessor lay in the design. The aluminum frame was now painted flat black, fairings were more round, and integrated turn signals were used (euro model). The exhaust was now centrally under the seat (a configuration commonly referred to as an undertail exhaust). Most of these changes were mirrored in

2030-479: The ZX-7, but the two engines shared only a few parts. The Fireblade packaged a 900 cc engine into a 750 cc sport bike chassis. It combined big-bore power with sport bike handling, but, crucially, it also pioneered meticulous attention to weight-saving design. The Fireblade not only outpowered the 750's, it was also significantly lighter. This was the detail overlooked or underappreciated by Kawasaki when they set out to build their Fireblade-beater. In building

2088-466: The ZX-9R was replaced with the ZX-10R. The 1998 ZX9r C1 was the first stock production motorcycle to run a quarter mile in under 10 seconds with a 9.99 @ 136.8 mph time. The 1999 C2 ran 10.06 @ 138.96 mph. A California-only 1998 ZX9r C1, with "1 HP less power", ran a tested 10.28 @ 135.32 mph quarter mile time. Motor Cycle News got a tested 1/4-mile time of 10.6 secs. Cycle World recorded

2146-411: The ZX-9R with just a single front engine mount on either side of the frame. Further, the rubber bushings in the top rear engine mount were changed to alloy. This combined to make the engine's contribution to the stiffness of the frame/engine unit greater. The swingarm pivot and wheel spindles were made larger in diameter, again for more stiffness. Increased offset on the triple clamps reduced the trail on

2204-539: The ZXR. The twin-piston rear Tokico caliper no longer mounted via a torque arm, and the clip-on handlebars mounted above the top triple clamp, not below. The four-piston Tokico front calipers and 320 mm front discs were common to the ZZ-R and the ZXR. The frame was a welded aluminium-alloy dual-beam with cast steering head and swingarm endplates, but with steel-tube engine cradles and swingarm-mount endplates extending back to support

2262-483: The appearance of the ZX-6R to match the more angular look of the ZX-10R. Kawasaki claims the new ZX-6R is 10 kg lighter than the previous model. The greatest changes for 2009 were the redesign of the exhaust, now carried low and not requiring the thick under-seat construction of 2008 and especially the introduction of the Showa Big Piston Fork (BPF) suspension for a more progressive brake-dive. The 2010 ZX-6R

2320-465: The capacity of the traditional 600 cc (37 cu in) motor to 636 cubic centimetres (38.8 cu in) with the ZX-6R A1P. This version used the J series bodywork with the only notable differences being the "636" stickers on the fairing. For riders who needed bikes for displacement-restricted racing , Kawasaki also made available a limited production 599 cc (36.6 cu in) version,

2378-560: The cylinder head was plumbed for then-new plug-top ignition coils, replacing more conventional remote coils and high-tension leads. Notably, the new engine also featured a Hall-type cam position sensor on the exhaust camshaft. Cam position sensors are typically used in conjunction with electronic fuel injection. As the ZX900C featured induction by Keihin 40 mm CVKD carburettors, a cam position sensor wasn't necessary. Its inclusion could indicate that Kawasaki had designs to include fuel injection on

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2436-509: The engine in the future. This first happened on the 2000 ZX-12R Kawasaki's first fuel-injected sport bike since the 1981–1985 GPZ1100 . But this did not happen on this engine until the 2003 introduction of the Z1000 , which uses a bored-out ex-ZX-9R engine. The frame lost the steel engine cradles, but also its bolt-on subframe and the rear ride height adjuster. The swingarm was a new unbraced, rectangular-section extruded design. The wheel sizes were

2494-711: The first ZX-9R, Kawasaki combined their class-leading big-bore, the ZZR1100, with their class-leading 750, the ZXR750, rather than commit to an entirely new design. Like other carbureted motorcycles of that era, the 1994 - 2003 ZX-9R and its Keihin carburetor fuel system settings co-evolved with the gasoline blends of its era. The fuel used is a critical component of any carbureted motorcycle's performance, as oxygen content frequently reduces engine performance relative to that of oxygen-less conventional gasoline. In every North American destined Kawasaki motorcycle owners manual from 1989 - 1995

2552-480: The front forks were now inverted. Chassis improvements resulted in higher rigidity and less weight. An all digital instrument panel was also introduced and a larger ram-air intake inlet moved to the center over the headlight, running through the headstock. The bike, designation B1H, carried over to the 2004 model year with just color scheme changes. The ZX-6RR won the Supersport category award for Masterbike 2004 and placed third overall. In 2005, Kawasaki again revamped

2610-489: The front wheel to make the steering more agile. The forks were shortened to save weight, and the rear shock top mount was redesigned to incorporate a ride-height adjuster. Changes to the 2002–2003 ZX-9R included a new tail fairing, a single piece front mudguard, the loss of the passenger grab handles and the B/C/E model H-bar mirror bracket. Mechanical additions included a top braced swingarm (claimed 20% stronger) and rear shock with

2668-426: The gearboxes were made stronger, and new six-piston Tokico front calipers replaced the previous model's four-piston units. The weight of the bike increased to 241.7 kg (533 lb). For 1998, the engine was completely new, featuring an engine bore and stroke of 75mm x 50.9mm respectively, but retaining 11.5:1 pistons and 12,000 RPM redline, while fuel capacity was reduced to 19 litres. Kawasaki claimed 143 PS for

2726-482: The left leg bar a bigger and stronger spring than the right one, with regulated pre-load. The right bar has bigger oil damper section, with regulated rebound and compression damping. According to the manufacturer, this asymmetric design provides a reduction of the friction inside the fork, significant mass loss and more friendly response of suspension. The KTRC system uses manipulation of the ignition timing on all 3 traction control modes, while mode 3 (rain mode) also uses

2784-434: The nose of the bike, under the single headlight, via ducts passing back and over the frame beams near the steering head, like on the ZZ-R. For the 1996 ZX-9R B3 model forward, with exceptions to B3/B4 49-state variant equivalents for Austria and France, Keihin carburetor jetting sizes and components within each generation of ZX-9R model would remain set with one configuration, sealed by Kawasaki, Japan. 49-state B3s and B4s had

2842-403: The regular, 599 cc 2009-2012 ZX-6R at a lower price. The 2013 ZX-6R 636 is a brand new bike, making it the model with the most power output to date. Engine displacement has again been increased to 636 cc, with two fuel maps available to choose via a switch on the handlebars. The new version has increased torque and horsepower, and the increased performance is apparent at lower RPM. While

2900-476: The rider's seat and attach the bolt-on subframe, like the ZZ-R1100. Fuel tank capacity was 20 litres for B models and engine displacement was 899 cc. The crankcases, clutch and gearbox were carried over from the ZXR750, with a longer-throw crank and a bigger 73mm bore, 53.7mm stroke and 11.5:1 pistons , taller cylinder block for the larger capacity. It produced a claimed 139 PS for the 49-state variant/137 PS for

2958-491: The same fueling as 50-state EVAP variant B3s and B4s destined for California, even though California models were subject to CaRFG2 with up to 10% ethanol enhanced E10 specification oxygenated reformulated aka "cleaner burning gasoline." Labeled "Gasolines Containing Oxygenates (Alcohols and ethers)" in North American destined Kawasaki motorcycle owners manuals, Kawasaki warranted the use of up to 10% ethanol or 5% methanol. In

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3016-437: The same, but the wheels were a new, lighter design. The brake calipers carried over, but the discs were smaller and lighter without stopping power being affected. The rear shock absorber changed from a remote-reservoir to a lighter, more compact piggyback design. The wheelbase dropped 30 mm to 1,410 mm (56 in). New 46 mm right-way-up KYB forks replaced the heavier, though stiffer 43 mm upside down forks on

3074-406: The tail is identical to the one in the 2009-2012 model, it features new front and side fairings, new dash, new frame, new Showa BPF-SFF front suspension, Kawasaki Traction Control (KTRC) with three modes (sport, city and rain) as standard equipment, and Kawasaki Intelligent anti-lock Brake System (KIBS) available as option. In Showa's Big Piston Fork - Separate Function Fork (BPF-SFF) suspension,

3132-472: The unleaded gasoline if it contained 10% ethanol. The cylinder head was externally highly similar to the ZXR, as well, but incorporated rocker valve actuation like the ZZ-R1100 instead of the ZXR's direct actuation. Redline was 12,000 rpm against the Fireblades 10,500 rpm. Induction was by 40 mm Keihin CVKD carburettors, and the engine breathed through a 10-litre airbox fed by dual ram-air intakes on

3190-464: The use of poor quality or nonrecommended fuel may not be covered under your warranty... Never use gasohol containing more than 10% ethanol (grain alcohol). Never use gasohol containing more than 5% methanol (wood alcohol)." From 1998 onward , including 2023 Kawasaki motorcycles, it was broadened further to read "Gasoline/Alcohol Blends - Gasoline containing up to 10% ethanol (alcohol produced from agricultural products such as corn), also known as “gasohol”

3248-431: The war, Showa entered the car components industry, using its aircraft knowledge to develop specialist suspension products for motorcycles made by the new company Honda . The relationship between Showa and Honda developed over the years, with Honda Racing Corporation accounting for more than 50% of Showa's business. In 1950 Showa acquired Rikuo Motorcycle , which made licensed versions of Harley Davidson motorcycles in

3306-402: Was a big motorcycle; despite weight-saving measures like magnesium engine covers, its quoted dry weight was 215 kg (474 lb), almost 30 kg (66 lb) heavier than the Fireblade. It made around 125 hp (93 kW), between 10 and 15 hp (11 kW) more than the Fireblade, but this advantage in power could not make up for its size, weight and reduced agility. Rather than be

3364-453: Was a major revamp of the ZX-6R in 1998 with the Launch of the G series. The G series saw no increase in displacement but power went from 100  BHP to 108 BHP thanks to the newly designed airbox. The fairing was revamped, but it retained a similar design for the headlight , air intakes and windscreen. In 2000, the first J series replaced the G, increasing power to 112 BHP by increasing

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