/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/octane/2R3W5LGAOZCQ5IDM3YXG37KPPQ.jpg "2024 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R First Look Preview")
The last of its kind? Kawasaki’s Ninja ZX supersports have always been renowned for their racing exploits as well as their ability to serve up real-world thrills to adrenaline junkies, but the 600cc supersport field ain’t what it used to be, with increasingly strict European emissions controls, rising insurance rates, and an aging population all contributing to the decline of performance-oriented inline-four sportbikes. In fact, Yamaha’s YZF-R6 is no more (read the 2022 Yamaha YZF-R6 Race and R6 GYTR Preview article), and Honda announced it would discontinue the CBR600RR last year in Europe (though it’s still available in the US), so all that’s left is Suzuki’s durable GSX-R600 and, now, Kawasaki’s just-announced, freshly updated 2024 ZX-6R.
Editor’s note: We test rode the last version of the Ninja ZX-6R during the 2020 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R MC Commute Review and 2019 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R First Ride Review articles and videos.
The 2024 ZX-6R’s chassis remains essentially unchanged, with the same frame and suspension and a powerful liquid-cooled inline-four at its heart. The engine retains its 636cc displacement, but there are notable updates here, including revised cam profiles that benefit low-rpm performance to help meet stricter emission regulations. The large-volume 5.09-liter airbox also sees changes, with the intake funnel design getting a revised shape to increase low-to-mid rpm performance. There are revisions to the exhaust design as well, with the ZX-6R’s header pipes featuring a new layout that improves feedback from the O2 sensor, and an exhaust pre-chamber helps minimize silencer volume and improve mass centralization.
Those mechanical updates aren’t earthshaking but still notable for the fact that they enable the 2024 ZX-6R to meet Euro 5 regulations, making it the only Japanese supersport-class bike currently up to the task. That also means we’ll see the updated model reenter the European markets, where it was dropped back in 2021.
A few electronic tweaks appear on the updated middleweight Ninja, with riders now able to choose from four modes—Sport, Rain, Road, and manual (set by the rider)—that can also be manipulated along with the traction control (which has three settings) to match a given riding situation. Riders can set power delivery to suit their preferences, choosing from Full and Low, and in the manual “rider” mode, each of the systems can be set independently.
Those systems can be accessed via a new 4.3-inch color TFT display, giving the previously analog cockpit a more refined appearance with improved functionality and selectable background color and screen brightness. Display functions include the usual suspects, like a speedometer, digital bar-style tachometer, gear position indicator, shift lamp, fuel gauge, odometer, dual tripmeters, and so on, as well as access to phone connectivity via Kawasaki’s Rideology app.
On the European spec sheet, those mechanical and electronic revisions translate into a small drop in the peak power, now a quoted 122 hp (previously 127), though the US release doesn’t mention power figures at all. For US bikes, torque remains at 52.1 lb.-ft. at 11,500 rpm, and since the changes are so slight and affect only the low- and midrange performance, it’s doubtful the 2024 model will feel too different from its predecessor.
While its frame may be the same, the ZX-6R’s binders get a welcome upgrade, with a pair of powerful radial-mount opposed four-piston Monoblock calipers gripping a new pair of semi-floating 310mm stainless steel discs. In the rear, the radial-pump master cylinder has been paired with a 220mm round disc and a lightweight rear brake caliper, and an updated ABS unit appears on the 2024 bike as well. Although the 17-inch wheels are unchanged, they’re now shod in new Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV tires.
There is a minor styling update as well, with the 2024 Ninja ZX-6R channeling a few lines from its bigger ZX-10R cousin, with a new, more modern layered nose featuring intake ducting and updated side fairings. We’re also seeing new compact LED headlights and a sporty windshield, all of which combine to give the latest 6R a more contemporary vibe.
Related: 2019 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R First Ride Review
2024 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R Technical Specifications and Price
| MSRP: | $12,299 (ABS) / $11,299 (base) |
|---|---|
| Engine: | DOHC, liquid-cooled inline-four; 16 valves |
| Displacement: | 636cc |
| Bore x Stroke: | 67.0 x 45.1mm |
| Compression Ratio: | 12.9:1 |
| Transmission/Final Drive: | 6-speed/chain |
| Claimed Horsepower: | N/A |
| Claimed Torque: | 52.1 lb.-ft. @ 11,500 rpm |
| Fuel System: | DFI w/ 38mm Keihin throttle bodies (4) |
| Clutch: | Slipper/assist |
| Engine Management: | TCBI w/ electronic advance |
| Frame: | Twin-spar aluminum |
| Front Suspension: | 41mm inverted Showa SFF-BP fork, rebound, compression damping, spring preload adjustable; 4.7 in. travel |
| Rear Suspension: | Uni-Trak, gas-charged shock, compression, rebound damping, spring preload adjustable; 5.9 in. travel |
| Front Brake: | Radial-mount 4-piston calipers, 310mm semi-floating discs; available ABS |
| Rear Brake: | 1-piston caliper, 220mm petal disc; available ABS |
| Wheels, Front/Rear: | Cast aluminum; 17 in. |
| Tires, Front/Rear: | 120/70-17 / 180/55-17 |
| Rake/Trail: | 24.5°/4.0 in. |
| Wheelbase: | 55.1 in. |
| Ground Clearance: | 5.1 in. |
| Seat Height: | 32.7 in. |
| Fuel Capacity: | 4.5 gal. |
| Claimed Wet Weight: | 425.6 lb. (non-ABS) / 430 lb. (ABS) |
| Contact: | kawasaki.com |
