Kawasaki unveils 2016 Ninja ZX-6R KRT Edition

Kawasaki has unveiled the 2016 Ninja ZX-6R, which is available in lime green and black Kawasaki Racing Team (KRT) colours.

The race bikes are limited to a 599cc version of the Kawasaki in-line four cylinder engine whereas the streetbikes benefit from a long stroke 636cc engine.

Kawasaki says the 636cc in-line four cylinder engine outperforms the competition and with the current dominance of the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R in both the FIM World Championship Supersport Series and the European World Superstock 600 series is a clear indication that the Ninja ZX-6R remains a major force to be reckoned with.

Key features on the 2016 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R include selectable full and low engine power modes, three-mode KTRC traction control tuned to cover a wide range of situations from advanced racetrack use to normal street riding to mixed or slippery conditions.

Kawasaki says the 636cc engine is torque-rich and rev-happy, making it easy to make the transition from city street commuting to the racetrack, making its broad performance available to every rider. The transmission is a cassette type six-speed unit which simplifies gear ratio changes at the track. The Ninja ZX-6R has a high-tech FCC clutch with assist and slipper functions, allowing quick downshifts, as well as minimize rear-wheel hop caused by excess back-torque.

There’s optional high-performance ABS as well, offering the Kawasaki Intelligent ABS (KIBS), which employs a multi-sensing system that monitors a wide range of data from wheel speed sensors and the engine ECU. Monitored parameters include wheel speed, brake calliper pressure, engine RPM, throttle position, clutch actuation and gear selection.

Suspension is high-quality Showa Separate Function Fork – Big Piston with adjustable spring preload in the left tube and adjustable compression and rebound damping on the right tube. At the rear, the patented Kawasaki bottom-link Uni-Trak suspension is a gas-charged shock with spring preload, 25-position rebound damping and stepless compression damping.

There’s a multi-function LCD instrument panel too, with an analog-type tachometer. The 2016 Ninja ZX-6R will be available in US dealerships from early 2016. We aren’t sure if Kawasaki will bring the Ninja ZX-6R to India yet. But we certainly hope it makes its way here; a middleweight supersport is always welcome.