Become a Member: Get Ad-Free Access to 3,000+ Reviews, Guides, & More

2023 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R [Specs, Features, Photos]

2023 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R
Last updated:

The 2023 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R Is Top Of The Middleweight Supersports

The 2023 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R is a high-performance supersport motorcycle that’s designed to deliver an exhilarating riding experience. It boasts a powerful 636cc, 127 horsepower inline-four engine, lightweight chassis, and fully adjustable front inverted fork and rear Uni Trak shock, ensuring that it handles as expected whether on the road or track.

Like many of Kawasaki’s bikes, it features cutting-edge electronics, including Kawasaki’s Intelligent Anti-lock Brake System (KIBS), traction control, and multiple power modes. The aerodynamic bodywork not only looks great but also helps to reduce wind resistance at high speeds, making it more stable and easier to control. Looking to enhance the look of your ZX-6R? Check out the KRT edition with an exclusive color scheme. All these features ensure it leads the pack in the Japanese supersport category. The Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R is a top-of-the-line supersport that’s perfect for riders looking for speed, performance, and cutting-edge technology and makes it difficult to choose from Kawasaki’s 2023 lineup.

The 2023 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R starts at $10,699 USD / $12,999 CAD for the Non-ABS version and $11,999 USD / $13,699 CAD for the ABS models.

On this page: we’ve curated specs, features, news, photos/videos, etc. so you can read up on the new 2023 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R in one place.

2023 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R


Model Overview

General Info

  • Price: (Non-ABS Version) $10,699 USD / $12,999 CAD and (ABS Version) $11,999 USD / $13,699 CAD
  • Key Features:
    • ABS/KTRIC
    • Adjustable lever
    • Slipper Clutch
    • LCD dash

Main Specs

  • Engine: 636cc, liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC 16-valve in-line four
  • Power: 127 horsepower
  • Torque: 52 lb-ft
  • Weight: 430 lbs (195 kgs)
  • Seat Height: 32.9 inches (830 mm)

Competitors

2023 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R


2023 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R Specifications

From Kawasaki

ENGINE

Engine 636cc, 4-stroke, In-Line Four, DOHC, 16-valve, liquid-cooled
Power 134 hp
Bore x Stroke 67.0 x 45.1mm
Compression Ratio
12.9:1
Fuel System DFI® w/38mm Keihin throttle bodies (4) and oval sub-throttles
Starter Electric
Lubrication

DRIVETRAIN

Clutch
Transmission 6-speed, Manual, Return Shift
Final Drive Sealed chain

CHASSIS

Suspension Front 41mm inverted Showa SFF-BP fork with top-out springs, stepless compression and rebound damping, adjustable spring preload/4.7 in
Suspension Rear Bottom-link Uni-Trak® with gas-charged shock, stepless compression damping adjustment, 25-way adjustable rebound damping, fully adjustable spring preload/5.9 in
Brakes Front Dual 310mm petal discs with dual radial-mounted, Nissin 4-piston, monobloc calipers and KIBS ABS
Brakes Rear
Single 220mm petal discs with single-piston caliper and KIBS ABS
Tires Front 120/70 ZR17
Tires Rear 180/55 ZR17
Fuel Tank Capacity 4.5 gal
Color
Metallic Matte Twilight Blue/Metallic Diablo, Black & Metallic Matte Graphenesteel Gray, Metallic Diablo Black

ELECTRICAL

Ignition TCBI w/Digital Advance
Spark Plugs
Headlight LED
Tail Light LED

DIMENSIONS

Overall Length 79.7 in.
Overall Width 28.0 in
Overall Height 43.3 in.
Wheelbase 55.1 in.
Ground Clearance 5.1 in
Seat Height 32.7 in
Curb Weight 430.0 lb.*

WARRANTY

Warranty 12 Months
Kawasaki Protection Plus

2023 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R


2023 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R Features

Assist & Slipper Clutch

Based on feedback from racing activities, the Assist & Slipper Clutch uses two types of cams (an assist cam and a slipper cam) to either drive the clutch hub and operating plate together or apart.
Under normal operation, the assist cam functions as a self-servo mechanism, pulling the clutch hub and operating plate together to compress the clutch plates. This allows the total clutch spring load to be reduced, resulting in a lighter clutch lever feel when operating the clutch.
When excessive engine braking occurs – as a result of quick downshifts (or an accidental downshift) – the slipper cam comes into play, forcing the clutch hub and operating plate apart. This relieves pressure on the clutch plates to reduce back-torque and helps prevent the rear tire from hopping and skidding. This race-style function is particularly useful when sport or track riding.

Dual Throttle Valves

Late-model sport bikes often use large-bore throttle bodies to generate high levels of power. However, with large diameter throttles, when a rider suddenly opens the throttle, the unrestricted torque response can be strong. Dual throttle valve technology was designed to tame engine response while contributing to performance.

On models with dual throttle valves, there are two throttle valves per cylinder: in addition to the main valves, which are physically linked to the throttle grip and controlled by the rider, a second set of valves, opened and closed by the ECU, precisely regulates intake airflow to ensure a natural, linear response. With the air passing through the throttle bodies becoming smoother, combustion efficiency is improved and power is increased.

Economical Riding Indicator

Using high-precision electronic control for engine management, Kawasaki models can achieve a high level of fuel efficiency. However, fuel consumption is greatly affected by throttle use, gear selection, and other elements under the rider’s control. The Economical Riding Indicator is a function that indicates when current riding conditions are consuming a low amount of fuel. The system continuously monitors fuel consumption, regardless of vehicle speed, engine speed, throttle position and other riding conditions. When fuel consumption is low for a given speed (i.e. fuel efficiency is high), an “ECO” mark appears on the instrument panel’s LCD screen. By riding so that the “ECO” mark remains on, fuel consumption can be reduced.

While effective vehicle speed and engine speed may vary by model, paying attention to conditions that cause the “ECO” mark to appear can help riders improve their fuel efficiency – a handy way to increase cruising range. Further, keeping fuel consumption low also helps minimize negative impact on the environment.

KTRC (Kawasaki Traction Control)

KTRC, Kawasaki’s advanced traction control system provides both enhanced sport riding performance and the peace of mind to negotiate slippery surfaces with confidence. Multiple rider-selectable modes (the number of modes varies by model) offer progressively greater levels of intrusion to suit the riding situation and rider preference.
Less intrusive modes maintain optimum traction during cornering. Designed with sport riding in mind, they facilitate acceleration out of corners by maximizing forward drive from the rear wheel. And because Kawasaki’s sophisticated software bases its dynamic analysis on the chassis’ orientation relative to the track surface (rather than relative to a horizontal plane), it is able to take into account corner camber, gradient, etc., and adapt accordingly.

In the more intrusive modes (and for some models, in any mode), when excessive wheel spin is detected, engine output is reduced to allow grip to be regained, effectively enabling riders to negotiate both short, slippery patches (train tracks or manhole covers) and extended stretches of bad roads (wet pavement, cobblestone, gravel) with confidence.

Power Modes

Models equipped with multiple Power Modes offer riders an easily selectable choice of engine power delivery to suit riding conditions or preference. In addition to Full Power mode, one (Low) or two (Middle, Low) alternate mode(s) in which maximum power is limited and throttle response is milder are provided.

KQS (Kawasaki Quick Shifter)

Designed to help riders maximize their acceleration on the track by enabling clutchless upshifts with the throttle fully open, KQS detects that the shift lever has been actuated and sends a signal to the ECU to cut ignition so that the next gear can be engaged without having to use the clutch. On models that offer clutchless downshifts, during deceleration the system automatically controls engine speed so that the next lower gear can be selected without operating the clutch.

2023 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R Photos


2023 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R Videos

2023 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R review by Peter Lowe One:

2023 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R Review by Tech Machines Official:


Kawasaki Official Websites

Social Media Links