2019 Kawasaki ZX6R
Kawasaki unveiled the 2019 version of their ZX6R at the AIMExpo motorcycle trade show in the US this past October, with the popular middleweight sports model gaining a bunch of new features.
Expected in Australia sometime in 2019, the new ZX6R is defined by a fresh new look, with revised instrumentation, revised gearing and new rider convenience features on the list of changes and updates.
Sharp Style
Compared the model it replaces, the 2019 ZX6R 636 has a new look from nose to tail. The current 636 KRT Edition was already a good-looking bike, but the 2019 model takes it to the next level, with the sharp-edged, aggressive styling - seen on the ZX-10R and the Ninja 400 released earlier this year - now applied to the middleweight supersport model.
The fuel tank and lower fairing section appear to be the only carryover pieces of bodywork, with everything else new. The ‘beak’ front end on the current ZX6R 636 has been replaced with a tougher ‘pug nose’ look that includes reshaped dual headlights with small projecting spoilers underneath, a shorter but wider central air vent opening and reshaped surround for the screen mount. The mirrors get the same multi-faceted treatment as the new-look bodywork and the front mudguard is all-new, too.
Indicators occupy the same position in the front fairing, but the cut-outs aft of these are different, while both the fairing and tail sections cover slightly more of the upper section of the frame.
The new ZX6R’s seat and tail sections get the same angular and dynamic look as the front end, with the rider’s saddle narrower at the front and reshaped at the rear to be more supportive, while the pillion seat is slightly narrower at the leading edge.
Completing the nose-to-tail changes is a new bracket for the number plate and rear indicators that positions the plate higher than the current model. The 2019 KRT Edition’s colour scheme contains more black than the current model, at least on the main fairing. Green is pretty much confined to the tank, front guard and foremost section of the fairing, with the ‘6R’ graphic restyled, too.
Beyond the KRT Edition of the 2019 ZX6R (pictured), a Metallic Spark Black and Pearl Storm Grey combo has been released in the US. Other colours have not been confirmed, but expect conventional Kawasaki Lime Green and possibly Ebony Black to feature in the 2019 range.
Green Power
Propelling the MY19 ZX6R is the same 636cc inline four-cylinder powerplant as the outgoing version, but the 95.4kW maximum power at 13,500rpm is actually 1kW down on the 2018 model. Maximum torque is also fractionally reduced, from 71Nm to 70.8Nm, but that peak arrives at 11,000rpm, instead of 11,500rpm on the current ZX6R. These minor changes are apparently the result of the engine being tweaked to meet Euro IV emissions standards.
Power can still be kicked up to an even 100kW with Ram Air, though; a feature unchanged from the 2018 ZX6R. Feeding the DOHC 16-valve liquid-cooled engine is the same quartet of 38mm throttle bodies as the current ZX6R 636, with the 12.9:1 compression ratio and digital ignition also carried over.
While the engine is largely unchanged, acceleration is now more immediate thanks to one less tooth on the front sprocket – a new feature for 2019 – that improves bottom-end engine response.
A KQS (Kawasaki Quick Shifter) has been added to the 6-speed gearbox, allowing clutchless upshifting, and while the 2018 ZX6R’s assist and slipper clutch remain for 2019, making that operation even easier is the addition of a five-position-adjustable clutch lever.
For riders who want to take the ZX6R’s sports performance to the next level at track days, there’s an Ohlins steering damper available as an optional extra, with other track-focussed accessories including axle sliders, an Akrapovic silencer and a colour-coded pillion seat cover.
Suspension and Stopping
Beyond the minor engine mods, and clutch and gearing changes, all the other cycle parts on the ZX6R are unchanged for 2019. That means an aluminium perimeter frame, 41mm Showa SFF-BP front fork with compression, rebound and pre-load adjustability, and a bottom-link Uni-Track rear shock that also offers full adjustability, including 25-step rebound damping adjustment. Front suspension travel is 125mm and rear 134mm.
The wheel and tyre package of 17-inch alloys shod with 120/70 ZR 17 front and 10/55 ZR17 rear tyres remains, but those tyres are now the latest Battlax Hypersport S22 units from Bridgestone, replacing the existing S21s.
The braking package is unchanged, too, comprising dual semi-floating 310mm petal front discs gripped by 4-piston Nissin monobloc calipers, with a 220mm rear petal disc running a single-piston Nissin caliper. ABS and Kawasaki’s own KIBS (Kawasaki Intelligent Braking System) are standard, with the latter providing smoother ABS intervention compared to other systems.
Assistance and Appearance
Aside from the aforementioned KIBS, there’s also KTRC (Kawasaki Traction Control) that offers three levels of intervention. Modes 1 and 2 minimise intervention for maximum acceleration in dry conditions, while Mode 3 alters the engine mapping for smoother, less immediate power delivery to suit riding in the rain or on loose surfaces.
In line with the exterior changes, there’s also a new instrument display. Essentially the same unit fitted to the current Ninja 650 and Z650, the multi-function display is dominated by a large analogue rev counter, with digital displays for the speedo, KTRC mode, power mode, engine temp, gear position indicator, trip meters and other features to the right. New additions not seen on the current ZX6R include a fuel gauge and remaining range display. To the left of the tacho are lights for the traction control settings, ABS and the usual warning lights.
Less noticeable changes include the lighting now being fully LED front and rear, including the indicators. Motorcyclists who do a lot of night-time riding will appreciate the addition of the LED headlights, as they offer a longer and brighter light beam compared to conventional halogen lights.
There’s a pre-wired DC outlet in the fairing for adding a GPS unit or other accessories, while a new seat-lock mechanism allows easier access to the battery. Modified heel guards, along with a new finish and modified end cap on the exhaust silencer, are the only other notable changes.
Weights and Measures
Slightly lower than the current model, the 2019 ZX6R is also wider, but those rear end bodywork changes make the 2019 version 60mm shorter overall, despite wheelbase increasing by 5mm to an even 1400mm. Seat height remains unchanged at 830mm and ground clearance is also unaltered at 130mm. Kerb weight has increased to 196kg – up 2kg from the 2018 model – with fuel capacity unchanged at 17 litres.
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Aus Arrival
The 2019-spec ZX6R will be coming to Australia, but delivery dates, pricing and further details are yet to be confirmed. Watch this space for more on the new ZX6R as local release draws closer.
Words: Mike Ryan. Photos: Kawasaki Motors Australia
