PREVIEW - 2024 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R
Words: Mike Ryan
Photos: Kawasaki
Kawasaki have presented the 2024 version of their Ninja ZX-6R, which like the current version, will be offered exclusively in ‘KRT Edition’ form, but gains several cosmetic and specification upgrades.
While the fundamentals of this mid-sized sportsbike are unchanged, including its 636cc inline four engine, six-speed gearbox with KQS quick shifter, aluminium perimeter frame and adjustable suspension front and rear, there have been adjustments and improvements in many areas.
Engine Alterations
Power and torque from the liquid-cooled DOHC engine have been reduced slightly for the 2024 Ninja ZX-6R, down to 95.2kW (with Ram Air) at 13,000rpm and 69Nm at 11,000rpm compared to 100kW at 13,500rpm and 70.8Nm at 11,000rpm on the 2023 model.
This is to ensure the 2024 ZX-6R meets the latest emissions requirements, but Kawasaki counters the lower maximums by saying performance at low rpm is improved as a result of the changes. It’s also allowed the Ninja ZX-6R to be re-introduced to UK and European markets after more than two years away. New cam profiles and revised intake funnels are the main engine changes, along with revisions to the exhaust system’s header and collector pipe layout to meet emissions regulations.
The ZX-6R’s cassette-type six-speed gearbox is unchanged for 2024, and both the assist & slipper clutch and KQS quickshifter continue to be offered as standard.
Suspension is unchanged, too, consisting of 41mm Showa SFF-BP forks and a remote reservoir Uni Trak monoshock rear, with full compression, rebound and preload adjustability at each end. Front/rear travel of 120mm/151mm is unchanged.
New Brakes, New Tyres
Conventional round brake discs replace the petal type on the 2023 Ninja ZX-6R, for what Kawasaki says is a strong ZX family image. Their size is unchanged (310mm front 220mm rear) and calipers remain as radial-mount four-piston Nissin units on the front discs, with a single-piston caliper at the rear.
The ABS unit under the KIBS (Kawasaki Intelligent Braking System) has been updated, but Kawasaki don’t elaborate on what those updates are, nor how they improve braking performance.
Wheels are still 17-inch alloy front and rear, in the same design as this year’s ZX-6R, and tyres are the same 120/70 ZR17 M/C (58W) front and 180/55 ZR17 M/C (73W) rear sizes, but the actual rubber has been upgraded to sportier Pirelli Diablo Rosso IVs for 2024.
Integrated Riding Modes
On the tech front, the aforementioned KQS quickshifter and KTRC traction control carry over for the 2024 Ninja ZX-6R, as do the Low and High power modes, but the riding modes have been updated and are now said to be better integrated with the traction control and power delivery settings they impact. In addition to Sport, Road and Rain modes, a manual mode allows settings to be individually adjusted to suit rider preference.
Full LED, Full TFT
Headlights and front indicators on the 2024 ZX-6R have been upgraded to LED, so all lighting is now LED. Another new feature is the full-colour 4.3-inch TFT instrument screen that has selectable background colours and automatically adjusts brightness to suit available light. The new screen also adds features that aren’t available on the current ZX-6R, like smartphone call and mail notices that are related to another new feature on the MY24 ZX-6R - smartphone connectivity using Kawasaki’s ‘Rideology the App’.
With the app, riders can view bike information, like fuel level, mileage and maintenance information on their smartphone, as well as GPS route data, while the new TFT screen indicates when a call or email comes in.
Additionally, general display settings for the TFT screen can be adjusted via smartphone using the app, while information stored with the app can be viewed when the bike is switched off.
Fresh Face
The new styling for the 2024 ZX-6R is confined to the front end and includes a complete makeover of the fairing. Influenced by the ZX-10R, there’s a narrower headlight opening and revised headlight surrounds, while the headlights themselves are tunnelled into the new design. There’s also a more layered treatment to the front panels, sharper edges and a better union between the fairing and windscreen. The screen itself has cut-outs to reduce rider buffeting at speed.
The front mudguard, tank, seat and tail are unchanged from the 2023 Ninja ZX-6R – as part of what Kawasaki calls ‘3D interwoven bodywork’.
Race Inspired Livery
Finally, the KRT Edition livery (the only colour option available) has been mildly changed for the 2024 Ninja ZX-6R. The distinctive black-on-green treatment remains, as do the black wheels with green rim stickers, but there’s more green on the fairing, along with subtle alteration of the graphics. A black shroud for the muffler and bright metal finish for the rider and pillion pegs are the only other cosmetic changes.
Riding position remains aggressive, with a short seat to limit fore-aft movement and recesses in the fuel tank to make a knee-hugging high-speed crouch easier. Seat height is 830mm (unchanged from 2023) and levers are span adjustable. Tank capacity is unchanged at 17 litres, but kerb weight has risen 2kg to 198kg, with most of the additional bulk likely due to the exhaust system changes.
Coming Soon
While pricing for the 2024 Ninja ZX-6R KRT Edition had not been confirmed at time of writing, Kawasaki’s online calculator indicates it’ll come in fractionally cheaper than the 2023 version at $17,980 ride away, but this will vary depending on location.
To confirm Ninja ZX-6R pricing in your area, release date and more details, see your Kawasaki dealer or go to: kawasaki.com.au
