2013 Kawasaki ZX-6R

The new 2013 Kawasaki ZX-6R has been unveiled – and boy does it look fruity. The big news is that Kawasaki has resorted back to its old game of cheating. We certainly don’t care, because the old 636 ZX-6Rs used to be crackers – and this new 636 sized ZX looks the business, too.

Not only is the motor enlarged to 636cc (via a longer stroke), giving the bike more torque all over the range, the motor also features like a 3-mode KTRC traction control system (the first TC system on a Japanese supersport bike), Power Mode selection and KIBS braking system, finally bringing the electronics into line with the gadget laden ZX-10R.

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Less has changed on the chassis front, although the ZX-6R gets the next generation Showa Big Piston Fork, called the SFF-BP (Sepereate Function Fork – Big Piston) which is said to work in a broader range of environments. There’s also a race derived slipper clutch, with increased torque capacity.

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On the electronics side, the three mode KTRC system and two power mode options give eight combinations of adjustment, from race to rain.
– 3-mode KTRC x Power Mode selection, and there will be an option to install the excellent KIBS ASB system, currently an option on the ZX-10R too.

Styling has changed, to bring it into line with the ZX-10R flavour. Allied to the new Ninja 300, the family lines run right through all three bikes, giving each machine a strong presence on the road – or track.

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It all looks awesome. We’re waiting on dates and prices, but this appears to be the start of the Japanese fightback in the supersport class – and we can’t wait to ride it.

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