| Engine | 4-stroke, DOHC in-line four, 16-valves |
| Displacement | 599cc |
| Starting | Electric |
| Bore x Stroke | 66.0 x 43.8mm |
| Cooling | Liquid |
| Carburetion | Mikuni BDSR36R x 4 with Kawasaki Throttle Responsive Ignition Control (K_TRIC) |
| Ignition | Digital |
| Transmission | 6-speed |
| Frame | Aluminum perimeter design |
| Rake/trail | 23.5 degrees/3.4" |
| Suspension, front | 46mm cartridge fork with adjustable preload, 10-way compression and 12-way rebound damping adjustability |
| Suspension, rear | UNI-TRAK® system with threaded preload adjustment, 20-way compression, 20-way rebound damping and ride-height adjustments |
| Wheel travel, front | 4.7" |
| Wheel travel, rear | 5.4" |
| Tire, front | 120/60ZR17 tubeless radial |
| Tire, rear | 170/60ZR17 tubeless radial |
| Brakes, front/rear | Dual hydraulic discs/Single hydraulic disc |
| Overall length | 79.8" |
| Overall width | 27.6" |
| Overall height | 45.9" |
| Ground clearance | 5.5" |
| Seat height | 31.9" |
| Dry weight | 388 lbs |
| Fuel capacity | 4.8 gal |
| Wheelbase | 55.1" |
| Colors | Sunbeam Red, Lime Green/Metallic Violet Royal |
In order to be a winner in ‘98, you will need to have the all-new Ninja ZX-6R. It was already the fastest and quickest 600cc class bike as proved by the 1996 AMA Pro Star drag racing championship it won, numerous magazine shootouts and its incredible performance on the supersport track. So what did Kawasaki do to the ZX-6R for ‘98? The Ninja got an all-new short-wheelbase aluminum frame with revised steering geometry and a slim, more powerful engine. Now, the ZX-6R is faster, lighter, and quicker handling through the turns, which all adds up to class conquering capabilities that will propel you to the front and keep you there.
The new liquid-cooled, DOHC, 16-valve engine is more compact and lighter while providing unprecedented 600cc power. New 36mm semi-downdraft Mikuni carburetors with Kawasaki Throttle Responsive Ignition Control (K-TRIC) smooth out the power characteristics and improve throttle response across the rev range. The new carbs also improve power delivery in the mid-range along with providing a higher maximum output. The civility of the engine is also enhanced by refining the cam drive gears and the primary drive gears. Weight was further reduced by using magnesium generator and countershaft covers, an aluminum shift lever and a high-performance *aluminum muffler. The alternator also has rare earth magnets for a dramatic reduction in flywheel weight for sharper throttle response.
The pressed aluminum chassis is all-new for ‘98 and has a 13mm shorter wheelbase with a .5 degree steeper rake and 1mm shorter trail for improved cornering capability and precise handling. The steering head tube is now longer and the triple clamps are spaced farther apart for superior rigidity. Plus, you can choose the ride height that best suits you with the new rear ride height adjuster and top it off with a bolt-on aluminum rear sub-frame, and you’re ready for the track.
Further enhancing the handling characteristics of the new ZX-6R is a 46mm conventional front cartridge fork with adjustable preload, 10-way compression and 12-way rebound for more rigidity and control. Offering superb feel out back is a new piggyback reservoir rear shock which features spring preload, 20-way compression and 20-way rebound damping. Providing class-leading stopping power are six-piston calipers with new radially-drilled 300mm rotors up front and a 220mm brake disc in the rear. And the rear wheel rim is now 5.5 inches wide with a 170/60 - ZR17 tire for added surface area and grip.
All this wrapped in an all-new wind-cheating fairing to help you cut through the lappers: The new Ninja ZX-6R is the consummate lightweight sportbike that will take you to the top of the 600cc class.
Special Features:
*Aluminum muffler with stainless steel headers in 49 states only. California model uses stainless steel muffler with catalytic converter.