2019 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R Review | First Ride
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- čas přidán 27. 11. 2018
- Kawasaki updates its Ninja ZX-6R supersport for 2019 and Motorcyclist magazine is on the job testing it during the official US press introduction in Las Vegas. During the event, we test rode Team Green’s updated sportbike on curvy mountain roads near Mount Charleston, followed by a day spinning laps at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway circuit. Find out what changes Kawasaki made for 2019 and how they performed in this First Ride Review video.
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Anxious to wipe the dust off the middleweight sportbike class, Kawasaki’s given its plus-sized 636cc-powered Ninja ZX-6R a makeover for 2019. New Ninja 400-inspired bodywork, with LED lighting and a more alluring, sub-10-grand MSRP make Team Green’s supersport more competitive on the showroom floor.
Like before, the ZX-6R is well suited to day-to-day life on the road. It’s a nice streetbike for someone looking for a sportbike riding experience but the middleweight still offers an adequate level of comfort and practicality.
Typically, 600cc supersports get a bad rap for their high-revving, all top-end powerband. But this Ninja has some grunt down low. It is still powered by the same long-stroke 636cc inline-four engine as the previous bike, but that's okay. The engine's extra stroke gives it added boost at lower rpm-a feature you'll appreciate when riding around town. You don't always have to row through the gearbox to make sure it's in the powerband's sweet spot either. On the track, it can be lugged as low as 7,000-8,000 rpm and it will still pull off corners hard, netting a machine that's more forgiving to ride than, say, a YZF-R6.
Yet, this Kawi is more than willing to pull revs; however, power does taper off more abruptly compared to the aforementioned blue bike near redline. Still, it certainly sounds the part with a pleasing high-rpm shriek that makes you want to twist the right grip to the stop, every time. A programmable shift light is integrated into the tach needle, so you’ll know exactly when to grab the next gear. Based on our butt dyno, we’d say the engine is good for around 115-hp at the back tire in stock from.
Kawasaki did make a couple of tweaks in the powertrain department. First, it has an electronic quickshifter, so there’s no need to use the clutch when making upshifts, nor let off the throttle. Full gas and upshift. It’s that easy. Although, to be fair, the actuation of the quickshifter could be faster as compared to other OE-fitted systems we’ve recently tried. Furthermore, it would have been nice if engineers integrated auto blip downshift functionality. This was especially apparent when entering the back half of the Las Vegas Motor Speedway’s 1.8-mile road course, when downshifting, in quick succession, from fifth to second gear with a modest degree of lean.
Another small but important change is the one-tooth-smaller (15-tooth) front countershaft sprocket. This lowers the final-drive ratio so the bike’s got more acceleration pep between each of its six gears. It accelerates more quickly but still carries a reasonable rpm in top gear at 65 mph. Plus the engine is smooth and doesn’t excessively vibrate. Despite being a little long in the tooth in terms of design, it remains a solid powertrain.
When Kawasaki overhauled the ZX-6R last time (2013 MY), it went a more conservative route focusing on comfort and overall street performance. And that’s still where it performs best. The squishy street-oriented suspenders allow for a supple ride quality filtering out bumps and other pavement annoyances. It floats down the road well, yet retains a high degree of control. True, it doesn’t have the ultra-precise damping and firm road holding of other bikes in this category, but that’s not a bad thing.
The suspension offers full adjustment front and rear, but even at an elevated track pace, making spring load and damping changes didn’t equal faster lap times. In the morning, we registered lap times in the 1:22 range with minimal suspension changes, using Bridgestone’s fabulous new Battlax R11 DOT-labeled race rubber. For reference, a race-winning lap time in the WERA Superstock class is 1:17.9. After turning clickers in the afternoon, we weren’t able to go any faster…
With its 4.5-gallon fuel tank topped off, it weighs just 428 pounds. And it feels every bit that light on the road with easy steering manners. Another plus is its superior overall balance which makes it easy to control, especially during stand-up wheelies.
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You know you're a sportbike rider when you describe low-end as being 7-8,000rpm.
Hahaha, true that!
@Michael Tee I know everything.
Unless you ride a 1000 ;)
@Michael Tee Fully adjustable suspension still has limitations. No amount of compression adjustments or preload is going to make up for springs that are too soft and may only make handling worse.
Reminds me of the 2005 zx6.
Kawasaki did the math, most riders put a aftermarket exhaust and tune on the bike, and if you take it racing, riders put suspension on it. So they give you the best street unmodded at the best price. genius
It actually looks pretty good in black. The green still reminds me a bit too much of Piccolo, lol
I thought so too, I think it is a great looking bike, people take time to get used to something new (so many comments saying it's ugly). I bet they said the same about their current favourite models when they were a brand new design.
@@HalfdeadRider it's like the s1000rr in 2009, they said those headlights are ugly
with a new windscreen, itd look good
I call the colour Namic Green 😍
No idea why everyone keeps saying its ugly. I think it looks amazing. And thank you Adam!
Hey Adam, you and the rest of the staff have big shoes to fill after the departure of Ari and Zack but you did an absolutely great job on this review. Keep it up!
Adam is my dude!! I love hearing him talk, the man knows exactly what he's doing. Great review! Can't wait to see more!!
"Engine doesn't have much vibration....that's cool"
Very deep, dude.
I need to test ride one of these 😃 Great review and loving those wheelies 😃
Good honest review as always. thanks for posting.
To me this is the best 600 bike you can get. I always go for value-price. And there is no better bike then the Kawasaki.
I don`t agree with the most opinion out there that it`s not looking good, to me it`s look stuning.
You have to understand the details, the vision of the designer and trully look at it, and then you will see what a beauty this bike is.
For me the best looking 600 is Yamaha R6 for sure, then then its come the Kawa. From the old models i really liked Suzana, but not the current one. Honda never really catch my eye, except i think the 2007 onwards model.
I think Kawasaki is doing great job lately and i hope they continue doing it and make more of a mass production selling product like they are doing right now.
Atleast in my country the price range for R6 is arround 14k. euro, while Kawasaki with ABS is arround 3.5 euro lower, so it`s not even a discussion.
With Kawasaki atleast in my eyes you get stunning looking bike(atleast for me i love the design, to me its combine factor of aggressiveness and elegance), yet not the best looking bike in the class, but definetely the best for the money and its by wide margin. You get the most by paying less.
Best looking 600 bike in my opinion
Wheelie in the first minute of video, I click like
Lol, yeah man. None of that pussy stuff.
To all the whiners complaining about the looks of this bike: go see it in the flesh. Seriously.
totally agreed i saw one that day and omg i just loved it
I think this is one seriously good looking bike, both on screen and in the flesh
She’s sexy as hell. If I HAD to nit pick about something it’s the front end bodywork is kinda long looking from the side but that’s just on a have to have something to complain about basis. She’s perfect 😍
Looks are subjective. Seriously.
That's a pretty good review Adam.. I liked it! Keep going and yeah the wheelie was great too 👍
Welcome back Adam...great bike, great review
You can tell he know his supersports. I ride a 2011 ZX6R so I know exactly what he's talking about in his review. Very concise! You had some BIG shoes to fill and you made it happen. Great job!
LOL. I did?
Adam!!! Been missing your awesome reviews. Keep up the good work, my old RD friend...😁
Such a great channel. All things gotta come to an end.
Solid review. Thanks man.
The presentation is improving. We'll done keep it up
Even though I do miss Zach and Ari, I have to hand it to Adam, this was a pretty good review. Keep up the good work!
Also the new ZX6R is so ugly ahahah
Waheed is the MAN!!!
I can't stand the way he talks. Way too many pauses and falls like a meathead whereas zack and ari were and sounded intelligent.
@@officebear4637 I mean Ari and Zach have been making videos for a very long time maybe it's his first time doing a video, I'm sure he will get better over time!
@@TheStranger52 hahaha if you dont know Adam Waheed has been making amazing videos for a longggggg time! Look him up on CZcams man
@@rubberskilla2991oh wow, guess I don't know what I'm talking about then, I'll take it as a new style of video from Motorcyclist Magazine then haha
I'm a fan of Adam's amount of wheelies per video! Also good review!!!
Always a pleasure, Adam! Keep up the good work. At first i thought the bike looks kinda odd, but im sure it’s gonna be a grower since im starting to see the bike as ‘different’ instead of ‘odd’ haha
This guy is great! More reviews from him please!
Awesome review !!
Great review!! 👍
Hey Adam, great job man! :)
Great job; similar informative style to the previous hosts which is great. I can see this host (with the right co-host) settling into the show nicely.
This is a lot better than the suuper motto review. Good job!
Great review 👍🏻
just tested today... i felt in love with this bike. Amazingly not surprised for my first 600 4 cylinder test on road, i'm a twin cylinder lover and torque... but coming from a bmw r 1200 r i was not surprised. And it's managable for the commun mortals contrary to liter bikes i've tested, because i'm not a superbike racer and i want to feel control on it. After 12 years of motorcycle i feel totally capable to evolve, learn and enjoy the 636 on road and for track. I'm waiting to buy mine !
Hard to replace the duo but you held your own. Great and concise review. The bike doesn't excite me but those are nice wheelies.
nice review Adam, like the old days. glad you back on a proper channel!
I gotta say everything about this bike is amazing, just amazing... I'm still a new rider (just a year in) and started out on the kawasaki Ninja 400 and will be upgrading to this beauty in the next two months.. This bike gives a grown man the giggles lol. Kinda like when you were 5 years old and got your favorite toy for Christmas '' Happy Day, Happy Day''... Safe Riding to Everyone..
I'm a big fan of Honda Vtecs too. I bought a Ninja 400 a month ago and love it. Last week I bought a 2019 ZX6R. I plan on keeping both because the 400 is so comfortable and fun. The ZX6R is a beast and I haven't even revved it out yet. Very happy with both.
3:30
I think this is the first time I've heard somebody down talk 115 hp.
Great review bro and bad ass wheelies :D
Don't even think about it... too small for you.
I dont like the front style of the 2018 zx6r its like ninja 400
@@650ib heheh 😜😜😜😁😊
@@seatree6883 i agree with it looking way to close to the 400 😑
650ib ahhhh 650ib the man who triggered so many by saying that an S1000RR is faster than an H2. I remember those days ahahahh
Great addition by bringing on Adam Waheed. I dig the '80s music vibe as well!
Came here after watching the R7 review. I'm getting this Kawasaki as soon as I have the money.
Nice one adam!!
Good review 👍 much appreciated...
ZX6R is one of the good bike in 600cc segment
MC is in right hands, Adam 👍
Good review! In future reviews I think it'd be helpful to specifically mention how they compare to other bikes in the class
Good one Adam 👍🏽
AWESOME review from my good buddy Adam Waheed! The zed-x 6r is too small for me but it seems like a nice bike.
650ib year bro keep rocking your v4
I am sitting here waiting on ib’s oncoming 2019 s1krr and v4rrrrrrr~. So excited to see what will happen on those bikes with some cool mods.
@@xiangrenchen7490 Thanks man! I can't wait to collect them and produce content for you to 👀
Thanks man. Yeah this one is even smaller. The 2013-2018 had a little more cockpit room.
Stfu pussy
Probably already on your list of bikes to test, but if it's not the Kawasaki Z400 needs to be on it. Good work on the review as well. Missing Ari and Zach, but someday I guess we'll be missing you as well Adam!
Miss Ari and Zach. Good review though, it will keep me coming back. Love to see you guys do a head up of a Yamaha Stryker/Honda Fury.
Beautiful bike
Just bought one. 2019 with 5300 miles. So excited
Great job
The 636 is the only 600 worth getting since it’s so unpleasant to have 45 lb ft torque
I love the styling
Good job on the review. Could we possibly see a review on the aprilia 690 I think I’m not sure but I know it’s a middle weight.
Adam on Motorcycle Magazine! AWESOME!!!!!!!
I own one. Well done video.
How comfortable is it ? Any cons ? Thinking of choosing this over the r6.
Ninja 500 was my first bike, always a Kawasaki fan
electric motorcycle review, shootout, view into the future. enjoyed this one though, very comprehensive.
I was disappointed when the MotoUSA vids stopped coming so it's great to see Adam being featured on MC's CZcams channel. Looking forward to lots more content with him as the reviewer....how about the new Speed Triple!?
Nice man - I'm simply a worker bee here. I do what they tell me. If you want to see something you should email: mcmail@bonniercorp.com.
The look of this new one is better and modern. Also with the new lights being lit even at low beam.
I got 115 whp, from a full system (no baffle), a race air filter, and dyno tune on a pc5. Not as much as I'd hoped, but removing the whole stock exhaust is definitely worth doing, for the weight savings alone - saves over 15 pounds by removing the stock slip-on and resonator. Overall, it feels good on the street and at the track - best all rounder 600, imo. An ecu flash could unlock another 2-3 hp and increase the rev limiter and top speed, although I don't think it's worth it to void the warranty.
Would this be a good beginner bike ? I just brought a 2018 ninja 650 two weeks ago and thinking about trading it in already for this. I feel like I might get bored of ninja 650.
But does it have winglets ?
nice vid informative m8
Nice bike even though i am not a fan of the ninja... but great review. Would like to see the new 2019 Yamaha r6 reviewed
Im getting this ☺️
I fuckin' love Adam's delivery every time I catch a video of his.
Gud review Adam, bt do take care of the wind noise..
A haircut, finally! Thanks Adam
Lol, thanks man.
why this music ？？？
Philippe Peltier I like it.
I liked it!
I think this dude worked with every single magazine out there
Have you tested the ZX14R or the Z1000 SX?? I would like to see them tested... I'm looking at purchasing one of those two bikes in the very near future
Please make an in-depth track and road review of Triumph Street Triple RS
And lose money doing it?
What's up man? I'm just a worker bee so I just do what ever my company tells me.
I have a street triple r (2010). Deciding if I wanna get a ZX6R again or go for the street triple RS. Mix of street and track riding.
what bike have auto blip downshifting preinstalled? you mentioned it but didn't say "like the ..."
Is this 2019 and forward Zx6r now made in Thailand instead of Japan? Also would be nice to include some comparisons about how it is to it’s previous generation since the 2019 is the first year for the refresh.
I have motor 2019 Kawasaki xz6. Does the glass of the model 2017, suit it?
I wish they kept the older front fairings but incorporated a chin spoiler like the zx10.
Great 👍🏼 review
In all honesty I like to buy that ..rather a Aprilia lol 😂
10 k value for money 💰
600 cc still good power !
Luv to own one ☀️
Adam, don't sweat the flax , you can man !
Please talk about tank slapper or death wabble
It's happening in my 2003 TVS max 100 R
Good review. How about a GSXR750 if they still make it.
Hi there i have one question for you,why you dont make video about reducing hp from 600cc supersport motorcycle from 120hp to 50hp and what companies are doing that.
Some people would buy 600cc LAMS supersport.Thanks
2004 best looking kawa zx6r ever
Great review ! but still prefer the look of my 2017 zx6r :)
Is this as comfortable a ride like the ninja 650? I’m 6’3” 240lbs 12% body fat. I don’t want to be hunched over all crazy like
Holy crap, they still make that jacket? That was my first one back in 2003. Still have it, but have gotten a little too fat.
The previous model was dope looking, just like it's elder brother zx10r.
Please review the Suzuki gsx-s 750
I love this song
Is the head light of ninja 400 is the same with the ninja zx6r 2019
hell yeah.. they both look the same..
please do a comparison test between the zx and the r6
First i have heard of S22. I just got a new S21 rear after S20 wore out... S22 looks like another step up. I love the S21, S20 wore out really quick!
Youll like the s21. Sticky tires that warm up fairly quick. I've done three track days and few thousand miles commuting. Rear tire barely flat spotting. The multicompound tread is the shiznit..
Ahh Duu yeah I like the S21 so far. Stock S20 rear only lasted 2800 mikes in my XSR900 LOL. S21 already seems to be wearing better already after a few hundred miles.
Channel Suggestion:
-Superbikes shootout.
-Track\Road gear shootout.
-Track\Road tires shootout.
Welcome to the well-known Adam to a great platform. Best wishes to a good job!
What is that loose female connector for at 1:40? Is that a plug for diagnostic capabilities?
The looks of this bike just lets me a bit down, it looks more like a low-end 3/400 with a little more engine than a real “old style” supersport. Comparing it for instance with a 10 yo 636 is a disappointment, the old banger is way more appealing. I also bet that a 10yo Kawa with 2/3.000$ of suspension/brake/tyres upgrades would be as fast as this cheap plastic new toy. They are totally killing the 600cc sportbike class.
agreed, it's like they are deliberately trying to end off the 600 class all together, one new ugly and stupid bike at a time. To this point, only the R6 is still trying to keep the class going. The old 600RR from Honda was a turd on wheels, and the new Kawa looks a decade old, cheap, and more or less just a beefy 400..
I have high hopes for Aprilia with their potential 660RS to liven things up a bit
They are not killing the 600cc class. If you do any research and understand basic economics, than you would realize its not worth the investment by kawasaki for the bike. Why spend so much money on R&D when nobody buys them. In fact yamaha and kawasaki are keeping the 600cc class ship from sinking. I am an engineer and cost is a big factor when designing. Naked bikes and superbikes are the name of the game now. In terms of the sport class.
@@alexv5581 Which is funny cause after living with a naked for a few years I have come to hate it. I much preferred my time on bikes that actually protect me from the wind so I don't feel like a sail.
would it need steering damper also?????
I usually up shift without using the clutch, no problem u just have to be quick
Guys, please get a vid on Ride by wire and cable throttle Explaination. Thanks.
All that matters is it's a great street bike that undercuts everyone. 600 class is dying why? The fact 600cc bikes cost close to 1000cc bikes. If you care so much about electronics then you have to pay up. Time, and Time again it's been shown that even bikes from 2005 with some mods are pretty damn close to the current line up. My 08 gsxr600 feels the same as my buddies 2017 gsxr600. Yes it's a little better and by little I'm talking about if you put a pro on them they would barely notice.
By those measures, how do you know it's a little better? If you put a pro on it and they barely notice then how can you tell it's better? Are you a pro?
Just pulling your leg pal :p
Personally I feel like the new GSXRs have an amazing center of gravity and much better ergonomics compared to the old ones. Plus having some rider aids is a huge difference. GSXRs and zx-6r are definitely no R6 though.
@@officebear4637 I think you are right in that. How the suspension /chassis feels and reacts is also much different in newer bikes compared to the old... That's my understanding of it at least
The new clusters and Vehicle Information Center's are pretty awesome for a great street bike, especially for a daily. Having access to all that information is super important and all those fancy settings really do make a difference. Good luck swapping your whole cluster on an older bike and getting everything to work. It really depends on what bikes you are comparing.
Nevoexpo OMG what a nerd... really in your opinion clusters in a sport bike DO make a difference? All you need in a sport bike is an analog rev counter with a big needle, and maybe a gear indicator. Then if you have any ‘08 supersport, worth 3.000$, you just invest another 2.000$ in new high-end suspensions and a good set of brake pads and you’re good to go. For street riding and even round a track you’re 95% as fast as with this new gen ZXR. Plus you save 5/7.000$ to spend in countless race tyre sets to enjoy the track and the mountain rides. Traction control and riding modes are just pointless on a 600cc with no torque below 8.000rpm.
70,000 rpm mid range!!!! At least ari and zack double checked their shit
1:02 you can "lug it" as low as 7,000 or 8,000 rpm. (Yikes) If that's lugging it, then
when does it redline ? (30,000 RPM) ?
I'm new-ish here but, is Adam one of the new hosts for Motorcyclist? If so, that would be awesome. Kinda gotten used to Ari and Zack but it's awesome to see The Madman here.
Kawasaki makes the best performing and looking motorcycles.
Demon Slayer 561 ahahah thanks for that joke that made my day 😂
@@officebear4637 You probably ride a GSXR 600 squid bitch
1:01 'lugging' @ 70,000 rpms???? Take my money
Didn't he say 7/8 thousand?
@@MrQil Yeah but the comment is still funny lel
@@MrQil He did say 70 thousand RPM at that time :)
@@ifourie418 sure he did
7-8 thousand.
adam please do a review on hondas new updated cbr650r. theyve made a few upgrades worthy of an update video
Hi Kerry. You need to send an email with that request to: mcmail@bonniercorp.com