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KAWASAKI UNLEASHES ALL-NEW
NINJA® ZX-6R AND NINJA ZX-6RR
Leading-edge SuperSports are designed to dominate the tracks
and backroads of America
While the world's top motorcycle magazine
editors are still shaking their heads in amazement at the staggering
performance of the NINJA® ZX-10R sport motorcycle, Kawasaki
is unveiling two new middle-weight sportbikes that will again
leave them breathless. The 2005 NINJA ZX-6R and its racing-homologated
sibling, the NINJA ZX-6RR, exemplify Kawasaki's commitment to
developing the world's leading-edge sportbikes, strongly reaffirming
Kawasaki as the brand of choice for hardcore sportbike enthusiasts.
Like the ZX-10R, the NINJA ZX-6R and ZX-6RR
are oriented toward serious sport riding and track performance.
Both feature ultra-aerodynamic bodywork with Ram Air, GP-style
swingarms, under-seat exhaust systems, six-spoke wheels, petal-style
disc brakes, inverted forks and powerful engines that will leave
riders itching to find their local twisty highways.
With the launch of these new models, Tom
Orbe, vice president, marketing and sales at Kawasaki Motors
Corp., U.S.A., reiterated that the Good Times™ brand is
committed to making the most desirable high-performance sportbikes
on the planet. "Our message is very simple and clear: Kawasaki
is back," said Orbe. "When people walk into motorcycle
dealerships looking for high-performance motorcycles, the first
thing they'll say is: 'Show me the Ninja sportbikes.'"
Leading-Edge Style
Beginning with the bodywork, the new NINJA
ZX -6R and ZX-6RR are the most aerodynamically efficient sportbikes
Kawasaki has ever created - even more streamlined than the leading-edge
ZX-10R. Specifically, the new fairing helps to divide the air
stream farther ahead of the bike; by moving the "bubble"
of still air farther forward in the cockpit, the rider experiences
less buffeting around the head and shoulders.
The point of convergence - where the divided
air streams comes together behind the rider - is critical to
aerodynamic efficiency, so Kawasaki engineers designed the tail
section to smoothly blend the air together while minimizing turbulence.
The result is quicker roll-on acceleration and higher top speeds
at the race track, as well as enhanced rider comfort and control.
The new body work also includes a ZX-10R-style
central Ram Air duct and a flush-surface LED tail light, which
makes the ZX-6R and ZX-6RR more visible to drivers of other vehicles.
Both models also feature an aerodynamic ZX-10R-style front fender
for a strong NINJA family resemblance.
From the cockpit, NINJA ZX-6R and ZX-6RR
riders will notice several more leading-edge features that put
these bikes at the forefront of design and performance. Foremost
is the new split-seam fuel tank/airbox cover. The rear half is
the actual fuel tank, designed to fit neatly between the frame
spars and down behind the engine's fuel injection system, while
the front half covers a new, quick-access air box. By centralizing
the fuel mass near the center of the bike, chassis responsiveness
is enhanced - weight transfers from turn to turn are lighter,
and the chassis is exceptionally stable under acceleration and
braking.
The advanced split-seam design also enabled
engineers to make the airbox larger, thus enhancing engine performance.
It also makes filter access quick and easy. Plus, a depression
in the top of the fuel tank enables the rider to tuck in for
improved aerodynamics.
The final tribute to aerodynamic efficiency
is the new under-seat muffler, wh
ich gives both bikes a slim,
racy look.
Exhilarating Power and Performance
No sportbike can garner mass approval on
good looks alone, and here again, the NINJA ZX-6R and ZX-6RR
set new standards of performance for the middle-weight class.
For that, both engines include a new cylinder, new cylinder head,
and 38mm oval-shaped sub-throttle valves fed by twin injectors
and redesigned Ram Air.
The NINJA ZX-6R and NINJA ZX-6RR are the
first middle-weight SuperSport bikes to utilize this oval-shaped
sub-throttle technology. Combined with the improved Ram Air design,
the oval-shaped throttle bodies increase airflow without making
the fuel delivery assembly wider - intake efficiency is improved
nearly 20 percent while helping to maintain a slim chassis profile.
On the NINJA ZX-6R, larger intake and exhaust
valves, revised cam profiles and an exhaust valve integrated
with the muffler improves low and mid-range response of the 636cc
engine. The 599cc engine for the limited-production ZX-6RR also
features revised and polished intake ports, new combustion chambers
and larger exhaust valves for improved on-track performance.
The engine control units for both engines
have more memory for controlling the exhaust valve and second
set of fuel injectors. Plus, the radiators are 40mm taller and
feature more-tightly packed cores for increased cooling capacity.
Both the NINJA ZX-6R and ZX-6RR feature
a more durable, smoother-shifting six-speed transmissions: The
ZX-6R includes a taller third gear ratio, while the ratios in
the track-oriented ZX-6RR are similar to those of the 2004 racing
kit transmission.
Both models feature a multi-disc wet clutch
with a back-torque limiter. Designed to maximize on-track performance,
the back-torque limiter helps to reduce rear-wheel hop that may
occur when downshifting a high-rpm.
Chassis Features
The matte-black aluminum frame features
a shortened the wheelbase and the swingarm pivot point has been
moved forward. Combined with a longer, braced aluminum swingarm,
the new chassis gives the NINJA ZX-6R and ZX-6RR improved cornering
performance and high-speed stability. The NINJA ZX-6RR chassis
also includes a steering damper boss on the left frame rail.
The fully adjustable Showa fork delivers
improved ride quality and outstanding cornering performance.
At the rear, new UNI-TRAK® linkage ratios provide more linear
action, and new shock settings improve ride quality and track
performance.
The forks on the ZX-6RR include TiSiCN
coating on the inner tubes to reduce stiction, and the rear shock
has a revised damping valve to provide a wider range of racing
settings.
Radial-mounted, four-piston front brake
calipers deliver exceptional feel and performance; four independent
brake pads are used - one for each piston - for more even wear
and improved heat resistance. The 300mm petal-style front discs
are 5.5mm thick for high heat capacity and the front brake master
cylinder uses direct action for better rider feedback. Also,
the caliper for the 220mm rear disc brake mounts directly to
the swingarm, negating the need for an independent brake tie-rod.
The NINJA ZX-6RR has the added benefit of low-expansion brake
hoses for improved brake feel.
Both the NINJA ZX-6R and ZX-6RR ride on
light, six-spoke wheels shod with 120/65ZR17 front and 180/55ZR17
rear tires for exceptional cornering performance.
The Cockpit
The riding position for both bikes is also
based on the NINJA ZX-10R. By pulling back the steering head
assembly, the distance between the handlebars and footpegs is
reduced, which provides the rider with an idealized position
for performance riding. Combined with the new frame, seat and
fuel tank, the rider sits "in" the bike, rather than
"on" it.
The racing-style instrument panel features
a bar-type LCD tachometer, digital LCD speedometer, stopwatch-style
lap timer and adjustable shift indicator lamp, which includes
Off, Low and Bright settings. A digital temperature gauge, clock
and tripmeter are also included.
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