2008 Kawasaki ZX-6R
John Zamora: Associate Editor
Miles ridden: 1,148
Modifications: Jumper mod, Lawst Caws frame plugs, Scotts steering stabilizer, Hotbodies Racing windscreen, KR Tuned frame sliders, Vortex levers and swingarm spools
I finally got some seat time to get acquainted with the ZX-6 and I've come to a conclusion-stock gearing on a 600 sucks. I have to slip the clutch to get the revs in a high enough range in order to take off quickly from a stand still. Last month I rode an R6 with one-down, two-up sprockets and I realized that was a near-perfect combo for the street.
With a set of Vortex sprockets and a handful of tools I was determined to remedy the problem. The rear sprocket went on in a snap. The front, on the other hand, was a different story. After unsuccessfully attacking the nut with an air impact wrench, 3-foot breaker bar and even a torch, I finally threw in the towel after about an hour of wrenching. Kawasaki must use sumo wrestlers to tighten the front sprocket at the factory. I'll try again next month, but for now the gearing is still stock.
I wondered about the "jumper mod" that we performed on last year's Maxton ZX-6, so I figured I'd try it on my ride. In literally less than five minutes, we successfully had finished the job. After running it on the dyno, the rumors turned out to be true and the motor picked up more than 10 horses at around 14,000 rpm. The jumper keeps the power going past 12,000 rpm while the stock map drops off. The downside is that all the gains are so high in the powerband, I don't get to enjoy it on the street too much. But, hey, for a two-cent piece of wire, why not do the mod?
Using a steering stabilizer on the track is a no-brainer, but I have found them useful on the street as well. Commuting on freeways can be a scary experience because of rain grooves, concrete-to-pavement transitions and slick painted lines that make an ultra-light sportbike feel flighty even at moderate speeds. The Scotts steering stabilizer is different from other ones I have used because at low speeds it is virtually unnoticeable, but once up to steam it works effortlessly. It's the best of both worlds and should be one of the first modifications done to any bike.
All new bikes need basic upgrades for protection, style and increased functionality. The stock windscreen was pretty low and didn't offer much wind protection. A windscreen from Hotbodies Racing did the trick and the black looks tight with the stock stripes.
Next, I added a set of KR Tuned frame sliders for a little peace of mind just in case the worst should happen.
I wasn't sure how my gold and green color scheme was going to look, and a set of gold Vortex Racing levers and swingarm spools confirmed that the contrast of colors is different, but it works.
Lastly, a set of Lawst Caws plugs helped clean up the frame and took only seconds to install.
With the basics covered, next month I'm going to concentrate on making the ZX-6 more track ready with Arata rearsets and a Two Brothers slip-on exhaust. Rumors of a nearly complete single-sided swingarm have me swooning, but I've been tricked before. I'll keep my fingers crossed.
Coming Next Month: Rearsets, sprockets (maybe).