2007 Kawasaki ZX-6R - Project Bike

In 2006, Super Streetbike hosted its first annual Top Speed Challenge at the ECTA-Maxton Monster Mile in North Carolina. We invited readers from all over the country to enter in seven streetbike-based classes and show us what they had. The event was such a success that we are going to host it again at the September 22-23 ECTA event.

Last year's 600cc turnout was rather dismal, though, and an embarrassing 131 mph took home top honors. What's up 600 riders? Scared? The 600cc class sells more bikes than any other sportbike class, yet nobody showed up to race.

This year, we've decided to lay down a challenge and run our own 600cc "All Motor" entry ridden by Don Smith. Don't worry-we promise not to show up on a fully kitted AMA Formula Xtreme caliber bike either. In fact, to keep things fair, we picked up a brand-new 2007 Kawasaki ZX-6R off the local dealer showroom from White's Cycle and Marine in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

In order to get the bike ready, we plan on doing some normal mods that are available to anyone with the cash and enough time to bolt on the goodies. We're adding a full exhaust system from Leo Vince, a Dynojet Power Commander and quickshifter, some slick adjustable levers from Pazzo Racing and some brake goodies from Oncycles.com and Galfer.

For special gearing, we ordered sprockets from Vortex and a new EK chain, too (it's color-coordinated for some extra pimp effect). To comply with the ECTA rules, we also have a steering damper to install (thanks to Scotts for supplying it). The rules also require a full-length metal chain guard, which Tiger Racing hooked us up with.

Of course, we want our bike to look trick so we're adding a new hugger and windscreen from Hotbodies Racing. Finally, we ordered some drag-racing components from Schnitz Racing to get our bike set up properly in the suspension department.

The engine internals will all be stock, so nothing can be added that is unavailable to anyone else with the scratch to buy it. Our intention is to build a nice streetbike and document the progress, showing the "before" and "after" dyno runs. To demonstrate that we are playing fair, we will follow our own rules and refrain from using a 120-pound throttle jockey. It will also have, as the rules specify, a current 2007 tag and registration.

So, instead of sitting at home and bragging to your buddies about how fast you are, why don't you load up and head to Maxton? You can even steal some of our secrets...

For more details and the exact rules, check out www.ecta-lsr.com.

Secret Stash
Hungry for a few extra horses? SSB shows you where they're sleeping and how to wake 'em up! The rumor is that U.S. emission and noise restrictions resulted in Kawasaki being required to mute the bike to pass. With the "jumper mod" in place, the bike is restored to its full glory, just like the European models. Comparing peak horsepower before and after, the gain is an impressive 6.4 horses.

Remove the side plastic covers to reveal the seat retention bolts, then remove them and the seat as well to expose the battery area.

Under the seat and behind the battery (toward the back of the bike),you will see a large four-wire connector that is not being used.

Locate the black wire with a yellow stripe and the aqua wire with a green stripe and gold bands that feed into this connector. It may be necessary to strip off some of the shrink wrap to gain enough access. Then, using a wire connector, crimp those two wires together as shown. Now enjoy the added power of your ZX-6R (for off-road use only, of course).

Stock To Rock
Our parts collection should help us get the 600cc title at Maxton.

Special Thanks:
Leo Vince
www.leovinceusa.com

Dynojet
www.powercommander.com

Oncycles.com
Galfer
www.cyclebrakes.com

EK chain
www.ekchain.com

Scotts
www.scottsperformance.com

Hotbodies Racing
www.hotbodiesracing.com

Schnitz Racing
www.schnitzracing.com

Tiger Racing
www.tigerracingproducts.com

Vortex Racing
www.vortexracing.com

Pazzo Racing
www.pazzoracing.com