Steering Damper An adjustable...
Steering Damper
An adjustable Ohlins steering damper with a relief valve and twin-tube design comes as standard equipment. The second tube, which acts like a reservoir tank, and the damper internals, ensure stable damping performance even under racing conditions.
Swingarm A new swingarm is...
Swingarm
A new swingarm is derived from the ZX-10.
Big Piston Fork Compared...
Big Piston Fork
Compared to a cartridge-type fork of the same size, the BPF features a main piston almost twice as large. Oil inside the BPF acts on a surface area almost four times the size of traditional forks. The larger surface area allows the damping pressure to be reduced while ensuring the damping force remains the same. Reducing the damping pressure allows the slide pipe to move more smoothly, which is especially noticeable at the initial part of the stroke. Because the BPF eliminates many of the internal components used in a cartridge-type fork, construction is simplified resulting in lighter overall fork weight.
Engine New double bore intake...
Engine
New double bore intake funnels (velocity stacks) feature inlets at two different heights, allowing performance increases in both the mid and high-rpm ranges.
Conclusion
Where do these major upgrades place the 2009 ZX-6R amongst its competitors? Without back to back rides it wouldn't be fair to assume, but we can say that the new motor is stronger overall with improved midrange punch, and the new suspension and chassis are superior to the previous version. By sticking to the basic formula of more power, lighter weight and better handling, the new ZX-6R has moved strides ahead of the outgoing version and is in full attack mode-and ready to pounce.
Buyer's Box
2009 Kawasaki ZX-6R
MSRP: $9799
Engine:
Inline four cylinder, 599cc, 13.3:1 compression
Suspension:
Front: 41mm Showa Big Piston Fork (BPF), fully adjustable
Rear: Fully adjustable monoshock
Brakes
Front: Semi-floating 300mm petal rotors, Nissin calipers
Rear: Single 220mm petal disc
Dimensions:
Wheelbase: 55.1 inches
Curb Weight: 421 pounds
Fuel Capacity: 4.5 gallons
Contact: www.kawasaki.com