2005 ZX-6
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2005 Kawasaki ZX6RR and ZX6R

NINJA® ZX-6R AND NINJA ZX-6RR
Hot on the heels of the incredible performing and award-winning ZX10R, Kawasaki unleashes an all-new ZX6R and RR.
The 2005 NINJA ZX-6R and its racing-homologated sibling, the NINJA ZX-6RR, exemplify Kawasaki’s commitment to developing leading-edge sportbikes and strongly reaffirm Kawasaki as a top choice for hardcore sportbikes.

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 track day schedule.

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 feature an aerodynamic ZX-10R-style front fender for a strong NINJA family resemblance. (click here for a very large image download of the photo to the right, 100k)

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, which gives both bikes a slim, racy look.

Both engines use a new cylinder, 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 bikes feature 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 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.

Features and Benefits

• Designed for #1 performance on the circuit and winding roads
• Power boosting features include bigger intake and exhaust valves, new cams, and larger-area oval-shaped sub-throttles fed by dual injectors
• Exhaust valve integral with the under-seat muffler improves low and mid-range engine performance
• Improved aerodynamics give these middle-weight SuperSports the best CdA of any NINJA to date
• Back torque limiter is standard on both models
• New frame and swingarm with revised chassis dimensions improve cornering performance
• 300mm petal-style front disc brakes with radial-mount calipers and direct-action brake master cylinder provide excellent performance and feel
• Revised riding position based on the ZX-10R

Engine Details

• New cylinder head design locates each pair of intake/exhaust valves farther apart for improved breathing and higher combustion efficiency
• Complementing the new head are new pistons with reshaped crowns and improved, low-friction skirt profiles
• Larger diameter intake and exhaust valves, together with new cam profiles, contribute to the new engine’s enhanced performance
• Dual-injector fuel injection system uses fine atomizing injectors for the main injectors and features a set of secondary injectors located in the airbox for improved cylinder filling, crisper throttle response and higher power output
• Extremely narrow included valve angle of 25 degree allows the fitting of large valves in a compact, highly efficient combustion chamber
• Breathing passageways, one located between each pair of cylinders, contributes to effective crankcase breathing, which reduces pumping loss
• Thicker castings used for the engine cases improve engine rigidity and reduce vibration and feature improved lubrication
• The new lower case has separate mounting bosses for the oil filter and oil cooler
• New aluminum oil cooler improves cooling efficiency.
• Further performance gains were achieved by increasing the width of the oil pump while changing its drive ratio to reduce its rpm
• Deeper oil sump lowers the oil level for reduced windage losses
• The crankshaft has been strengthened to reduce flexing and now features larger diameter main journals (from 30mm to 31mm), and the crank has been re-balanced for smoother running
• Catalytic converter located at the collector helps keep emissions friendly
• New auto-fast-idle system improves starting

Features Unique to the NINJA ZX-6RR

• Polished intake ports, revised porting, new combustion chambers and larger exhaust valves, plus new racing cams, all contribute to increased performance
• To suit non-modified stock racing classes, the six-speed transmission features close ratios similar to those of the 2004 racing kit transmission
• Inner fork tubes feature a TiSiCN coating to reduce sliding friction (stiction) and improve suspension action
• Revised damping valve for the rear shock offers a wider range of settings for racing
• Steering damper boss provided on the left frame rail
• Low-expansion front brake hoses improve brake feel

2005 ZX-6R Specifications	2005 ZX-6RR Specifications
Engine Four-stroke inline four-cylinder, DOHC, 16 valves	Engine Four-stroke inline four-cylinder, DOHC, 16 valves
Displacement 636cc	Displacement 599cc
Starting Electric	Starting Electric
Bore x stroke 68 x 43.8mm	Bore x stroke 67 x 42.5mm
Compression ratio 12.9:1	Compression ratio 13.5:1
Cooling Liquid	Cooling Liquid
Carburetion Fuel injection with (4) 38mm throttle bodies	Carburetion Fuel injection with (4) 38mm throttle bodies
Ignition Digital	Ignition Digital
Transmission Six-speed with multi-disc with back torque limiter	Transmission Six-speed with multi-disc with back torque limiter
Frame Twin spar aluminum	Frame Twin spar aluminum
Rake / trail TBD	Rake / trail 25 degrees /
Front suspension 41mm inverted cartridge fork with rebound and compression damping, plus spring preload adjustability and top-out springs	Front suspension 41mm inverted cartridge fork with TiSiCN coating on inner fork tube, rebound and compression damping, plus spring preload adjustability and topout springs
Rear suspension Bottom-link UNI-TRAK® with gas-charged shock, stepless compression and rebound damping, spring preload adjustability and top-out spring	Rear suspension Bottom-link UNI-TRAK® with gas-charged shock, stepless compression and rebound damping, spring preload adjustability and top-out spring
Wheel travel, front / rear 4.7 / 5.2 in.	Wheel travel, front / rear 4.7 / 5.2 in.
Front tire 120/65ZR17	Front tire 120/65ZR17
Rear tire 180/55ZR17	Rear tire 180/55ZR17
Front brakes Dual semi-floating 300mm petal discs with dual radial-mounted, four-piston calipers	Front brakes Dual semi-floating 300mm petal discs with dual radial-mounted, four-piston calipers
Rear brake Single 220mm petal disc with single-caliper piston	Rear brake Single 220mm petal disc with single-caliper piston
Overall length TBD	Overall length TBD
Overall width TBD	Overall width TBD
Overall height TBD	Overall height TBD
Seat height TBD	Seat height TBD
Dry weight TBD	Dry weight TBD
Fuel capacity 4.5 gal.	Fuel capacity 4.5 gal.
Wheelbase TBD	Wheelbase TBD
Colors Lime Green / Flat Stoic Black Metallic Raw Titanium / Flat Stoic Black Candy Plasma Blue / Flat Stoic Black Pearl Magma Red / Flat Stoic Black	Colors Kawasaki Lime Green
Instruments Bar-type LCD tachometer, digital LCD speedometer, stopwatch-style lap timer, adjustable shift indicator lamp, digital temperature gauge, clock and tripmeter	Instruments Bar-type LCD tachometer, digital LCD speedometer, stopwatch-style lap timer, adjustable shift indicator lamp, digital temperature gauge, clock and tripmeter
MSRP US: $TBD	MSRP US: $TBD

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