..Sportbike Overview
1998 KAWASAKI NINJA® ZX-6R:
Focused On Performance
The Kawasaki NINJA® ZX-6R has established its
reputation of being one of the most powerful production machines in the 600cc supersport
class. For 1998 Kawasaki carries on its performance legend with a new NINJA ZX-6R that is
more compact, more powerful, lighter and more tightly focused than ever before.
A revised engine with K-TRIC carburetors is fitted in a new short-wheelbase chassis.
Excess weight was eliminated wherever possible with the goal being to give this NINJA
motorcycle the best power to weight ratio in the 600 class.
In order to distinguish the new ZX-6R from its predecessors, the '98 model underwent a
complete facelift. A new fairing with sleek styling and a radical new color scheme and
eye-catching graphics sets the NINJA ZX-6R apart.
Underneath the new fairing is a revised 599cc engine that is lighter than its predecessor.
There are four valves per cylinder actuated directly by dual overhead cams that have been
lightened. An extremely narrow valve angle of 25 degrees allows the use of large
valves and a flat, compact combustion chamber. With the engine canted 28 degrees forward,
a straighter intake path is utilized. Kawasaki's Twin Ram Air Induction system feeds the
engine a pressurized charge that is mixed through new Mikuni carburetors utilizing the
Kawasaki Throttle Responsive Ignition Control System (K-TRIC). This system monitors
throttle position and adjusts the electronic ignition advance for maximum power.
Engine weight was also reduced with the use of rare-earth magnets in the generator. These
magnets produce high output at a significant weight and size savings. The crankshaft was
improved with a larger diameter taper at the generator end and the elimination of the
keyway for increased reliability.
More weight was saved by using a smaller starter motor and replacing the air-cooled oil
cooler with a new liquid-cooled unit. The oil cooler routes engine coolant from the new
curved radiator through a water jacket at the base of the oil filter to cool the oil as it
circulates to the filter.
Engine weight was also eliminated by switching to magnesium generator and chain covers. A
lightweight catalytic converter system (KLEEN) is housed in the muffler on California
models. The system consists of the catalytic converter, the Kawasaki Clean Air system
(KCA) that injects fresh air into the exhaust ports, and a pre-catalyst in the exhaust
pipes. The system has a fuel cut-off solenoid valve to shut off the gas flow when the
engine hits the rev limiter or the ignition is shut off while riding to prevent raw fuel
from contaminating the catalyst.
The new twin-spar aluminum perimeter frame is 15mm shorter and made to be as light as
possible while maintaining strength. A longer cast aluminum steering head pipe extends the
span between bearings for minimal flex and reduced front-end chattering on the race track.
A .5 degree steeper rake and 1mm shorter trail enhance the quick-handling traits, while
the aluminum rear sub-frame was shortened and is removable to ease maintenance. The rear
ride height is now adjustable for dialing in the chassis to specific riding conditions.
New 46mm conventional front forks use larger diameter, thinner-wall tubes to increase fork
rigidity without adding weight. The inner tube thickness was reduced .6mm to 2mm. The
forks remain fully adjustable to suit a wide range of riding applications.
The rear Bottom-Link UNI-TRAK® rear suspension system
features an all-new extruded aluminum swingarm that is lightweight yet strong and rigid.
The UNI-TRAK suspension linkage system applies progressively stiffer spring and damping
rates as the suspension is compressed to the piggyback-reservoir, nitrogen-charged rear
shock featuring a special bladder that separates the nitrogen from the hydraulic fluid
instead of a floating piston for increased fade resistance.
Between the ends of the new swingarm is a new, lighter and wider 5.5-inch aluminum rear
wheel. A 220mm diameter rear disc brake, which is 10mm smaller to help reduce unsprung
weight, is fitted to the rear wheel.
The front end gets new Tokiko opposed six-piston caliper disc brakes. The 300mm semi
floating discs are 0.5mm thicker for improved resistance to heat-induced warpage.
New bodywork is as sleek as ever and has an exceptionally low drag coefficient. The
windscreen is 15mm higher for improved wind protection for the rider, while the redesigned
slim tail section has a racier, sportier appearance. Housed in the front of the fairing is
a flush-mounted multi-reflector headlamp that adds to the ZX-6R's aggressive new look.
Even the instrumentation has changed and now features a lightweight electronic speedometer
and digital-display odometer, water temperature gauge, tripmeter and clock. The
speedometer is driven by sensors located on the countershaft sprocket nut.
When first introduced several years ago, the Kawasaki NINJA ZX-6R set several marks in the
600cc supersport class with 750-like performance. The new ZX-6R with improved engine,
redesigned chassis and reduced weight succeeds its predecessor with performance well
beyond any 600cc machine Kawasaki has ever produced.
NINJA ZX-6R FEATURES:
· Revised lightweight and compact engine
· Direct actuation valve train
· Twin Ram Air induction system
· Rare earth alternator magnets
· K-TRIC throttle position sensor linked to ignition system
· Curved surface, large-area aluminum radiator
· Magnesium generator and chain covers
· Lightweight aluminum perimeter frame
· 46mm cartridge fork
· Bottom-Link UNI-TRAK® rear suspension system with nitrogen-charged rear shock
· 6-piston caliper front brakes
· Electronic speedometer and odometer
· Sleek new bodywork
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