NINJA KZ-6RR Sportbike

The 2005 NINJA® ZX-6RR sport motorcycle is the racing-homologated sibling of the all-new NINJA ZX-6R. Produced in limited numbers, it is designed for serious on-track performance, strongly reaffirming Kawasaki’s commitment to developing the world’s leading-edge sportbikes.

The NINJA ZX-6RR features all-new, ultra-aerodynamic bodywork with Ram Air, GP-style swingarm, under-seat exhaust system, six-spoke wheels, petal-style disc brakes, inverted forks and a powerful new engine.

Leading-Edge Style

Along with the ZX-6R, the NINJA ZX-6RR is the most aerodynamically efficient sportbike 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, as well as an aerodynamic ZX-10R-style front fender for a strong NINJA family resemblance.

From the cockpit, the NINJA ZX-6RR rider will notice several more leading-edge features that put this bike 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 the NINJA ZX-6RR a slim, racy look.

Exhilarating Power and Performance

No sportbike can garner mass approval on good looks alone, and here again, the NINJA ZX-6RR sets new standards of performance for the middle-weight class. For that, the engine includes a new cylinder, new cylinder head, and 38mm oval-shaped sub-throttle valves fed by twin injectors and redesigned Ram Air.

The NINJA ZX-6RR utilizes 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.

The 599cc engine also features revised and polished intake ports, new combustion chambers and larger exhaust valves for improved on-track performance.

Also, the engine control unit has more memory for controlling the exhaust valve and second set of fuel injectors. Plus, the radiator is 40mm taller and features more-tightly packed cores for increased cooling capacity.

The NINJA ZX-6RR features a more durable, smoother-shifting six-speed transmission, and the ratios are similar to those of the 2004 racing kit transmission. It also utilizes a back-torque limiting clutch. 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 the wheelbase and the swingarm pivot point has been moved forward. Combined with a longer, braced aluminum swingarm, the new chassis gives the NINJA ZX-6RR improved cornering performance and stability. The chassis also includes a steering damper boss on the left frame rail.

The fully adjustable Showa fork delivers outstanding cornering performance and includes TiSiCN coating on the inner tubes to reduce friction. At the rear, new UNI-TRAKR linkage ratios provide more linear action, while the rear shock features both high- and low-speed compression damping to provide a wider range of racing settings.

For exceptional cornering performance, the NINJA ZX-6RR rides on light, six-spoke wheels shod with 120/65ZR17 front and 180/55ZR17 rear tires.

The Cockpit

The riding position 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 NINJA ZX-6RR’s 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 trip meter are also included.

Engine: Four-stroke inline four-cylinder, DOHC, 16 valves
Displacement: 599cc
Starting: Electric
Bore x stroke: 67 x 42.5mm
Compression ratio: 13.9:1
Cooling: Liquid
Carburetion: Digital fuel injection with (4) 38mm throttle bodies
Ignition: Digital
Transmission: Six-speed with multi-disc back-torque limiting clutch
Frame: Twin spar aluminum
Rake / trail: 25.5 degrees / 4.3 in.
Front suspension: 41mm inverted cartridge fork with TiSiCN coating on inner fork tube, rebound and compression damping, plus spring preload adjustability and top-out springs
Rear suspension Bottom-link UNI-TRAK® with gas-charged shock, stepless high-speed damping, click-type low-speed compression damping and click-type rebound damping, spring preload adjustability and top-out spring
Wheel travel, front / rear: 4.7 / 5.3 in.
Front tire: 120/65ZR17
Rear tire: 180/55ZR17
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
Overall length: 81.7 in.
Overall width: 28.1 in.
Overall height: 44.1 in.
Seat height: 32.3 in.
Dry weight: 361.6 lbs.
Fuel capacity: 4.5 gal.
Wheelbase: 55.1 in.
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
* Price and specifications subject to change

- Designed for #1 performance on the circuit and winding roads
- Polished intake ports, revised porting, new combustion chambers and larger exhaust valves, plus new racing cams, all contribute to increased performance
- Power boosting features includes 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 this middle-weight SuperSport the best CdA of any NINJA design to date
- Back-torque limiting clutch is standard
- 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 lets the rider take advantage of the awesome 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 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