Ever since the Kawasaki ZX-6R entered production back in 1995, it has been one of the most capable track machines out there. Easy to modify, an abundance of power, along with capable suspension and chassis made it a favorite amongst track day riders. Coming with a rev-happy inline-4 motor, the top-end performance was next to none, too. With the arrival of the new generation of the ZX-6R, which was launched in 2019, Kawasaki has managed to take forward the DNA of the older generations while adding more sophistication and comfort.
The 2022 Kawasaki ZX-6R is a carry forward of the same 2019 model and sees no major changes, apart from minor styling tweaks. Coming with a super smooth and punchy inline-4 motor mated to a slick 6-speed gearbox and all the other bells and whistles makes the 2022 ZX-6R hard to resist. With the fierce competition from the likes of the Suzuki GSX-R600 and the Yamaha R7, here are 10 things every motorcycle enthusiast should know about the 2022 Kawasaki ZX-6R.
10 One Of The Fastest 600cc Motorcycles Out There
The 2022 Kawasaki ZX-6R comes with no changes to the powertrain, and hence the DOHC liquid-cooled 636cc inline-4 motor remains unchanged in this iteration as well. This motor produces 127 hp and 52.1 lb-ft of torque and has a compression ratio of 12.9:1. A DFI fuel system with Keihin throttle bodies and oval sub-throttles takes care of the fueling.
Overall, the engine of the 2022 Kawasaki ZX-6R is pretty superb throughout the rev range. The motor is super smooth and refined and has a wide torque band, all of which make it a capable performer in the cities, highways, and racetracks. However, the top-end is where the motorcycle shines the most. The NVH level is top-notch as well.
9 Slick Gearshifts Adds To The Riding Experience
Coming with the same 6-speed manual transmission of the 2021 model, the 2022 ZX-6R owners would have nothing much to complain about. This is one of the slickest shifting gearboxes of the segment. As a result, power shifting is not an issue and the rider would definitely enjoy the experience.
The initial gears are decently tall and that makes the motorcycle pretty capable on the racetracks as well as on the congested city streets. The sixth gear is very tall and that will aid in the cruising experience, as the revs are pretty low while riding at the highway speeds. It gets a quick shifter system and the clutch is reasonably light too. There is a slip and assist system as well.
8 Nissin Brakes Anchors Down The ZX-6R Very Well
Unlike some of the cheaper offerings from Kawasaki, the 2022 Kawasaki ZX-6R is going to impress the riders with its capable braking ability. The braking hardware is up there with the best of the rivals. The front end gets dual 310mm petal discs with Nissin 4-piston monoblock calipers. The rear comes with a single 220mm disc with a single-piston caliper.
The front brake is all that is needed to stop this 425 lbs middleweight supersport motorcycle from any speed. The initial bite and braking progression are top-notch. The feel and feedback offered from the lever are excellent too. Even though the rear brakes are not as impressive as the front, it is more than enough to stop the motorcycle.
7 Loaded With Features For The Price
Being a motorcycle that is made for setting track times, the 2022 Kawasaki ZX-6R does not miss out on any tech and rider assistance features. As a result, all the major features such as assist & slip clutch, dual throttle valves, traction control, power modes, quick shifter, etc. are offered as standard.
The multifunction LCD is quite sharp and bright. The viewing angle is spot on too. However, it doesn't get Bluetooth connectivity, unlike the Ninja 650 and the Versys 650. Some of the other features on board are an adjustable clutch lever, a pressed aluminum perimeter frame, and an anti-lock braking system.
6 ZX-6R Is A Sharp Handler
Like the previous generation of the ZX-6R, which was on sale till 2019, the current generation is also a capable motorcycle on the twisties and racetracks. Even with a pretty heavy curb weight of 425 lbs, the motorcycle does a wonderful job while cornering, making it one of the preferred motorcycles for the tracks by the newbies and experienced riders.
The 2022 ZX-6R is a bit lazy at the start of the corner, mainly due to the curb weight, however, once it leans over, the motorcycle holds the line incredibly well. The handling is precise, and the suspension is adequately stiff. The mid-corner direction changes are easy and with the grunt of the inline-4 motor, the ZX-6R could accelerate while exiting out of the corner.
5 City Riding Is A Bit Uncomfortable
The 2022 Kawasaki ZX-6R is a supersport motorcycle, and hence the riding position is very aggressive. This makes it quite uncomfortable to ride in the cities. The rider has to lean forward quite a bit and that results in wrist and back pain, especially when ridden for a prolonged time in peak rush hour traffic.
The front and rear suspension are on the stiffer side, and that doesn't compliment the already aggressive riding position of the motorcycle. With a pillion, the rider is going to have a terrible time, as the pillion would lean on to the rider, which makes matters even worse. Heating could be felt when ridden in the cities as well.
4 Not The Best Tool For The Highways
The inline-4 motor could easily handle those long freeway rides without throwing any tantrums to the rider and the pillion. The heating is pretty much under control too. However, what works against the 2022 Kawasaki ZX-6R is its riding position and stiff suspension, both of which does tire out the rider fast.
This riding position manages to tire the rider when riding through the streets, and the same happens on the highways as well. The body position of the rider would be quite leaned forward and the clip-on handlebar is not very wide as well. Apart from that, the inverted Showa SFF-BP fork at the front is not tuned well for the highways, making it transmit the imperfections to the handlebar.
3 Fuel Efficiency Is Similar To The Rivals In The Segment
The ZX-6R has been quite synonymous with excellent fuel efficiency figures, even for the older generation. The 2022 Kawasaki ZX-6R is capable of doing 55 mpg, which makes it better than the rivals like the Suzuki GSX-R600 and the Yamaha R7.
If ridden very sedately in the Road mode, riders have managed to claim even better fuel efficiency figures, and that is a good thing to know. With a fuel tank capacity of 4.5 gallons, the 2022 Kawasaki ZX-6R could achieve a combined tank range of about 250 miles as well.
2 Build Quality Is Superb
The build quality has nothing much to complain about. Being a fully faired supersport motorcycle that is not too expensive, the prospective buyers would expect to see mediocre paint and parts quality and craftsmanship. However, that is not the case with the 2022 Kawasaki ZX-6R.
The paint quality is pretty good and there are no sharp edges anywhere either. The exposed screws and wires are limited, too. Apart from that, there are no vibrations and rattles from any of the panels. The plastic panels are of high quality and there is no flexing from these parts, making it feel very upmarket.
1 Design Could Be A Hit Or A Miss
The design of the 2022 Kawasaki ZX-6R is something that receives mixed opinions. Ever since the launch of the new generation ZX-6R with the updated design in 2019, it has been criticized by many enthusiasts. However, we find the design to be quite appealing, mainly due to the sporty front and side profile.
The front end comes with a sharp design language with infused splitter, dual-LED headlight, and a wide 120 section tire. The side and rear profile offer quite a lot of road presence too. The stubby exhaust, neat fairing and stickering, and the exposed engine offer character. The rear end is quite simple, with an LED taillight and a 180 section 17" Bridgestone Battlax tire.