KAWASAKI ZX-6R (2007 - 2008) Review

Year: 2008

Just change the front sprocket to a 15t and enjoy brilliant, rev hungrier acceleration that will leave other 600`s wondering.

Buying experience: Bought privately.

Year: 2008

Bike its excellent, just wants better brakes.

Bought the '08 model in early '09 as the new model was coming out, got a great deal for £5,500 new. First 600cc i'd ridden, i've now owned a second 600cc so i think i'm in a better position to review. This bike is immense power wise if you keep the revs over 6k - sluggish acceleration below this. Great fueling, clinical throttle response and the handling is exquisite - far beyond my ability. Slipper clutch is fantastic, and the Bridgestone B-014 tyres fitted OEM were very predictable and confidence building. A fuel indicator would have been nice, but frankly you're buying a track bike with a numberplate. 'Fuel' flashes frantically on your dash once your tank is down to a certain point. This was the cheapest supersport i could buy in 2009. In 2013 i've just bought a Honda CBR600F new for £6,800; much more comfortable seating position (i'm 6'2) than the Ninja, but frankly the Ninja is a classier act - i felt i could trust it implicitly.

I have had about 5 of this model this year (I trade), and am shocked at the price every time I ride one. Kawasaki really do their own legs with their 0% deals and end of season discounts, not good if you are buying new - but these are a used bargain as a result. The engine revels in revs, egging you on to go that bit further each time with it's confidence inspiring handling. If you are a nervous rider you should steer clear of these until your confidence is up, not because they are scary to get on with, far from it in fact, these really need to be revved to get the most from them - but thats my point. If you arent going to carry a little speed into a corner to put this bike at an angle it was designed for, or carry speed and go rigid, you won't enjoy this bike, its the same with the engine, it needs to be revved hard, so leave your mechanical sympathy at home when you take this out, or all you are left with is a firm ride (and a stunning bike of course). I am 6'1" and fit ok on this bike, it is one of the better ninjas for fit, unless you go back to the A1P, but then that model is left wanting in the 'top trumps' department against this model of course. These are one of the best 600 sports bikes available - elevated to the best sport 600 when the used value is considered. Buy one of these and you won't be sorry, they are a joy to own and earn nothing but respect on the road.

Quick bike, needs to be above 10k rpm to really make the most of it. Well built and fun, recommend for occasional rides and track days. Long days out or touring is a no no. After three or four hours solid riding you'll be in pain, real pain. That said you'll forget about all of that if you keep this machine above the magic 10k. If you want a very quick, superb handling, race ready 600, this is the only way to fly!!!!

Great Bike love it - Am new to road bikes after being a MotoX'r for yrs. Love the feel and it sounds amazing. Great corner speeds and get it above 9K on the Revs and its a real Dream - SUPERB!!!!!!

had it about 5 weeks after replacing my er6. Bike is bonkers. The thrill as the revs go above 10k is amazing. The harder it revs the better it sounds and just keeps on pulling. Can't wipe grin off my face. However the brakes are so strong that they could wipe the grin all over the screen if you don't hold on!!! Magic machine and looking forward to trip to watch WSB in Germany next month

I bought mine in 2009, it was brand new still in the box. A dealer had a special allocation of surplus 07 and 08 models. Compared to my old bike an 01 ZX-6R it was giant leap in handling and engine performance. My only problem is the short wind screen which blocks my view of the tach (I am 6ft.) Plan to get a bubble screen as was suggested by other riders on MCN. I have almost 2000 miles on it with no problems. Fun to ride in the twisty roads near Seattle can keep up with liter bikes easily because of agility and corner speed. Some small vibration right at 6000 rpm but it's a nit.

Got this bike on a fantastic deal a couple of weeks ago. So far i think its amazing. Unfortunatley im still runnning it in so i haven't pushed the bike atall. With comfort on the bike i think its not bad. When i picked it up i spent 4 hours on the bike pretty much non stop, and it was only the last 30mins that my arse started to hurt. With weight on your wrists, its not as bad as i thought it would be, but if you buy a supersport bike then what do you expect. Overall i can't fault the bike. It's my first bike ever, so if your a newbie like me it's easy to handle. Looking forward to more sunny days this year :-) Could do with a fuel indicator but i will get used to it.

This bike is the first four stroke I have only done 1300 or so miles since I got it in the summer. The bike didn't seem like a massive step-up at first, but when I started to hold each gear longer and harder it felt like a rocket and sounded amazing. For me the handling and brakes feel brilliant, and why don't all bikes have gear indicators? it's of massive use especially to a relative novice like myself. I have had no mechanical problems with mine or any problems with the general build quality/finish of the bike. The main problem I have with the bike (as did it's previous owner) is the comfort of it. When I was told how painful it was to ride I kind of thought it can't be that bad as I never had any problems on my Aprilia RS250 which isn't exactly luxurious. The Ninja however is agony on my wrists after more than a hour or so, especially in traffic and I've come close to pulling over a few times due to this. I'm only 5'10" so not exactly massive and it's not like the bike feels small - it's just wrong! After riding other sports bikes more recently I'll be getting rid of this when the weather brightens up and I'll most likely be getting a Mille. Shame.

This is a great bike, I can't fault it but I just don't feel right when I'm on it. I suppose it's becase I've only ridden Yams for the past 10 years. I think I'll just have to give it a bit longer as I've only had it since August. Will let everyone know how I get on in the months to come and update the review.

I've only got good things to say. Just creeping over the 3k mark and loved every minute of it. Throwing it into coners is a delight and inspires confidence. Smooth power delivery, although a power commander is going to be necessary before the end of the year.

Just done 2000 miles on it. Great fun although the front ends a little to stiff for our battered UK roads. Also there seems to be an engine fault, mines just dropped a valve and i'm told its a known problem with the 07 model.

Can't knock it,added a power commander to mine and a few little tweeks.

Ive test rode a cbr600rr 07. Also an excellent bike, but in comparison, the zx6r sounds better and feels more fun to ride. Had the fairing panels off. Fit and finish is above my expectations. Instruments very easy to ready. Cant say much more as Ive only did 200 miles on it. Looks alone, nicest 600 you can get. Blue doesnt look so hot in pics of it for some reason. In real life its a show stopper

Bought the bike new and ran it in meticulously, loved it but it now sounds like an old ford cortina with a knackered cam when cold, bit better when its warm but kawasaki say they are all like this ! if you want a 600 buy a Honda, suzuki or a yam , i have had all three and even tho they were older than the kawi they were all far better engineered engine wise

Cracking Bike Agile handling ideal for back road blasts . Just come back from 350 Mile trip to Wales . Found the bike was hard work on the A55 inadequate wind protection from standard fairing . Could do with a slight amount more of low down grunt , never rode the 636 .Probably spoiled on previous bikes Aprilia Falco , Bandit 1200 . Cheap Insurance and tax a fun little bike .

Had the bike for 4 months and I LOVE IT. Much better set up than the 05 model that I crashed last year. I'm tall and only problem is I cant see the dials so bought a double bubble and its great. Great handling, great brakes and good riding position. Bring on summer!

Had the bike for 4 months and I LOVE IT. Much better set up than the 05 model that I crashed last year. I'm tall and only problem is I cant see the dials so bought a double bubble and its great. Great handling, great brakes and good riding position. Bring on summer!

only had the bike for 2 months - just got back from 1500 mile 6 day trip to scotland - handling and engine fantastic - even pretty comfortable - traded in an 06 (56) yam r6 which was also a great bike scratch or tour the 600 sports bikes are all you need

I've had my 2007 Ninja for just over a month and a half now with 900 miles on it and it mysteriously broke down on the M25 ! My dealer told me it would need a new engine but its surely a manufacturer fault ! Currently battling it out with the dealer and Kawasaki to get a completely new bike. Overall a fantastic bit of kit !

test test test test