KAWASAKI ZX-6R (2009 - 2012) Review
At a glance
| Owners' reliability rating: | |
|---|---|
| Annual servicing cost: | £180 |
| Power: | 115 bhp |
| Seat height: | Medium (32.1 in / 815 mm) |
| Weight: | Medium (421 lbs / 191 kg) |
Prices
Overall rating
Next up: Ride & brakesIn terms of chassis and handling the new Kawasaki ZX-6R a big step forward over the old ZX-6R.
The new big piston forks use MotoGP technology and make a huge difference. They take a little getting use to at first but enable you to brake devilishly late yet the bike remains stable. Engine wise 115bhp at the back wheel makes it the most powerful standard 600 we have ever tested, say no more.
This bike also appears in our expert guide to used Ninjas from £1500.
Ride quality & brakes
Next up: EngineKawasaki is claiming they have shed 10kg off last years bike, which is a huge amount for a supersports 600. It certainly feels lighter, more lively and turns in much easier. It’s easy to spot the difference between the new and old bike when riding them back to back. But the huge gain over the competition is the new big piston forks which are stunning.
Engine
Next up: ReliabilityOn the initial launch of the 2009 Kawasaki ZX-6R the engine improvements didn’t feel too significant, more midrange but not too much at the top end. However, the Japanese test track was at altitude, and now we’ve had the bike on the Dyno in the UK its easy to see the gains. Kawasaki is claiming a significant boost in the midrange which was always a weak point of the old bike with some serious power up at the top end.
Reliability & build quality
Next up: ValueKawasaki build quality has really improved over recent years, not that it was poor to start with. We’ve run many Kawasaki long term bikes over the years at MCN with very high mileage and never had a problem with any of the bikes therefore there is no reason to question the reliability of the new ZX-6R
Value vs rivals
Next up: EquipmentIts right in the ball park up against the competition, and considering it’s a new bike with the latest technology it seems good value for money. Kawasaki also run an attractive insurance package too. The Suzuki GSX-R600 is slightly cheaper and there are deals to be had on the Yamaha R6 but they are a few years old now. Find a Kawasaki ZX-6R for sale.
Equipment
Fully adjustable suspension front and back, designed with help from Showa using MotoGP technology for starters. Slipper clutch as standard which works excellent, radial brakes with wavy discs and there is even a lap timer incorporated into the clocks, what more would you need? Compare and buy products for the Kawasaki ZX-6R in the MCN Shop.
Specs |
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| Engine size | 599cc |
|---|---|
| Engine type | 16v (67X42.5), 6 gears |
| Frame type | Aluminium perimeter frame |
| Fuel capacity | 17 litres |
| Seat height | 815mm |
| Bike weight | 191kg |
| Front suspension | 41mm Big Piston Forks, full adjustability |
| Rear suspension | Fully adjustable |
| Front brake | 2 x 300 radial 4 pot cal |
| Rear brake | 220mm disc single pot |
| Front tyre size | 120/70x17 |
| Rear tyre size | 180/55x17 |
Mpg, costs & insurance |
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| Average fuel consumption | 39 mpg |
|---|---|
| Annual road tax | £84 |
| Annual service cost | £180 |
| New price | - |
| Used price | £4,000 |
| Insurance group |
15 of 17 How much to insure? |
| Warranty term | Two year unlimited mileage |
Top speed & performance |
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| Max power | 115 bhp |
|---|---|
| Max torque | 46.67 ft-lb |
| Top speed | 162 mph |
| 1/4 mile acceleration | 10.97 secs |
| Tank range | 144 miles |
Model history & versions
Model history
New version for 2009
2011: ZX-6R Performance (Akrapovic silencer, tank pads, seat cover, bubble screen) [£9,081]
Other versions
None
Owners' reviews for the KAWASAKI ZX-6R (2009 - 2012)
13 owners have reviewed their KAWASAKI ZX-6R (2009 - 2012) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.
Review your KAWASAKI ZX-6R (2009 - 2012)
Summary of owners' reviews |
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| Overall rating: | |
|---|---|
| Ride quality & brakes: | |
| Engine: | |
| Reliability & build quality: | |
| Value vs rivals: | |
| Equipment: | |
| Annual servicing cost: | £180 |
Version: R9F
Year: 2009
Annual servicing cost: £100
Bought it in 2013, still owning it today. For a sunny Sunday morning scratch it’s absolutely superb. The engine loves revs and there’s plenty of power and excitement. It’s been great on a couple of track days too. If you want a relaxing ride 2-up touring through villages and towns then I suggest you look elsewhere, or have a second bike in your garage ;-)
It’s a firm ride but handles brilliantly. Very light and flickable.
Surprising amount of power low down makes it quite flexible, yet it’s the top end power rush that makes this engine so special.
One chain adjuster bolt on swingarm corroded in and needed extraction, otherwise it’s been faultless.
Tax under 600cc, service myself, and valve clearance checks every +20K, so very easy to look after. Now switched to less aggressive tyres (Michelin Road 6) and enough grip for the road, long life, and no worries if caught out in the rain - perfect. Bought the bike from an independent dealer 19 years ago, and the bike is still worth at least the same today. Zero depreciation after a decade of enjoyment makes this awesome valaue!
BPF, radial brakes, slipper clutch, rear suspension are all great. It’s before ABS and Electrics made a mainstream entrance on bikes, but this means there’s less to go wrong and it’s easier to work on. Watch out for non standard paint and stickers, as probably hiding a crash!
Buying experience: Great. Bought for £4K in 2013 from an independent dealer (bike worth more than that today after 10 years of riding!).
Year: 2010
Annual servicing cost: £268
Really excellent handling machine, with plenty of capability on track, bit frantic at times on the road
The suspension isn't bad actually at a and with a proper set up actually is pretty good at most speeds where you'll keep your lisense. Has a tendancy to be a bit firm at times. Brakes aren't as sharp as I'd like but feel is great.
Low rpm is a bit sedate. Mid rpm it starts to come alive and at mid to high rpm its a screaming banshee that really shifts. It must be rode in an engaged way to get the best from it.
It's a jap bike and built to a price, there's some corners cut and some dated displays. The alternator on mine failed but wasn't a fortune to replace.
Not a fortune to run, cheap to insure, not bad on fuel weirdly and cheap to maintain.
The equipment is a bit spartan. Suspension is good. Put some decent tyres on it.
Buying experience: I bought second hand from a used dealer down south, buying experience was poor, it had a warped disc which I replaced I paid 4200 in 2018 with about 8,000 miles on the bike
Version: P8F
Year: 2009
In the past i have had J1/J2 and A1P 636 Present bike is a ZX6R G2 with a A1P 636 engine fitted with dyno jet kit ,Kand N , ignition advancer and remus race can . I have never ridden a P8F before until i drove mine home First of all theres not much Torque down low which surprised me . Like the brakes and riding position not too extreme and the front end. Its very high geared in first gear So on the way to work the next day on a clear road i opened it up in first gear . When it gets to 10k it takes off and the sound of the induction howl is immense . Its like the engine is saying i can take give me more . Fuel injection is spot on . This is more of a track bike than my old G2 but i commute into London without any problems Apparently its lighter than my G2 and feels so ,The bike is so much fun and i love it One week since buying it i have not even redlined it yet
ride is quality and great brakes
hit 10k and its a howler from the airbox box induction noise
seems well put together
My bike came with two brand new tyres and pads plus oil and filter
radial brakes and slipper clutch
Buying experience: Bought privately
Year: 2012
Throw a power commander, on it to clean up the throttle with a high flow filter and exhaust. The bike is a absolute riot. 636 wont have a chance.
Buying experience: Ive ran all the brands in the 600 class and this is by far my favorite.
I have a 2011, which I bought used last year. After 6 track days (B-grp pace) and 3500 miles or so on the road last year, it was time to assess and make a couple of changes. The shock seems a weak point, and I spent a lot of time dialing it in, but without success -- it would fade, and the compression damping (in particular) was poor. New shock (JRi) installed this Spring. Huge difference - among the changes was adding a little ride height, which enhanced stability and feel. Brakes are great, forks are great - no changes. Double-bubble screen - good change. Found a used Akra full-Ti system with PC-V. Wow....motor was never weak, but now if properly revved will pull pretty evenly with a stock GSX-R750 on the track...only loses a tiny bit on top, and is loads smoother after the re-mapping. This is a proper sports road & track machine, and she'll be kept around for a while. Highly recommended - and getting the suspension dialed makes it a truly willing accomplice....
Bought it after arriving back in the UK 20 months ago after having a er6f in Australia.Set my heart on a 07 cbr 600,but stumbled on a zx6r 09 at millenium in warrington for the same price as a 07 cbr.After riding on boring Australian roads the ZX is a revelation still to find its limits.Good seating position for a sports,powerfull engine,brilliant brakes,the engine revs like a prostituite begging to be abused more,the brakes wipe off speed with no dive,the slipper clutch lets you knock it down gear like kicking a politician on the head repeatedly.Bad thing lost a bit of paint on the mirror stems,but did take it on the motorway with salt on the road one day,the paint hasnt got any worse though.In genneral a good fast bike which will be in front on a sunday thrash,never regretted not buying the cbr,as this one howls like a virgin on wedding night.
Bought a new 2010 model as a step up after 4 years with my first bike - an SV650S. Thought I was going to go for a more sensible upright position (ER6) but turns out I actually prefer a sportier riding position. I did have reservations about buying a 'proper sportsbike' for 250 miles a week commuting (half of it in London traffic). But my worries disappeared in the first few days. It's comfortable (max ride has been 1.5 hours so far), gives me better wind protection on the motorway, brakes are brilliant, and I've found I can actually manoeuvre at slow speeds better than on my old bike. (Seems that I've still got my feet firmly on the pegs filtering through stationary traffic when the scooter riders are dragging their feet along the ground.) Absolutely fine in the rain, my other worry that the throttle would be too ‘twitchy’ for commuting was completely wrong too. I can’t compare to other 4 cylinder supersport bikes as I haven’t ridden any, but to me the performance is brilliant. When I find that rare bit of open road it actually recaptures the buzz I felt when I first passed my test. The same goes for handling – I’m not saying I’m fast around the bends but I’m definitely leaning over further than I ever did on my SV and it feels rock solid and capable of a hell of a lot more than I am. My only negative is that the mirrors are not as good as my K2 SV650S, but I’ve yet to find any other bike with mirrors that are. This makes me more vigilant about life-savers anyway so not all bad. My recommendation – buy one!
I would say this is the best 600 I have ever had and probably the best around at the moment (2011). Fairly comfy allrounder takes a while to get used to. Engine sounds and goes like crazy. A mad machine.
Had mine a year now, and still love it. Can do it all, and is still pretty comfy. No faults at all.
Forgot to say that despite smaller turning circle than my er6 it's as docile and as practical for commuting.And then as bastard mad as you want the rest of the time. Will know how good the finish is after it's first winter!
Forgot to say that despite smaller turning circle than my er6 it's as docile and as practical for commuting.And then as bastard mad as you want the rest of the time. Will know how good the finish is after it's first winter!
This is my second bike after an er6n which i loved. It is the natural progression i wanted. I can only review this bike in isolation as haven't ridden any other sports 600s. I got the black. I like the angular look and back to back with the previous model it looks more modern. The induction roar(?) is addictive and so whatever bike i get next has to sound as good. The forks are as everyone raves. Pull hard on the brakes and very little dip which i like. Comfort and economy are not fantastic but that's what i expected and i didn't buy this bike for that. Acceleration is awesome. Exhaust is a bit fugly but i guess Kawa assumes most people will change the exhaust? Price was £6900 for this years plate ('10) and 0% finance - rude not to.
the bike rules at 600cc
