First test: 05 ZX-6R

MCN Road tester Trevor Franklin has just stepped off the 2005 Kawasaki ZX-6R with a big grin on his face and he got straight on the phone from the world launch in Almeria, Spain, to tell us all about it.

“The next generation of the ZX-6R upholds Kawasaki’s tradition of making really strong engines. The new bike gives an exceptional mid range with a top end that is totally unbelievable.

“But at the same time, the bike has been completely refocused for the road in such a way that retains the sports styling of the previous bike while giving a much less track focused seating and bar position.

“They have taken a sports bike and made it in to a very impressive road bike. There is now no reason why anyone should dislike this bike. Anyone put off by the race inspired 2004 machine should turn around and walk right back in to the Kawasaki dealership.

“Honda now has a real threat knocking on its back door.”

You can read the full test of the 2005 Kawasaki ZX-6R in the next issue of MCN, out December 8.

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