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2005 KAWASAKI NINJA® ZX-636C / ZX6-R

The 1985 GPZ600R was the first middleweight to offer engine, chassis and aerodynamic performance levels to rival those of larger-displacement models. Ever since, Kawasaki 600cc super sport models have featured high-performance engine, chassis and aerodynamic technology previously reserved for larger bikes. This tradition continues with the 2005 Ninja ZX6-R. Already the highest performing middleweight super sport, the new model benefits from a host of modifications to engine, chassis and styling that put it even further ahead of its competition, offering improved performance on both the circuit and on twisty roads.
Engine features include a new cylinder head, new cylinder, and oval-shaped sub-throttle valves fed by twin injectors for improved intake efficiency. Larger intake and exhaust valves operated by revised cam profiles also contribute to the overall performance increase, while an exhaust valve integral with the muffler improves low and mid-range response. In short, the new power plant delivers more power (especially on top end), has more linear power characteristics and is more fun to ride.
Form follows function in the stylish new cowl and under seat muffler, both of which improve the bike's aerodynamics. The new cowl moves the point where the boundary layer separates from the cowling forward. This not only reduces turbulence around the rider, it significantly shortens the point of convergence at the rear of the machine, greatly improving aerodynamic efficiency. In fact, the new
ZX6-R has the best drag coefficient (C dA ) of any Ninja to date – a feature worth approximately 10 PS at 250km/h.
Chassis features include a new aluminium frame, an ultra-trick braced swing arm, a new fork, improved rear suspension settings, and new 10R-type wheels. The new chassis dimensions shorten the wheelbase and move the swing arm pivot point forward for improved cornering performance. Race-bike features like a direct-action brake master cylinder, radial-mount calipers, pedal front brake discs and a back-torque limiter tuned with feedback from Kawasaki's MotoGP machine further increase the 6R's potency on the circuit.
Exciting is the word which best describes the styling of the new 6R. The bodywork that complements the new under-seat exhaust features styling cues from the MotoGP machine and the Ninja ZX10-R. New Ram-Air intake, new headlight design, integrated front turn signals and LED tail lamp give the new 6R an unmistakable resemblance to the 10R.
Engine, chassis and design, the 05MY Ninja ZX6-R puts every thing else in its category deeply in the shade – again.
The Key features can be summarized as follows:
- Designed for No. 1 Performance on the Circuit and Winding Roads
- Power boosting features include bigger intake and exhaust valves, new cams, and larger-area 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 gives the new 6R the best C dA of any Ninja to date.
- New frame and swing arm with revised chassis dimensions improve cornering performance.
- 300 mm petal front disc brakes with radial-mount calipers and direct-action brake master cylinder.
- The Racy Ninja Look – New bodywork with MotoGP-derived styling, new massively braced alloy swing arm, 10R-type wheels, integrated front turn signals and LED rear tail light complement the new under-seat muffler and give the 2005 6R a very strong family resemblance to the Ninja ZX10-R.
- Rider and Machine Are One = Fun to Ride – Revised riding position based on that of the 10R puts the rider in the ideal position to take advantage of the 6R's awesome performance.
NINJA® ZX-6R (ZX636C) SPECIFICATIONS
Engine |
4-stroke In-Line Four, DOHC, 16 valves
Liquid-cooled |
Displacement |
636cc |
Bore x Stroke |
68.0 x 43.8 mm |
Compression ratio |
12.9:1 |
Horsepower |
95.5 kw |
Maximum power with Ram Air |
100 kw |
Torque |
70.5 N.m |
Fuel System |
Fuel Injection: 38 mm x 4 (Keihin), dual injection |
Ignition |
Digital, electric start |
Transmission |
6-speed, return |
Final Drive |
Sealed Chain |
Frame |
Perimeter, Pressed-Aluminium |
Trail |
106 mm |
Suspension, front |
41mm inverted cartridge fork with rebound and compression damping, spring preload adjustability and top-out spring |
Suspension, rear |
Bottom-Link Uni-Track with gas-charged shock, stepless rebound and compression damping, spring preload adjustability and top-out spring |
Tyre , front |
120/65ZR17 56W |
Tyre , rear |
180/55ZR17 73W |
Brakes, front |
Dual semi-floating 300 mm discs, Dual Radial-mount, opposed 4-piston calipers, 4-pad |
Brake, rear |
Single 220 mm disc, Single-bore pin-slide caliper |
Overall length |
2,065 mm |
Overall width |
715 mm |
Overall height |
1,110 mm |
Ground clearance |
120 mm |
Seat height |
820 mm |
Dry weight |
164 kg |
Wheelbase |
1,390 mm |
Fuel capacity |
17 L |
Warranty period |
2 years, unlimited mileage |
Service intervals |
5 000 km |
Colors |
Lime Green / Pearl Magma Red |