2022 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R [Specs, Features, Photos]

2022 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R: From the Street to the Track and Back

Model Overview
Specifications
Features
Photos
Videos
Links

Kawasaki has rarely been content to stay in one lane—and the 2022 Ninja ZX-6R stands as a testament to the brand’s versatility. Seemingly designed with the street and the track equally in mind, the newest model of this bike is a mid-size supersport you’ll have fun riding just about anywhere that’s paved.

The ZX-6R gets its considerable power from a 636cc, liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC 16-valve in-line four engine, producing 134 hp at 13,500 rpm and 52.3 lb-ft of torque at 11,000 rpm. Rider aides include an assist & slipper clutch, economical riding indicator, Kawasaki Traction Control, multiple power modes, ABS, and more.

For 2022, there have been no major changes to the powertrain, but the Ninja ZX-6R does have Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S22 tires as standard, and the chassis has been subtly redesigned to make it extra sleek. The gear ratio has also been optimized. The bike comes in the following colours: Metallic Matte Graphenesteel Gray/Metallic Diablo Black, with Lime Green/Ebony/Pearl Blizzard White for the KRT version.

Sport riders would be crazy to ignore this gem while looking through Kawasaki’s 2022 motorcycle lineup. If you’re into japanese motorcycles, track monsters, or both, the 2022 Ninja ZX-6R is a bike you can get excited about swinging a leg over.

The 2022 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R starts at $10,499 USD / $13,699 CAD.

On this page: we’ve curated specs, features, news, photos/videos, etc. so you can read up on the new 2022 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R in one place.

Model Overview

General Info

Price: $10,499 USD / $13,699 CAD
Key Features:
- Kawasaki Intelligent anti-lock Brake System (KIBS)
- Kawasaki Traction Control (KTRC)
- Selectable power modes
- Advanced SHOWA SFF-BP fork
- Assist & Slipper Clutch
- Naturally aggressive ergonomics with adjustable clutch lever
- Multi-function LCD screen
- Pressed-aluminum perimeter frame

Main Specs

Engine: 636cc, liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC 16-valve in-line four
Power: 134 hp at 13,500 rpm
Torque: 52.3 lb-ft of torque at 11,000 rpm
Curb Weight: 430 lbs (195 kg)
Seat Height: 32.7 in (830 mm)

Competitors

2022 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R Specifications

From Kawasaki

ENGINE
Engine	636cc, 4-stroke, In-Line Four, DOHC, 16-valve, liquid-cooled
Power	134 hp
Bore x Stroke	67.0 x 45.1mm
Compression Ratio	12.9:1
Fuel System	DFI® w/38mm Keihin throttle bodies (4) and oval sub-throttles
Starter	Electric
Lubrication
DRIVETRAIN
Clutch
Transmission	6-speed, Manual, Return Shift
Final Drive	Sealed chain
CHASSIS
Suspension Front	41mm inverted Showa SFF-BP fork with top-out springs, stepless compression and rebound damping, adjustable spring preload/4.7 in
Suspension Rear	Bottom-link Uni-Trak® with gas-charged shock, stepless compression damping adjustment, 25-way adjustable rebound damping, fully adjustable spring preload/5.9 in
Brakes Front	Dual 310mm petal discs with dual radial-mounted, Nissin 4-piston, monobloc calipers
Brakes Rear	Single 220mm petal discs with single-piston caliper
Tires Front	120/70 ZR17
Tires Rear	180/55 ZR17
Fuel Tank Capacity	4.5 gal
Color	Metallic Matte Graphenesteel Gray/Metallic Diablo Black
ELECTRICAL
Ignition	TCBI w/Digital Advance
Spark Plugs
Headlight	LED
Tail Light	LED
DIMENSIONS
Overall Length	79.7 in.
Overall Width	28.0 in
Overall Height	43.3 in.
Wheelbase	55.1 in.
Ground Clearance	5.1 in
Seat Height	32.7 in
Curb Weight	425.6 lb.*
WARRANTY
Warranty	12 Months
Kawasaki Protection Plus	12, 24, or 36 months

2022 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R Features

Based on feedback from racing activities, the Assist & Slipper Clutch uses two types of cams (an assist cam and a slipper cam) to either drive the clutch hub and operating plate together or apart.
Under normal operation, the assist cam functions as a self-servo mechanism, pulling the clutch hub and operating plate together to compress the clutch plates. This allows the total clutch spring load to be reduced, resulting in a lighter clutch lever feel when operating the clutch.
When excessive engine braking occurs – as a result of quick downshifts (or an accidental downshift) – the slipper cam comes into play, forcing the clutch hub and operating plate apart. This relieves pressure on the clutch plates to reduce back-torque and helps prevent the rear tire from hopping and skidding. This race-style function is particularly useful when sport or track riding.

Late-model sport bikes often use large-bore throttle bodies to generate high levels of power. However, with large diameter throttles, when a rider suddenly opens the throttle, the unrestricted torque response can be strong. Dual throttle valve technology was designed to tame engine response while contributing to performance.

On models with dual throttle valves, there are two throttle valves per cylinder: in addition to the main valves, which are physically linked to the throttle grip and controlled by the rider, a second set of valves, opened and closed by the ECU, precisely regulates intake airflow to ensure a natural, linear response. With the air passing through the throttle bodies becoming smoother, combustion efficiency is improved and power is increased.

Using high-precision electronic control for engine management, Kawasaki models can achieve a high level of fuel efficiency. However, fuel consumption is greatly affected by throttle use, gear selection, and other elements under the rider’s control. The Economical Riding Indicator is a function that indicates when current riding conditions are consuming a low amount of fuel. The system continuously monitors fuel consumption, regardless of vehicle speed, engine speed, throttle position and other riding conditions. When fuel consumption is low for a given speed (i.e. fuel efficiency is high), an “ECO” mark appears on the instrument panel’s LCD screen. By riding so that the “ECO” mark remains on, fuel consumption can be reduced.

While effective vehicle speed and engine speed may vary by model, paying attention to conditions that cause the “ECO” mark to appear can help riders improve their fuel efficiency – a handy way to increase cruising range. Further, keeping fuel consumption low also helps minimize negative impact on the environment.

KTRC, Kawasaki’s advanced traction control system provides both enhanced sport riding performance and the peace of mind to negotiate slippery surfaces with confidence. Multiple rider-selectable modes (the number of modes varies by model) offer progressively greater levels of intrusion to suit the riding situation and rider preference.
Less intrusive modes maintain optimum traction during cornering. Designed with sport riding in mind, they facilitate acceleration out of corners by maximizing forward drive from the rear wheel. And because Kawasaki’s sophisticated software bases its dynamic analysis on the chassis’ orientation relative to the track surface (rather than relative to a horizontal plane), it is able to take into account corner camber, gradient, etc., and adapt accordingly.

In the more intrusive modes (and for some models, in any mode), when excessive wheel spin is detected, engine output is reduced to allow grip to be regained, effectively enabling riders to negotiate both short, slippery patches (train tracks or manhole covers) and extended stretches of bad roads (wet pavement, cobblestone, gravel) with confidence.

Models equipped with multiple Power Modes offer riders an easily selectable choice of engine power delivery to suit riding conditions or preference. In addition to Full Power mode, one (Low) or two (Middle, Low) alternate mode(s) in which maximum power is limited and throttle response is milder are provided.

Designed to help riders maximize their acceleration on the track by enabling clutchless upshifts with the throttle fully open, KQS detects that the shift lever has been actuated and sends a signal to the ECU to cut ignition so that the next gear can be engaged without having to use the clutch. On models that offer clutchless downshifts, during deceleration the system automatically controls engine speed so that the next lower gear can be selected without operating the clutch.