Kawasaki Ninja ZX6RR
The new Kawasaki NINJA ZX-6RR sportbike marks a dramatic departure from the broad-spectrum appeal of the earlier Ninja sportbikes, giving the bike a much stronger track bias. The limited edition street-legal ZX-6RR boasts aggressive race-worthy features -including engine, chassis, riding position and overall performance upgrades oriented towards serious sport riding, track days or full-on racing. Designed with the expert and professional racer in mind, this new generation motorcycle is destined to dominate Supersport racing around the world.

The heart of the ZX-6RR is a liquid-cooled, DOHC, 16-valve, 599cc, four-cylinder four-stroke engine that delivers increased performance, especially in the high rpm ranges. To make the engine more competitive, new lightweight forged pistons weigh in at five grams lighter, while longer rods and a shorter stroke produce the high revs required for the track. The new plated, all-aluminum cylinders have 5mm shorter skirts for reduced weight. The water passageways have been reshaped for improved cooling performance. The new engine is lighter, more compact, revs higher and makes more power.
Intake and exhaust valves for the compact engine are 10mm shorter, resulting in less weight and improved high-rpm performance. Also improving high-rpm performance and valve control are lighter, oval-shaped intake valve springs. In addition, stepped spring seats better stabilize the valve springs.

To reduce cylinder weight, vibration and engine noise, the outer surface of the cam-chain tunnel has been redesigned. A new crankcase is also lighter and more rigid, allowing oil jets to be positioned closer to the pistons for optimal lubrication. To match the engine's overall compact design, the engine oil pan capacity has also been reduced.

The ZX-6RR is fed by a new-age fuel injection system that utilizes large-bore 38mm throttle bodies, while a 32-bit high-speed microprocessor-controlled timing is ultra-responsive to engine needs. The integrated system helps ensure smooth linear power characteristics and high engine output and with low emissions. A new centrally located ram-air duct system contributes to added performance, improves intake efficiency and saves weight by eliminating a number of parts needed for the prior Ram-air system.

Reductions in exhaust emissions are also aided by reshaping the guide for the secondary air reed valve. Also assisting in the reduction of exhaust emissions is the KCA (Kawasaki Clean Air) system, which routes fresh air to the exhaust ports. What little exhaust gasses are left are then expelled through a new lighter stainless exhaust system that increases engine performance.

New to the ZX-6RR's six-speed transmission is a clutch back-torque limiter, which helps prevent wheel hop during aggressive corner entry. The new transmission uses closer ratios for gears three and higher, resulting in improved racetrack performance. Easy and smooth shifting is aided by a modified shift drum and ratio change in the shift lever.
The ZX-6RR's engine rests inside a new pressed aluminum perimeter frame that is rigid and delivers crisp and stable handling performance to conquer a racetrack of any design. Sheets of aluminum are pressed to shape, then welded together, to produce remarkable strength and low weight. An aluminum subframe is also lightweight and is easily removed for conducting routine maintenance.

Advanced engineering techniques were also used to design the extruded aluminum swingarm. The new swingarm is longer and utilizes adjustable pivot points, which improves suspension action. Other swingarm features include internal ribbing that offers high torsional rigidity and low weight. Lightweight aluminum components are also used in the UNI-TRAKÆ rear suspension system, which produces progressively stiffer damping and spring rates as the fully adjustable rear shock is compressed. A nitrogen-gas charged Kayaba shock with a piggyback reservoir features fully adjustable rebound and compression damping, while a new top-out spring was added for improved shock action. Racetrack suspension setup is an extremely precise process so the shock utilizes a threaded collar spring preload adjuster and stepless damping adjuster with a check valve to improve damping. To alter ride height, various combinations of 1mm-thick shims can be inserted between the shock and its frame mount.

Up front, the ZX-6RR receives a new fully adjustable inverted 41mm fork to provide high rigidity and superior feedback. Top-out springs and adjustable spring preload are fitted to the fork to assist in optimal performance throughout the stroke range.

Traditionally used for racing applications only, a new radial-mount, four-piston, four-pad front brake assembly graces the ZX-6RR. The first for a production motorcycle, four independent brake pads are used in each caliper to clamp down on new semi-floating 280mm dual front disc rotors. The state-of-the-art braking system delivers exceptional feel and improves heat resistance, braking performance and lengthens pad life. On the back, the single disc measures 220mm and the brake pedal ratio has been changed for improved feel.

To compliment its performance enhancements, the ZX-6RR looks totally different for 2003. The new GP-style fairing offers an exceptionally low drag coefficient for slippery aerodynamics and the reshaped central Ram-air duct gives the front of the bike an aggressive identity. Lightweight and very bright multi-reflector dual headlights provide great visibility while enhancing the aggressive head-on appearance for which Ninja sportbikes are famous. Tucked behind the cowling is an all-new lighter and more compact instrument cluster featuring a bar-type LCD tachometer, digital LCD speedometer, and programmable shift light and a stopwatch-style 99-lap timer. The cluster also includes a digital temp gauge, clock, tripmeter and a comprehensive range of indicator lamps.

Riders will find that the relocated handlebar, seat and footpegs provide improved track-oriented ergonomics. The new one-piece forged aluminum clip-on handlebars are lighter and mounted in a slightly more rearward position, while the tank and reshaped seat allow the rider to mold to the chassis, making the ZX-6RR an extension of the rider. MSRP $8399

Kawasaki ZX7R
The Kawasaki NINJAÆ ZX-7R sportbikeís resume speaks for itself. With nine AMA Superbike Championships and a number of victories with Kawasaki Road Racingís Eric Bostrom at the helm, the ZX-7R has a history unmatched by any other sportbike. A Rob Muzzy-tuned ZX-7R also carried Kawasaki Drag Racingís Rickey Gadson to three AMA/Prostar Drag Racing championships.

A 748cc ultra-short stroke, inline four-cylinder engine helps make the ZX-7R the champion that it is. The short stroke and large bore help increase reliability at high engine rpm and allow for more tuning capabilities for racing applications. Direct-acuation valve-train components relay the fuel mixture from four 38mm carburetors. Moderate exhaust-valve timing produces strong midrange for real-world power on the street. To achieve optimum appearance, exhaust gasses are expelled through a four-into-two-into-one system.

A pair of large, aggressive air intakes at the front of the aerodynamic fairing feed the ZX-7Rís Twin Ram Air Induction system. This system, combined with a steep carburetor downdraft angle and Straight Shot Intake ports, increases volumetric efficiency for more power.

The lightweight, aluminum twin-spar perimeter frame was designed using computer-aided technology. Sheets of aluminum alloy pressed to shape, then welded together, produce remarkable strength and low weight. An aluminum rear subframe also keeps the weight down, yet provides the strength to carry a passenger.
The same engineering techniques were used to design the hollow cast-and-pressed aluminum hybrid swingarm. Lightweight aluminum components are also used in the UNI-TRAKÆ rear suspension system, which produces progressively stiffer damping and spring rates as the fully adjustable rear shock is compressed. Front suspension is handled by a fully adjustable, 43mm inverted cartridge fork.

Strong braking is achieved through the use of 320mm semi-floating front discs clamped by powerful, opposed six-piston calipers at the front. The rear brake features a 230mm disc with an opposed piston caliper.
Available in classic Kawasaki Lime Green and a fiery orange color scheme, the NINJA ZX-7Rís good looks accurately reflect its winning reputation. MSRP $8799

Kawasaki ZX9R
From the 1984 NINJAÆ 900R ñ the worldís first production 16-valve, liquid-cooled, in-line four-cylinder motorcycle ñ to the 2003 NINJAÆ ZX-9R sportbike, Kawasaki is continually extending its performance heritage. In a single 404-pound package, the ZX-9R delivers awesome engine response, precise handling, modern-day versatility and open-class performance matched by no other open-class sportbike on the market.

The ZX-9Rís lightweight, all-aluminum cylinder block, with chrome composite plating for wear resistance and superior heat dispersion, is the envy of the road and the racetrack. The cylinder head itself is shaped to provide a high compression ratio, while the cam timing and profile are designed for massive torque across the rev range. A dyed-in-the-wool open-classer with abundant power on top, the ZX-9R also boasts usable lower-rpm performance for negotiating tight corners or traffic congestion.

Four Keihin 40mm downdraft semi-flat-slide carburetors equipped with the Kawasaki Throttle Responsive Ignition Control (K-TRIC) provide excellent throttle response. K-TRIC, also linked to the ignition system, adjusts ignition timing for all throttle settings while a 16-bit microprocessor accurately adjusts timing from sensors at both the carburetors and the crankshaft.

Spent gasses exit via a four-into-two-into-one exhaust system with a lightweight, all-titanium muffler equipped with the Kawasaki Clean Air System catalyzer (with the exception of California models, which have a stainless-steel unit and an additional catalyzer for reduced emissions). On all models, the exhaust system benefits from an extended divider plate just aft of the collector for increased mid-range response.

The ZX-9Rís short-wheelbase and narrow aluminum frame features a front engine mount close to the steering head to improve the engineís ability to function as a stressed member of the frame and increase rigidity. A detachable subframe houses the streamline seat and tail section, providing an aggressive and comfortable riding position. For riding two-up, lightweight seat straps are standard fare ñ and so is a cowling that converts the cockpit into a solo seat.
Underneath the rider, an extruded-aluminum braced swingarm features a hexagonal structure with ribbing for reduced weight and exceptional rigidity. Kawasakiís bottom link UNI-TRAKÆ system features linkage ratios that provide a linear progression of damping and spring rates on the fully adjustable single shock as the suspension is compressed. The shock comes equipped with a ride-height adjuster that allows for fine-tuning the chassis to suit racetrack or road conditions. Damping settings accommodate the responsive chassis, and a stepless damping adjuster uses a check valve for improved damping performance.

Up front, damping settings in the 46mm cartridge fork match the chassis and rear suspension settings to provide an even fluid ride. Like the rear shock, the fork features the state-of-the-art stepless damping adjuster.
With 320mm of semi-floating dual front disc brakes, clamped by opposed four-piston calipers and a rear disc brake holder designed to save weight, the ZX-9R can stop efficiently from virtually any speed. Not that the ZX-9R rider wants to stop ó but you canít enjoy Open-class power and true Superbike handling without filling up the 5.0-gallon fuel tank every once in a while. MSRP $9499

Kawasaki ZX12R
Kawasaki can always be counted on to raise the bar when it comes to the open-class sportbike category. Legendary machines like the H1, Z1 and NINJAÆ ZX-11 have often been imitated, but never duplicated. The 2003 NINJAÆ ZX-12R motorcycle, a legend in the making, is Kawasakiís top-of-the-line open class sportbike. The ZX-12Rís powerful performance-oriented engine and ultra-responsive nimble-handling chassis may be user friendly, but itís not friendly on the competition.MSRP $10,999

Return to • Kawasaki • Pit Lane News