ZX-6R sportbike has the competition chasing it into the new millennium. Winning multiple races, awards, shootouts and magazine comparisons, the Ninja ZX-6R has proven its prowess on the street and track. With two rounds to go, Kawasaki Drag Racing's Rickey Gadson has the points lead with defending 600cc SuperSport Champion and fellow Kawasaki teammate Marty Ladwig following closely in second. Keeping the ZX-6R ahead of the 600cc SuperSport pack is one of the most potent engines in the class. The compact 599cc powerplant has an all-aluminum cylinder block with electroplated bores that decreases weight, resists wear and offers improved heat dissipation.
Fuel is delivered to the cylinders through a highly-efficient intake tract.
Narrow valve angles provide a more direct path for fuel to reach the combustion chamber, and the valves are reinforced in the stem area. Linked to the ignition system, K-TRIC adjusts ignition timing for all throttle settings to deliver smooth power and superb throttle response throughout the rev range. A 16-bit microprocessor accurately adjusts timing by reading several sensors at the crankshaft. The engine breathes through a Twin Ram Air intake system. A large duct at the front of the fairing creates higher pressure to feed cool, dense air to the airbox for more power as speeds rise.