2009 Kawasaki ZX-6R Review

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In sportbike comparison, only the finest of lines separate a winner from an also-ran. The epitome of these indistinct distinctions surely must reside in the ultra-competitive four-cylinder 600cc class. In our 2008 Supersport Shootout, the Honda CBR stood at the head of the class for its light weight and mondo-midrange motor, while the Gixxer Suzuki finished close behind for its nearly complete lack of foibles. Yamaha's R6 excelled at the track. Meanwhile, the ZX-6R took class-leading votes in the more humble categories of brake and slipper-clutch performance and was let down by an engine that felt strangled at its upper end.

As such, it's no surprise to see this new edition of ZX-6R with several tweaks to its modest motor. It begins with several modifications to the intake system of the injected engine. From the airbox, Kawi fitted new double-bore intake funnels that are a simpler form of the variable-length intakes on Yamaha sportbikes. These velocity stacks have inlets at two different (but static) heights, with the taller inlet boosting midrange power while the short stack maximizes top-end production.

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