When Kawasaki released the 2002 Ninja ZX-6R with a 636cc engine, the Japanese marquee also carried a 600cc ZX-6R for use in racing, such as AMA Pro Road Racing’s Daytona SportBike class.
Kawasaki carried the 636cc model until 2006, and returned to the 600cc ZX-6R in 2007. The bike remained for the last five years until Kawasaki revamped the bike for 2013, returning once again to the 636cc engine.
But unlike the previous-generation 636, Kawasaki will not offer a 600cc verison for 2013, the company more focused on everyday street riders. And although it was first assumed that the 636cc wouldn’t be allowed in AMA Pro Road Racing due to the increased displacement, Kawasaki reported Wednesday that the bike was homologated for use in AMA Daytona SportBike and AMA SuperSport.
Reid Nordin (Kawasaki Racing Senior Manager) says: “Kawasaki has a strong racing heritage. Our Ninja brand is synonymous with success on the track. When we brought back the 636cc engine we knew there would be interest in racing and we have taken the steps necessary to have the new Ninja ZX-6R on the track and out front in 2013.”
Besides AMA Pro Road Racing, the 636cc machine , which features a new Separate Function Fork – Big Piston (SFF-BP) suspension, a 700-gram lighter aluminum slipper clutch, new Nissin Radial-Mount Monobloc calipers, and Kawasaki Traction Control (KTRC), will also be raced in several dozen different classes of the WERA, CCS, AFM, MRA, CVMA, CMRA and UtahSBA championships.
To read a review on the 2013 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R, click here.
