Here Is the "New" 2019 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R

In a few hours, the 2019 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R is going to debut at the AIMExpo in Las Vegas…so of course here are some photos and details on this “new” supersport, a bit early.

While there was much anticipation for this new machine before the trade show, it looks like Team Green is giving the 2019 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R more of a modest refreshing, rather than an all-new treatment.

For American readers this news will be a bit of a yawn, but for our friends across the pond, this means that Kawasaki is re-entering the supersport market in Europe, which is of course welcomed news.

Getting down to business, the basic chassis and engine remain, though the 636cc inline four-cylinder engine is now Euro4 compliant for our overseas friends, and the gearing has been changed for more usable power lower in rev-range.

Kawasaki has also added an up-shift only quickshifter, as well as two riding modes to the engine package. The Japanese say that the new engine has “improved power and torque feeling” – but no numbers are being talked about yet.

On the chassis side, Showa balance free front forks are fitted, and we see Nissin brakes with ABS are part of the kit as well. Kawasaki offers an Öhlins steering damper as part of the aftermarket catalog.

Other changes include new bodywork, a new dash, a 12-volt utility plug, and of course traction control remains a feature. The new Bridgestone Battlax S22 tires are fitted as well, at least for the European market.

Will the 2019 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R displace the Yamaha YZF-R6 as the supersport to have? That remains to be seen.

But, it does seem the Kawasaki has focused its attention towards on-road manners, rather than track prowess, with this refresh…which may or may not be a good thing.

The biggest feature on the 2019 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R though is the price, $9,999 MSRP (for the ABS model, $10,999).

With a four-digit stick price, Kawasaki has just fired a shot across the bow of the other OEMs with supersport machines. It will be interesting to see where this goes.

Sportbikes sold relatively well in 2020, but as a whole, the streetbike scene saw a sales slump. The difficulty in getting a licence, plus Canada’s skyrocketing insurance costs were major factors here.