autoX Awards 2024: Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R Performance, Quality and Value for Money Ranked

autoX Awards 2024: If anyone tells you that the fastest and most practical ‘big’ bikes for India need to be anything more than a 600cc–700cc middleweight, feel free to set them straight. In any category, a well-made middleweight can outshine anything else in terms of agility, usable power, and, of course, price. A bike that has always piqued my interest in this regard is the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R. It’s light, easy to ride, sounds fantastic, and is remarkably tractable. However, I had never ridden one in its natural habitat – the racetrack. So, I was more than excited to get on the latest 2024 model at the Buddh International Circuit, with its long straights, flowing corners, and technical hairpins. It seemed like the perfect stage for the ZX-6R to contend for top honours at the 2024 autoX Awards.

The Ninja ZX-6R is powered by a 636cc in-line four-cylinder engine, producing 128bhp and 69Nm of torque. The standout feature of its performance is how tractable it feels across various scenarios, with the ability to rev up to a staggering 13,000rpm. There’s always ample power and torque on tap, no matter where you are in the rev range or which gear you’re in. Even when riding in fourth gear at 20km/h, a twist of the throttle delivers a swift, progressive surge up the speedometer, along with an exhilarating, tingling sensation in your stomach as it builds speed. It has both speed and drama, but what truly impressed the jury was how approachable it is to ride.

Manav was even ready to fight me for the keys, and, truth be told, I was tempted too. Rest assured, we resolved it peacefully. Beyond the stellar engine, what impressed the jury even more was just how easy it was to handle.

The new ZX-6R comes equipped with Showa Separate Function Big Piston forks up front and a Showa monoshock at the rear. Combined with the bike’s 198kg kerb weight, this setup enables it to be both incredibly fast through corners and impressively sharp and predictable. I will admit that the the unit we had was set up with a stiffer front-end than what I like but that was the preference for the rider setting our lap times. Now, it may not be the lightest in its class but what it does get right is the chassis balance. You really do feel truly connected to the motorcycle once you get into a rhythm. Point-and-shoot, that is exactly how I would like to describe its dynamic ability. Yet, it wasn’t just the ZX-6R’s track prowess that impressed us –it was also its comfort in everyday riding.

Also Read: Kawasaki KLX 230 Review: More Capable Than Hero Xpulse 200 and RE Himalayan 450?

While most members of the motorcycle  jury concluded that the biggest downfall for the ZX-6R was its practicality, I begged to disagree. The bike I consistently chose to zip around track during the shoots ‘as quickly as possible’ was the ZX-6R. Yes, I may have gotten greedy and gone overboard slightly but that’s exactly how friendly it was to ride. For me, this versatility sealed the deal, and for that, the bike won my vote. Now, I keep daydreaming about having one in my garage.

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