2019 Kawasaki ZX 6R Review - First Ride

The new ZX-6R offers competitive performance and technology starting at just $9,999. KIBS (Kawasaki lingo for ABS) adds another $1000, while the KRT graphic, which automatically includes KIBS, goes for $11,299 - $100 less than the next closest competitor, Suzuki’s GSX-R600. With this new price in mind, it’s worth reevaluating what we think about the new ZX-6R.
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[@echo.motion]

Got the ZX-6R just recently. Such an awesome bike!

[@jayholt2101]

I have decided to upgrade from my Ninja250r to the 2019 ZX6r. Can’t wait to get it.

[@MJT-DA]

I upgraded to a 2009 yamaha fz6r used that i got for $5,000 out the door after I crashed my 2007 ninja 250... lol long story

[@stephonfrazier5434]

@ Dad with Kids. Have fun 600's are awesome bikes.

[@michaelwalker7696]

Doing the same. May be able to haggle the price down a bit further in my neck of the woods. Customer loyalty and such. My 250r is a 2012.

[@techten1012]

@@MJT-DA how many miles?

[@plageran]

I wouldn't mind the 636 as a secondary bike and still run my 250R

[@dx6369]

Got my 20 on sale for $8599. Best deal on middleweight by far. As far as the quick shifter lag it must just be on the 19 as my qs is instantaneous. Shifts like butter. Love this bike

[@AzeveidoMateus]

I’m very happy with the updates that Kawasaki made. They make a consistent effort to listen to the customer. Geared down for more low end torque, a quickshifter, a fuel gauge, along with the new price? Especially after the 2013 addition of the 636 engine. Sure it’s not perfect, but it’s damn good and is continually improving. Definitely seems like the best overall value in the middleweight category currently.

[@MegaTechpc]

Oh this bike is a great value for sure but an even better value would be to find a leftover new 2017 or 2018 for even less than $9999. Will also look much better too!

[@pravesh736]

@@MegaTechpc looks are subjective. Like the new 6r more than the older one. It's better to look like a ninja 400 than a ninja 300

[@exothermal.sprocket]

All the updates, no down-side. Homerun Kawasaki! The styling is great. One of the few newer/updated bikes these days that I don't have my eyes vomiting. No more winky-winky headlight. What's faster for 10K or less? Well, up to 100 mph probably a Z900 or MT-09. In every other way, no.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

The question was 'any vehicle, 2 or 4 wheels at the price' for speed. It's a somewhat vague question, so I filled it in a bit. I owned a 2006 ZX-6R at one time, owned a Z900 the other year, and now I have an MT-09. I own one at a time.

[@fenrir1g]

@@exothermal.sprocket yeah

[@fivespeed3026]

My R1 that I got for almost half that.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

Obviously you didn't buy a *new* R1 for half this price.

[@fivespeed3026]

Lifted_Above of course not. I did buy it, and it was in cherry condition. You just need to find someone who’s hiding his bike from the repo man after paying more than half the bike’s loan.

[@blazzing4321]

Still in love with my 07 😍

[@lexarias8807]

Same! I just love the headlights design, I think its the best one they've had.

[@kafael8362]

Buying one in a few months. Pretty excited

[@cbcrow911]

I agree this bike doesn't look great in pictures and the videos, but I went and sat on one the other day and it's a lot better in person.. has a nice chunky look and feel. It's actually wider than the R6.. plus, it's still got an amazing engine!

[@gbmotosong732]

true true

[@TK63636]

I just bought a 2018 ZX-6R because I hate the looks of this one so much. Sometimes seeing it in person changes my mind, but it didn’t with the 2019. I’m much happier with the 2018, the rebates were insanely good and I think it’s sexy as hell.

[@iamtheiceman]

I wish they had better (and more) color options. I am not a fan of lime green, or washed-out colors. This is a bike I want, but I want them to step up their design efforts on the colors.

[@timbarry5080]

I like the looks of it. Most people that don't draw a comparison to the 400. It sounds like they are hung up on getting confused with someone that rides a 400, as if that's a bad thing.

[@ethan9553]

people with too much pride

[@kam1st971]

He said it! "I hope this reinvigorates the category" I really hope it does. I think its a great bike as well!

[@214mjn]

Just bought one. Wonderful bike. Excellent price to

[@veegizzlemilliken6441]

My 05 636 still pushing 💪 @25k best 600 and even 750 class bike FASHO !!!!🏍

[@pitchforkpeasant6219]

Had to have anything done to your 05 636 yet? Had it since new?

[@24james]

Love this bike in gray. Great review....job well done on the feedback and video! 💯👍🏻🏍🇺🇸

[@fefgam]

I want to upgrade from my z650 and i believe this is the one to go for. The price is a major factor.

[@isasskills1]

I'm trying to watch this kawi video But the VENOM helmet is killing my eyesight I Love It!!!!!!

[@xleeepy2614]

It sucks

[@lingkheyshing]

Perfect review . I am getting a new one in this month . thanks

[@outquick]

GSX-S1000, but I’ve ridden this ZX-6R and it’s freaking great! It’s the only 600cc bike ide buy

[@MrAndrew1953]

Never ridden one but I always felt the same about the Honda CBR600S. I had two of those - compact, powerful, pick a line at speed and it would always follow - same perf as my former 1982 Kawasaki 1100 B2 and that was quick.

[@MrAndrew1953]

Same feeling that is.

[@603mike]

Hmmm....kinda reminds me of the 03-04 636 with that front end. Idk how I feel about it though. Would have to see it in person first.

[@Treizez34]

Am I the only person who hates the new styling of the Zx6r???

[@rzu7120]

Yes

[@r1sabotage]

Yes

[@m_zbrv3967]

Yes

[@diversion641]

you and maybe 4 others. Cummon now, it looks arwsum.

[@TarunAryaa]

Yes

[@vicenterr7]

10 large is a great price for a 600 SS, specially compared to 15/17Ks for a 1000. A few things could be better, but Kawasaki is understanding what customers want

[@BuddhaRice]

Big supercross fan here, love that you were behind McGrath! There is an interview of Marc Marquez going to a supercross event and loving it!

Now it looks like parallel twin ninja bikes with a hole in the front.

[@dblackviper2k3]

I like the look of the 650 so that works for me

[@glenmcintire3106]

So u love the R6?...

[@EERNandhakumar]

Inline 4

[@Krishnendu792]

Still better than r6😎

[@AndreasBrOlesen]

ABS should be standard on a new bike! I would pick a Triumph Street Tripple any day. For 12.500 you can get the RS version with Ohlins suspension, world class brakes, better everyday ergos, premium styling and all the electronics you'd like!

[@jeff_07mhaya77]

I love that bike

[@Rncfbnx]

If you guys hate the design and like the older one then this is a great time for you. Go into any dealership and the one you like will be marked down by a couple grand. You can most likely get the 2017-2018 for less than 10k. New bike under 10k with the old design, seems like a good idea.

[@danielcota329]

That Venom helmet looks awesome.

[@ragimundvonwallat8961]

i just wish they would go vtwin on the 650 tho ...no need for more power just a higher rpm to 12 -13k and i would cry of joy

[@GunJunky50AE]

Kinda looks like the 05-06 636 in front 😍

[@KingKan]

Last bike I had was a 2003 Zx636 it had a recall on the exhaust. Haven't really ridden a lot since then, even that bike wasn't $9,999 lol

[@NoirLi]

The actual bike looks different in the video. This bike is stunning.

[@Pedrolini-k3o]

Still way better than what Yamaha did to the styling of the r6 and r1

[@darthvader1926]

ZX-6R yes please .

[@SkyDomeVIZE]

Overall very good styling and price is reasonable. As a average rider who lives in the city and owned many motorcycles ( including 2005 ZX-6r) they going to sell many of them do to the price alone, but still the hyper-naked motorcycles is were it is at, due to the cheaper price and fun factor. This 2019 ZX-6R front-end looks very similar to the 2005-2006 ZX-6R models. Wish it still had exhaust underneath the tail or at least a shorter one similar to the naked bikes.

[@jrjrose132]

Brougham you might be a little blind man the 05 06 ZX6R look nothing like the 2019 the only thing that it could possibly relate to is the angle of the headlights is the same at the top but other than that everything else is different dude

[@SkyDomeVIZE]

@@jrjrose132 True, I see what you are saying. Maybe because it reminded me of my 06 ZX-6r.

[@jrjrose132]

@@SkyDomeVIZE I have the 06 ZX-6R 636 track bike that I absolutely love

[@iamtheiceman]

Yeah - and under-seat exhaust would be SO cool. Only the CBR600rr has this now.

[@adamstratford6740]

Imo the Zx6r has always been a great bike be it the 636 or 599cc for me I’m not a fan of this 636 aesthetically id rather have the looks of the 2013-18 bike but where KAWASAKI have improved on this 19 model for me is added a quickshifter LED lights and altered the gearing!! 👏👏Adam 🇬🇧

[@ragimundvonwallat8961]

i think the ninja 400 is a hidden wonder...too bad they dont make the bike fit taller riders because i know many experienced rider that would love to own that...simply to be able to beat the shit out of it all the time without going 150 mph, and with a proper sport touring experience

[@jimmansi1187]

Ragimund VonWallat I agree, the Ninja 400 imo is the perfect bike for street & occasional track riding. Comfy ergos, fairings & plenty of power to have a great time without having to do triple digit speeds. I've seen guys at the track do faster lap times on a 400 over riders on 600's & 1000's, it's all about your skill level & balls on the track!

[@donellclemons2195]

They make an aftermarket seat for taller riders

[@zjxd3684]

Which is better? With abs or without abs?

[@u9Nails]

Kawasaki just made it really hard to think of another brand of bike in this class. My friends have been taunting me to upgrade from my 300. Dare I pull the trigger on this bike?

[@yootoobur101]

9Nails I pulled the trigger from 300 after only 2 weeks of riding it. Too little power for my liking, and wanted something more beastly. Now I’m madly in love with my 2016 ZX6R.

[@yootoobur101]

Tebin I got passed by many 250s and man, even some scooters at those corners. It made me so furious that I wanted to beat them so badly. So, what I did was buy a Supersport so they can never, ever pass me up again. Now everytime I pass them, they stare at me and think I’m super cool and very, very fast.

[@xouijit77]

@@yootoobur101 What Tebin is saying is that you don't know how to ride. The fact that you were getting passed by scooters confirms that. It's not the size of the bike that makes one fast, it's learning how to ride it. I ride with guys on 400s that beat guys on 600s consistently, and some guys on liter bikes too. Because they know how to ride. Before you get a bike to look cool, learn to ride correctly, to stay alive. Unless your only going straight, and even then....

[@Alpine_Joe]

If you do you better take it easy. I've not ridden this new model but I have ridden other ZX6 models (and other 600 sport bikes) and I know they're 'just' 600s but they'll all kill you if you don't give them respect.

[@u9Nails]

@@Alpine_Joe My R3 is quick enough to send me to an early death. Make no joke. With 2 years and 22,000+ on it, I am still in love with the bike. I might even just buy a suspension upgrade and stick with it for life. But my girl friend got a 650 this year and accelerates quicker. She's still slow in the turns, where she can't lose me!

[@ChrisJohn_444]

What they should've done is added a steering damper, stock. But, I rode the 2019 (stock) back to back with the 2017 (slip on and exhaust valve removed) and the 2017 was noticeably peppier, shorter gearing or not. I added a steering damper and it handles with pin point precision and great stability. I also added a full system, PC5 and qs, integrated tail light, full suite of crash protection, tail tidy, tank grips and pad, and a double bubble windscreen, all for less than a 2019 non-abs otd. So, the greatest thing that the 2019 update does is lower the reasonable asking price for new, old stock for the 2017-2018 model years. Haha

[@ChrisJohn_444]

It's funny, there was a wholesale dealer who was looking to sell a 2013 with low mileage for $6700...one he had just picked up at auction. He, then, found out in a round about way, that I got mine for cheap and that the updated 2019s were listing at $9999. The next week, I bumped into him into him and he was just on his way out to take the 2013 back to auction. :P

[@eternaltyrus1058]

I feel like it's a mix between the last gen and the model for the 03 bike. Weird but cool at the same time lol

[@SSchithFoo]

MT-09 is almost 2500 dollars cheaper in Australia. Apart from having a better quick shifter and a larger fuel tank, I think this really can't beat Mt-09.

[@AusTorque]

Great bike and nice review, not a fan of this new styling of the bike though.

[@jaredfernandez1990]

I love how surprised he is McGrath is good @ riding a 🏍 fast around a track. Great looking bike/great review

[@batperson3532]

For $5000 can you think of a brand new vehicle faster than the ninja 400? Kawasaki is love.

[@coldspider2199]

Were those bikes riding on stock tires or supersofts???? Cuz i would love to get lower on my 636 but im on stock tires and ive never had the confidence to lean it down more.

[@PhantomRides]

Beautiful bike! 👌👌

[@SquidOnGixxer]

Very important question is the 6r faster than the daytona in a straight line??

[@kailas1412]

I like the black one better than krt colour

[@festol1]

Glad to see the 600ccs are still coming. Wonder what would happen if the litter bike technology were applied to the 600cc.

[@pramathewyayawar6934]

Love or hate, but you can not debate that with this new pricing strategy Kawa is bringing new life into a rather dead sport bike category. Anyways, nice review as usual.👍

[@KingKan]

Pramathew Yayawar why do you think it's dead? I see a lot of new riders annually

[@kevinhernandezretana2170]

I think he was talking spesifically about the 600cc supersport catagory

[@Calebski]

Jeremy McGrath! Damn take me back 20 years.

[@HuangHangLo]

What about the z900??? Cost 2k less also.

[@jimmybaggs5342]

I think I’d rather pay more for an R6. That is a bike I like looking at.

[@SquidRider]

Told the barber to "fuck my shit up fam" with the front fairing.

[@bikerboy2k142]

Be nice if I could upgrade my speedometer cluster and left hand controls with this bike im glad to see they added a hazard switch my 2013 didn't have that which imo was a dumb. Also love the new cluster with a fuel gauge now wow.... Other than that its ugly.

[@chris_fxlrst]

Why are sportbikes getting better in every way except looks? 😕

[@srivatsanadiger]

Gixxer Chris even the s1000rr for that matter! Just plain ugly now! :/

[@chris_fxlrst]

Srivatsa Nadiger yea they took everything away that made it stand out like the shark fins & uneven eyes.. now it just looks like another cbr tbh lol.. I see parts from a Daytona 675 too lol it’s like a mix of both.. I don’t like the exposed belly pan either

[@u9Nails]

People can't agree. Just ask 30 men in a room who is the most beautiful woman, you'll get 30 different answers, some of which might not even answer with a woman.

[@TechFabLab]

Hopefully we will somehow get used to it and new bikes will look better over the long term. But I agree, right now new bikes are looking uglier than in many years before... Kawasaki in particular has me disappointed with its new models, although only in the looks department, but almost enough to change my mind over buying a new one.

[@chris_fxlrst]

rolocz exactly.. I’d rather keep my 08 gsxr 600 then get a new one (look wise) & I much rather have a 2013-18 ninja 636 then these newer models 👎🏼

How much it cost a 2017 gsxr 750? still better than any 600, 636 or 675 by miles.

[@chrissorreda4982]

Man. Sucks that it looks like the 400. I’m not against one styling direction for all bikes, the R1 and R6 twins look great but this?

[@hisyamasri947]

Beautiful nardo grey color

[@ImranPangilinan]

Z1000? Price almost the same?

[@carlouie1000]

Newb question, is it "okay" for a 600 not having an ABS? I mean, given it's power and stuff you gonna need some help on braking, you know.. I own a 2018 R3 non abs which works fine for me, but 600 inline 4 is another thing.. 😅

[@pyrusmasterdan1]

awesome troy

[@dsinghr]

ABS worth paying extra 2k ?

[@AndreasBrOlesen]

It should be standard on a new bike! I would pick a Triumph Street Tripple any day. For 12.500 you can get the RS version with Ohlins suspension, world class brakes, better everyday ergos, and all the electronics you'd like!

[@r1sabotage]

I prefer no ABS...

[@charlesappalachia8252]

@@r1sabotage may I ask why?

[@Burn0ut7sHome]

abs is only 1,000$ more

[@TarunAryaa]

Yes, if your life's worth more than 2k

[@TheFloridaBikeVlogger]

yes please! WANT

[@bikerboy2k142]

So basically if you have a 2013-18 model 636 you can just buy new plastics for 2019 and everything bolt right up with no mods.... To bad Its ugly but I may get that speed cluster and the left hand controls with hazard switch...

[@jadeec6018]

Plss compare this to the yamaha r6.. 😎

[@irondiet6831]

You have an awesome job.

[@spoonman73]

I much prefer the looks of the previous model.

[@iamtheiceman]

Yeah, I don't know what their designers are (smoking) with these designs/color schemes. For me, that's the only downside. I wish they would have multiple colorways for the bikes - like we have for cars.

[@ghostemane4584]

I like the venom helmet 👍

[@1jodlar]

Yes

[@jpp2422]

This or R6?

[@mmazourov]

Looking at the cockpit of the black one it feels like they have never moved on since p8f... With all big manufacturers bulling 600 off the market in Europe (bar Yamaha), I wonder how much money will continue going into the development of the 600 class for the US? Re QS interruption timing, it should be really straight forward to adjust with a cable and Kawasaki software. What’s the suspension like on these? Are they using Brembo for brakes? R6 has TC and slide control - any of this on the Zx6r?

[@rrace002]

From a 60-130 roll, I beat a 2019 zx6r in a bone stock c8 corvette- By about 2 cars, and pulling away more as the speed increased.

[@yonismo4098]

Are those stock tires theyre using

[@derekfaneros6214]

Was that a venom helmet???😍

[@adamstratford6740]

I’m a massive Kawasaki fan especially the Zx6r especially when it’s a 636. Although i won’t lie I’m slightly disappointed as i thought Kawasaki might have put a little more tech into the bike. But I’ll reserve full judgement until ive actually rode one .......Team Green 🧡

[@iamtheiceman]

I agree on the tech. If they can put a fantastic LCD dash on the 650 - surely they can make one for this bike.

[@adamstratford6740]

@@iamtheiceman absolutely 💯

[@laloavila5045]

Nice bikes

[@c9sabeeh710]

Is this machine overheat likr Yamaha r6 or stays cool secondly can any one tell me how much time can we ride it continously I mean for 1 hour 2 hours or 3 hours

[@mightyboomerang2932]

Top speed sir ? Stock exhaust.

[@theninja3352]

Beautiful

[@maxsarat]

I think CBR 650R will give good competition to 636, it may not be the faster, but better looks, LCD Dash and much cheaper price would definetly dent 636 sales.

[@ExarusGaming]

its uniqe , analog and digital speedometer way better than phone like dash.

[@Stratocasterhead51]

I think the LCD dash on the Honda is one of the worst things about it. Really hard to read in daylight with the sun. ALso, nothing more exciting than watching the needle on an analog dash go up to the screaming 16k redline. The 650r doesnt compete with the 6r. The ninja has a LOT more power, much lighter, more aggressive ergos, more torque. The Honda is a sheep in wolf's clothing. 6r is an actual Supersport.

[@wonkaboy1117]

When was the ZX6R change the overall exterior’s look?

[@llerradish]

Okay, I want one! Even though it went from really stable two pretty stable in the same review?

[@TheYakkis]

Lol, I also caught "slow to turn in" and "flicks back and forth effortlessly" in there too

[@mikes2270]

Glad they added an adjustable clutch lever and quick shifter. But it has a face only a mother could love. Ugh!

[@johnny_123b]

It's not too bad irl

[@stephonfrazier5434]

@ Mike S. I didn't find the look too appealing in the beginning but I'm used to it. It's looking kinda purrty now, lol. Initially, I think most new model re-designs look ugly and then I eventually change my mind, especially when I see it in person. I know one thing, I wouldn't mind calling that my baby for the next riding season.

[@vali69]

@@stephonfrazier5434 yep after a lot of observing in the car community and now thst im also in the motorcycle community i can say that every time something new appears on the market everybody will hate it at first... i too hated some things at first like the 2018 mustang facelift and the ninja 125 but when i saw those 2 in real life i was blown away at how much of a difference looking at the real deal makes...

[@fireoil]

i think they obviously for budget reason take from the ninja 300 the looks ... and that's proper japanese way of doing motorcycle, put every dime where it needs to be. I was confused at first if it was a new ninja 650 n they are so close... but at that price that pleasure it's really cool in a world where it seems to be a 600 supersport end of an era.

[@lucasneves90]

Dream, dream, dream!

[@MrXMen-gg3xh]

Review yg bagus..... Ngomong2, where did it take place, bro??...... And what if, in next video..... Can you compare the ZX6R 2019 with other competitor like Yamaha, Honda in same 600 CC and 2019 version... Comparison in design and engine performance ....

[@lemon5501]

Wait did they just put a 600 inline 4 engine in a 400 body?

[@ชายคนหนึ่งถึงอีกคน]

every time l missit.l watch ilove superbike

[@TheWolvesCurse]

sadly we can't get the basemodel in germany.

[@larsjohnson2667]

I bought my brand new 2014 Daytona 675 for under $10K...Not overly impressed with the price popint

[@motozest7856]

Yeah, in 2014... What's your point?

[@Peter-976]

Who is Kawasaki targeting with the zx-6r? It`s a street legal track bike.

[@jaffabaffa]

Here in The Netherlands it is still €12.799,-

[@PhamNgocHai4290]

R6 king😁😁

[@TheFloridaBikeVlogger]

do they make that green without abs?

[@siddharthckiller3047]

Damn the zx6r... Reminds me of headlight of zx14(the aligator rype design) this bike is gonna be a blast for streets too..... Loved the first ride riview ..always makimg best stuff @motorcycle.com

[@siddharthckiller3047]

Making*

[@XCRiders]

I see the zx14 in there too

[@1ceCold037]

I just bought a 2018 zx6r brand new for $9k otd

[@TheKamar2]

That's a good price, where did you bought it bro?

[@tuyenhoang5546]

Good price, same engine, chassis and everything so why pay more for the uglier new design

[@Abhinav123able]

Yeah man.. Where did you get this great offer?

[@freaknbigpanda]

A lot of dealerships with the old models mark them down when they get the new years model in, especially if they are over crowded with last year's model. Just gotta get out there and look. I bought a bike in 2016 at my local dealer and they had a 2015 GSXR 600 in the window for 8,999 and it sat there for about 6 months

[@rowdy2wheels179]

True I picked up my 18 ZX6R a week before the 19 was released for $6699

[@varrio7544]

i like your motorcycle im gonna buy them

[@ChronicTHCBlaze]

Hey Troy I'm 5'6 any chance I can tip toe this bike?