First Ride Review Of My 2025 Kawasaki ZX-6R | Why Did I Buy It?

[@PetroHead]

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[@SquireSCA]

And the reasons you cited, are why I won't own another Aprilia... their V4 is a great motor, but the valves are subject to issues and that gets expensive really quick...

[@PetroHead]

It's a shame dude.. such a shame. Great bike but terrible service. Never again.

[@SquireSCA]

@@PetroHead Its the curse of the small Italian boutique brand... Ducati used to be that way 25+ years ago, but they got past it, went mainstream and really upped their game. Their quality and reliability is quite high, but it costs an arm and a leg to do any good mods to them and tuning it instantly voids the 2 year engine warranty, unless you spend major $$ on the Ducati exhaust and have the dealer do the up-map... Thousands of dollars for some noise and 4hp, no thanks... I have the 24 Streetfighter V2 and love it, but before it goes off warranty I will likely trade it in on an R9 or even another ZX6R... I love big power, had a lot of stupid fast bikes... but I think I am over that...120hp or 200hp, doesn't make any difference up on a twisty mountain road... The 200hp bike just costs a lot more and is harder to manage on anything other than an open interstate... I am at a point in my life where I don;t mind downgrading to the mid range bikes, and let the "highway heroes" have the liter bikes with chicken strips a mile wide... haha Be safe.

[@V8pulley]

@@SquireSCAUnderrated comment

[@Fernando-t8g]

Zx6r is indestructible Always starts up no matter if you had it through the winter

[@windstheory]

Subscribed! Gonna be getting a zx6r/ R9 come spring time next year. Look forward to your future zx6r videos! Enjoi the ride!

[@PetroHead]

Thank you 🙏

[@optikforlife]

zx6r has ride by cable, which i much prefer over ride by wire, and therefore it wont have blipper function because ECU cant open the throttle valves for rev matching.

[@PetroHead]

I shall refine my rev match skills then lol

[@optikforlife]

@@PetroHead its part of riding! who needs all that electronic BS, they even make automatic transmissions now (yamaha)... whats next - autopilot for bikes?

[@PetroHead]

lol so true.. but a full QS for the track is magic.

[@optikforlife]

@@PetroHead for sure, I only do street riding. even on the track, I was thinking, they already put GPS in bikes (ducati), what if they start putting AI into the ECU, calculating the perfect line, lean angle etc. for the course in real time, where is the limit? it should be the rider doing the riding, not a computer.

[@jeffsmallwood4636]

Congratulations on your purchase! I purchased a new 2024 Ninja Zx6r KRT. I love this bike! I also owned the 2018 Aprilia RSV4 RF brand new and enjoyed that bike also! I installed the Two Brothers full titanium racing exhaust with their carbon fiber series muffler on my 636! This thing is extremely loud and sounds incredible! I also added the tail tidy kit and rear seat Kawasaki cowl cover. I plan on sending the ECU to Moore Mafia to have it tuned to remove all restrictions. This bike is so much fun to ride and I know that you’ll enjoy it tremendously! Congratulations again!

[@PetroHead]

Thank you!

[@jeffsmallwood4636]

You’re welcome!

[@SuperRider-RS]

kawasaki's man are definitely the go to for reliability, even triumphs get into issues but in my friends bikers circle...I haven't heart kawaski breaking down somewhere or unexpectedly!

[@PetroHead]

My 765 Triple never broke down or gave me any issues and I rode that bike to hell and back LOL... But some are unlucky like I was (in my case.. twice with both RSV4's shame)

[@joeplem5329]

2020z900 owner here, congrats on the new ride!!! Aprilia's look cool AF like you said but you'll never have to worry about reliability again with a Kawi!!!

[@PetroHead]

Definitely... Thank God for Japanese brands!! And so glad Kawa didn't discontinue this legendary bike and instead made it better after 2024.

[@r_nine.99]

I plan on scooping the gray and blue color way. Awesome bike man.

[@staccatoglock]

Yeah it’s the one I got. It’s 🔥. Wanted Kawi Green but truthfully the 2025 KRT is 🤢🤮

[@DuskyCommunity]

What a great video. I Love the bike, especially the paint scheme. It’s a more usable machine as well. I agree with you. I Love the litre bikes. You have to own one and go through it’s paces. The novelty will wear off slightly(then you get older like me😂) After a while you realize 600’s are more well rounded for the street. Really it’s all in what kind of riding you do. Overall you can get more out of a middleweight sport bike. I miss that ride a lot….again,Well done!

[@tyyoung7625]

Congrats on the new addition. Nice bike!

[@PetroHead]

Thanks 🙏

[@kolenew8181]

I was between the zx6r and gsxr750. I went with the 750. Both are amazing bikes. I went with the 750 for less weight, more power and less electronics. I love that the 750 is a new "old" bike. Both are perfect choices its all preferences. Great bikes

[@PetroHead]

💯

[@JanMichaelManalo-n7v]

Okay so your rsv4 is gone now. Thats one of my favourite bike. And yeah the sound of it!!! For me the best sounding 1000cc bikes are the rsv4 and the r1. Thats why i commented at you other video about your advice between rs660,r7 and the zx6r and your reply is go with the zx6r and you have a point there! Thanks and really nice and as always informative videos 👍

[@georgemcpherson3706]

can't have an auto blipper without an electronic throttle, enjoy the bike

[@PetroHead]

Damn!

[@660xV7]

Sad to see the RSV4 go, but can’t blame you. Looking forward to seeing the new videos with the ZX6-R.

[@PetroHead]

Yep.. Lots more to come. Thanks for the comment!

[@rionelrodrigues2888]

Great bike and great video man. As for the autoblipper, Kawasaki will only be able to put one when they may choose to go ride by wire. Hopefully, we see that oneday.

[@movem1]

yes sir! smart choice, more usable than ZX4RR for getting far out into the canyons. Awesome stuff, congrats!!

[@PetroHead]

Thanks brother.. feels good to be back to Japanese bikes. Just ride it and never worry about issues (and 16K redline.. woot woot!!)

[@AgricUltra]

Although the 4 has a blipper and you can use the full rev range on the road. More comfortable riding position for road use too…and cheaper.

[@Forwardoperationbase]

I just got one 3 weeks ago. I love her. I named her "Grace". Only by the grace of God I been able to enjoy a beautiful bike like this, i been wanting one since i was 17, im 47 now.

[@PetroHead]

That's awesome! Glad you're enjoying it after all these years!

[@Forwardoperationbase]

@PetroHead God is good, brother. God is good. Have a great weekend!

[@JagMoto636]

Such an awesome bike. Miss mine already!

[@Rickmac22]

Come to Texas! You’ll love it here… Freedom baby!

[@24james]

Still have my 2019 R6. I replicated much of what you did: Bauce Tune, full exhaust with cat delete & graves block off plates. I’ve bought a HD & Triumph, but will never sell the R6. Too much fun & revs like an F1 car💯🔥🏍️👍🏽

[@PetroHead]

Jealous☺️

[@24james]

@@PetroHeadIt’s a bad ass bike cause of your channel dude. So…much thanks sir!💯✔️🙏🏾

[@PetroHead]

Wait till you see what I end up doing with the ZX6R.

[@geraldjarosch536]

For quickshift up you just need to interrupt ignition and/or cut fuel, but for an autoblipper the ECU basically has to he able to overwrite your throttle signal. No chance without ride-by-wire.

[@chriscook7219]

Nice!!! Welcome back same colorway as my 25 zx10r.

[@PetroHead]

I created a poll and this was the most popular color.. no regrets! #teamgreen

[@chriscook7219]

@PetroHead 100% agree I love my ZX10R and that's another reason I decided not to go with the RSV4. BTW thank you for the input on not getting the RSV4 it was definitely the right choice.

[@PetroHead]

An RSV4 is a great choice for someone with deep pockets and room for 5+ bikes.. they ride it 500 miles a year and rotate bikes all year round. The RSV4 was my dedicated bike and I used all 1100cc all-the-time.. it’s made for an owner who can live with the consequences of ownership and consider its faults one its features. I don’t belong in that group. I care about my time and mental health to deal with garbage like that lol PS: someone will come and comment.. ‘it’s my only bike and I put 30k miles in 6 months and mine has no issues.’ Ya good for you. You’re an anomaly. Go write a book about it lol 😂

[@chriscook7219]

@PetroHead Right!! Lol honestly I did research for weeks!! On that bike and it's a beautiful bike but for me it's always pro's and con's deal my closest dealer is 40 miles away so towing it to the dealer is an expensive situation, as well as needing basic services. Yes it has more power than my Zx10r, and yes the RSV4 is the best sounding sports bike but for me reliability and dealer network are huge! Plus can't put a price tag on Japanese reliability.

[@joemann3536]

ON THE HIGHWAY STAGGER THE RPMS for the first 600 miles and you will be fine. love Kawasaki brand... Solid machines. I bought a 2018 Kawasaki Zed 900. as most Japan built bikes so solid. 👍

[@allnighterist]

Congrats on the new bike! green team 💚💚💚

[@PetroHead]

Thank you! #teamgreen

[@vigilant.]

Team green

[@dlres]

2013 ZX-6R. only had single oil leak last year. just need to replace the aging valve cover gasket

[@charilaospapadimitriou5629]

I would be curious to see the zx6r against the r9. It seems that they will be both at the same price range.

[@PetroHead]

Yep... video coming soon.. I already planned on it LOL

[@BrassGoblin03]

From a dead stop r9 will launch better but the top end won’t even be close to a zx6

[@enyelator1239]

That bike is drive by cable. You need ride by wire so the auto blipper can rev match on the down shifts. I love the new KRT colors. They look retro.

[@Canadastrong1]

Awesome bike dude

[@moton8tion866]

Congrats man, I was thinking of trading my R1 in for one. The deal breaker was no autoblip due to still having cables.

[@PetroHead]

Thanks! Ya it’s a real bummer but there is plenty to love so I’m ok with it.

[@ninjamaster7724]

I bought the ZX4RR 40th anniversary edition. I was going to buy the ZX6R.Maybe i should have bought the ZX6R? Nice bike man.

[@PetroHead]

Thanks.. Whatever you bought is the right bike for you.

[@sdbobbyt]

I love Mt Soledad!

[@JanMichaelManalo-n7v]

Nice!!!! Yup i saw that video👍😎

[@mathieuconstantin3356]

Can’t go wrong with Japanese Bikes

[@PetroHead]

never!

[@mathieuconstantin3356]

@ the only euro bike I’ll buy is a triumph

[@PetroHead]

My triumph was bullet proof and I put that bike through hell on every ride.

[@mathieuconstantin3356]

@@PetroHead I was about to buy the street triple but they closed the Costa Mesa dealership so I went to Kawasaki and bought the Z900rs Café

[@PetroHead]

Wait.. didn’t a triumph dealership just open up near Newport or is that the one that opened and now closed??

[@ronnelsolis]

FYI exhaust bolts and oil filter are super tight. adjust the clutch cable and check the throttle play.

[@PetroHead]

How do you adjust the throttle play? Clutch cable is fine but deff play on the throttle.

[@ronnelsolis]

@ kzbin.info/www/bejne/pJO7h4l6iKmLiZYsi=FzBrVnn1oMmG9wHM I watched his video on how to adjust throttle. He explains it very well

[@ronnelsolis]

@@PetroHead kzbin.info/www/bejne/pJO7h4l6iKmLiZYsi=FzBrVnn1oMmG9wHM I watched his video. He explains how to adjust throttle cable very well

[@BillyCross-d5v]

Wow fair play to you she’s a beast great choice enjoy it 👍👍👍💯

[@PetroHead]

Thank you!

[@cisarvialpando7412]

14:22 do the handle bars are higher up than Zx10r ?

[@stevenjackson5541]

Luv the ZX

[@kunaldembla9184]

Zero Gravity Corsa windshield is the best!

[@PetroHead]

Thanks.. this has been recommended multiple times. Time to send some emails for a free one 😉

[@theincrediblesulk5543]

On the screen recommend Zero Gravity Racing either the double bubble or corsa. I had a S1000R never trusted it and eventually QS died now on an older ‘12 GSXR and bullet proof. Am holding out that Suzuki will eventually upgrade it but would also consider the 636, although I believe the 636 is even more extreme riding position compared to the GSXR

[@PetroHead]

Thanks! GSXR will be more aggressive.

[@AndyHunt182]

With the run in period, I decided the same as you 4k RPM was a bit dangerous on fast roads and there are a lot where I live. I took the decision to just get the bike warm and do the speed limits in 6th for the first few hundred miles.

[@PetroHead]

The recommendations were written by a team of lawyers to cover their asses. Just have fun! Mine is going in @ 250 miles next week for first oil change then it’s WOT!

[@AndyHunt182]

@PetroHead I did the full 600 but stayed fairly sensible until the first service with gentle increases in the RPM.

[@PetroHead]

@@AndyHunt182 old but good article. www.mototuneusa.com/break_in_secrets.htm

[@cisarvialpando7412]

11:05 but previous generation zx6r has ride by cable trottle

[@shaunaktotade3590]

The zx6 has a cable throttle and not ride by wire. There is a blipper by IRC that is a mechanical blipper it seems. I've watched videos with an r6 and old r1s that seem to be working great

[@shaunaktotade3590]

I have a 19 zx6 and am considering getting the blipper. Please get the blipper so I know how it works out😅

[@danielwood5510]

im getting a new bike in spring as a returning rider and this is on my short list.

[@PetroHead]

Make sure to download my free Motorcycle Mastery ebook when it drops. As a returning rider, you will need it.

[@G30rg31415]

Because it was, is, will be the best mid tier ss.

[@manuelracing448]

No lane splitting in Texas 😢

[@USJFKSWGA]

Zero gravity makes a nice taller windscreen.

[@STAGLIFE-nk9jq]

🥂 Team Green

[@BrassGoblin03]

Japanese bikes are the only way. I love my 24 zx10. Rode a little over 10,000 miles this year.

[@PetroHead]

10k miles in a year Hell ya

[@FacelessCreate]

The one thing that makes me nervous about Kawasaki. I seen a video where somebody took the key for one bike and started another. Because it’s pretty much the same across their sport bikes and supermotos. Lmk if there’s no reason to worry about that? Ig if you lock it up it doesn’t matter.

[@PetroHead]

Damn this makes life easy in case I loose my key 🤣

[@FacelessCreate]

@ nah for real 💀

[@grenzle2428]

great choice

[@PetroHead]

Thank you

[@xorbe2]

I should have tried the zx6r not the zx4rr. Wanted a smaller bike but I guess I prefer middle weights after all. Kind of low key waiting to see if the latest gen cbr600rr ever comes to the USA.

[@PetroHead]

I was very close to buying a Zx4RR… solid bike and a hoot on the track! Not sure why Honda is not releasing it in the U.S.. people would jump all over that beauty!

[@krie2375]

How does the zx6 compare to the street triple after owning both of them now?

[@PetroHead]

Triple will have more TQ and will feel more alive but way different bikes. Perhaps a video in the future on the topic.

[@GregMacDougall-m3n]

Where is the viewpoint/look out at, what city?

[@PetroHead]

La Jolla, San Diego CA.

[@GregMacDougall-m3n]

Thank you, I live in the Pacific Northwest south of Seattle; but what is the name of the lookout park with the view the video starts at? @@PetroHead

[@PetroHead]

Mt. Soledad

[@GregMacDougall-m3n]

@@PetroHead THX!

[@shareefk9039]

Does this bike have abs? Does this pose an issue if your trying to do track days?

[@PetroHead]

Mine does but you can buy a non ABS version. If you ride predominantly on the street and you ride while it's raining, ABS is a safe option. But if you rarely get rain where you live and track often, probably better off getting non ABS and it's cheaper as well. You can't go wrong either way.

[@SquireSCA]

I love this bike, just wish they would update it to an IMU and autoblip... Kinda no excuse to not have that stuff in 2025.... And it revs to 16k, but the power starts dropping off at 14k, so the more you rev it the less it makes. An ECU flash, exhaust and stacks can help with that though... And as for keeping the revs down for 600 miles... ignore that. Kawi had that bike on the dyno to redline before it left the factory. All their sportbikes have... I ride it "medium" for the first 100 miles, change the oil and filter and then rip it... The 600 mile thing is what the lawyers put in the manual, from the 70s and 80s... Its not needed any more, but they like to cover their asses I guess...

[@PetroHead]

Ya, ignoring all that BS in the manual.. like you said, it was written in the 80's by a team of lawyers because at the time, a 600cc bike was a rocket ship. Nowadays, only slow guys like me buy one lol.. but anyway, great article which is old now but still relevant: www.mototuneusa.com/break_in_secrets.htm

[@FrenchyRider574]

Zero gravity corsa for the windscreen

[@TheDiamondNinjah]

How much did it run you if you don’t mind me asking? I’m planning to get one soon!

[@PetroHead]

14K OTD.. will be making a buyers guide soon. Stay tuned. (Most people pay 15.5k OTD)

[@TheDiamondNinjah]

@ Thank you!

[@aleksandrkorovin1524]

Hi, I got MT09 2024 love it, but I don’t like how it looks, and I’m thinking about zx6r/r9 or may be something else you can suggest? Thank you

[@PetroHead]

You landed on the right video.

[@Qrides]

Buying myn in January or February. I can’t decide between the og green or the red rims with white body style.

[@PetroHead]

I created a poll in the community section and the winner was #teamgreen as the #1 choice.. go check it out.

[@Qrides]

@ that’s crazy sounds like u had the same issue 😂👌💯

[@PetroHead]

lol yep.. the green is stunning in person and deff stands out.

[@Qrides]

@@PetroHead see that’s what I want so I’ll be seen more by traffic but also I just hope it’s not like to bling if u understand what I mean and I would hate to regret not getting the white and red !

[@PetroHead]

I get it…. Both colors stand out.

[@Tripl3Jinx]

Im trying to decide between an R9 or 24 ZX6R. Most likely going to go with the ZX6R as they will be cheaper.

[@PetroHead]

The R9 is only $200 more than ZX6R.. I’ll be creating a video about this topic soon.

[@Tripl3Jinx]

@PetroHead true but you can already find 24 KRT ZX6Rs for undet 11K private party. Cost to buy an R9 from dealership would be much higher after taxes.

[@PetroHead]

Very true! I thought we were talking brand new.

[@ak-47821]

congrats, man! i would like to see how you sit on it with both feet down? i am about the same height as you.

[@PetroHead]

Both feet down? Ahah.. not a chance. I made a video a while back for dudes like us.. R6 33.5 inches (zx6r = 32.7) make do with what you got my dude. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qYKZfH2BjNSLgqssi=qawoB6n_KzyCTs4V

[@hueyfreeman7010]

The only downside is, it is still not ride by wire; even with the 2024 redesign.

[@clarklimbaugh822]

I have a 2021, it's excellent for sporty riding. But the riding position plus the short gearing are bad for everyday use. 80 mph is 8k rpms, so it's not comfortable at highway speeds. I've got a deposit down on an MT09 SP, which is a better all around bike

[@JagMoto636]

The zx6r only needs an m4 slip on to be loud

[@PetroHead]

I got an equally loud one coming from LV! Can’t wait! Good to hear from you again 👍

[@stevenjackson5541]

Get suspension Ohlin cartridge kit or gp suspension.

[@PetroHead]

$$$$

[@Anthony-hc9ib]

You won’t have an issue now. Trickle charge battery. Change the oil every 1 k or 1500. 16k rpm need oil changed a lot. Its it

[@PetroHead]

Yep!

[@AgricUltra]

Lack of blipper (because it’s NOT ride by wire) is all that puts me off getting one. It’s antiquated. 2026?

[@PetroHead]

I hear you brother.. updated body work, new screen but still old tech doesn’t make sense but 100% bulletproof, superb performance with a $300 tune, unbelievable resale value (you’ll get 90% back even with 5k miles) and very useable.. there are a lot of pluses and it just looks sensational in person. I’ve gotten lots of compliments already.

[@AgricUltra]

@ I bet you have! They look stunning. I think they could have done more with the dash, but it’s a sensational bike. Sooo hoping they go ride by wire soon though.

[@PetroHead]

I doubt it. If they would have, they would have done it when they redesigned it. The R9 is what the zx6r should have been with the redesign but the zx6r has that heavenly inline 4.. it’s incomparable.

[@AgricUltra]

@ it’s a shame you don’t get the new CBR600RR in the States. Thats pretty much the full package.

[@PetroHead]

100% agree! You’re the second person to mention it in the comments.. wtf Honda!

[@samrichardson9785]

i got zero gravity on mine, i got a white 2024, got almost 8k miles on it.

[@PetroHead]

Hell ya, you ride a lot... good for you! What model ZG do you have? there are a lot.

[@samrichardson9785]

@ I went with the double bubble, good for me no helmet bobble , I’m 5”8 for reference, seems like a lot like coarsa too! I think it looks a little too tall though 🤣

[@PetroHead]

Share a link please.

[@gertjanweststrate7267]

You forgot the CBR600RR as a legendary bike😢

[@PetroHead]

YOU are a legend 😉

[@Leequan4]

petrohead man I'm glad your back!!! I'm bummed that u got rid of the Aprilia RSV4 but that's ok because u always have a bike I've been thinking about getting lol. looking forward to the book and cant wait too download it. great video as always man!!!

[@PetroHead]

Thanks brother, I appreciate you! 🙏

[@bijoux]

It is NOT ride-by-wire (still cable throttle) and that makes auto blip impossible. Enjoy the bike, they are basically indistructible.

[@PetroHead]

Thank you! Rev-match it is.. I actually enjoy it (but full QS is magic on the track! )

[@Backtothehat]

Congrats, dude! And welcome to the Ninja family! 🥷. Can’t wait to see the mods you make.

[@PetroHead]

Thank you!

[@kupalisky3553]

Sounds like you gave up on the RSV4 too early IMO. That was a shitty dealer, not an issue with Aprilia. I know SoCal has multiple Aprilia dealers and sounds like the new owner got it taken care of no problem. I dunno you do you and that Kawi is nice but if it doesn’t sound like it was that big of an issue to give up the bike.

[@PetroHead]

You have more patience for BS than I do I guess. Go check out my Aprilia playlist.. nothing but issues since day one (this is my 2nd Aprilia!!) You sound like you’re new to the channel.. I don’t blame you for thinking the way you do. (Since you don’t know the full history)

[@TsukyomiNoMikoto]

Probably no better bike than this

[@mr.j9749]

lol expecting european bikes to be reliable is as expecting a chicken to grow tits. performance comes at a price. im glad you took the right choice. enjoy little ninja!

[@פינחסטחבש]

nice

[@clubstyleridahd4695]

You cant go wrong with a Japanese bike.

[@CDKZFZ]

Lol 150.....160 at crank, ya ok.😂...smart

[@Gregory.allo77]

zx6r 40th anniversary edition looked better.

[@elithegreat6463]

Yeah, but it’s Lime Green 🤮🤦🏻

[@ManlyHK1]

Can see your face, leathers and boots?

[@PetroHead]

If you’re asking about my gear, links are in the description.