A reward with every ride
HERE’S a red-hot middleweight that can be six years old and still hang on the coat-tails of ever the latest offerings from Suzuki or Yamaha .
And, like Honda’s CBRs, the Kawasaki is both sporty and practical without appearing to compromise. It looks aggressive, it sounds stunning and the ride will reward even the most experienced riders.
The styling sets it apart from the bikes it was up against on its launch, the worthy CBR600 and the fast but flabby Thundercat. And the induction roar set the hairs on the back of your neck prickling. Although the bike will blast to 160 mph you’re aware that it’s a 600 not 750 mill churning beneath you; while overtaking won’t have you dancing on the gear shift like a firewalker on his first night, the best action is found over 10,000rpm.
Mind you, the sexy noises the Ninja makes as it screams to the 14,000 redline will have you dropping down the ‘box just for the hell of it, as the airbox gulps down vast quantities of fresh air to meet the demands of the motor.
The sharp engine is mated to equally sharp handling, which gets better as the pace hots up. The steering is clearly designed for high speed cornering. At such scorching speeds, rider input is crucial on this bike but the rewards for your effort will take your breath away.
The searing top speed and the razor sharp handling of the ZX-6R will make it the first choice for hardened scratchers.
The front can get a bit twitchy on the gas but it all adds up to terrific riding experience. The suspension also confirms the Ninja’s supersport credentials; firm at low speeds but once the pace is raised the stiffness works in your favour. Feedback is superb and the bike always maintains its composure. Turn in hard or drive out at full bore and it will hold its line.
The front four-piston Nissins are powerful yet sensitive and the set-up can always be relied upon to haul you up sharpish. Combined with the spot-on handling it’s an excellent carving tool for twisting roads. As a performance machine it’s up there with the best and the whole package offers you a visceral experience usually reserved for racers. Tuck in.
Alternatives: Ducati 748, Honda CBR600, Suzuki GSX-R 600, Yamaha YZF600.