Sportbikes
2008Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R
44 fields on record
The 2008 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R is a lightweight middleweight sportbike designed for riders seeking sharp handling and aggressive styling. Powered by a 599cc inline-four engine with fuel injection, it delivers responsive performance ideal for both track days and spirited street riding. Known for its nimble chassis and revvy character, the ZX-6R excels as an accessible platform for developing advanced riding skills.
- Capacity
- 599.0 ccm
- Engine
- In-line four, four-stroke
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Dry weight
- 167.0 kg
- Seat height
- 820 mm
- Power
- 107.8 HP (79.3 kW)
What’s new for the 2008 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R
vs the 2007| Spec | 2007 | 2008 |
|---|---|---|
| Torque | — | 40.0 Nm (4.1 kgf-m or 29.5 ft.lbs) @ 11500 RPM |
| Dry weight | — | 167.0 kg (368.2 pounds) |
| Seat height | 826 mm (32.5 inches) | 820 mm (32.3 inches) |
| Front suspension | 41 mm inverted cartridge fork with top-out springs, stepless rebound damping, stepless compression damping, fully-adjustable spring preload / TBD | 41 mm inverted cartridge fork with top-out springs, stepless rebound damping, stepless compression damping, fully-adjustable spring preload / 4.7 in. |
| Rear suspension | Bottom-Link Uni-Trak® with gas-charged shock, top-out spring and pillow ball upper mount, dual-range (high/low-speed) stepless compression damping, 25-way Adjustable rebound damping, fully-adjustable spring preload / TBD | Bottom-Link Uni-Trak® with gas-charged shock, top-out spring and pillow ball upper mount, dual-range (high/low-speed) stepless compression damping, 25-way adjustable rebound damping, fully-adjustable spring preload / 5.2 in. |
| Wheelbase | 1389 mm (54.7 inches) | 1405 mm (55.3 inches) |
| Compression | 13.9:1 | 13.3:1 |
Other years
2004
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
How it rides
Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested- Best for
- Built primarily for spirited canyon carving and track days, with razor-sharp handling as its main selling point over outright straight-line power.
- Built for
- A revvy, precise, and eager middleweight that rewards riders who like to work the gearbox and chase the tach needle through corners.
- Not ideal for
- Not a good fit for new riders, anyone prioritizing all-day comfort, or those planning to load it up with luggage and a passenger for long-distance touring.
Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.
Will it fit you?
Worked out in your browser - nothing is sent to usEngine
- Capacity
- 599.0 ccm
- Power
- 107.8 HP (79.3 kW)
- EPA Certificate No.
- 8KAXC.599AAE-010; 8KAXC.599AAF-011-R01
- EPA CO Emissions
- 4.0 CO g/km
- Torque
- 40.0 Nm (4.1 kgf-m) @ 11500 RPM
- Engine type
- In-line four, four-stroke
- Power/weight ratio
- 0.6455 HP/kg
- Bore x stroke
- 67.0 x 42.5 mm
- Compression
- 13.3:1
- Cooling system
- Liquid
- Fuel system
- Injection
- Starting
- Electric
- Ignition
- TCBI with digital advance
- Aspiration
- Naturally aspirated
- Valves per cylinder
- 4
Transmission
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Transmission type
- Manual
- Final drive
- Chain
Performance
- 0-60 mph
- 3.20 seconds
- 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph)
- 3.40 seconds
Dimensions & weight
- Wheelbase
- 1405 mm
- Overall length
- 2090 mm
- Overall width
- 711 mm
- Overall height
- 1115 mm
- Seat height
- 820 mm
- Dry weight
- 167.0 kg
- Wet weight
- 191.1 kg
- Fuel capacity
- 17.00 litres
Chassis & suspension
- Frame
- Aluminum perimeter
- Front suspension
- 41 mm inverted cartridge fork with top-out springs, stepless rebound damping, stepless compression damping, fully-adjustable spring preload / 4.7 in.
- Rear suspension
- Bottom-Link Uni-Trak® with gas-charged shock, top-out spring and pillow ball upper mount, dual-range (high/low-speed) stepless compression damping, 25-way adjustable rebound damping, fully-adjustable spring preload / 5.2 in.
- Front wheel travel
- 120 mm
- Rear wheel travel
- 135 mm
- Rake (fork angle)
- 25.0°
- Trail
- 109 mm
Brakes & wheels
- Front brakes
- Double disc
- Front brakes diameter
- 300 mm
- Rear brakes
- Single disc
- Rear brakes diameter
- 210 mm
- Front tyre
- 120/70-ZR17
- Rear tyre
- 180/55-ZR17
Other
- Color options
- Lime Green, Candy Plasma Blue, Vivid Yellow, Special Edition: Ebony
- Fuel Tank Material
- M
Compiled from manufacturer documentation and user contributions, corrected on an ongoing basis. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.
What changed, year to year
Differences highlighted| Specification | 2004 | 2008 | 2011 | 2016 | 2020 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 636.00 ccm (38.81 cubic inches) | 599.00 ccm (36.55 cubic inches) | 599.00 ccm (36.55 cubic inches) | 636.00 ccm (38.81 cubic inches) | 636.0 ccm (38.81 cubic inches) | 636.0 ccm (38.81 cubic inches) |
| Dry weight | 161.0 kg (354.9 pounds) | 167.0 kg (368.2 pounds) | — | — | — | — |
| Seat height | — | 820 mm (32.3 inches) | 815 mm (32.1 inches) | 831 mm (32.7 inches) | 830 mm (32.7 inches) | 830 mm (32.7 inches) |
| Fuel capacity | — | 17.03 litres (4.50 gallons) | 17.03 litres (4.50 gallons) | 17.03 litres (4.50 gallons) | 17.00 litres (4.49 US gallons) | 17.00 litres (4.49 US gallons) |
| Color options | Lime green, blue, silver | Lime Green, Candy Plasma Blue, Vivid Yellow, Special Edition: Ebony | Lime Green/Ebony, Ebony/Flat Black, Candy Plasma Blue/Ebony | Lime Green/Flat Ebony, Pearl Flat Crystal White/Flat Ebony | Candy Steel Furnace Orange/Metallic Flat Spark Black, Metallic Spark Black/Metallic Flat Spark Black | Lime Green/Ebony/Pearl Blizzard White Ebony/Metallic Flat Spark Black Ebony/Metallic Flat Spark Black |
Illustrative - generated automatically by diffing the year records already on file, not a manufacturer-published changelog.
Safety Recalls
⚠ 2 open recallsENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICALNov 2025 · 25V798000
Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. (Kawasaki) is recalling certain 2024-2026 Ninja ZX-6R, ZX-6R KRT Edition, ZX-6R KRT 40th Anniversary Edition ABS, ZX-6R ABS, and ZX-6R KRT Edition ABS motorcycles. The motorcycles may lose engine power during operation due to seizure of a metal crankshaft bushing.
Risk: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to ride their motorcycles until the repair has been completed. Dealers will re-tighten the metal crankshaft bushing, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 15, 2025. Motorcycles in this recall that were previously repaired under recall 25V376 will need to have the new remedy performed, once available. Owners may contact Kawasaki customer service at (855) 878-4217.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICALJul 2025 · 25V376000
Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. (Kawasaki) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Ninja ZX-6R motorcycles. The motorcycles may lose engine power during operation due to seizure of a metal crankshaft bushing.
Risk: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to ride their motorcycles until the repair has been completed. The #5 metal crankshaft bushing must be inspected on all eligible units already in operation. If there is no abnormality with or damage to the bushing, the bolts holding the crankshaft together in the crank case must be re-tightened with proper torque. If there is any abnormality with or damage to the bushing, the parts must be replaced and the crankshaft properly tightened, or the engine must be otherwise repaired or replaced. The manufacturer has not yet provided a schedule for recall notification. Owners may contact KMC customer service at 1-866-802-9381. This recall was replaced by 25V798.
Source: NHTSA. View all Kawasaki recalls →
Rider Reviews
Common questions
What is the engine size of the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R?
The 2008 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R has a Capacity of 599.0 ccm (36.55 cubic inches).
What engine power does the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R have?
The 2008 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R has a Power of 107.8 HP (79.3 kW).
How many gears does the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R have?
The 2008 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R has a Gearbox of 6-speed.
What is the torque of the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R?
The 2008 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R has a Torque of 40.0 Nm (4.1 kgf-m or 29.5 ft.lbs) @ 11500 RPM.
How much does the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R weigh?
The 2008 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R has a Dry weight of 167.0 kg (368.2 pounds).
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