Sportbikes
2012Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R
43 fields on record
The 2012 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R is a middleweight supersport machine engineered for experienced riders seeking aggressive track-oriented performance. Its 599cc liquid-cooled inline four-cylinder engine delivers sharp acceleration and high-rpm thrills, while the refined chassis and braking system provide confidence-inspiring handling. Known for its excellent balance of speed, agility, and reliability, the ZX-6R remains a benchmark middleweight competitor.
- Capacity
- 599.0 ccm
- Engine
- In-line four, four-stroke
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Wet weight
- 191.1 kg
- Seat height
- 815 mm
- Power
- 107.8 HP (79.3 kW)
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)
- CO2 Emissions
- 136 CO2 g/km
- EPA Certificate No.
- CKAXC.599AAG-003
- EPA Est. Fuel Consumption
- 5.79 L/100km (40.6 US mpg)
- EPA CO Emissions
- 4.9 CO g/km
- Engine type
- In-line four, four-stroke
- Power/weight ratio
- 0.5641 HP/kg (wet)
- 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
- Torque
- Not on record - add it
Transmission
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Transmission type
- Manual
- Final drive
- Chain
Dimensions & weight
- Wheelbase
- 1400 mm
- Overall length
- 2090 mm
- Overall width
- 711 mm
- Overall height
- 1115 mm
- Seat height
- 815 mm
- Wet weight
- 191.1 kg
- Fuel capacity
- 17.00 litres
- Dry weight
- Not on record - add it
Chassis & suspension
- Frame
- Aluminum perimeter
- Front suspension
- 41 mm inverted Showa Big Piston fork with top-out springs, stepless compression and rebound 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 / 5.3 in.
- Front wheel travel
- 120 mm
- Rear wheel travel
- 135 mm
- Rake (fork angle)
- 24.0°
- Trail
- 104 mm
Brakes & wheels
- Front brakes
- Double disc
- Front brakes diameter
- 300 mm
- Rear brakes
- Single disc
- Rear brakes diameter
- 220 mm
- Front tyre
- 120/70-ZR17
- Rear tyre
- 180/55-ZR17
Other
- Color options
- Lime Green/ Metallic Spark Black, Passion Red/ Metallic Spark Black, Metallic Spark Black/Flat Ebony
- Warranty
- 12
- Fuel Tank Material
- Metal
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 | 2011 | 2012 | 2016 | 2020 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 636 cc | 599 cc | 599 cc | 636 cc | 636 cc | 636 cc |
| Dry weight | 161 kg | — | — | 191 kg | 191 kg | 191 kg |
| Seat height | 825 mm | 815 mm | 815 mm | 831 mm | 830 mm | 830 mm |
| Fuel capacity | — | 17 L | 17 L | 17 L | 17 L | 17 L |
Illustrative - generated automatically by diffing the year records already on file, not a manufacturer-published changelog.
Safety Recalls
⚠ 1 recall may applyELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERYFeb 2012 · 12V064000
KAWASAKI IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2011 NINJA ZX-10R, AND 2009-2012 NINJA ZX-6R MOTORCYCLES MANUFACTURED FROM DECEMBER 14, 2007 THROUGH JULY 26, 2011. DUE TO A MANUFACTURING ERROR, THE REGULATOR/RECTIFIER MAY INSUFFICIENTLY CHARGE THE BATTERY.
Risk: IF THE BATTERY DISCHARGES, THE MOTORCYCLE MAY STALL WITHOUT WARNING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: KAWASAKI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE VOLTAGE REGULATOR, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 24, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KAWASAKI AT 949-770-0400.
These recalls cover some 2012 bikes of this model. Whether one applies to a specific bike, and whether the repair has already been done, depends on its VIN — check your VIN with NHTSA or ask a dealer.
Source: NHTSA. View all Kawasaki recalls →
Rider Reviews
Common questions
What is the engine size of the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R?
The 2012 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 2012 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 2012 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R has a Gearbox of 6-speed.
How much does the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R weigh?
The 2012 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R has a Wet weight of 191.1 kg (421.3 pounds).
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