Sportbikes

2018Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R KRT Edition

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The 2018 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R KRT Edition is built for the committed sport rider who wants track-day sharpness with enough civility for the road. Its 636 cc in-line four thrives on revs, delivering 131 hp at 13,500 rpm alongside traction control and selectable power modes. Best known as the middleweight supersport benchmark, it pairs racing-inspired KRT colours with adjustable Showa suspension.

Capacity: 636.0 ccm
Engine: In-line four, four-stroke
Gearbox: 6-speed
Wet weight: 194.0 kg
Seat height: 830 mm
Power: 131.0 HP (97.7 kW) @ 13500 RPM

⇄ Compare with another bike All model years ⚠ Recalls listed (2)

What’s new for the 2018 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R KRT Edition

vs the 2017

Spec	2017	2018
Torque	71.0 Nm (7.2 kgf-m or 52.4 ft.lbs) @ 7200 RPM	71.0 Nm (7.2 kgf-m or 52.4 ft.lbs) @ 11500 RPM
Wet weight	206.0 kg (454.2 pounds)	194.0 kg (427.7 pounds)
Front suspension	41 mm inverted fork with top-out springs. Compression damping	41mm inverted Showa SFF-BP fork with top-out springs, stepless compression and rebound damping, adjustable spring preload

Other years 2017 2018

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail5%

Cornering93%

City riding40%

Daily riding35%

Touring30%

Two-up25%

Track95%

Best for: Built primarily for track days and aggressive sport riding, with road use as a secondary compromise.
Built for: A precise, revvy in-line four supersport that rewards skillful riding with sharp handling and a thrilling top-end rush.
Not ideal for: Not a good fit for new riders, commuters wanting comfort, or anyone planning long-distance touring or carrying passengers regularly.

Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.

Will it fit you?

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Your height

Inseam (optional)

Units

At 830mm, a rider of 175cm with a 79cm (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with balls of both feet on the 2018 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R KRT Edition, with a cramped knee angle of around 75 degrees and a forward-leaning riding position.

Assumes about 30mm of suspension sag once seated. This is an approximation from category-typical geometry, not a measurement of this bike or of you - sit on one before you buy.

More bikes at 821-900 mm — Long Legs →

Find bikes that fit your height →

Full specifications

Engine

Capacity: 636.0 ccm
Power: 131.0 HP (97.7 kW) @ 13500 RPM
Torque: 71.0 Nm (7.2 kgf-m) @ 11500 RPM
Engine type: In-line four, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio: 0.6753 HP/kg (wet)
Bore x stroke: 67.0 x 45.1 mm
Compression: 12.9:1
Cooling system: Liquid
Fuel system: Injection
Starting: Electric
Ignition: TCBI with digital advance and Sport-Kawasaki Traction Control (S-KTRC)
Valves per cylinder: 4
Lubrication system: Forced lubrication, wet sump with oil cooler

Transmission

Gearbox: 6-speed
Transmission type: Manual
Final drive: Chain
Clutch: Wet multi-disc, manual

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1395 mm
Overall length: 2085 mm
Overall width: 705 mm
Overall height: 1115 mm
Seat height: 830 mm
Wet weight: 194.0 kg
Fuel capacity: 17.00 litres
Ground clearance: 130 mm
Dry weight: Not on record - add it

Chassis & suspension

Frame: Aluminum perimeter
Front suspension: 41mm inverted Showa SFF-BP fork with top-out springs, stepless compression and rebound damping, adjustable spring preload
Rear suspension: Bottom-Link Uni-Trak with gas-charged shock. Compression damping
Front wheel travel: 119 mm
Rear wheel travel: 140 mm
Rake (fork angle): 23.5°
Trail: 102 mm

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes: Double disc. Floating discs. Optional ABS.
Front brakes diameter: 310 mm
Rear brakes: Single disc. Optional ABS.
Rear brakes diameter: 210 mm
ABS: Optional
Front tyre: 120/70-ZR17
Rear tyre: 180/55-ZR17

Other

Color options: Lime Green/Ebony/Metallic Graphite Gray
Comments: 101 kW {137 PS} at 13,500 rpm with RAM air. Traction control. Small windscreen. Kawasaki Traction Control (KTRC), Power Mode, Optional Kawasaki Intelligent anti-lock Brake System (KIBS).

Specs last verified against published sources: September 2026.

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	2017	2018
Capacity	636 cc	636 cc
Seat height	830 mm	830 mm
Fuel capacity	17 L	17 L

Illustrative - generated automatically by diffing the year records already on file, not a manufacturer-published changelog.

Safety Recalls

⚠ 2 recalls may apply

POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSIONNov 2020 · 20V676000

Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. (KMC) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Ninja H2 SX, Ninja H2 SXSE, and 2019-2020 Ninja H2 SXSE+ motorcycles. In the event of a gear misengagement the engine electronic control unit (ECU) programming doesn't have the capability to suppress high RPM during transmission. If the transmission gears are not properly engaged while shifting into 4th or 5th gear, high engine RPM can cause the output gears of 4th or 5th to fracture when the gears re-engage.

Risk: Damaged gears and the inability to shift can cause the engine to lock up, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: KMC will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the FI-ECU software, free of charge. Owners are advised to not ride their motorcycle until the repair has been completed. The recall began November 16, 2020. Owners may contact KMC customer service at 1-866-802-9381. KMC's number for this recall is MC20-10.

STRUCTURE:MOTORCYCLE:KICKSTAND/CENTER STANDAug 2018 · 18V580000

Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. (Kawasaki) is recalling certain 2018 Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX SE (ZXT02BJ) motorcycles. The pin for the center stand spring may have been improperly welded, and, as a result, the pin may shift or fall off resulting in the spring detaching and the center stand dropping to the ground unexpectedly and dragging while riding.

Risk: The dragging center stand can cause a loss of control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Kawasaki will notify owners, and dealers will replace the left center stand bracket, free of charge. Owners may contact Kawasaki customer service at 1-866-802-9381. Kawasaki's number for this recall is MC18-05.

These recalls cover some 2018 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

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MotorcycleDB Review

The 2018 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R KRT Edition is a stunning motorcycle that packs a powerful punch. The KRT edition, with its striking black and green color scheme, is a head-turner on the road. The 636cc engine delivers impressive performance, making it a joy to ride on both the streets and the track. The bike's handling is top-notch, providing a smooth and responsive ride that will please even the most discerning riders. Whether you're a seasoned rider or a newcomer to the sport, the Ninja ZX-6R KRT Edition is sure to impress with its combination of style and performance.

If you're in the market for a high-performance sportbike, the 2018 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R KRT Edition is definitely worth considering. With its eye-catching design and impressive performance capabilities, it's a motorcycle that is sure to satisfy even the most demanding riders. The KRT edition's black and green color scheme is sure to stand out on the road, and its 636cc engine delivers the power and agility that sportbike enthusiasts crave. Whether you're tearing up the track or cruising through the city streets, the Ninja ZX-6R KRT Edition is a motorcycle that will not disappoint.