Sportbikes
2012Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R Performance
37 fields on record
The 2012 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R Performance is a lightweight middleweight sport bike engineered for aggressive track-focused riders seeking sharp handling and responsive acceleration. Powered by a 599cc inline-four engine producing 126 horsepower, it excels in corner speed and mid-range punch, making it ideal for racing and road course work. Known for its precise steering geometry and compact dimensions, this model represents Kawasaki's commitment to accessible, performance-oriented supersport riding.
- Capacity
- 599.0 ccm
- Engine
- In-line four, four-stroke
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Wet weight
- 191.1 kg
- Seat height
- 815 mm
- Power
- 126.2 HP (92.8 kW)
How it rides
Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested- Best for
- Built primarily for track days and aggressive cornering, with road use as a secondary, less comfortable compromise.
- Built for
- A precise, revvy middleweight supersport that thrives on corner speed, sharp inputs, and a howling inline-four soundtrack near redline.
- Not ideal for
- This is not the right bike for riders wanting a relaxed commute, long-distance touring comfort, or any kind of off-road capability.
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
- 126.2 HP (92.8 kW)
- Torque
- 66.7 Nm (6.8 kgf-m) @ 11800 RPM
- Engine type
- In-line four, four-stroke
- Power/weight ratio
- 0.6604 HP/kg (wet)
- Bore x stroke
- 67.0 x 45.1 mm
- Compression
- 13.3:1
- Cooling system
- Liquid
- Fuel system
- Injection
- Starting
- Electric
- Ignition
- TCBI with digital advance
- Valves per cylinder
- 4
- Lubrication system
- Forced lubrication, wet sump
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
- Perimeter, pressed-aluminium
- Front suspension
- 41 mm inverted fork with top-out springs Compression damping: Stepless Rebound damping: Stepless Spring preload: Fully adjustable (0-15 mm)
- Rear suspension
- Bottom-Link Uni-Trak with gas-charged shock, top-out spring and pillow ball upper mount Compression damping: Stepless, dual-range (high/low-speed) Rebound damping: 25-way Spring preload:Fully adjustable (5.5-15.5 mm)
- Rake (fork angle)
- 24.0°
- Trail
- 103 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
Specs last verified against published sources: .
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 | 2012 | 2015 | 2017 | 2020 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 599 cc | 636 cc | 636 cc | 636 cc | 636 cc |
| Dry weight | — | — | — | — | 179 kg |
| Seat height | 815 mm | 830 mm | 830 mm | 830 mm | 831 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 Performance?
The 2012 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R Performance has a Capacity of 599.0 ccm (36.55 cubic inches).
What engine power does the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R Performance have?
The 2012 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R Performance has a Power of 126.2 HP (92.8 kW).
How many gears does the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R Performance have?
The 2012 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R Performance has a Gearbox of 6-speed.
What is the torque of the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R Performance?
The 2012 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R Performance has a Torque of 66.7 Nm (6.8 kgf-m or 49.2 ft.lbs) @ 11800 RPM.
How much does the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R Performance weigh?
The 2012 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R Performance has a Wet weight of 191.1 kg (421.3 pounds).
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