Sportbikes
2001Kawasaki ZX-6R Ninja
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The 2001 Kawasaki ZX-6R Ninja is a middleweight sportbike designed for riders seeking aggressive performance in a manageable package. Its 599cc inline-four engine delivers strong mid-range power and sharp handling characteristics, making it ideal for both track days and spirited road riding. Known for excellent value and reliability, the ZX-6R established itself as a benchmark middleweight competitor.
- Capacity
- 599.0 ccm
- Engine
- In-line four, four-stroke
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Dry weight
- 172.0 kg
- Seat height
- 830 mm
- Power
- 111.0 HP (81.6 kW) @ 12500 RPM
What’s new for the 2001 Kawasaki ZX-6R Ninja
vs the 2000| Spec | 2000 | 2001 |
|---|---|---|
| Top speed | 255.0 km/h (158.4 mph) | 258.0 km/h (160.3 mph) |
| Dry weight | 170.0 kg (374.8 pounds) | 172.0 kg (379.2 pounds) |
| Seat height | 790 mm (31.1 inches) | 830 mm (32.7 inches) |
How it rides
Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested- Best for
- Built primarily for spirited road riding and track days, prioritizing cornering speed and outright performance over practicality.
- Built for
- A sharp, revvy 636cc in-line four with a light chassis and top-shelf brakes that rewards an assertive, committed riding style.
- Not ideal for
- This is not the right bike for new riders, tall touring distances, two-up comfort, or anyone wanting a relaxed, upright commuting experience.
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
- 111.0 HP (81.6 kW) @ 12500 RPM
- Torque
- 66.0 Nm (6.7 kgf-m)
- Engine type
- In-line four, four-stroke
- Power/weight ratio
- 0.6453 HP/kg (dry)
- Bore x stroke
- 66.0 x 43.8 mm
- Compression
- 12.8:1
- Cooling system
- Liquid
- Fuel system
- Injection
- Starting
- Electric
- Ignition
- TCBI with digital advance
- Valves per cylinder
- 4
Transmission
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Transmission type
- Manual
- Final drive
- Chain
Performance
- Top speed
- 258.0 km/h (160.3 mph)
Dimensions & weight
- Wheelbase
- 1400 mm
- Overall length
- 2090 mm
- Overall width
- 711 mm
- Overall height
- 1115 mm
- Seat height
- 830 mm
- Dry weight
- 172.0 kg
- Wet weight
- 203.0 kg
- Fuel capacity
- 18.00 litres
Chassis & suspension
- Frame
- Aluminum perimeter
- Front suspension
- 41mm Inverted Cartridge Fork with Adjustable Preload, Stepless Rebound and Compression Damping,TiSiCN Coating
- Rear suspension
- Uni-Trak with Adjustable Preload, Stepless Rebound, High and Low Speed Compression Damping, and Ride Height
- Front wheel travel
- 120 mm
- Rear wheel travel
- 135 mm
- Rake (fork angle)
- 24.0°
- Trail
- 109 mm
Brakes & wheels
- Front brakes
- Dual disc
- Front brakes diameter
- 300 mm
- Rear brakes
- Single disc
- Rear brakes diameter
- 220 mm
- Front tyre
- 120/65-ZR17
- Rear tyre
- 180/55-ZR17
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 | 1996 | 1998 | 1999 | 2001 | 2002 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 599 cc | 599 cc | 599 cc | 599 cc | 636 cc |
| Dry weight | 182 kg | 182 kg | 182 kg | 172 kg | 182 kg |
| Seat height | 810 mm | 810 mm | 820 mm | 830 mm | 820 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 18 L | 18 L | 18 L | 18 L | 18 L |
Illustrative - generated automatically by diffing the year records already on file, not a manufacturer-published changelog.
Safety Recalls
⚠ 1 recall may applyELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATORDec 2002 · 02V324000
ON CERTAIN 2000 ZX1200-A1/A1-L, 2001 ZX1200-A2/A2-L, AND 2002-2003 ZX1200-B1/B1-L MOTORCYCLES, OIL LEAKING FROM THE ALTERNATOR LEAD ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR CAN BE DEPOSITED ONTO THE REAR TIRE.
Risk: THIS CAN CREATE THE POTENTIAL FOR A LOSS OF TRACTION FOR BRAKING OR CORNERING, AND CAN LEAD TO A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL SEAL THE ALTERNATOR LEAD WIRES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN BEGIN DECEMBER 16, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT KAWASAKI AT 1-949-770-0400.
These recalls cover some 2001 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 ZX-6R Ninja?
The 2001 Kawasaki ZX-6R Ninja has a Capacity of 599.0 ccm (36.55 cubic inches).
What engine power does the Kawasaki ZX-6R Ninja have?
The 2001 Kawasaki ZX-6R Ninja has a Power of 111.0 HP (81.6 kW) @ 12500 RPM.
How many gears does the Kawasaki ZX-6R Ninja have?
The 2001 Kawasaki ZX-6R Ninja has a Gearbox of 6-speed.
What is the torque of the Kawasaki ZX-6R Ninja?
The 2001 Kawasaki ZX-6R Ninja has a Torque of 66.0 Nm (6.7 kgf-m or 48.7 ft.lbs).
How much does the Kawasaki ZX-6R Ninja weigh?
The 2001 Kawasaki ZX-6R Ninja has a Dry weight of 172.0 kg (379.2 pounds).
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