2002Kawasaki ZX-6R Ninja

40 fields on record

The 2002 Kawasaki ZX-6R Ninja is a middleweight sport bike designed for riders seeking a balance of performance and manageability. Known for its potent 636cc inline-four engine and aggressive styling, it excels as an accessible track-capable machine. The relatively low seat height makes it popular with riders of varying statures seeking serious sportbike performance.

Capacity: 636.0 ccm
Engine: In-line four, four-stroke
Gearbox: 6-speed
Dry weight: 182.0 kg
Seat height: 820 mm
Power: 70.0 HP (51.5 kW)

⇄ Compare with another bike All model years ⚠ Recalls listed (1)

What’s new for the 2002 Kawasaki ZX-6R Ninja

vs the 2001

Spec	2001	2002
Engine capacity	599.0 ccm (36.55 cubic inches)	636.0 ccm (38.81 cubic inches)
Power	111.0 HP (81.6 kW) @ 12500 RPM	70.0 HP (51.5 kW)
Torque	66.0 Nm (6.7 kgf-m or 48.7 ft.lbs)	63.7 Nm (6.5 kgf-m or 47.0 ft.lbs) @ 10000 RPM
Top speed	258.0 km/h (160.3 mph)	not listed
Dry weight	172.0 kg (379.2 pounds)	182.0 kg (401.2 pounds)
Wet weight	203.0 kg (447.5 pounds)	192.1 kg (423.5 pounds)
Seat height	830 mm (32.7 inches)	820 mm (32.3 inches)
Front suspension	41mm Inverted Cartridge Fork with Adjustable Preload, Stepless Rebound and Compression Damping,TiSiCN Coating	41mm inverted cartridge fork with rebound and compression damping, plus spring preload adjustability and top-out springs
Rear suspension	Uni-Trak with Adjustable Preload, Stepless Rebound, High and Low Speed Compression Damping, and Ride Height	Bottom-link UNI-TRAK® with gas-charged shock, stepless compression and rebound damping, spring preload adjustability and top-out spring
Compression	12.8:1	12.6:1

Other years 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail5%

Cornering92%

City riding45%

Daily riding40%

Touring30%

Two-up30%

Track90%

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 us

Your height

Inseam (optional)

Units

At 820mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with balls of both feet on the 2002 Kawasaki ZX-6R Ninja, with a cramped knee angle of around 70 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 751-820 mm — Middle Ground →

Find bikes that fit your height →

Full specifications

Engine

Capacity: 636.0 ccm
Power: 70.0 HP (51.5 kW)
Torque: 63.7 Nm (6.5 kgf-m) @ 10000 RPM
Engine type: In-line four, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio: 0.3846 HP/kg (dry)
Bore x stroke: 68.0 x 43.8 mm
Compression: 12.6:1
Cooling system: Liquid
Fuel system: Injection
Starting: Electric
Ignition: Digital
Valves per cylinder: 4
Lubrication system: Forced lubrication, wet sump

Transmission

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

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1400 mm
Overall length: 2030 mm
Overall width: 730 mm
Overall height: 1175 mm
Seat height: 820 mm
Dry weight: 182.0 kg
Wet weight: 192.1 kg
Fuel capacity: 18.00 litres
Ground clearance: 145 mm

Chassis & suspension

Frame: Twin spar aluminum
Front suspension: 41mm inverted cartridge fork with rebound and compression damping, plus spring preload adjustability and top-out springs
Rear suspension: Bottom-link UNI-TRAK® with gas-charged shock, stepless compression and rebound damping, spring preload adjustability and top-out spring
Front wheel travel: 120 mm
Rear wheel travel: 135 mm
Rake (fork angle): 23.5°
Trail: 102 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 M/C 57W
Rear tyre: 180/55-ZR17 M/C 57W

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 apply

ELECTRICAL 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 2002 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 →