Sportbikes
2018Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R
50 fields on record
The 2018 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R suits committed sport riders who want track-capable sharpness with road usability. Its 636 cc in-line four revs hard to deliver 126.2 hp, backed by Showa SFF-BP forks, traction control and selectable power modes. It is best known for its extra mid-range punch over rival 600s, making it a supersport benchmark on twisty roads and circuits alike.
- Capacity
- 636.0 ccm
- Engine
- In-line four, four-stroke
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Dry weight
- 191.1 kg
- Seat height
- 815 mm
- Power
- 126.2 HP (92.1 kW) @ 14000 RPM
What’s new for the 2018 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R
vs the 2017| Spec | 2017 | 2018 |
|---|---|---|
| Top speed | — | 258.0 km/h (160.3 mph) |
| 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 |
| Front brakes | Double disc. Floating discs. | Double disc. Floating discs. Optional ABS. |
| Rear brakes | Single disc | Single disc. Optional ABS. |
| Compression | 13.3:1 | 12.9:1 |
Other years
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
2026
2027
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 usRange and running costs
Worked out in your browser - nothing is sent to usBased on the published US (EPA-style) fuel economy estimate and tank size. Real-world figures depend on how and where you ride, and the last litres of a tank are reserve. Prices shown greyed are examples - type your own.
Engine
- Capacity
- 636.0 ccm
- Power
- 126.2 HP (92.1 kW) @ 14000 RPM
- CO2 Emissions
- 121 CO2 g/km
- EPA Certificate No.
- JKAXC.636AAD-003
- EPA Est. Fuel Consumption
- 5.15 L/100km (45.7 US mpg)
- EPA CO Emissions
- 1.8 CO g/km
- Torque
- 66.7 Nm (6.8 kgf-m) @ 6800 RPM
- Engine type
- In-line four, four-stroke
- Power/weight ratio
- 0.6604 HP/kg (dry)
- 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
- Aspiration
- Naturally aspirated
- 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
Performance
- Top speed
- 258.0 km/h (160.3 mph)
Dimensions & weight
- Wheelbase
- 1400 mm
- Overall length
- 2090 mm
- Overall width
- 710 mm
- Overall height
- 1115 mm
- Seat height
- 815 mm
- Dry weight
- 191.1 kg
- Wet weight
- 194.0 kg
- Fuel capacity
- 17.00 litres
- Ground clearance
- 120 mm
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, top-out spring and pillow ball upper mount. Compression damping
- Front wheel travel
- 119 mm
- Rear wheel travel
- 134 mm
- Rake (fork angle)
- 23.5°
- Trail
- 102 mm
Brakes & wheels
- Front brakes
- Double disc. Floating discs. Optional ABS.
- Front brakes diameter
- 300 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
- Metallic Matte Fusion Silver/Metallic Flat Spark Black
- Comments
- Maximum power with RAM air, 98.5 kW {134 PS} at 14,000 rpm. Kawasaki Traction Control (KTRC), Power Mode, Optional Kawasaki Intelligent anti-lock Brake System (KIBS).
- 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 | 2010 | 2016 | 2018 | 2021 | 2027 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 636 cc | 599 cc | 636 cc | 636 cc | 636 cc | 636 cc |
| Dry weight | 161 kg | — | 191 kg | 191 kg | 191 kg | — |
| Seat height | 825 mm | 815 mm | 831 mm | 815 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
⚠ 2 recalls may applyPOWER 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
Common questions
What is the engine size of the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R?
The 2018 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R has a Capacity of 636.0 ccm (38.81 cubic inches).
What engine power does the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R have?
The 2018 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R has a Power of 126.2 HP (92.1 kW) @ 14000 RPM.
How many gears does the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R have?
The 2018 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R has a Gearbox of 6-speed.
What is the torque of the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R?
The 2018 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R has a Torque of 66.7 Nm (6.8 kgf-m or 49.2 ft.lbs) @ 6800 RPM.
How much does the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R weigh?
The 2018 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R has a Dry weight of 191.1 kg (421.3 pounds).
Shop this bike
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The 2018 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R is an impressive middleweight sportbike that offers a perfect balance of power, handling, and style. With a 636cc inline-four engine and advanced electronics, this motorcycle delivers thrilling performance both on the street and the track. The high-quality suspension and brake components help to ensure precise handling and braking, while the aerodynamic design enhances both the bike's performance and its visual appeal. Overall, the 2018 Ninja ZX-6R is a top choice for riders who want a versatile and thrilling sportbike.
In conclusion, the 2018 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R is a highly capable and well-rounded motorcycle that offers an exhilarating riding experience. Whether you're a seasoned rider looking for an upgrade or a newer rider seeking a high-performance machine, the Ninja ZX-6R delivers on both performance and style. With its powerful engine, advanced electronics, and top-notch components, this sportbike is a great option for anyone in the market for an agile and stylish ride.
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