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Sportbikes

2021Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R

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The 2021 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R is a middleweight sport bike engineered for track-focused riders seeking aggressive performance. Its 636cc inline-four engine delivers 126 horsepower with sharp throttle response and high-rpm capability, making it ideal for competitive racing and canyon carving. The ZX-6R balances accessibility with serious sportbike credentials, suiting riders who want genuine track capability without the extreme commitment of a full superbike. A factory ABS option was also available.

Capacity: 636.0 ccm
Engine: In-line four, four-stroke
Gearbox: 6-speed
Dry weight: 191.1 kg
Seat height: 830 mm
Power: 126.2 HP (92.1 kW) @ 13500 RPM

⇄ Compare with another bike ＋ Add to garage All model years

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

Off-road & trail5%

Cornering93%

City riding45%

Daily riding40%

Touring30%

Two-up30%

Track92%

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?

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Your height

Inseam (optional)

Units

At 830mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with balls of both feet on the 2021 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R, 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 →

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Range and running costs

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Units

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Fuel per litre

Riding a year

Based 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.

Full specifications

Engine

Capacity: 636.0 ccm
Power: 126.2 HP (92.1 kW) @ 13500 RPM
CO2 Emissions: 123 CO2 g/km
EPA Certificate No.: MKAXC.636AAE-008
EPA Est. Fuel Consumption: 5.24 L/100km (44.9 US mpg)
EPA CO Emissions: 1.0 CO g/km
Torque: 70.8 Nm (7.2 kgf-m) @ 11000 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

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1400 mm
Overall length: 2025 mm
Overall width: 710 mm
Overall height: 1100 mm
Seat height: 830 mm
Dry weight: 191.1 kg
Wet weight: 195.0 kg
Fuel capacity: 17.00 litres
Ground clearance: 130 mm

Chassis & suspension

Frame: Tubular, diamond frame
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: 220 mm
ABS: Optional
Front tyre: 120/70-ZR17
Rear tyre: 180/55-ZR17

Other

Color options: Pearl Nightshade Teal/Metallic Spark Black, Pearl Crystal White/Pearl Storm Gray/Ebony
Warranty: 12
Comments: Small windscreen. 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	2021	2027
Capacity	636 cc	599 cc	636 cc	636 cc	636 cc
Dry weight	161 kg	—	191 kg	191 kg	—
Seat height	825 mm	815 mm	831 mm	830 mm	830 mm
Fuel capacity	—	17 L	17 L	17 L	17 L

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

Rider Reviews

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MotorcycleDB

The 2021 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R is a high-performance sports bike that offers a thrilling riding experience. This 636cc machine delivers impressive power and agility, making it a top choice for motorcycle enthusiasts. With advanced technology and sleek, aggressive styling, the ZX-6R is sure to turn heads on the road. Whether you're hitting the track or cruising through city streets, this motorcycle offers a responsive and exhilarating ride.

The Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R 2021 is a powerful and stylish sports bike that delivers a thrilling riding experience. With its 636cc engine and advanced technology, this motorcycle offers impressive power and agility. Whether you're tearing up the track or cruising through the city, the ZX-6R delivers a responsive and exhilarating ride. Its sleek design and aggressive styling make it a top choice for motorcycle enthusiasts looking for a high-performance machine.

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