Cheap Thrill! (Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R)

Member Name: Sharky

Product:	Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R
Date:	30/06/00 (5681 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Top-speed, handling, acceleration

Disadvantages: Starting can be problematic see above)

I bought a ZX6R-G1 from new in May98. Yes I was one of the last suckers, to pay over the odds for a bike. I can get the new 2000 model for £6000.
However that out of the way, I would say the bike has been as good as all the magazine reviews, it was crowned King of the 600's in 98/99 beating the favourite CBR with a big stick. The ZX isn't a touring sports like the Thundercat or CBR and it can hold its own (as I have proved) alongside the out and out race bike of Suzuki, the GSX.
The ZX is comfortable to ride commuting and is fanatastic on an all out thrash! The handling is great and will top over 160mph. The ZX is a great all round bike, I have it dealer serviced twice a year and ride all year round. The one problem that does happen is that, if it is not started every 10 days it tends to feel negelected and can be miserable in starting.
The last 2 years have seen the improvements from all manufacturers in the 600 class, almost making the 750 redundant. The difference between the 600's and 900's are greatly top end speed with subtle 0-100 times. Having said that, see also the R1 review.
The 2000 mods to the ZX were minimal, an extra 4/5bhp, (Yamaha rip-off) fox-eye styling were a few. However with the arrival of the Yam's YZF-R6, things could be different. If it rides as good as they say, the ZX is king no more.
When I have tested it look out for the review.

Summary: