It's gained a capacity increase to 636cc a few years back, plus some hi-tech tweaks to its fuel injection and exhaust systems for 2005, helping to boost midrange throttle response.
The latest ZX6-R has secondary fuel injectors located in the airbox, so there's a petrol enriched shot of air going to the main injector bodies about a nanosecond after you twist the throttle. The response is instant, no matter which gear you are in on the Ninja 636, and this bike rockets forwards impressively towards its 165mph top speed.
On track, I still found the Kawasaki accelerated almost violently fast above 7000 revs, with the front end going light, but there was a bit more low end punch than on the 2003 model I tested a few years back. The 2005 model also felt slightly more comfortable, roomier, to ride, but this is still a lairy hooligan of a bike - it will never be as smooth or soft as a Honda CBR600RR.
In a way, I like the sheer brutal rush of power that Kawasaki sportsbikes deliver, even though it takes some guts and skill to use it to the full. After a few quick laps on the ZX6-R, you feel like you've finished on the podium in World Superbikes and, to my mind, that's a good thing, a trait Kawasaki should never lose.
A new frame, with outstanding suspension and superbly powerful radial brakes, make the 2005 ZX6-R feel very close to a race machine on track. It steers beautifully into tight turns, feeling very agile and safe.
At high speeds, it offers precision and loads of feedback from the front end. Apart from the GSXR750 Suzuki, I would say the latest Ninja 600 is the most versatile track day motorcycle that anyone could wish for - and it runs the Suzuki 750 very close indeed by the way.
With Kawasaki currently running some handy, low-interest finance deals (25 per cent deposit and nought per cent for three years) on the ZX6R Ninja, I would recommend a demo ride to any rider who wants a blend of ultra precise handling, outstanding braking and rev-hungry acceleration.
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