Team Green's mid-capacity supersport gets a fresh new look and more tech for 2024.
Kawasaki is essentially keeping the supersport category afloat. After debuting the wild ZX-4RR, Team Green's eyes have turned to the mid-capacity, and its 2024 updates to the ZX-6R bring the supersport screaming into the 2020s.
For 2024, the new ZX-6R retains the 636cc inline-4 at its heart but updates the bodywork and electronics to bring the supersport Ninja up to the top of the class.
Visually, the new ZX-6R takes its lead from the ZX-10R with new front and side cowls, new compact LED headlights, and a new windscreen. The new windshield is shorter than previously seen and features holes to relieve pressure build-up and reduce buffeting.
The engine itself has received minor updates to keep it ahead of the increasingly stringent emissions standards across the world. The cam profiles have been changed or better low-to-mid-range power and better emissions, while the intake runners and exhaust headers have also been revised.
Electronics have been updated to give the rider even more control over the bike, with a new TFT display offering up even more functionality than before. The new 4.3-inch full-colour TFT display now features smartphone connectivity. That means riders can now connect their smartphone to the bike using Kawasaki’s “Rideology the App”. This gives riders the ability to see vehicle information, a riding log with GPS route information, phone notifications, and general settings.
Through the TFT, riders can tailor the ride with new integrated riding modes, which combine traction control and power mode settings. The 2024 ZX-6R scores three primary riding modes (Sport, Road, and Rain), along with a manual “rider” mode in which each system can be set independently.
For 2024, the braking system has also been tweaked with petal discs on the out and circular brake discs making a return. Behind the scenes, the ABS unit has also been updated for better control.
The 2024 ZX-6R is due to arrive in Kiwi dealerships in November in the obligatory Kawasaki Racing Team colours, with pricing to be confirmed closer to release.