Description
Click here for an VINData Motorcycle History Report on this 1997 Kawasaki Ninja ZX6E.
Kawasaki’s ZX-6 (or ZZR600 internationally) origins started in 1984 with the Ninja 600R (or GPz600 internationally) which was released to compete with Yamaha’s XJ600 (FJ600 here in the States). It featured a 592-cc liquid-cooled inline four-cylinder and was continuously updated in the following years. However, with a flood of competition in the feuding Japanese 600 market, the bike was losing ground to other models, including Honda’s CBR600F.
When 1990 came around, Kawasaki stepped up their game tremendously with the release of the ZX-6. Outfitted with an aluminium perimeter frame with steel sub-frame, 17-inch wheels, and sleek bodywork, the bike came in heavier at 489lbs, but this was offset by the new short stroke engine. Whereas the GPz600R measured at 60 x 52.4mm, the new bike measured 64 x 46.6mm. This lead to a claimed 98hp and a redline at 14,000 rpm! It was the fastest 600 upon release, even garnering 750-like comparisons amongst reviewers.
With its comfortable riding position and added weight, the bike leaned more into the sport tourer category than sport bike. A performance update came in 1993 with the frame becoming a shorter full-aluminium piece, new lighter and bigger valves, lighter pistons, better cam timing, and the addition of a ram air intake which helped push the ponies over the century mark. Even when Kawi released the mighty ZX-6R in ’95, it kept the ZX-6 in its lineup virtually unchanged until 2004 and ultimately ceased production in 2008.
This example is VIN: JKAZXE19VB512860. The seller states “I’ve owned it since new. Always garage kept and tuned, it runs the way it’s meant to. It’s been a joy to ride. I’ve kept it in almost pristine condition except for light scuffing on the fairing. Only caught in one rain storm, the bike has original paint.”
The odometer shows 11,308 miles. The seller states “Runs perfect, much faster and responsive from stock, perfectly balanced.”
Maintenance:
The seller states “all maintenance completed. Carb rebuilt and tune, front brake calper rebuild. New chain. New fluids. Oil change, recent tires.”
Modifications:
Full D&D stainless chrome exhaust.
Rear plate mount.
Air box, stage 2 jet kit. (not pictured)
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Michelin tires which have aged out, with date codes of 1012.
The sale includes two keys, key tag, OEM tool kit, and owner’s manual.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located in Baltimore, Maryland, this Kawasaki is offered on a clean Maryland title. Have any ZX-6 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
