Kawasaki ZX-6R (2000-2002)

Well... Where do I start? I had been riding around on an RS125 for almost a year before passing my bike test (licence loss and an extended test due to some creative lies on behalf of the Police)... The RS was fully de-restricted with a few extras, it was light and easy to throw around and returned decent fuel economy... The Ninja feels a little heavier on the front but not drastically! The acceleration is phenomenal compared to the RS. It could really be doing with slightly longer standard gearing mind you. The front brakes on my machine are TERRIBLE. Braided lines have been fitted, fluid replaced, bled to death and new disc/pads fitted and they are STILL vague! For 6 potters they have to be the worst brakes I have ever experienced! The bike returns a very decent MPG although carb balancing every other month is required to keep things running stutter free. I find it extremely comfortable over long distances, for a sports bike. I have been to London and back on her with my only complaint being the weather (freezing, literally). No back/wrist issues and the bike is capable of carrying throw-over panniers and a tank bag without issue. Suspension wise I found the Ninja way to soft. Not to worry though as there is masses of adjustments that can be made very easily (make sure you know what you are doing first!). I have covered well over 8000miles on her in just over 8 months and have used her for the daily commute as well as fun at the weekends. The winter does take it's toll on things if proper preventative maintenance isn't administered! The only major problem I had was the front calipers requiring a strip-down and complete overhaul which wasn't bad considering they'd never been done before and the bike is over 6 years old (never improved braking though!). Whilst stripping the calipers themselves I witnessed, first hand, the extreme attention to detail and precision engineering which is evident throughout the motorcycle. The materials used are also of high quality and long lasting durability, a rarity these days! My main complaint with the bike, apart from the front brakes, is the markings on the rear swing-arm that assist wheel alignment. These are too far apart and too badly manufactured to ensure completely accurate wheel-alignment! I'm sure that this is an over-sight on Kawasaki's part and has been remedied on later models. If I could go back to before I bought this bike and start all over again I would definitely pick the same bike over all the 600cc rivals. I found the Yamaha R6s and the GSXRs far too cheaply manufactured/finished for my liking. The Honda CBR600RR would be a strong contender but I just couldn't buy a Honda... It's the one bike manufacturer that seems to have a confused image in my mind... I also wouldn't really consider any other bike manufacturer in the same league as the top 4 Japs for the type of bike I like. The Kawasaki brand is burned into my sole now...

The major plus point is just how flexible this bike is. It's as happy at going for a Sunday morning blast as touring across Europe. My mates ride a Honda RVF400, Ducati 916 and GSXR600-K4 and the ZX6-R can still hold it's own in that company on any weekend ride out. My old Ducati used to make my shoulders ache after 200 miles or so but the ZX6R gives me no such problems, unlike my mates bikes. I took the ZX6R to Germany in Summer '06, doing about 4-500 miles per day (try that on a 916), complete with soft panniers, tank bag and a small rucksack. The bike stayed very composed and the luggage didn't upset the bikes handling anywhere near as much as I expected it to. With luggage, it will still happily cruise all day at 100mph but will easily run up to 120mph as and when you need to with handling that was stable and good enough to be fun, if not exciting. As you would expect when touring, I rode it in the rain and it stood outside overnight but I've had no problems with corroded fasteners, though judging by the muck under the hugger, they're well worth having. Without the luggage, I took it around the Nurburgring on my way back home. It was very forgiving compared to the slow steering Ducati and saved me from at least one accident. Sounds fantastic when you cane it, even without a race can and still plenty of bottom end too. Loads of comments about the ZX6R being not as good on the road as the CBR600F and not as good on the track as the R6 which is a very pessimistic way of looking at it. Personally, I see it as a better road bike than the R6 or GSXR but more of a hooligan than the CBR-F, ZZR600 or Thundercat. Overall, it's definitely a jack of all trades but that suits me fine. Bad points are; carb icing on cold mornings; brakes lack feel (braided hoses coming soon) even though they do work well; cost of the major service (valve clearances); no fuel gauge and the fuel tap is impossible to operate on the move (I use the trip meter and get about 120 miles before reserve); The clocks require a definite look down and need more than a glance to take in any info (This and the fuel tap/no gauge are my reasons for giving only 2 stars for equipment). It does lack the pose factor of the R6, GSXR, CBR-RR but you can't buy a nice one of those of the same age for what I paid for my ZX6R with less than 10k on the clock.

I went from a Honda nsr125 to a kawasaki ninja 600 and i actually find it nicer and easier to ride. The bike is smooth through all the gears and you do not need to be redlining every gear to enjoy the bike. This bike is lovely to look at and a great first bike.

Passed my test Friday, took my bike out in the evening, scared myself, but the bike was so nimble, so easy to handle and so forgiving. I can't really talk all techno as thats more of a boy/male thing, but I seriously have no regrets. The standard exhaust sounds fantastic gong through the gears and revs, its responsive and commands respect on the road. It is highly fashionable, and although it has been replaced by the 636 and different colour schemes it still looks fantastic. Its seriously a unisexual bike, and will do what you tell it, if you have to go slow it will and it can keep up with my mates TL1000. Its a true mean fighting machine. Don't be put off if you are a first timer like me, riding it is truly better than sex. Strengths: Its looks, handling, braking, ride quality, comfy seat and ease of riding. Weaknesses: It really hates the damp and cold to get started but hey who doesn't, but once started its fine.

Having owned a Bandit 250 for 2 years (and a CZ before that), I felt it was time for an upgrade. I'd ridden other larger bikes but there was something about the Ninja that appealed. Now I own it and I have to say it really is perfect for me. Almost. The handling is solid as a rock. The bike is so easy to control - if you want to ride slowly, it's easy. If you want to go fast... it's even easier. Bottom end and mid range power is surprisingly strong, but the bike is an absolute blast 7k upwards. The power, coupled with the induction roar makes me smile everytime. Weight is barely more than my old 250, and the handling seems even quicker in the turn in. And it looks the nuts too. Strengths: Performance, looks, parts availability, fuel economy Weaknesses: Some corrosion in annoying places, yellow Ninja decals on blue paintscheme.

Good solid yet fast bike. Great fun to ride, loves the corners, especially since I have got rid of the standard michelin tyres and gone for the bridgestones which give a far better feel. Rapid enough for a real blast and still sedate enough at low speed for commuting, town riding, or riding in the wet. Strengths: Loves to be revved - let it breath, grippy now its shod with the bridgestones, reliable and not too costly on servicing. Weaknesses: Paint finish isn't the best, the standard tyres are crap, fairly hard ride, and the colour as my bright green bike is clearly not bright enough as tw#ts still pull out in front of me....

Bought as a replacement for a GSXR600. Found my J1 twice as good in every department. As standard it is good but spend a few pounds and it becomes a monster. The handling is excellent especially with ohlins all round and bt014`s. Power is weak in the low rev range but a dynojet sorts this out. once past 7000 it really shifts. a lot of work was done to the engine before I bought it. but it is still reliable even with the kawasaki starts. Not met another 600 that can keep up with it. The only drama is the brakes. The rear may well not be there and the front as standard is dire. replace with brembos and braided hoses is a must especially for track days. Strengths: Handling, power, looks. Weaknesses: Standard brakes, have to be very positive with gear changes, servicing costs.

Customer service excellent & Bike, well Awesome.

The side stand is crap! The bike fell over on the drive and a huge repair bill followed. The engine is brilliant, far more torque than any other 600 I`ve tested with no major powerbands unlike the pain in the ass gixer600 (doesn`t work till 9000rpm). Gearbox is very good however every so often it hits a false netural in between 4th and 5th. But why a fuel tap??? As a road bike no other 600 will beat it, tested a GSXR600 and was hard work the ZX is perfect and easy to ride and no need to rag it like the gixer and r6, that extra torque makes a massive difference on the road try it for yourself and the gixer makes no sense other than racier looks and awful riding position.

Likes: Very versatile. 2-up to Paris with no problem, can tilt it right over in the twisties and can potter around town in the rush-hour. Headlights are better than my cars. Dislikes: rubbish bungee hooks.(well it is a sportstbike). Turning circle is just a bit wider than my road :( No fuel gauge or low fuel warning light, so I use the trip meter.