2013 Kawasaki ZX-6R first ride: "More torque, but still plenty of top end"

MCN Senior Road Tester Adam Child is currently in Chico, California, at Thunderhill Race Park putting Kawasaki’s new 636cc ZX-6R through its paces around the demanding track.

For 2013 Kawasaki has gone back to the 636cc capacity, which means significant improvements in power and torque.

Here are Adam’s initial impressions: “The track is amazing, one of the most demanding tracks I’ve ever ridden, and the 636 – combined with Bridgestone’s R10R rubber – is loving it.

“The new bike’s steering is really sharp, pin point accurate, and really impressive. The new motor has more torque, which means fewer gear changes as you can short-shift and dip lower into the rev range, something the old rev happy bike could only dream of.

“It still screams hard at the top end too, pulling hard if you keep the motor spinning at above 10,000rpm. There are three different traction control settings and two different power modes, so there’s plenty to test on track.

“So far the least intrusive setting feels very much like the ZX-10R system – which is excellent – and it’s not holding me back in any way.”

For the full review, get this week, and next week’s, MCN.