The 2012 ZX-6R Performance Edition carries on the tradition of middleweight dominance – started back in 1985 with the revolutionary ZX600-A1 – to a staggering level. And in today’s ultra-competitive 600 supersport market, where technology, racetrack success and streetbike acumen will amendment dramatically year by year, that’s saying plenty. Don’t believe us? Then raise the numerous top-level magazines and websites that picked the current-spec ZX-6R as Best Middleweight. fully was} an absolutely dominating 600 shootout performance – and one bound to be replicated in 2012 because of the ZX-6R’s track-honed DNA and seamless all-around capability.
Key Features
• Lean physique, low mass, forceful power, controllable power delivery and precise overall control
• 599cc inline-four with DFI® is lightweight yet powerful
• Fully adjustable front and rear suspension includes the Showa Big Piston Front fork (BPF), which offers fantastic wheel and chassis control
• Lightweight aluminum chassis places the engine in the ideal location for excellent handling and rider feedback
• Radial-mounted front brake calipers and radial-pump front brake master cylinder offer superb braking power and control
• Race-quality adjustable Öhlins steering damper comes standard
• Slipper-type back torque-limiting clutch offers quick downshifts without chassis agitation
• Named one of Cycle World magazine’s 10 best bikes
Lightweight Engine
• Camshafts are made of chrome-moly steel
• Lightweight magnesium engine covers are standard
• Lightweight top injector mounting plate
• Lightweight transmission gears and gear dogs
• Lightweight oil pump and starter gears
• Inlet pressure pulse monitor does away with cam angle sensor, further contributing to lightness
• Cassette-type transmission makes it easy to quickly swap gear ratios, reducing set-up time at the track
Massive Mid-range Performance
• Double-bore velocity stacks feature inlets at two different heights for increased performance in both the mid
• and high-rpm ranges
• Cam and tappet nitriding enables high-load cam profiles for maximum performance
• Crown-finished pistons
• Molybdenum-coated piston skirts for reduced friction and engine break-in
• Low-tension piston rings reduce mechanical losses
• Advanced cam chain guides stabilize chain motion and further reduce mechanical losses
• Exhaust collector layout contributes to superb low
• and mid-range performance while maintaining high-rpm performance
Precise Throttle Control
• Cylindrical guides in the top of the air cleaner box ensure accurately sprayed fuel mist from the secondary injectors into the intake funnels, improving combustion efficiency
• Long throttle bodies between oval sub-throttles and round main throttles yield a smooth intake transition for reduced inlet turbulence and increased efficiency
• Advanced cylinder porting delivers excellent cylinder filling and scavenging
• High-current secondary coil circuitry for optimum combustion efficiency
Lightweight Chassis
• Twin spar aluminum frame is both lightweight and rigid, and places the engine in the optimum position for superb handling and rider feedback
• The sub-frame is a two-piece aluminum die-casting consisting of a front and rear section
• The lightweight sub-frame is very narrow for a compact and slim rear end
• Intake resonator box and supports for the instrument panel and mirrors are unitized with the ram air duct, contributing to weight savings and increased rigidity
Tuned Chassis Balance and Mass Centralization
• Frame stiffness around the swingarm pivot and the rear engine mounts optimizes front-rear rigidity balance
• Engine is rotated forward around the output shaft for steeper intake angle and excellent CG
• Exhaust layout with a short side muffler keeps the weight low
• Exhaust pre-chamber further contributes to mass centralization
Ergonomics and Chassis Feedback
• Seat-peg-bar relationship places handlebars close to the rider; bars are angled for a highly intuitive and comfortable riding position
• Fuel tank is flared around its top, similar to the ZX™-10R, providing a large contact patch for excellent rider feedback
• Slim-waisted fuel tank makes it easy for the rider to grip the tank with their knees, or to hang off in turns
• Sculpted seat allows the rider to shift their body far back on the rear seat step, helping to reduce rider fatigue
• Steep rake angle for quick steering response and enhanced communication from the front tire
• Rear brake master cylinder reservoir forward of the swingarm mount frees up space around the footpeg for simplicity and weight savings
Low Seat Height
• Narrow rear sub-frame makes it easy to reach the ground
• Front of seat is narrow and low for a slim riding position and a short reach to the pavement
Advanced Suspension
• ZX-6R features Showa’s Big Piston Front fork (BPF) design for fantastic wheel and chassis control
• The BPF eliminates many of the internal components used in a cartridge-type fork, simplifying construction and resulting in lighter overall fork weight
• The large diameter of the BPF’s internal piston allows a reduction in damping pressure for better feedback and smoother action
Brakes
• Radial calipers and 300mm petal-type discs up front offer superb braking power and control
• 220mm rear petal-type disc
• Rear brake lever is mounted coaxially with the footpeg for excellent mid-stroke braking efficiency and optimum feel
Race-quality Steering Damper
• A race-quality adjustable Öhlins steering damper with relief valve and twin-tube design is fitted as standard equipment
Additional Features
• Highly evolved fairing offers great wind protection and minimizes cross-wind effects
• Position lamps are integral to the projector beam headlights
• One-piece fender offers excellent aerodynamics
• Inner fender above the swingarm helps to reduce turbulence and keeps the undertail clean
• Front brake hose routing with a three-way joint at the lower triple clamp facilitates bleeding air from the brake lines
• Instrument panel gives the rider plenty of information at a glance