Big thanks to Kawasaki for letting a few select people try out the new 2007 ZX6R at Mallory Park on Saturday the 26th
This is what i thought of the bike.
STYLING
I have loved the look of this bike from the first time i set eyes on the press release from Kawasaki. The whole outline of the bike looks very focused and the front end is just perfect in my eyes. The two small light units with the air duct in the centre are the neatest front end on any Kawasaki ever. I even like the underseat exhaust on this model, which i didn't on the C1/6 model. The only thing i don't really like is the rear light unit and its mounting location. It looks a real after thought. As soon as you sit on the bike it feels right and the instrument console is a real step up from a B or C model. The analogue rev counter is clear and easy to read even though i didn't look at it much. The gear indicator is a huge bonus and i hope they continue this feature in the future. Overall id say without doubt its the best looking ZX6R ever built. My previous favorite was the B model but this is a huge step forward in styling.
ENGINE AND PERFORMANCE
For an engine that has 37cc less than previous models i didn't feel any difference in torque or power on the track. It felt just as quick and as long as you kept the motor spinning in the upper part of the rev range, then you would have no problem with drive out of the slower corners. The engine is a peach though and it just begs you to rev it further and harder. The Kawasaki team told us they had built in an over rev feature to the engine. They have managed to allow the power to continue for that bit longer after peak power with no sudden drop in power.
The slipper clutch on this model is perfect and i read that even Nick Morgan from MSS said they had no need to change the slipper from the standard road bike for the race bikes, they were that good. Ive never used a slipper clutch on track before and its the first time id used one in anger. On my B2 model id be having to slip the clutch myself and its just one thing extra to think about when setting up for a corner. With the slipper i was able to get into the right gear for the corner alot earlier than usual without a hint of chatter,just the rear wheel sliding super smooth and never upsetting you line or braking. Its gets a huge thumbs up from me.
HANDLING
The suspension was set up with Kawasaki's base track settings dialled in. These were really good and over the whole day Chris from Ktech had little to do in the adjustment department over all 8 riders as it was that good to start with.
Thats got to be a huge tick in the suspension box for this model. It has Showa front and rear and the ride is as plush as Ive ever felt on any bike on a racetrack. When you go into Gerards at 100+ mph, if you take the right line there is a big bump just as you're tipping in This bike soaked it up and took it all in its stride. It also stayed composed on the brakes with just the right amount of weight transfer for my liking. I didn't squat out of corners either,it just dug in and went. The steering is perfect on this bike and will drop on its ear with little effort from you. Maybe the Bridgestone BT015 tyres could do with changing for trackday work though.
BRAKES
These brakes are a massive step up in performance from the B model. In just 3 years the brakes have lept on and i don't think there would be any need to go out and spend anymore money on these brakes for road or track. They did not fade once all day for me and stayed consistent from lap 1 to the last lap of all my sessions. They have added the Nissin Calipers from the ZZR1400 to this years model and i think thats probably a step up from the old tokicos.
OVERALL
This bike was a dream to ride fast on a racetrack. It did everything i asked of it and never once complained about it. It just wanted me to go faster. This can only be a good thing for a bike that is designed with the trackdayer in mind. The whole package inspired so much confidence and always felt planted.
If you are thinking of getting one then you would not be disappointed.
Obviously i cant comment on what the bike would be like on the road as i didn't ride it on the road. I think the suspension would be just as composed down a bumpy back road with a little adjustment though. The only thing i would add to the bike is a steering damper as i had a couple of slaps when changing direction hard on the power going up the hill to the hairpin and out of Edwinas in 1st gear.
I'm pretty gutted i dropped one on the day but i apologised alot to the Kawasaki guys and they didn't seem to mind in the end. They must of thought it went well, as they seemed really chuffed with how the day went at the debrief.
A few pics from the day.
