The 636cc Kawasaki ZX-6R as Used Motorcycle

The Kawasaki ZX-6R as used motorcycle from 2002 to 2004, in 2002 Kawasaki broke the 600cc barrier to give their middleweight sportsbike more midrange. 'Feeling physically big, relatively comfortable and having a good fuel tank range, it could slip numbly under a 'sports-tourer' banner with some luggage attached at the local motorcycle club.

Rev the 636cc engine high and the Kawasaki ZX-6R changes its appearance, it screams off into pure sportsbike territory. With some 110 horsepower and 63.9 Nm torque in the rear wheel the Kawasaki ZX-6R was a true racer in its time.

Kawasaki introduced a complete makeover for the ZX-6R in 2003 included a new frame ans suspension, radial brakes, fuel-injection, enabling heavy track leaning, and raised the maximum engine speed with 500rpm, resulting in some gain in available power.

The powerful 6-piston brakes on the 2002 and early 2003 Kawasaki ZX-6R's tend to warp brake discs, particularly cheaper, replacement discs. Get the front wheel off the ground and spin it to check for warping. Check it easily by pulsing at the brake lever. The calipers need to be stripped-down regularly to keep them at their best. Check the twin headlights for stone chips and signs of glue repairs. The rear shock will need replacing at 45 to 50,000 kilometers according to the technical manual.

If it's an Kawasaki ZX-6R from early 2002, check the logbook and the data to make sure you're getting the 636cc model – basically the only difference, to the naked eye, between the 2002 and 2001 ZX-6R version is the 636 sticker on the side. (The 2001 model of the ZX-6R was 600cc.)