Today’s article concerns the comparison review of the Suzuki GSX-R1000R and Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R. A bar bet over the Christmas holiday led to the decision to pitch the new ZX-6R against the giant GXR thou’ R. In some ways, the color or insignia each bike’s fairings sported was utterly coincidental. Let’s thoroughly review the Suzuki GSX-R1000R vs Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R.
Suzuki GSX-R1000R vs Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R – Features Comparison
GSX-R1000R
There is no substitute for displacement, and the GSX-R1000R is faster than the Ninja thanks to its additional 400cc (364cc, to be exact). The GSX, like other top-spec liter bikes, comes with almost everything except electronic suspension because it is a “19.98 lakh bike rather than a “10.49 lakh bike.” You still get two power modes, three levels of TC, LED lighting, and a quick shifter if you want to save ‘9.5 lahks (by purchasing a ZX-6R)—not a terrible offer.
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Due to the Suzuki’s sharp throttle response low in the rev range, the 636 was undoubtedly the easier of the two to force around the small tight circuit. Even on the “large” track at Ribera, there was none of this; rather, there were fruitless attempts to open the throttle at 30 kmph in first gear gradually enough to prevent lurching forward and running offline.
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Kawasaki ZX-6R
A brand-new Kawasaki ZX-6R has appeared from Kawasaki’s magic green hat. It isn’t an entirely new model because it employs the same 636cc motor and chassis as the previous ZX-6R 636, but some ingenious changes have been made.
When it was reported that the 636 motors would be used in the new ZX-6R, there was a fair lot of debate. However, Kawasaki‘s apparent insanity was not without reason. If Kawasaki had released a new ZX-6R with the same 600cc as the previous 600cc version, due to Euro 4 emission restrictions, it would have most likely been significantly less potent than the previous model. It is because Euro 4 (and very soon BS-VI in India) are doing their best to castrate smaller capacity bikes as best they can.
With the new ZX-6R, Kawasaki hasn’t precisely invented the wheel; it’s fair to say. With sharper-looking bodywork, new LED headlights, and a new, marginally more advanced (but still not space-age) dash, styling has been modernized. The Kawasaki Quick Shifter (KQS) now complements the Kawasaki Traction Control (KTRC) and power mode selection, giving the ZX-6R an electronic upgrade.
In addition to ensuring the 636 passes the Euro 4 emissions tests, engine modifications have increased the mid-range power and bottom-end torque. Kawasaki has also reduced the final drive gearing to offer the bike more ability.
It seems to be a comfy bike. Although the new Ninja has a new dash, it is far from being a fully animated character (more R2-D2 than C-3PO). It has an actual needle (very interesting), a few digital components, and a long row of LED caution lights on the left side. But it gets the job done, and everything is pleasant and easy to read, unlike other ultra-modern dashboards that seem to have too much going on.
At tick-over, the 636 fired-up sound was subdued; eardrum harm was not a threat. It is roomier inside than a “600” should be, and the rider’s back was content to withstand even harsher after 120 clicks per hour on a full tank.
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The improvements made by Kawasaki to the engine have had a significant impact. The 636 has always had slightly more midrange than the 600 version, but now the bike not only has a respectable amount of power between 4,000 and 10,000 rpm, but it also looks to be able to deliver it flawlessly. It was not just excellent but also quite impressive. Driving out of bends and away from intersections was much more thrilling than it had ever been on a Supersport.
Start letting the engine sing a little after just getting it to loosen up. When the engine reached its 16,500 rpm rev limiter, and the needle was pointed upward, the sound coming from the Ninja’s exhaust would have chilled even Satan. As the RPM increased, so did the cacophony. I can’t believe the difference 14,000 rpm can make.
Suzuki GSX-R1000R vs Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R – Conclusion
Although the Kawasaki is just 7 kg lighter than the Suzuki when it is fully fueled and ready to go, one might argue that the 636 had an unfair weight advantage. One will be impressed by the 636’s power stats, which show how much horsepower it produces at the back wheel and provide actual power and torque figures. The little Ninja will get warmed up and heated up before giving you a solid pasting.