Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R (2025) – India’s Last True Supersport
Why Riders Still Crave the ZX-6R
Let’s be honest: 600 cc supersports are dying out. Emission laws, shrinking markets, and the rise of middleweight twins have pushed most manufacturers away. Honda doesn’t sell the CBR600RR here, Yamaha pulled the plug on the R6, and Suzuki hasn’t touched the GSX-R600 in years. Yet Kawasaki still gives us the Ninja ZX-6R, and in 2025, it’s one of the last remaining inline-four screamer machines you can buy in India.
If you’ve ever dreamt of a bike that’s sharp enough for the racetrack but just about manageable on the street, this is it.
What’s New in the 2025 Model?
The heart of the ZX-6R hasn’t changed much — and that’s a good thing. Kawasaki knows the formula works. But they’ve tweaked a few things for 2025 that keep the bike fresh:
- KRT Edition Paint Scheme: The signature lime green, white, and black graphics inspired by Kawasaki Racing Team. It’s the kind of livery that turns heads in a parking lot before you even hit the starter.
- Updated Compliance: The motor still pumps out the same numbers but is tuned to meet tighter global emission standards.
- Price Revision: Now listed at around ₹11.53 lakh ex-showroom in India, up slightly from the previous year.
Quick Comparison: 2024 vs 2025
| Feature | 2024 ZX-6R | 2025 ZX-6R |
|---|---|---|
| Styling | Standard colours | KRT Edition livery |
| Price | ~₹11.09 lakh | ~₹11.53 lakh |
| Engine | 636 cc, 122 bhp | Same specs, updated compliance |
| Display & Electronics | TFT + Rideology app | Unchanged |
Specs at a Glance
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 636 cc inline-four, liquid-cooled |
| Power | 122 bhp (127 bhp with Ram Air) |
| Torque | 69 Nm |
| Gearbox | 6-speed, quickshifter (upshifts) |
| Weight | 198 kg kerb |
| Seat Height | 830 mm |
| Fuel Tank | 17 L |
| Mileage | ~21–23 km/l (real world) |
| Top Speed | ~248–260 km/hr |
Engine & Performance – The Heartbeat of the ZX-6R
Numbers are one thing, but the way this motor delivers power is what hooks you. Below 6,000 rpm, it’s docile enough to roll around town. But twist the throttle harder and it wakes up — past 10,000 rpm, the inline-four howl feels like it belongs on a racetrack.
With 122 horses on tap, the ZX-6R is quick, but it’s the scream at the top end that makes it addictive. Unlike bigger litre bikes, you can actually use most of the power without instantly doubling the speed limit.
Real-world riders often say it’s the sweet spot: thrilling, but not terrifying.
Handling & Ride Quality
The chassis is a big reason this bike has a loyal fanbase.
- Front End Feel: The Showa Big Piston Forks give you loads of confidence under braking. Even on Indian highways, where surfaces aren’t always perfect, the front doesn’t feel twitchy.
- Agility: At under 200 kg, it’s lighter than most middleweights. Flicking through corners feels natural.
- Braking: Dual 310 mm discs up front mean stopping power is instant and reassuring.
On a racetrack, the ZX-6R dances. On the street, it feels sharp but manageable — though long commutes will remind you it’s built more for fun than comfort.
Rider Aids and Tech – Modern but Not Overdone
Kawasaki didn’t drown the ZX-6R in electronics like some European bikes. Instead, you get exactly what you need:
- 4 Riding Modes – Sport, Road, Rain, Rider (custom).
- Traction Control – Three levels to keep you safe when roads get sketchy.
- ABS – Predictable, doesn’t kick in too early.
- Quickshifter – Upshifts only, but smooth.
- Slipper Clutch – Lets you drop gears aggressively without locking the rear.
- TFT Display – 4.3-inch colour screen with Bluetooth Rideology app pairing.
It’s modern, but it still feels raw when you’re riding — which is exactly what supersport fans want.
Price and On-Road Cost in India
- Ex-Showroom (Delhi): ₹11.53 lakh
- On-Road (Delhi): ~₹13.2–13.5 lakh (with RTO + insurance)
- EMI (estimate): Around ₹28,000–30,000 per month for 3 years with 20% down payment.
For a machine that traces its DNA back to Kawasaki’s racing program, that’s a solid deal.
ZX-6R vs Its Rivals
Here’s how the ZX-6R stacks against its main rivals in India.
| Bike | Engine | Power | Price | Character |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kawasaki ZX-6R | 636 cc inline-4 | 122 bhp | ₹11.53 lakh | High-rev supersport |
| Honda CBR650R | 648 cc inline-4 | 87 bhp | ₹9.35 lakh | More touring-friendly |
| Aprilia RS660 | 659 cc twin | 100 bhp | ₹13.39 lakh | Lightweight, tech-heavy |
| Triumph Daytona 660 (upcoming) | 660 cc triple | 95 bhp | ~₹11.5–12 lakh | Balanced sporty daily rider |
Verdict? The Honda is easier to live with, the Aprilia is exotic, the Triumph will likely slot in the middle. But if you want a real track-bred screamer, the Ninja stands alone.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Thrilling high-rev inline-four | Aggressive seating |
| Excellent track manners | Gets hot in city traffic |
| Sharp KRT styling | Service costs higher than average |
| Strong electronics suite | Dealer network limited in smaller towns |
| Great value vs rivals | No electronic suspension |
Ownership Experience – What Riders Report
Service Costs: Around ₹12,000–15,000 per year. Not cheap, but expected for a supersport.
Insurance: ₹30,000–40,000 annually.
Accessories: Popular upgrades include Akrapovič exhausts, tank pads, tail tidies, and gel seats.
Resale Value: Ninjas hold their value better than many rivals because of brand loyalty.
Real riders say:
- “The heat in city traffic is no joke, but on highways it’s magic.”
- “Worth every rupee for the sound alone.”
FAQs
Q: Is the ZX-6R beginner-friendly?
Not at all. It’s a sharp supersport, better for riders who already have 2–3 years of experience on 300–400 cc bikes.
Q: What’s the real mileage?
Around 21–23 km/l if ridden sanely. Push hard and it’ll drop below 18 km/l.
Q: Can it handle daily commuting?
Possible, yes. Practical, no. The aggressive stance, firm suspension, and heat make it tiring in traffic.
Q: Top speed?
Stock, riders have clocked 248–255 km/h.
Q: Which is better — ZX-6R or ZX-10R?
The ZX-10R is brutal and expensive to run. The ZX-6R is the smarter choice for Indian roads.
Final Verdict – Who Should Buy the ZX-6R?
The ZX-6R isn’t for everyone. If you want comfort, pillion practicality, or relaxed cruising, you’ll be happier on a CBR650R or a Ninja 1000SX.
But if you crave a machine that screams, leans, and makes you feel alive every time you crack open the throttle, the ZX-6R is it. At ₹11.53 lakh, it’s one of the last chances to own a true inline-four supersport in India.
It’s not just a bike. It’s an experience that fewer and fewer manufacturers are willing to give us.