Kawasaki ZX6R. new 600cc vs 636 model of 2006

[bounce]

Hey, have been looking at the zx6r as a maybe for the next bike and I have a few questions about it -
So as I understand it, Kawasaki ran a 636cc engine up until 2007ish and then reverted back to the 600cc?
Anyone ridden both and could tell me if there are any major differences between the 636 of 2006 and the 600 of 2007? I would have thought that the 636 would have a little more bottom end power due to the extra cc's?

Are they both much the same geometry wise or is the 636 a bit more relaxed?

Basically keen to know whether there are any reasons I should look at one over the other.

Cheers

[bugjuice]

kawa built both a 636 (ZX6R) and 600 (ZX6RR) for 2002 to 2006. The 636 does have a bit more grunt over the 600 low down, but the 600 has more free-revving engine bits, cos it was intended as a road going race bike. They pretty much featured most of the same bits, but the 600 got 'better' stuff.

The 2007 bike is completely new again, and makes more power than the 636 did all over the range. It's a nice bike. Not ridden the 07 bike yet, the 05/6 bikes felt a bit soft, compared to my 04 bike, which is just [s]red]/s] orange raw by comparison. I have sat on the 07 tho, and it does feel a bit more refined than the previous bikes. You won't be disappointed tho, however, you can say the same thing about all the current 07s now.. They're pretty much all have similar power and flickability etc.. it's a good year for bikes I think

[discotex]

I test rode the '05 636 and the '07 ZX-6R and they're totally different bikes.

The '07 is way sharper handling and braking. The pre-'07 has the better engine though. And I found my body hates the ergos (although the '07 was better).

Having ridden them all I'd rank the '07's in this order.. 10/10 CBR, 9.6/10 R6, 9/10 gix6, 8.2/10 ZX-6R.

YMMV so I suggest you ride them all and see how they feel. Your criteria might be completely different to mine.

This article summs up the 600's pretty well if you ask me.

[bugjuice]

interesting the gixer has dropped to last in that lil shootout..
I know this is only one mags' word tho

[saul]

Just sold my 05 636 and it was a fantastic machine. I came down from a GSXR 1000 and it took a little while to get hang of it but mama mia once you do

The 05 636 is far superior to the 04 engine wise, suspension and ergos

The 07 600 started off with a hiss and a roar but the feedback that I have gathered is that they miss that little mid range for the road.

Try them for sure

[discotex]

interesting the gixer has dropped to last in that lil shootout..
I know this is only one mags' word tho

In '06 the gixxer was first so it's still an amazing bike. I think it just shows how much development is going on in the supersport class.

As far as reviews go I reckon their shootouts are the best as they ride a range of conditions (roads/track/strip) with a group of riders rather than just one fanboy. Certainly matched up well to my test riding.

[bounce]

hey thahnks for the responses guys. sounds like the 636 might be different enough ergo's wise to make sure I check it out.
great article, thanks for that. I;m not going to be fussed over whether it is quicker than cbr etc but good to know the relative weak points of each bike. seems to be more zx6r's around for the $ than any of the rest unless you count early '90s cbr;s...

[ninjac]

Hi bounce,

It depends on what you intend on doing with the bike.
If you want to do some long distance road riding a 636 might be your best option.
If your a speed demon, love to rev the tits of your bike and want to do some track days
then there is no better bike than the 07/08 ZX-6R.

[bounce]

haha well coming from a 900cc lazy twin so the 636 might be more me I guess. I can change though Will definitely be a case of growing into the bike as the style for a 600cc would be hugely different eh. through the bends on the SS I just to not work the gears so much and use engine braking a lot. different philosophy needed for the 600's I am sure...
Ill let you know what I think when I find one or the other to test ride.

[Nat]

636 is awesome! Don't believe when people tell you that they're less racey because they've got more low down power - they've also got a big hit up top and rev like anything! Ergos are very sporty, handling is awesome. People think because they've got more low down power they're some kind of tourer - def still a hard core sports bike.

The new one should be awesome too but I've never ridden one. Give it a go. Logic says newer is better - otherwise they would keep making the old one

[bounce]

People think because they've got more low down power they're some kind of tourer - def still a hard core sports bike.

haha certainly not under the impression that they are a tourer by comparison, in fact a lot of what I have been reading even suggests a steering damper be fitted..

Took the new 07 600cc zx6r for a test yesterday. Very impressive nimbleness and incredible braking - did find myself missing the low down power a bit though. Guess an adjustment in riding style is called for. Lighter bike though by 20 odd kilos so would be a handier tool for around town. Riding position actually felt reasonably similar to the supersport so no problems for me there. Tricky to find neutral though I'd have to say.

How about gear changes though; at medium revs (5-7k) with using the clutch I found it pretty hard to shift smoothly, mostly I guess because the engine revolutions die off so fast as soon as the clutch is pulled in? Would you typically change higher revs and not use clutch? (please excuse the noob to 600cc sport bikes) If so I would imagine it difficult to keep one's licence the way that engine climbs into it's work

[discotex]

Took the new 07 600cc zx6r for a test yesterday. Very impressive nimbleness and incredible braking - did find myself missing the low down power a bit though.

They do handle well eh. The 636 is just that much better low in the revs with that extra 40cc. Isn't anywhere near as sharp I found.

Would be well worth taking the gixxer 6, CBR and R6 out for a spin to compare to unless you have your heart set on a kwakka. They're all subtly different beasts. Gixxer 750 would be worth a look too. I

Guess an adjustment in riding style is called for. Lighter bike though by 20 odd kilos so would be a handier tool for around town. Riding position actually felt reasonably similar to the supersport so no problems for me there. Tricky to find neutral though I'd have to say.

Wouldn't worry about the gearbox. They're all a bit like that.

How about gear changes though; at medium revs (5-7k) with using the clutch I found it pretty hard to shift smoothly, mostly I guess because the engine revolutions die off so fast as soon as the clutch is pulled in? Would you typically change higher revs and not use clutch? (please excuse the noob to 600cc sport bikes) If so I would imagine it difficult to keep one's licence the way that engine climbs into it's work

Yeah you need to execute a quick(ish) change. Clutchless isn't required but you don't want to pull the clutch in all the way to the grip as by the time you let it out again you'll struggle to match engine revs to the road speed. It's a very small range between disengaged and engaged. Try riding along and pull it in while still on the gas to get a feel for the amount you need (but don't dump it back out at high RPM in a low gear unless you intend to wheelie it).

[bounce]

cheers for that discotex - yeah a little set on the zx6r at present but totally agree that the others would be equally good if not very likely better in the cbr600 and gsx750's case. still seems to be a little more of the machine in green available second hand market wise.
Even looking at new prices the zx6r is going out the door in welly for $12995 (if you like it in silver) while the current cbr600 is $16995. Bit of a step there.

You;ll be right on the shifting too. maintaining a partial throttle on the change makes sense. would get the feel for it after a bit I'm sure. Hah the twins aren't so fussy

[saul]

Interesting to see you progressing.

I went from two vtiwns (97 tl1000s) to the 1000cc inline 4s (R1,Gsxr) and then went to the 636. It did take me a little while to get sorted lol

I would never go back to a 1000cc bike now unless I was doing some serious two up work.

The 636 gearbox is lovely and with the slipper clutch it's even better.

There is no doubt that you have to keep the bike busy and be active when riding it

[discotex]

Even looking at new prices the zx6r is going out the door in welly for $12995 (if you like it in silver) while the current cbr600 is $16995. Bit of a step there.

Wow that's amazing value for a new bike. When I was shopping they were going for about $15k. That makes the '07 gixxer look pricey at the summerfest prices ($13995).

I'd actually started looking at the 636 for exactly the same reason. Was originally going to pick one up around the $10k mark. If it wasn't for the ergo's clashing with my body I'd have a shiney blue one now probably.

I don't envy you trying to make a call between new and the 636.. Comes down to engine vs handling. Personally I'd go for the new one and get the warranty and sharper handling. I'd put a new can on (less weight more growl) and drop a tooth on the front (more acceleration and ability to use the top-end power) and it'd be wicked fun.