Kawasaki is celebrating 30 years of its Ninja sportbike line with two special editions for 2015. The commemorative Ninja ZX-6R/ABS and Ninja ZX-10R/ABS models feature Lime Green/Pearl Stardust White paint and 30th Anniversary badges on the fairing. MSRP for the 30th Anniversary Ninjas is $11,999 for the ZX-6R and $14,599 for the ZX-10R (add $1,000 to either for ABS). Standard versions of both models are available only in Metallic Matte Carbon Gray/Flat Ebony for $300 less, with or without ABS. There are no other changes for the upcoming model year.
The Ninja ZX-6R/ABS received a major update for 2013, with a displacement bump for its liquid-cooled, 16-valve, DOHC in-line four from 599cc to 636cc. Everything from intake and exhaust port shape to camshaft profiles to the design of the connecting rods and pistons was revised to optimize power and throttle response. Power is transmitted to the rear wheel through a slip/assist clutch, 6-speed cassette-style gearbox and chain final drive. Standard electronics include three-mode Kawasaki Traction Control (KTRC) and Full/Low engine power modes; Kawasaki Intelligent anti-lock Brake System (KIBS) is a $1,000 option. Nissin monobloc radial-mount front calipers squeeze 310mm petal rotors, and a single rear caliper squeezes a 220mm petal rotor. Suspension is handled by a Showa Separate Function Fork–Big Piston (SFF-BP) and Kawasaki’s patented bottom-link Uni-Trak rear suspension with a single shock, both fully adjustable. A strong, lightweight twin-spar aluminum frame holds it all together, and curb weight is just 428 pounds.
Holding mostly steady since its last update for 2011, Kawasaki’s Ninja ZX-10R/ABS is powered by a liquid-cooled, 16-valve, DOHC in-line four displacing 998cc, with a 6-speed transmission and chain final drive. It features an Öhlins twin-tube steering damper, standard Sport-Kawasaki Traction Control (S-KTRC), optional Kawasaki Intelligent anti-lock Brake System (KIBS) and fully adjustable suspension (Showa Big Piston Fork in front, Horizontal Back-Link shock out back). Tokico radial-mount front calipers clamp 310mm petal rotors, and a single rear caliper squeezes a 220mm petal rotor. A twin-spar aluminum frame, cast-aluminum swingarm and lightweight three-spoke wheels help keep curb weight to just 443 pounds.
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