2013 Kawasaki ZX-6R gets traction control

..and Kawasaki's ABS. How long until Triumph, Honda and Yamaha respond?

Posted: 13 September 2012
by Visordown News

THE 2013 Kawasaki ZX-6R will come with traction control and ABS.

Joining the MV 675 as the second motorcycle in the supersports class to be fitted with traction control; the new, larger capacity, 636cc Ninja will feature Kawasaki's latest adjustable KTRC.

It also features Kawasaki's racetrack-developed ABS: KIBS.

Earlier this week we published leaked photos of the 2013 Kawasaki ZX-6R, click to link to read what we said about it.

Meanwhile, here's what Kawasaki have to say about the 2013 ZX-6R

Capitalising on the strengths of the highly competitive engine and chassis package of the 599 cc Ninja ZX-6R (ZX600R), the new Ninja ZX-6R expands its area of expertise, offering performance and riding excitement in a wider range of real world situations.  

With displacement increased to 636 cc, the new bike offers more performance at all rpm as well as great usability in everyday street-riding situations. Additionally, with chassis settings focused on winding roads, the new bike is able to deliver riding exhilaration in situations ranging from the track to the hills, and the highway to the city.

The most advanced mid-size supersport model Kawasaki has ever produced, the new Ninja ZX-6R is loaded with cutting-edge technology to help a wider range of riders enjoy its serious sport riding performance. 

Features like 3-mode KTRC, Power Mode selection and KIBS come directly from our flagship models. 

Debuting on this bike, new fork and clutch technologies further increase this Ninja’s potential for fun and exciting riding.  

Key features:

Even more performance!
- The 37 cm3 advantage: Longer stroke engine increases displacement from 599 cm3 to 636 cm3
- Superior power and torque at all rpm
- Superior acceleration
- Strong low-mid range torque and easy-to-control engine character means increased everyday usability

Fully loaded with advanced technology

- Next-generation fork: SFF-BP (Separate Function Fork - Big Piston) Combining Showa SFF and BPF technologies to deliver both racetrack performance and everyday usability.

- Advanced racing-derived technology: F.C.C. Assist & Slipper Clutch

- Clutch actuation is light, with sporty feel.

- Back-torque limiting function.

- Clutch torque capacity increased without increasing weight.

- 3-mode KTRC x Power Mode selection

Kawasaki’s latest traction control system + 2 selectable Power Modes =

8 combinations covering a wide range of riding situations.

- Supersport-grade ABS: KIBS (Kawasaki Intelligent anti-lock Braking System)

High-precision, small-increment pressure management.

Sport-riding benefits:

- Minimal intrusion during hard riding

- Helps suppress rear wheel lift during hard braking

- Takes into account back-torque from downshifts

Ninja Styling 

  - Latest Aggressive Ninja Styling: Design appears to flow from front to rear.

  Styling elements based on the Ninja ZX-10R for a strong family resemblance.



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Discuss this story


Pagik
Does a 600 really need Traction Control?

Posted: 13/09/2012 at 19:54


James Barnes
spelling mistake, fited should be fitted (second line)

Posted: 13/09/2012 at 20:26


Ben Cope
Could traction control help a 600 win a race in the pissing rain if its rivals hadn't got it? Isn't the race track where all this technology has come from or is aimed at?

Posted: 13/09/2012 at 21:16


Pagik
S'a good point, I'd wager it probably could. But, in all honesty, does a 600 roadbike REALLY need it? Really? I'm really not convinced. 1000's, I can see the point. But not on a 600. Willing to be proved wrong though. Slipper clutch however, yes, this is without a doubt a good idea on a 600 (all my opinion of course).

Posted: 13/09/2012 at 21:41


russ atkins
you can be ham fisted on a 600 too, i say why not put it on, i'd prefer my next bike to have it, even if i cant get to that limit on the road, it would help me feel safer opening up earlier finishing off corners etc

Posted: 14/09/2012 at 09:13


Pagik
sorry, but anyone that cannot control the throttle on a 600 really needs to go back to school (imo).

Posted: 14/09/2012 at 09:59


Ben Cope
I love the fact that new features on bikes aren't just driven by racing or given the 'racing DNA' marketing nonsense.

Are you less likely to spit yourself off a 600 than a 1000? Yes. Are you immune from it on a 600? No.

When it's slashing it down or you're knackered, would you welcome traction control? I think so.

Can you turn it off? Yes...

Posted: 14/09/2012 at 10:05


Joel Peart
You're not wrong Russ. First gear hairpins and the like. In reality though, it will be about as close to redundant as something could get.

Posted: 14/09/2012 at 10:16


Steven F 3
its overkill on a 600 and just marketing hype.
Older 1000s didnt need it and 600s are not close on the power. it doesnt need it. Being a tonsil with the throttle having TC and ABS doesnt stop you slamming into the car that just pulling in front of you.

No doubt journos will jump on the band wagon and state that suddenly you can go much faster because othe TC "safety net" but thats BS and theyre pawns of the manufacturers.

Recently mag test riders more than hint its too scary to ride BMWs S1000RR on track with TC off. That is a myth. Its IS a good rider aid at this level of power but you dont need it.
Riders need to learn throttle control and balance and that their machines are waaaay more talented than them

Posted: 14/09/2012 at 10:17


Pagik
"Being a tonsil with the throttle having TC and ABS doesnt stop you slamming into the car that just pulling in front of you".

LOL @ "tonsil".

Posted: 14/09/2012 at 10:57


Rob M 9
I'm kinda with Pagik and a few of the others. The most useful thing on that bike IMO is the slipper clutch, that's certainly a handy addition.

The TC, really, unless you're hamfisted in bad conditions I can't see being that handy, I know it's coming, I know it's a nice net, I know you can turn it off, but I'm more interesting in the dynamics of the actual bike rather than when the TC starts cutting in.

I've covered about 60,000 miles on Supersport 600s in the last 6 years, and the only time I'd find TC handy is on those 2-6c days, especially when it's 2c and wet. And still, in those conditions, you can almost pin it as long as you load the suspension.

In any case, I've typically found 1000s, or other big bore bikes to spin up easier in the wet/cold/dry, because they tend to do it when getting towards the peak of the torque curve. I've never managed to spin a 1000cc sports up past 9k (unless you've got it spinning earlier), and 600s really don't have that much torque.

I also don't see bike based TC as a 'catch all' either. In a car, it can stop the wheels spinning, totally upset the dynamics of the car, and that's generally accepted. But on a bike it cannot, It's not foolproof, you can still highside/lowside it. Sure, it's designed for a bike and wont be as sharp. I could see it potentially being useful on track, but IMO, the speed I can ride on the road more often than not has typically came down to how fast I can ride with a reasonable safety envelope, taking into account hazards. It's rare I get anywhere near the limit of the actual bike itself. When I do, would having TC there be useful? No, In honestly, I'd be scared of another variable coming in, do I stick with more throttle and it goes out, less and I come in? How much does the electronics interfere with what I need the bike to do?

I think it's fine on track, but honestly, I'm still far too nervous about TC to 'trust' it enough when getting towards the limits of a bike on the road, perhaps that's just me though.

Posted: 14/09/2012 at 11:10


oh mygod
You can ask them to remove it. I don't get why you guys so anal about it being included in the bike.

Posted: 14/09/2012 at 13:09


Lushman
Personally I think it is a good idea and you can always switch it off.

My old Car has TC on it and that was a FWD diesel I always switched it off even on my trackday.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ob1k3_RPHLY

Posted: 14/09/2012 at 13:32


ian zz
OMG T.C. on a 600! wtf next.

Posted: 14/09/2012 at 14:37


Steven F 3
TC/ABC should be optional extras. then it would make the purchase cheaper right? A mates 2011 ZX10 blew a fuse related to the TC in the middle of the scenic country side. Bike went dead. ruined the trip. Too much electrickery methinks.

Posted: 14/09/2012 at 15:18


QuikNik14
TC/ABS Should be standard on all road bikes due to the outdoor elements and for safety. But there should be an ON/OFF button too in the event that you want to slide the rear a little. Just sayin...

Posted: 14/09/2012 at 16:53


klu
More nanny state bolloxoligy.

They won't be happy until we only ride our bikes on the road with a guy walking in front of us waving a red flag.

Posted: 14/09/2012 at 18:14


dream bikes
ZX636 awsome video...
http://youtu.be/4nEHd0HSiiU

Posted: 15/09/2012 at 22:44


Bill Stephenson
Good video BUT! why is the Pom doing the yapping calling it a ZEE X.
Thats Seppo talk.
Whats wrong with calling it a Zed X, ya Prawn! : )

Posted: 16/09/2012 at 01:41


Szmolo
I'm not sure why there are some 'nanny state' comments here about this bike having TC.

This is a SuperSports bike designed for the track, not the road. The TC is not for 'road safety' but to steal a few 0.1 seconds here and there on the race track.

Now I couldn't even tickle the engine, let alone get it at its full capacity like a British Super Stock rider, 600 or 1000, when pushing that hard there is always a chance of a high-side.

TC is only on the road bike so it can be used in Super Stock racing.

Or at least that's how I see it.

Posted: 17/09/2012 at 09:14


Aki
Being 636cc disqualifies it from super stock / super sport racing so that reason doesn't stack up (unless their going to produce a 600RR, in which case, why put it on the 636?)

What happened to the good old days when your right wrist controlled how much power went to the back wheel? Also the old skill of blipping the throttle on the downshift? I know people now who still do that even though they have a slipper clutch because they like the noise lol.

The ABS is a fine safety feature for those "sorry I didn't see you moments" but aside from that do riders really have the mind set to exploit these rider aids, would you on the road or even a track day whilst on full lean through a corner open the throttle wide open or yank on the brakes to see if the systems worked?

If the ABS, Traction Control and power modes was an optional extra I doubt most would bother? In fact how much extra is the bike going to cost with these rarely to be tested rider aids?

Posted: 17/09/2012 at 11:11


Jean Marc VAN BELLE
It is not like the old ABS on eg. BMW K75RT. I have a 1400GTR since 2010 and KTRC and K-ACT are very good. However, take care of one thing: When setting on the high setting (see http://logocom.be/moto/1400gtr and use this in google/translate from Dutch to English), and you use the rear brake, it only brakes at the right side, so you could get uneven wearage between right and left and this should be normal (but a lot of service providers are not aware of this - RTFM).

For the use of traction control, see my clip on http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fsHeDgCekug&feature=plcp at 1:15 (blinking = KawasakiTRactionControl working).

+JMVB

Posted: 18/09/2012 at 18:53


Cabernet
It is just a means of hiking the price up.
Mass produced it cost half a crown to put this cak on a bike, but they will charge an extra half a grand.
Manufacturers can't move on price despite the raw materials increasing, as we are seeing a pay cut through the £ being repeatedly devalued.
Instead they increase the specification and at a hiked margin.
They may drop the the spec in a year or two as a cost cutting exercise, but not pass on all the saving, if any.

Posted: 26/09/2012 at 14:11

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