Kawasaki Producing 599cc 2013 Ninja ZX-6R for Japanese Racing Homologation

When Kawasaki announced it was upping the engine displacement for the Ninja ZX-6R to 636cc, the immediate question on many Team Green fans’ minds was what it would mean for the company’s supersport racing efforts. Kenan Sofuloglu won the 2012 World Supersport Championship on a Kawasaki ZX-6R, but under the regulations, he may not be allowed to defend his title next season on the 2013 model as homologation requirements in Supersport racing series limit Inline-Fours to displacements smaller than 600cc.

Fear not however, as Kawasaki will be producing a special version of the ZX-6R with an engine displacement of 599cc, the same as the 2012 version. When Kawasaki last produced a 636cc ZX-6R from 2003-2006, it also produced a 599cc ZX-6RR for racing purposes. The 2013 Kawasaki ZX-6R racing homologation special will be available in Japan for a price of 898,000 yen (US$11,240).

The 2013 model will be identical to the 2012 version, with the same twin fuel injectors, Showa Big Piston Fork and claimed curb weight of 421.2 pounds. The MSRP includes a race ECU and subharness.

Kawasaki says the race homologation version will support racers in the ST600 class of the All Japan Road Race Championship, though it remains to be seen whether it will be available in other markets. Kawasaki is accepting orders in Japan from Nov. 1 to Nov. 21 with deliveries set to begin Feb. 1, 2013. World Superbike and Supersport regulations require a production run of at least 2000 units available 15 days before the last race of the season, so Kawasaki would likely have to expand this limited production run if it wants the 2013 Ninja ZX-6R to be eligible.

[Source: Kawasaki]

By Dennis Chung