2015 Kawasaki 30th Anniversary Ninja ZX-6R ABS/ZX-6R - First Look

The 636 version of Kawasaki's ZX-6R returned after a two-year absence for 2013, and received a comprehensive makeover including the displacement increase to 636cc. We lauded the move, as that seemingly minor bump in displacement from 599cc to 636ccc transformed a good streetbike into a great one. We’ll never complain about extra power and torque.

For 2015, Kawasaki has left the excellent-performing ZX-6R pretty much alone. But, as Kawasaki has done with the ZX-6R's ZX-10R stablemate, the company wanted to acknowledge the bike's 30-year history with a special commemorative edition.

Thus, we now get the 30th Anniversary Ninja ZX-6R ABS ($12,999) shown here, a Lime Green/Pearl Stardust White motorcycle featuring green pinstripe decals on the wheels and 30th Anniversary badges on the fairing. The ABS model is also available in Metallic Matte Carbon Gray/Flat Ebony for $300 less. For those who choose to forgo ABS, the same two color options are available on the standard ZX-6R, which is priced at $11,999 for the 30th Anniversary model or $11,699 for the standard bike in Metallic Matte Carbon Gray/Flat Ebony.

Key features on the 2015 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R ABS include: three-mode traction control; two engine power modes (Full and Low); a Showa Big Piston Fork; “Supersport-grade” ABS; Nissin radial-mount front brake calipers; a slipper clutch, a lightweight twin-spar aluminum frame; and an analog-style tachometer complemented by an LCD information screen.