Take a look at this picture, then tell me why I think think you should be excited:

What’s the big deal, right? It’s just some guy lucky enough to be on a new Zx10r. Look again, brothas and sistas! That right there is the all new 2009 Kawasaki Zx6r, guys! Notice the slightly different headlight shape and the extra vent on the lower fairing.

Kawasaki have done it again. Since the introduction of the 2003 Zx6r, they have consistantly been number one in coming out with “firsts.” They were the first to put wave rotors on stock production bikes as well as offering USD upsidedown forks on standard 600s. They were also the first to offer a standard slipper clutch and even stock Ohlins spec products. In fact, they were also “first” in completely destroying a near perfect machine. The 2004-05 Zx10r was an awesome machine. And they had the gonads to follow it up with that gecko of a bike, the 2006-07 tragedy.

Well, following in the break out of the 2008 ZX-10R, the team over at Kawasaki has rolled out the 2009 ZX-6R! It’s a new machine in just about every way. The styling is drastically changed (ie the R6-esque side vents), but even more importantly the performance and engineering has been overhauled and completely reworked.

The aging look of the Zx6r has long been a complaint since 2006, and has caused some defecting to another brands. However, next years Zx6r is hoping for exactly the opposite. They are hoping that its aggressive styling and track forged performance will cause other brand loyal riders to come over to the greener side of the fence. Let’s check out the colors offerred next year.

There is a special Monster edition Zx6r in the 2009 line up as well. I think it looks damn sexy!

Are the green Monster decals and green seat worth the extra cash? You better ^%$-ing believe it!

Kawasaki has been on the war path to win the arms race between the big Japanese four, and this is another example of their commitment to win. Aside from the new looks and the 10kg (20lb) diet, the headline feature is the first use of Showa’s Big Piston Front fork technology. Eliminating most of the internals associated with traditional cartridge forks, the BPF is simpler and lighter while providing better feedback and smoother action. We can’t wait to see what else the 2009 ZX-6R has to offer. Peace!

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