2006 Kawasaki Ninja Review

Intro

The Kawasaki Ninja lineup has always been one of the most popular sport motorbikes amongst the different types of riders out there. Kawasaki first began production of the Ninja sport and racing series back in 1984. Since then, Kawasaki has released several different types of Ninja bikes for sport or racing that range from single-cylinder to four-cylinder engines. The MSRP for the 2006 Kawasaki Ninja 250R is around $3,000, the ZX-6R is around $8,700 and the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14 is around $11,500.

All of the motorbikes have electric starters and a manual transmission as well. Other than those features, these bikes vary quite a bit regarding engine size and performance on the street. The 250R is the motorbike with the smallest engine in the lineup while the ZX-14 is the flagship model for the 2006 Ninja lineup. The displacement in the ZX-14 engine is over five times larger than for the 250R version. The engine in the ZX-14 has a peak output of around 187 horsepower.

Many riders are impressed with the comfort and smooth ride the ZX-14 provides for such a powerful and speed oriented motorbike. Riders love the comfortable two-piece vinyl set that holds two people and makes it easy to ride for extended periods of time. This motorbike comes equipped with standard hand grips and foot pegs for the driver and passenger also. The frame of this high-end motorbike is made of aluminum and the body is made of steel. Riders love the torque in the ZX-14 and the agility and responsiveness of the bike that makes it easier to handle any type of road at high speeds.

New For 2006

  • The Kawasaki Ninja 650R and ZX-14 were new releases for the 2006 lineup. Generally speaking, surveyed riders like the 2005 Kawasaki 250R slightly more than the 2006 version of the sport motorbike. These riders like the engine performance, reliability and lower repair costs associated with the 2005 Ninja 250R when compared with the 2006 release.
  • Riders also felt the 2005 version was safer and was has better value for the money as well when compared to the following year. These riders thought the 2006 Ninja 250R was more fun to ride than in 2005. The riders also favored the design, off-roading capabilities, racing capabilities and touring capabilities of the 2006 250R when compared with the previous year.
  • Many of the surveyed riders preferred the 2005 version of the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R over the 2006 model as well. These riders preferred the engine performance, care-free driving, low repair expenses, design, off-roading capabilities, racing capabilities and touring capabilities of the 2005 version when compared with the 2006 release. These riders also felt the 2005 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R was more fun to ride and was less accident prone as well. However, the same riders also indicated that the 2006 ZX-6R was a better value for the money when compared to the 2005 model.

2006 Kawasaki Ninja Specs

  • Models: Ninja 250R, 500R, 650R, ZX-6RR, ZX-6R, ZX-10R, ZX-12R, ZX-14
  • Engine Type: 248 cc, 498 cc, 649 cc four-stroke two-cylinder parallel twin; 599 cc, 636 cc, 998 cc, 1198 cc, 1352 cc four-stroke four-cylinder horizontal in-line
  • Bore and Stroke: 2.44 x 1.62 inches, 2.92 x 2.29 inches, 3.3 x 2.4 inches, 2.64 x 1.67 inches, 2.68 x 1.73 inches, 2.99 x 2.17 inches, 3.3 x 2.2 inches, 3.3 x 2.4 inches
  • Compression ratio: 12:4:1, 10:8:1, 11:3:1, 13:9:1, 12:9:1, 12:7:1, 12:2:1
  • Valve Train: DOHC
  • Induction: Carburetor, Fuel Injected
  • Ignition: Electric
  • Transmission: 6-speed manual
  • Final Drive: Chain
  • Fuel Capacity: 4.8 gallons, 4.1 gallons, 4.5 gallons, 5.8 gallons
  • Estimated Fuel Economy: n/a
  • Brakes (Front): Hydraulic Disc, Dual Disc
  • Brakes (Rear): Disc, Disc
  • Suspension (Front): Telescopic Fork, Inverted Fork
  • Suspension (Rear): Twin Sided Swing Arm
  • Wheelbase: 55.1 inches, 56.5 inches, 55.3 inches, 55.1 inches, 54.7 inches, 57.1 inches, 57.5 inches
  • Rake: 27°, 23.5°
  • Trail: n/a
  • Seat Height: 29.3 inches, 30.5 inches, 30.9 inches, 32.3 inches, 32.5 inches, 31.5 inches
  • Curb Weight: 354.9 pounds, 434.3 pounds, 392 pounds (dry), 362 pounds (dry), 386 pounds (dry), 463 pounds (dry), 474 pounds (dry),
  • Tires (Front): 100/80 SR16, 110/70 R17, 120/70 ZR17, 120/65 ZR17, 120/70 ZR17, 120/70-17, 120/70 ZR17
  • Tires (Rear): 130/80 SR16, 130/70 R17, 160/60 ZR17, 180/55 ZR17, 190/55 ZR17, 200/50-17, 190/50 ZR17

Accessories

  • The 2006 Kawasaki Ninja motorbikes are available in Ebony, Pearl Solar Yellow, Candy Thunder Blue, Candy Persimmon Red or Lime Green/Flat Sonic Black
  • Half Dust Cover
  • Sportbike Front Fork Stand
  • Sportbike Swingarm Stand
  • Deluxe Sportbike Cover
  • Dust Cover

Key Competitors For The 2006 Kawasaki Ninja

  • The 2006 Honda CBR 600F4i
  • The 2006 Yamaha YZF R6S
  • The 2006 Yamaha YZF R6
  • The 2006 Suzuki Katana 600
  • The 2006 Honda RC51
  • The 2006 Buell Firebolt XB12R