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How much HP does a ZX6R have?

Published in Motorcycle Horsepower 2 mins read

A Kawasaki ZX-6R can have varying horsepower depending on the model year and whether the measurement is taken at the crank or the rear wheel. For the 2019–2023 ZX-6R, the power at the crank is 128.1 hp.

Kawasaki ZX-6R Horsepower Specifications

The horsepower of a Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R varies across different generations due to advancements in engine design and tuning. It's also crucial to distinguish between horsepower measured at the engine's crankshaft (crank HP) and horsepower measured at the rear wheel (rear-wheel HP), as there's typically a loss of power through the drivetrain.

Power Output Varies by Model Year and Measurement

Based on available specifications, here's a breakdown of the horsepower figures for different ZX-6R models:

Model Year Range Measurement Point Power (HP) Power (kW) RPM
2019–2023 Crank 128.1 hp 95.5 kW 13,500 RPM
1995–1997 Rear Wheel 89.2 hp 66.5 kW N/A
  • 2019–2023 ZX-6R (Latest Generation): This model boasts a significant crank horsepower output, indicating the engine's direct power before any drivetrain losses. Its maximum power is achieved at a high engine speed of 13,500 RPM. This is often the figure quoted in marketing materials.
  • 1995–1997 ZX-6R (Earlier Generation): For this older model, the available specification indicates rear-wheel horsepower, which is the power actually delivered to the road. This figure will naturally be lower than its crank horsepower due to frictional losses in the transmission, chain, and tires.

Understanding Horsepower Measurements

When discussing motorcycle power, it's important to understand the two primary types of measurements:

  • Crank Horsepower (BHP/PS): This is the power output directly from the engine's crankshaft, typically measured on an engine dynamometer. It represents the engine's maximum potential output without considering any power loss through the transmission and final drive.
  • Rear-Wheel Horsepower (WHP): This is the power measured at the motorcycle's rear wheel using a chassis dynamometer. It reflects the actual power available to propel the bike on the road, taking into account all drivetrain losses. Rear-wheel horsepower is always lower than crank horsepower, often by 10-20% depending on the vehicle's drivetrain efficiency.

For more detailed specifications on various models of the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R, comprehensive resources like Wikipedia can be consulted.