Been reading posts and riding my 2003 ZX6RR on the track for about 5 years.
I'm thinking of selling and getting a new one, maybe 2010 and up. Anyone have recommendations about how much newer I should go or the differences, advantages?
'09 and '13 were where the main changes happened. If I imagine you'll get mixed opinions about which is better. Each have advantages. For example, '09 is a 599 so runs in more 600 races and has a damper but '13 is a 636 so more power but not always race eligible, no damper, slipper clutch, some base electronics.
I've had both. Both are epic.
Matt
2016 ZX-6R 30th Anniversary
Akrapovic slip-on, ASV Shorty Levers, Radiator Grille, Bobbins, Micro LED Indicators, R&G Tail Tidy, Silver Indicator Bulbs
If you can find a good deal on a 2013 or newer you will get decent stock suspension, a nice slip and grip clutch, and traction control as well as excellent stock brakes. Also the 2013 and up gives you more mid range since they achieved the 636 displacement by increasing the stroke rather than the bore. Does not sound like much but it makes a real difference for street riding......puts a little more grunt right where you need it when you are not going to be in the upper rpm range so often.
I wasn't clear in my post. Both have the slipper clutch but only one works. I had two '09's and in both cases the slip was poor. On my '16 it is improved beyond words.
Matt
2016 ZX-6R 30th Anniversary
Akrapovic slip-on, ASV Shorty Levers, Radiator Grille, Bobbins, Micro LED Indicators, R&G Tail Tidy, Silver Indicator Bulbs
They softened up the suspension quite a bit on the 2013+ models for "better" street riding. The 2009 - 2012 are already pretty well set up for track riding.
Been racing a 09+ since 2010 and NEVER had an issue with the slipper clutch... and I can't even blip throttle properly so I hardly ever try. Rode the 13+ 636 a few times on track and to me the clutch was the same. Engine has A LOT less top end but definitely more mid range. But then again, neither bike was stock so hard to say. Both have full exhaust + filter + fuel management and etc. The 13+ even had the "09-12 v.stacks mod", apparently it helps with the lack of top end owner told me.
I'd still stick with the 09-12 for track duties though (and I have). Also, yes... the 09-12 comes with damper but it's pretty lame in stock form and you need to spend a little to get it work properly so it's not all roses. Stock forks are quite good till you're at the pointy end of the competition and then you'll need cartridges but it's still a lot better than just about every stock set of forks I'd tried before. Can't compare with the 13+ as it had Ohlins cartridges when I rode it.
That is due to how they accomplished the 636cc in the 09-12 vs 13+/. in 09-12 they actually had a larger bore size. for the 13+ they increased the stroke instead which is how they get better mid range.
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