Kawasaki ZX-6E?

[AJP]

I'm looking for opinions on Kawi's ZX-6E model from the 1990's.  I am looking to add a bike to my...err, not garage, since I live in an apartment...parking spot?...and some used ZX-6Es have caught my eye.  I was thinking of a CBR600F2-3 beforehand.

There are two available locally as of right now:

1999 ZX-6E, 60,000 km, at a dealership:  $3800

1995 ZX-6E, 60,000 km, private sale: $2000

The model at the dealership is in fantastic shape, not even a scratch on it.  The private sale looks good, and has had regular oil changes and chain maintenance, but no valve checks or carb work in 30,000 km.  It needs a new rear tire to safety, just got new front tire, spark plugs and brake pads (rear installed, front purchased but not yet installed).

I really love the ergos of the 1999 (sat on it at the dealer).  Is the 1995 identical?  If properly taken care of, is 60,000 km (37,000 miles) too high to consider buying either of these bikes?

I really like the fact that the 6E has a gas gauge and clock.  The riding I do is a mix of commuting, twisties, and day trips - no long trips, since my wife (and new puppy) don't ride.  Soft luggage would be more than enough for storage.

Anyone got one of these bikes?  Good/bad/ugly?

Thanks!

[Clive]

I had a '93 ZX-6E for about two years; it was used for commuting as well as a couple longish trips (including one 13.5-hour day in some brutal summer heat).

I really liked it.  Nice looking, comfortable (I'm 6'1", 185), accepted a Givi Wingrack and bags, handled well, easy to maintain.  

[JamesG]

The 6E is a good bike, underrated and overlooked because the cutting edge has long passed it by. Even if the YZF600R and F3 are better bikes from that vintage, its a great bike for shorter riders for its comparatively low (and comfy) seat height, and a much better practical street bike and tourer than either due to its neat'o features (gas guage, clock, glove compartment, etc).

As to which to get?  I donno... While the '99 is 4 years younger, the mileage is more important than age. The dealer could have just cleaned up a bike that has more problems than the scruffier '95. If the '99 is in better shape and the dealer "claims" to have thoroughly checked it over and brought its maintenance up to date, then it might be worth it to you to pay that extra $1800 + tax & etc...

[BlueRidgeKat]

Anyone got one of these bikes?  Good/bad/ugly?

Thanks!

This is one of the few bikes that I can say is all good. There is no bad or ugly (unless you dont like the look of it)

You will want to go here: http://www.zx6e.net/forums/ for everything you could ever want to know about a ZX-6 (E or D).  Lots of high mileage ZX-6's there with happy owners and lots of Canadian owners/riders there as well that you can hook up with.




ZX-6 ready to head out on another sport-touring adventure.


Lighting up the night.


In Key West Florida

[sharkey]

I bought a 03 ZZR600 w/ 10K miles 6 months ago and love mine.  I paid $3800 US dollars for it.  The 03-04 ZZR600 is a rebadged ZX-6E.

I'm short -5'4" and it fits reallly well.  Ride position is perfect.  Useful gauges, centerstand, adjustable levers, relatively cheap insurance, and easy maintainence.  I've added a Givi topcase and E21 bags and it is great for the commute, weekend ride, and solo week long trip.  Comfortable 2-up but my wife slides forward on the slick sloping seat sometimes.

Good luck.  

[PhilBiker]

I'm short -5'4" and it fits reallly well.  Ride position is perfect.  

This particular model is very popular among the inseam-challeneged set.

[Front Runner]

A riding buddy of mine has a 01 ZX-6E and it's been a great bike. Very comfortable and reliable. We have rode more than 1000 miles in a day before and he did it on the ZX-6E.