Wrapping around the screaming 15,000rpm power plant is a new frame. Reduced in length by 13mm, it allows the use of a longer swing arm, while also shortening the wheelbase 7mm. The rake is also tightened up half a degree, but the changes in no way bestow any twitchy handling traits on the 6R.

Suspension duties are taken care of by Showa this year in an attempt to find more compliance. Tough looking 41mm upside-down forks score a trick new surface coating to reduce stiction while the race inspired ZX-6RR also scores this coating on the internal surfaces of the fork sliders. 

They are of course fully adjustable as is the gas charged shock out back, the ride quality is second to none. (Ed's note: This sounds like a big turnaround as the previous 636 was far from happy on rough Aussie backroads)

The new suspension package allows the bike to literally float across the many surface irregularities to be found on the Spanish coastal roads, while not sacrificing any stability or cornering precision, I was very impressed with the set up.

For the track, the suspension settings were firmed to deal with the higher speeds, and there were no disappointments to be found here either. The bike was extremely compliant, with no extra dive under hard braking or squat under equally hard acceleration, staying committed to my chosen line with the lightest push on the bars.

Attaching to the excellent forks are some of the best stock stoppers in the business. Radial mount four-piston calipers bite down on 300m stainless steel petal rotors and simply inspire confidence.

There are some seriously heavy braking points at Almeria and the brakes allowed me to make lots of ground chasing down a fellow hack.  The front master cylinder has also been improved which will be a great relief to racers loyal to the Kawasaki brand.

The front-end just stays planted, and the bike tracks solid in a straight line as the digital speedometer numbers drop almost as fast as they rise under acceleration. Aiding and abetting the process, a five way adjustable radial piston master cylinder pumps the necessary fluid to the pistons with little more than a light two-finger squeeze.

There is a back brake also, but I can’t say I used it much, although I did try it to make sure it didn’t lock up too quick in the rain in case I needed it, and it has a useful amount of travel before that happens. Taking a look at the lightweight under slung caliper, which also grabs a petal rotor, gives a good opportunity to check out the sexy looking satin black swing arm.

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