By NastyNils·
Motorcycle comparison · Supersport
Triumph Daytona 675 (MY2013) vs Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R (ZX636E)
Triumph Daytona 675 vs Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R: fast is a given. What sets them apart isn't.
Wide open out of a bend, the Triumph Daytona 675's triple keeps pulling to the top, and it's howling the whole way. The Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R's longer stroke shoves hard on roll-ons.
So which one do you buy?
Which one's the smarter buy
Depends what you want it for
The lower sticker price doesn't settle which one is the better buy. Neither is the clear better buy for the money.
What makes each one tick
Daytona 675
A light chassis lets the Daytona tip into a corner the moment you ask, and it won't wander off the line you've picked. Cracking the throttle mid-corner finds usable torque right away. The fork talks on the brakes.
Ninja ZX-6R
Race geometry gives the ZX-6R steering that doesn't wait for big inputs at the bar. Corner entry comes in a hurry. A light push aims the nose at the apex. Over a sport ride, the screen pushes wind past your helmet.
The Voice of Experience
What actually separates them
- The Daytona 675 has the lower wet weight: 406 lb (184 kg) vs 423 lb (192 kg).
- The Daytona 675 has the larger engine: 675 cc vs 636 cc.
- Traction Control: standard on the Ninja ZX-6R, not offered on the Daytona 675.
Which one for the way you ride
Comfortable long-distance riding
Neither is a natural fit
Long days aren't what these two do best. Plan shorter legs and plenty of stops.
They come out level on track days, commuting, twisty roads, and running costs. The better-kept used example is the smarter money.
Who each one is built for
What's good, and what you'll live with
Daytona 675
What owners say
Strengths
- Superb handling and agility
- Thrilling triple‑cylinder engine
- Confidence‑inspiring front‑end feedback
- Excellent value in the middleweight class
Ninja ZX-6R
What owners say
Strengths
- Strong midrange torque
- Sharp, responsive handling
- Surprisingly comfortable for a supersport
Known problems to check before you buy
Daytona 675
- Transmission pivot plate wear The factory pivot plate can wear, leading to imprecise gear shifts or difficulty shifting.
- EXUP valve cable stretching The exhaust valve cables stretch over time, causing a check engine light and potentially altering exhaust back‑pressure. Resolved by dealer adjustment, replacing the cables, or installing a servo buddy.
- Counter shaft oil seal leak Oil weeps from the counter shaft seal on the left side of the engine.
Ninja ZX-6R
No confirmed faults on file yet. That's not the same as fault-free.
What they cost used
These prices compare a 9-year-old Daytona 675 with a 9-year-old Ninja ZX-6R.
- Daytona 675
- about $8,200
- Ninja ZX-6R
- about $7,300
At nine years old, the Triumph Daytona 675 sits around $8,200 while the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R lands near $7,300. That's a $900 gap in the Ninja's favor. These are estimates from the used market, not live listings.
What they share
- Cooling
- Liquid-cooled
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Final drive
- Chain
- Fork
- Upside-down (USD)
- Front brake
- 310 mm
- Front tire
- 120/70-17
- Rear tire
- 180/55-17
Where the spec sheets split
| Daytona 675 | Ninja ZX-6R | |
|---|---|---|
| Seat height | 32.3 in (820 mm) | 32.7 in (830 mm) |
| Wet weight | 406 lb (184 kg) | 423 lb (192 kg) |
| Daytona 675 | Ninja ZX-6R | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 675 cc | 636 cc |
| Engine | Inline-three | Inline-four |
| Power | 126 hp (94 kW) | 131 hp (96 kW) |
| Peak power at | 12,600 rpm | 13,500 rpm |
| Torque | 55 lb-ft (74 Nm) | 52 lb-ft (71 Nm) |
| Peak torque at | 11,900 rpm | 11,500 rpm |
| Daytona 675 | Ninja ZX-6R | |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy | 31 mpg (US) / 7.6 L/100 km | 34 mpg (US) / 6.9 L/100 km |
| Fuel capacity | 4.6 US gal (17.4 L) | 4.5 US gal (17 L) |
What comes fitted, what costs extra
| Daytona 675 | Ninja ZX-6R | |
|---|---|---|
| Traction Control | Not offered | Standard |
| Ride Modes | Not offered | Standard |
| Quickshifter | Option | Not offered |
Head to head, area by area
Both bikes on the same scale, one area at a time.
